ABOUT
Our Story
PASS (Preparing All Students for Success) is nonprofit organization founded in 2017 by veteran educator, Geoffrey King. The Mission of PASS is to provide innovative educational services that will focus on life skills not always taught in school. PASS will to establish financial literacy skills, enabling students to make informed and responsible decisions about their financial futures. Students will explore the tax system, credit, loans, budgets, needs vs. wants, and goal setting. Through the PASS program, students will be able to visit local colleges and vocational programs where they will learn about scholarship opportunities. Students in PASS will be assigned a mentor within the community who serves as a model for the many life lessons they may not receive in school. Mentors will discuss subjects like “dressing for success”, interview skills, and acceptable social behaviors. PASS mentors will help students develop and monitor their personalized plans for success. In addition to the financial curriculum and mentoring, PASS will provide FREE PSAT and SAT test preparation. PASS will target low-income students and families from Wards 7 and 8 in Washington D.C. At PASS we recognize the many hurdles that these communities have face. PASS will work to endow these students with a set of skills that will push them beyond their barriers, allowing them to be productive and successful individuals.
The Mission
Our mission at PASS is to empower urban youth with knowledge/life skills from experienced professionals in all facets of life to become productive successful individuals.
The Vision
The vision of PASS is to create a pipeline of knowledge/life skills passed down from generation to generation to the underserved community of Washington, DC.
Board of Directors
Geoffrey King
Founder and President
Geoffrey King, founder and president of PASS (Preparing All Students for Success), has dedicated his career to empowering urban youth in Washington, D.C. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise with a minor in Chemistry from Virginia Tech, he began his professional journey in the management program at Enterprise Holdings, where he quickly advanced to assistant manager. During this time, Geoffrey’s passion for education led him to establish Math Doctors, LLC, a math tutoring company that rapidly gained recognition as one of Northern Virginia’s premier tutoring services. Motivated by the impact of his tutoring endeavors, Geoffrey pursued a Master of Education at Howard University to broaden his influence in the educational sector. For nearly 20 years, he has served as a classroom teacher in Ward 8 of Washington, D.C., within the District of Columbia Public Schools. Throughout his teaching career, Geoffrey identified a critical gap in essential life skills among his students—skills necessary for success beyond high school and college. In response, Geoffrey founded PASS in 2017, a nonprofit organization committed to developing urban youth aged 10 to 21. PASS focuses on building critical life skills, setting career goals, establishing financial literacy, and preparing students to become positive, productive, and impactful members of society. The program offers financial literacy education covering topics such as the tax system, credit, loans, budgeting, distinguishing needs versus wants, and goal setting. Students have opportunities to visit local colleges and vocational programs to learn about scholarship opportunities, and are paired with community mentors who provide guidance on dressing for success, interview skills, and acceptable social behaviors. Targeting low-income families in Wards 7 and 8 of Washington, D.C and recognizing the significant challenges faced by these communities, PASS works tirelessly to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to overcome barriers and achieve success. Geoff’s vision for PASS is to create a generational pipeline of life skills and knowledge, fostering a culture where these essential tools are passed down, ensuring the long-term prosperity of Washington, D.C.’s underserved youth.
Jose Ricardo Portorreal, MBA, PMP
Vice President
Jose "Rick" Portorreal has extensive experience with systems administration, design and operations engineering, project management and wide range of consulting services for government organizations and agencies. He has successfully and efficiently led large-scale technical teams with an impeccable track record of accountability in secure network design, systems analysis/development and full project lifecycle management. He was part of the engineering team that provided system level engineering to support sustainment and integration efforts associated with Air Force Space Surveillance System, Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization Systems (PARCS), the Eglin FPS-85 systems for both sustainment and modernization efforts. Currently, Mr. Portorreal is the CEO of Portorreal Consulting Services providing clients innovative solution based support services and a wide range of necessary tools and expertise. Mr. Portorreal received a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Florida State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University.
Islam Shabazz
Secretary
Islam Shabazz (Is) is a graduate of Howard University with a B.S. in Physical Education (PE), a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation, and a Minor in Allied Sciences. For over 20 years, he has been and still is passionate and enthusiastic to his commitment to the success of youth and young adults. For the past 18 years, Is has been working as a PE instructor for DCPS, where he's implemented a variety of health and PE programs that have helped students make better decisions in their school and community. As a coach, he believes in the "student first - athlete second" approach, which helps connect sports to the ups and downs and responsibilities of life as a whole. He is the lead trainer of Building Our Kids Success, which is sponsored by Reebok. He has experience in marketing and promotions from his companies Shabazz International Apparel, Shabazz Brothers Urbanwear, and D.C.'s own Greenhouse Entertainment.
Christopher Rosier
Treasurer
Christopher Rosier is a senior leader with over a decade of demonstrated expertise in Federal contracting. Mr. Rosier is an expert and manages all aspects of the acquisition process, which includes acquisition planning, contract formulation and execution, and contract administration. Mr. Rosier has proven success in organizational development and transformation through his work managing several acquisition teams. As a result, Mr. Rosier is adept in employee engagement and change management. He is effective at building and inspiring dynamic teams through cultivating a culture of empowerment, transparency and accountability. Throughout his career Mr. Rosier fosters innovation and continuous improvement to drive organizational performance.Mr. Rosier currently serves as the Chief of the Contracting Office and Supervisory Contract Specialist with direct responsibility of oversight and management over a division that performs cradle to grave acquisitions. Mr. Rosier governs an acquisitions portfolio in excess of $200M annually. Mr. Rosier is a subject matter expert regarding the FAR, and other acquisition related policies and procedures.*Mr. Rosier is an alum of Gonzaga College High School and lives the pillars of a Jesuit education through his current service mentoring the young men at Gonzaga College High School to become men for others. * *Mr. Rosier received a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the College of William and Mary where he was a captain and member of the varsity football team.
Dante Donahoo, PMP
Business Development/Strategist
Dante Donahoo, PMP, is an accomplished Program Manager and Systems Engineer with over 20 years of civil service experience, including his current role as Operations and Contract Management Branch Chief for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In this capacity, he leads teams in budgeting and contract management for over $100 million in government contracts, overseeing complex systems engineering projects and ensuring operational efficiency and strategic alignment with CBP’s mission. Beyond his professional achievements, Dante serves as a VA Disability Claims Agent, providing guidance and advocacy for veterans seeking to navigate their benefits. His dedication to public service extends to his role on the Passing Keys Board of Directors. Dante’s vision for these young individuals is to see them rise as valuable leaders in society, empowered with resources, mentorship, and the skills needed to make a positive impact in their communities. Dante’s leadership, expertise in federal operations, contract management, and commitment to community make him a vital asset to Passing Keys, where he works tirelessly to bridge opportunities and foster a supportive environment for youth development and success.
Jay Johnson
Board Member
Jay Johnson is a dedicated community advocate with a deep passion for youth development and education. He graduated from the College of William & Mary with a major in Sociology and a minor in Finance, which laid the foundation for his diverse career path. Throughout his professional journey, Jay has remained committed to creating positive change in the lives of others, particularly the young people in his community. In addition to his professional endeavors, Jay has been heavily involved in coaching and mentoring youth sports. While in college, he served as an assistant high school basketball coach and later dedicated 10 years to coaching AAU basketball teams in the Fredericksburg area. His experiences as a coach have fueled his belief that strong mentorship and community support are vital for helping youth reach their full potential. As a successful real estate broker, investor, developer, and mortgage broker, Jay brings extensive expertise in business and leadership to his role as Broker Manager in Fredericksburg, where he oversees 250 agents. In this capacity, he serves as a mentor and educator, guiding agents through the complexities of the real estate industry and helping them succeed in their careers. Jay's commitment to his community extends beyond his professional work. He firmly believes that "children are our future," and that it truly "takes a village" to help them thrive. His passion for supporting youth and advocating for community-driven solutions led him to join the board at PASS (Promoting Academic Success for Students), where he continues to champion initiatives that provide educational opportunities, mentorship, and resources for local youth.
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