Our Board
Gordon R. Lucas, Jr.
Founder and Chair
Meet Gordon R. Lucas Jr.—a man shaped by resilience, purpose, and a commitment to legacy. Raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, Gordon first made his mark as a professional barber, serving his community for over 11 years before pursuing a career in the federal government. Alongside his professional journey, he earned both his associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in business administration, driven by a belief in continuous growth and education.
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But Gordon’s true calling has always been rooted in service. In 2016, after the passing of his mother, Sharon D. Jackson-Lucas, and grandmother, Mary B. Jackson, he carried forward their belief in the power of education. What began as a family scholarship fund at his home church in Washington, D.C., grew into something larger—today known as the 7Artifacts Scholarship Fund Inc.
J.K. Lynch
Board Member
J.K. Lynch is a native of Richmond, Virginia. A proud graduate of Richmond Public Schools, Lynch went on to the University of Maryland, College Park, to study Computer Science. Having a moment of honesty, J.K. realized that his true passion was educating kids. J.K. transferred to Old Dominion University in 2000 and returned to the Richmond area in 2004 to begin teaching Social Studies. Over the next 20 years, Lynch earned honors such as sitting on a committee that was a pilot group for teaching African American History across the Commonwealth of Virginia. After earning that honor, he was tapped to be a contributing author for the textbook series “Movement.”
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In 2024, Lynch decided to leave the field of public education and is exploring new professional opportunities using the wealth of skills that he acquired as a classroom teacher, Department Leader, Safety Chair, PR Representative, Building Liaison, and International Baccalaureate Coordinator. As an old friend said to Lynch “you’re just getting started [in life].”
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In his spare time, Lynch loves traveling, spending time with family and friends, reading and watching good suspense films. When he gets the chance, Lynch likes to experience nerd experiences such as cultural festivals or museums in different areas of the U.S. and nations he’s been blessed to visit.
Reshaud Rich
Board Member
Reshaud Rich has more than 15 years in college access and success at the institutional, regional, and state levels. His professional experience and ministry includes tutoring, mentoring, academic advising, scholarship assistance, and work-based learning. Reshaud earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia, a post-baccalaureate from Virginia Commonwealth University, and his master's from Old Dominion University.
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Crystal "CJ" Jenkins
Board Member
Ms. Crystal “CJ” Jenkins serves as the Executive Director of the Norfolk State University Foundation, Inc. (NSUF), a role she has held since 2019. She joined NSUF in 2012 and has progressed through several key leadership positions
including Staff and Senior Accountant, Accounting Director, and Foundation Manager.
In her current role, Crystal oversees a portfolio exceeding $150 million in net assets and ensures the fiscal integrity and stewardship of most private donations entrusted to the Foundation. Since 2020, she has been a strategic and influential partner in awarding more than $11 million in scholarship support to Norfolk State University students. Her professional experience spans education, social services, and faith-based sectors.
Crystal has served in significant nonprofit roles since 2006, including positions with the South Carolina State University Foundation, Calvary Revival Church, and
the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. Dedicated to service and collaboration, she also brings substantial board leadership experience—reporting to and serving as
an active board member for NSUF and, in 2024, became the first Board Chair of the Shiloh Baptist Church Legacy Endowment Board of Directors.
Known to her colleagues as “CJ,” Crystal earned her undergraduate degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North
Carolina. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and currently resides in Suffolk, Virginia.
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Jaylin Graham
Board Member
Jaylin Graham is a proud graduate of Chesterfield County Public Schools. With a passion for working with young people, Jaylin works with the youth in his church, Motivation Church. He has studied child development and applies and implements those practices in his work with the Boys and Girls Club. Jaylin's drive to work with and mentor young people guides his professional and extracurricular goals. Jaylin's bond with the younger generation enables him to be a voice and an advocate on the 7A Scholarship Board.