Christian Vavasseur is the Founder and Executive Director of Beyond the Bell Academy. Orginally from Lafayette, Louisiana he moved to Washington D.C. in 2021. From there, he always had a passion to be a voice for his community. Christian has been active in D.C. and Louisiana commmunities, where he takes passion in helping students reach their full potential and help them transition into the next chapters of their lives.

Within his position at Beyond the Bell he provides strategic leadership for the Academy, while ensuring the organization fulfills its mission of providing exceptional after school programming. Christian also develops partnerships with schools, districts, community organizations, and funders. He also develops new programs and expands opportunities within the organizational culture. 

Christian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, with a specialization in American Government from The American University. He has served in the Federal Government for years, primarily handling education policy, tackling youth services for different Members of Congress. He has also spent time working with the Nationals Philanthropies Department, mentoring youth in underserved communities. 

– Christian Vavasseur, Founder and Executive Director

Cheyenne Etemadi is the Co-Founder and Chief Program Officer of Beyond The Bell Academy.  In his position he leads the organization and its mission of pairing students with college mentors to guide them through one of the most pivotal transitions of their lives and readiness beyond their academics. Under his leadership, Beyond The Bell Academy helps students navigate the college application process, explore schools that fit their goals, and build the confidence and skills needed to succeed beyond high school and college.

Cheyenne’s passion for mentorship began as a Mentorship Intern with the Washington Nationals Philanthropies, where he worked directly with students from around the Washington Dc area, and continued through his role as an Afterschool Teacher with CLS at Murch Elementary School, where he planned educational programming and created safe, supportive spaces for young learners. These experiences shaped his belief that every student deserves access to guidance and mentors who believe in their potential.

Cheyenne brings a strong foundation in organizational operations and communications to his role, having worked in the Maryland General Assembly’s Department of Legislative Services and at the Congressional level in the Office of Congressman George Latimer.

Cheyenne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a Minor in International Business from American University, and is currently pursuing his MBA with a focus and certificate in Sustainability, also at American University.

– Cheyenne Etemadi, Co-Founder and Chief Program Officer