Our Testimonials
Strengthening Communities, One Young Life at a Time
Strategic guidance that turned vision into action and delivered measurable impact.
It has been an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to work with Daiman Johnson and the AIF “Brilliance Collective”. They were assigned to assist with the My Brother’s Keeper program, by the Department of Juvenile Justice. The objective was clear, we wanted to know how to grow our existing initiative so that we could serve a larger number of young men of color; our target population. I can honestly say that the assistance they provided far exceeded any expectation we had initially. Mr. Johnson addressed the goal in a very clear and methodical manner. In three short months, he was able to assist us in clarifying our vision, and develop a strategic plan for its implementation. This allowed us to move forward in executing that plan. Trust me what I say it was worth much more than the time and money invested to get assistance from the AIF “Brilliance Collective”. I highly recommend the Achievement Initiative Foundation (AIF) and their related services to anyone that is in need of conscious, competent and committed consultation to assist them in transforming their vision into a successful reality.
~Robert Nelson
Director of Entrepreneurship for My Brother’s Keeper, Fort Worth, TX Chapter
Guided by Passion. Driven by Purpose
AIF “Brilliance Collective” provides insights for young African-American men in a way unlike many other organizations. These young men are given first-hand experiences of the infinite opportunities waiting for them in the outside world. The foundation’s approach of shedding real and positive light on the potential of these young men is refreshing in a time when they are often surrounded by negativity.
~Lauren Kapuranis
The Adoption Exchange
Opening Doors to Infinite Possibilities
AIF “Brilliance Collective” provides insights for young African-American men in a way unlike many other organizations. These young men are given first-hand experiences of the infinite opportunities waiting for them in the outside world. The foundation’s approach of shedding real and positive light on the potential of these young men is refreshing in a time when they are often surrounded by negativity.
~Donald Moorer
Principal, Crenshaw High School
Priceless Knowledge. Powerful Transformation.
The level of knowledge I’ve attained during my time with Daiman Johnson and training sessions with Johnson are priceless. I know advanced educators of color in the US and I teach in a high school curriculum I wrote. Never would have been possible if I didn’t learn from the best!
The workshops were impactful and offered information on the varied opportunities within the community to assist with the academic development of our young minds.
~Robyn Carroll
Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles Principal, Los Angeles, CA
Insightful Research. Real Impact.
Insightful work on how the education system impacts boys of color.
Atlanta Public Schools Educator
Atlanta, GA
Challenging Beliefs. Inspiring Change.
The workshops elevate and engage with the topics of boys and young men of color in a dynamic, challenging, and reflective way. It dispelled beliefs, opened dialogue, and made me want to change my own behavior.
The trainings are relevant and inspiring. I look forward to applying what I learned.
The workshops were impactful and offered information on the varied opportunities within the community to assist with the academic development of our young minds.
~Dr. Yan Searcy
California State University at Northridge
Engaging Leadership. Meaningful Impact.
Daiman is a very talented, engaging presenter who obviously has a wealth of experience. He is passionate about supporting people in increasing their personal awareness and impact on their communities. A mapping of the AIF “Brilliance Collective” is a great place to start or continue to increase your awareness and positive impact.
~Shakoya Greene
Los Angeles, CA
Where Discomfort Becomes Breakthrough
The most useful part of the Brilliance Collective Equity Academy was that it provided me with a path and the support to begin a personal journey. Knowing that I was not going to be judged by Daiman gave me the courage to be real with myself. His appreciation and understanding of the real work, the hard and difficult (often emotional) work allowed/forced me to be honest with myself.
I love how Dr. Daiman Johnson made us uncomfortable and then had us examine how uncomfortable we are.
The class has afforded me the opportunity to wrestle with assumptions, beliefs, and even views that I held as absolute truth. It has forced me to really think about some points of my faith and politics and to really sift through my world view through those lenses.
I am thankful for the lens I have gained through which I can view my students and my curriculum to make lessons that connect to the culture they are part of. I am excited about taking this back to my classroom. This lens also gives me insight into building meaningful relationships with my students.
Johnson is so passionate and open about his life and own experiences as a person of color and as an educator. His passion is both something that I look up to and strive to have in my field. I like the use of all the music and lyrics. The only change I would make, is a little bit more time for group discussion during the classes.
Brilliance Collective Equity Academy has been an eye-opening and character-building addition to my teaching career. I believe every educator, novice to veteran, primary to university, person of color to Caucasian should attend and immerse themselves in Brilliance Collective Equity Academy if they truly want to reach ALL of their students in a productive and positive way.
I have changed the way I write my lesson plans, teach my lessons, look at my kids, treat my kids, and how I look and treat others outside the walls of my school.
~Shakoya Greene
Los Angeles, CA