Our Story
Kicks For Class was founded on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to walk into school with confidence, dignity, and hope. Inspired by firsthand experiences witnessing the challenges faced by families in underserved communities, our organization was created to remove barriers that prevent students from reaching their full potential.
What began as a simple desire to provide quality footwear to children in need has grown into a community-driven movement focused on empowerment, education, and opportunity. Through the generosity of donors, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners, Kicks For Class continues to make a meaningful impact—one child, one family, and one pair of shoes at a time.
Today, we remain committed to ensuring that no child is held back because they lack basic necessities. Every pair of shoes we provide represents more than footwear—it represents confidence, encouragement, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed.
Our Vision
👟 Compassion
We serve children and families with kindness, empathy, and respect.
🎓 Opportunity
We believe every child deserves the chance to succeed.
🤝 Community
We build strong partnerships to maximize our impact.
⭐ Integrity
We operate with transparency, accountability, and purpose.
Meet Our Leadership Team
The strength of Kicks For Class lies in the passion, dedication, and commitment of the individuals who lead our organization. Together, our leadership team works to ensure that every child has access to the resources, opportunities, and support needed to succeed.
Romaine Byrd
Founder
Romaine Byrd is the Founder of Kicks For Class, Inc., a nonprofit organization established from his unwavering belief that every child deserves the confidence, dignity, and opportunity to succeed. Inspired by a passion for serving others, he envisioned an organization that would remove barriers for students by providing new, properly fitting shoes and empowering them to walk boldly toward their future.
As a dedicated community leader and advocate for youth, Romaine is committed to building meaningful partnerships that strengthen families and create lasting change. He believes that when communities come together with a shared purpose, they can inspire hope, encourage achievement, and open doors for the next generation to reach their full potential.
Through his servant leadership and compassionate vision, Romaine continues to guide Kicks For Class with integrity, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact. His leadership serves as the foundation of the organization’s mission to ensure that every child takes confident steps toward a brighter future.
Ron Williams
Co-Founder
Ron Williams serves as the Co-Founder of Kicks For Class, Inc., where he shares a deep commitment to ensuring every child has the confidence, support, and resources needed to succeed. Inspired by the belief that even a simple pair of new shoes can transform a child’s self-esteem and outlook, Ron has been instrumental in helping shape the organization’s vision and purpose from its inception.
As a dedicated community advocate, Ron is passionate about building meaningful relationships and fostering partnerships that create opportunities for students and strengthen families. He believes lasting change begins when individuals, businesses, and communities come together to invest in the next generation and empower children to reach their fullest potential.
Through his servant leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication, Ron continues to help guide Kicks For Class toward a future where no child is held back by a lack of basic necessities. His commitment to service and community impact remains a driving force behind the organization’s mission to ensure every child takes confident steps toward a brighter future.
Autumn Andrews
President
Autumn Andrews serves as the President of Kicks For Class, Inc., providing visionary leadership and strategic direction to advance the organization’s mission of ensuring every child has the confidence and opportunity to succeed. She is passionate about empowering youth and believes that strong communities are built by investing in the lives and futures of children.
As President, Autumn oversees the organization’s operations, programs, and strategic initiatives while working to cultivate meaningful partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations. She is committed to expanding Kicks For Class’s impact through collaboration, innovation, and servant leadership, ensuring the organization continues to meet the evolving needs of students and their families.
Driven by a heart for service and a commitment to excellence, Autumn leads with integrity, compassion, and purpose. Her dedication to creating opportunities, inspiring hope, and making a lasting difference helps move the mission of Kicks For Class forward—one child, one family, and one community at a time.
Shermaine Morrison
Vice President
Shermaine Morrison serves as the Vice President of Kicks For Class, Inc., bringing a passion for service, collaboration, and community engagement to the organization. She believes that every child deserves the confidence and support to pursue their dreams and is committed to creating opportunities that inspire hope, encourage achievement, and make a lasting difference in the lives of students and their families.
Beyond her leadership with Kicks For Class, Shermaine is an active mentor with the Boys & Girls Clubs, where she invests in the personal growth and development of young people. She also proudly serves as a Big Sister through the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program, providing encouragement, guidance, and a positive example for her Little.
Shermaine’s heart for serving others and empowering the next generation aligns perfectly with the mission of Kicks For Class. Through her leadership, she is dedicated to helping ensure that every child has the opportunity to step confidently toward a brighter future.
Talia S. Nichols, MBA
Secretary/Treasurer
Talia Nichols, MBA, serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of Kicks For Class, Inc., bringing a wealth of experience in business management, finance, nonprofit administration, and community service. She is passionate about using her skills to strengthen organizations that create meaningful change and believes every child deserves the opportunity to thrive with confidence and dignity.
In her role, Talia oversees organizational records, financial stewardship, compliance, and strategic operations, ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible management. She is dedicated to building strong systems and sustainable partnerships that support the long-term growth and success of Kicks For Class while advancing its mission to serve children and families throughout the community.
As an entrepreneur, business consultant, and advocate for youth empowerment, Talia is committed to creating opportunities that inspire hope, encourage achievement, and remove barriers to success. Her servant leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact make her an invaluable member of the Kicks For Class leadership team.
Get Involved
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you’re interested in volunteering, sponsoring a child, donating, or partnering with us, there’s a place for you in the Kicks For Class family.
