Shirdell Mattox
Executive Director
Ithaca, NY
(360) 466-2080 ext. 2
shirdell@meacschools.org
Education:
BA, Interdisciplinary Studies with w/Social Justice concentration, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA.
EMBA, Executive Master of Business Administration focused on Societal Impact, Brown University
EMBA, Executive Master of Business Administration, IE University
Professional Activities:
Shirdell Mattox brings over 15 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, and social impact strategy to her role. A dedicated advocate for maternal health equity, she is the founder of Women of Color and Spirit, a nonprofit organization advancing reproductive justice across the African diaspora and creating opportunities for women of color to engage in international travel and healing. Her past work includes leading culturally grounded health initiatives at the Center for American Indian and Minority Health, where she supported efforts to diversify the healthcare workforce and improve outcomes for Indigenous and rural communities. Shirdell earned her Executive MBA from Brown University and IE Business School, where she launched a global leadership speaker series highlighting CEOs committed to social change. She is a seasoned strategist with a passion for systems-level transformation across healthcare, education, and community development. Outside of work, Shirdell enjoys writing, mentoring emerging leaders, and adventuring through life with her two wonderful sons in Ithaca, NY.
Caroline Clark Rivera
Director of Accreditation
Virginia
(360) 466-2080 Ext. 3 or text to (757) 270-8396 (quickest way to get in touch)
Caroline@meacschools.org
Education: BA in Anthropology from Florida Atlantic University, MA in Anthropology from New Mexico State University, MS in Biology (ABD PhD) from Old Dominion University, and Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University
Professional Activities:
Dr. Caroline Rivera has more than 25 years of experience in higher education both from an educational and administrative perspective. She has been intimately involved in various aspects of the accreditation process, including institutional and programmatic accreditation requisites. Additionally, Caroline has academic expertise in aspects of reproductive medicine as well as the impact of culture on the differential access to health care among marginalized people.
Yolanda Dounebaine
Operations Coordinator
Yolanda@meacschools.org
(360) 466-2080 Ext. 4
My name is Yolanda Dounebaine, and I have over 10 years of experience in education, with a focus on supporting accreditation processes, managing documentation systems, and coordinating operations across schools and organizations. Throughout my work, I’ve partnered with leadership teams to ensure compliance, streamline processes, and support initiatives that improve educational outcomes. I also have a background in educational research and leadership, which has shaped my approach to data, systems, and continuous improvement. I am so excited to be part of MEAC and to contribute to the work being done!