Global Trekkers
Trekking All Over The Globe
Our Team
Dedication. Persistence. Care.
United by a shared passion for global learning and youth empowerment.
Founder & CEO
Jeanelle Wilson
Director of Fundraising,
Policy, & Operations
Rhushanda Barnes, M. Ed
Secretary
Gabrielle Parks
Chief Operating Officer
Marisa Parks, MBA
Chief Legal Officer
Ronnell Robinzine, Esq.
Director of Healthcare and Wellness
Tiffany Cross, D.O.
Chaperone
Emily Swinson
Founder & CEO
Jeanelle Wilson
Originally from Miami, Florida, Jeanelle Wilson obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Central Florida. Throughout her impressive decade-long career in the field of education, Jeanelle has fulfilled pivotal roles such as Lead Teacher, Grade Level Chair, Resident Advisor and Instructional Coach.
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Through firsthand experience, Jeanelle discovered that early childhood travel fostered a unique worldview and a profound appreciation for diversity. Nevertheless, she recognized that financial constraints hindered many students in underserved communities from experiencing the transformative power of travel. To address this challenge, she transformed her after-school travel club into a nonprofit organization, Global Trekkers Corporation, established in 2023. The organization aims to empower minority middle and high school students with travel opportunities, promoting cultural awareness and fostering a sense of global citizenship.
Throughout her tenure as a leader, she has successfully organized and led five tours abroad and counting, involving over 70 students. Her ongoing mission is to cultivate global citizens while simultaneously aiming to increase the participation of minority travelers.
Secretary
Gabrielle Parks
Gabrielle Parks is a founding member of Global Trekkers Corporation. She is currently a Junior at Westlake High School where she is in the top 10% of her class, as well as an IB (International Baccalaureate) student. Gabrielle
has dreams of attending Howard University with aspirations of becoming a professional performer in the Entertainment Industry.
Gabrielle loves dance, singing, and traveling. She has received multiple Principal’s List academic awards, character awards, and an award in golf from the Ludacris Foundation’s Rising Stars Golf, Drive Putt & Chip event.
Gabrielle has traveled to Panama, France, Spain, and Japan; thanks to Ms. J and Global Trekkers (formerly known as KSA Trailblazers).
Chief Legal Officer
Ronnell Robinzine, Esq.
Ronnell Robinzine is a professional with over a decade of experience as an attorney handling corporate-level legal matters for companies and counseling them on legal, business, and operational matters, specializing in complex commercial and financial transactions.
As the Chief Legal Officer for Global Trekkers, Mr. Robinzine oversees the legal affairs of the Corporation and advises on various matters affecting the organization, including corporate formalities, operations, and risk
management.
Ronnell holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance magna cum laude from Illinois State University and a Juris Doctor cum laude from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where he was the Editor-in-Chief of its Journal of Law and Public Policy. In his free time, he enjoys traveling,
working out, watching sports, visiting the beach, and exploring new restaurants.
Director of Fundraising, Policy, & Operations
Rhushanda Barnes, M. Ed
Rhushanda Barnes has worked in education for the last 14 years in both the public and charter school space, holding roles as special education teacher, response to intervention specialist, Assistant Principal of Scholar Support, and more. She currently works as the Director of Student Support and Culture as a founding leadership team member at the newly founded public charter Montessori school, Sankofa Montessori, established in July 2023. She brings Montessori education to the public sector and hopes to be able to replicate its model nationally. Rhushanda earned her B.A. in Political Science from Howard University and an M.Ed. from Kennesaw State University. In her spare time, she travels the country, exploring Atlanta with her husband and 3-year-old son.
Chief Operating Officer
Marisa Parks, MBA
Marisa Parks is a dedicated executive professional with over 20 years of business management experience in overseeing the day-to-day operational functions of companies. As the COO of Global Trekkers Corp. Marisa's goal is to ensure continued business growth and success of the organization. Her expertise lies in analytical thinking, communication, and paying attention to detail, which enables her to set and oversee goals to successfully streamline the organization's operations and deliver sustainable results. Marisa holds an MBA from St. Thomas University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling.
Director of Healthcare and Wellness
Tiffany Cross, D.O.
Dr. Tiffany Cross—a dedicated family physician in Orlando, Florida—is committed to empowering others to live fulfilling lives. With a compassionate heart and a wealth of knowledge, she provides exceptional healthcare services to her patients. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Cross is actively involved in community outreach programs and educational initiatives to promote health and wellness.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Cross enjoys
traveling, immersing herself in different cultures, and
exploring new places. When not exploring the world, she
enjoys attending concerts, discovering new music, and
indulging in her love of reading.
Chaperone
Emily Swinson
Emily Swinson has proudly served as a chaperone with Global Trekkers for the past three years, accompanying students on transformative journeys to Greece, Japan, and South Africa. Formerly the art teacher and department chair at KIPP STRIVE Academy, Emily played a key role in founding and growing the school’s art program over her seven-year tenure. She now teaches in Cobb County, where she continues to inspire middle schoolers through creative education. Emily lives in Kennesaw with her husband Kyle, their daughter Lucy, and their dog Amber.