Our Team
Dr. Jessica Mitchell
Dr. Jessica Mitchell is an educator and community leader dedicated to helping young people succeed in school and prepare for their futures. As Co-CAPP Director at ProjectHBCU (Helping Beautiful Children Unite), she leads our eight-month ed-tech College Access & Preparation Program program, supporting students as they explore college options and navigate the path to higher education. Her leadership strengthens our work to expand access to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and give Black students the guidance they deserve throughout their college preparation journey.
Jessica earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from Capella University. Her professional background includes work with Charter Schools USA, alongside training in instructional coaching, teacher assessment, and educational leadership. Her doctoral research evaluated an attendance intervention program for chronically absent children, examining an issue that directly affects students’ opportunities to learn and succeed.
Jessica’s commitment to young people extends into her community. As Director of Girls in P.E.A.R.L.S., she supports girls through mentorship, leadership development, and social-emotional learning, creating space for them to build confidence and meaningful relationships. Her service also includes volunteering with Feeding Tampa Bay, the Hillsborough Education Foundation, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Through ProjectHBCU, she brings that same commitment to helping students move toward college with preparation, confidence, and a community invested in their success.
Dr. Nichole Rages
Dr. Nichole Rages is an educator and instructional specialist whose work centers on supporting students with diverse learning needs. As Co-CAPP Director at ProjectHBCU (Helping Beautiful Children Unite), she helps lead our eight-month ed-tech College Access & Preparation Program (CAPP), with a focus on curriculum and scholarships. Her work connects college preparation with the financial resources students need to pursue higher education, strengthening our commitment to expanding access to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Nichole’s professional background includes serving as a regional instructional specialist for special education programs with SESI Schools. Her experience brings an important perspective to CAPP’s curriculum, helping shape learning opportunities that account for different student needs. With graduate studies at Capella University, she brings her educational background and instructional experience to our work preparing students for the transition from high school to college.
Through ProjectHBCU, Nichole helps students turn their college goals into practical next steps. Her focus on scholarships supports our efforts to address financial barriers, while her curriculum work helps students understand their options and prepare for the application process. As part of CAPP’s leadership team, she contributes to a program that gives Black students access to information, meaningful support, and opportunities to build their futures.