HOME OF THE HBCU TOURS
Meet the Team
ALLEN BROOKS, FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Allen Brooks, Founder and Executive Director of The BE Project, is a Los Angeles native who studied business at the University of Washington. While at UW, he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he learned the value of community building and peer mentorship. He went on to create Black Urban Professionals and a Seattle organization focused on mentoring students in Seattle Public Schools, building a reputation for championing young people’s success.
In 2022, Allen founded The BE Project to share the richness and opportunities of HBCUs with students in his community. He wanted them to immerse themselves in campus life and experience an environment that celebrates Black excellence, recognizes their talents, and encourages them to become all they can be. He still organizes and chaperones every tour.
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CRAIG JACKSON, INTERVENTIONIST, SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Craig Jackson attended Langston University, Oklahoma’s only HBCU. After earning his degree, he moved to Washington and began coaching boys basketball at Seattle’s Franklin High School. He has spent 20 seasons there, including seven as head coach. Craig also works directly with students as an In-School Suspension Coordinator and is pursuing Washington state teaching certification through the Academy of Rising Educators. He hopes to teach Black history and serves as Director of Diversity for the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association.
With The BE Project, Craig serves as a mentor and chaperone. He supports students throughout the tour, helps them understand travel plans, and serves as a resource and emergency contact when needed.
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HAYWARD ST. CLAIR, SENIOR RECRUITER FOR PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY
Hayward St. Clair is a Senior Recruiter for Prairie View A&M University and an advocate for HBCUs. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Grambling State University and a master’s degree in community development from Prairie View A&M. He is pursuing a second master’s degree in sports administration at Delaware State University.
Hayward’s work in admissions and career development includes creating Prairie View A&M’s Alumni Ambassador Program and speaking with students and families about college and career preparation. With The BE Project, he serves as a mentor and chaperone, helping students navigate the tour, responding to their needs, and remaining with them throughout the trip.
MONIQUE ROBINSON / FOUNDER A.B.C. YOUTH FUTURES INC.
Monique S. Robinson earned a B.A. in psychology from Wilberforce University, an M.Ed. in educational leadership from Concordia University-Portland, and an Ed.S. in educational leadership from Northcentral University.
As a teacher, she brought lessons to life through projects such as a Living Wax Museum, Flat Stanley’s trip to an HBCU, and the use of performing arts in the classroom. In 2009, she received Teacher of the Year recognition from Imagine Schools at the district and regional levels.
Monique hosts a weekly podcast, works as a motivational speaker, and writes children’s books. She also leads workshops that help parents understand how to send their children to college without debt.
Jasmine Wiggins / director of tours
Jasmine is a Seattle native who attended Tougaloo College, an HBCU in Tougaloo, Mississippi, near Jackson. Her experience there showed her the positive impact HBCUs can have on Black students and inspired her to help other young people experience that rich cultural environment. Jasmine is dedicated to building relationships with students and encouraging them to pursue Black excellence.
At The BE Project, Jasmine serves as Director of Tours, mentor, and chaperone. She coordinates travel arrangements, lodging, transportation, and daily schedules while attending to the needs of students and staff throughout each tour.
TIFFANY BENNETT/Film and Digital Media Consultant
Tiffany Bennett grew up in Seattle’s Central District and credits youth programs with helping guide her. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Tougaloo College and began her career in broadcasting, where she developed a passion for film and digital media. She later brought those skills into education, helping young people learn to tell stories through film.
Tiffany is the Executive Director of Reel Youth, a nonprofit that helps BIPOC young people research, write, and film stories about their communities. She brings her experience in youth education and visual storytelling to The BE Project as its Film and Digital Media Consultant.