Mecca Pelzer, Founder, President Bio

Mecca Pelzer is the founder and President of The Covington Family Foundation. A Caroline D. Bradley Scholar alum who attended The Baldwin School, she was inspired to give back by providing opportunities to gifted students who come from underrepresented communities. While pursuing her biology and psychology degrees at Penn State, she enjoyed building rapport with and supporting her peers, first as a learning assistant for general chemistry and later as a resident assistant. Both experiences allowed her to help students find creative ways to solve problems, from balancing chemical equations to balancing their schoolwork, work-study and social life. All of her academic pursuits, from the highs of having her dear uncle discover her intellectual gifts and her graduating as a first generation student, to the lows of experiencing financial hardship in college, have played a role in developing the mission and vision of The Covington Family Foundation. Mecca has several interests related to education, healthcare, and hospitality – all tied together by her dedication to serving others and helping them win.

Mikel Houston, M. Ed.,  Bio

Mikel is a Philadelphia native who graduated from William L. Sayre High School. He started his career journey in higher education as a peer mentor for the Millersville Pre-Scholars Program. After completing his undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from Millersville University, Mikel spent a year serving as a Youth Advocate for young men on juvenile probation while also working as a Direct Support Professional for adults with intellectual disabilities. He then earned his Master’s degree in Higher Education Policy in Student Affairs from West Chester University. During his time at West Chester University, Mikel worked as a graduate assistant providing academic support for student athletes in academic distress. During his time as a graduate assistant he then realized his passion for helping students navigate through their educational journeys. During his spare time, Mikel enjoys working out at the gym, watching sports and movies, and spending time with his loved ones. Mikel is excited for the opportunity to continue serving students and help them achieve their academic and career goals.

Steven Wilder, MBA, Bio

Steven Wilder is currently the Senior Vice President of Treasury Management at Key Bank. Steve has been a force in the banking industry for over 20 years, consulting clients and helping them to successfully manage their portfolios. He shows exemplary leadership in identifying and developing new business opportunities, motivating and guiding teams, mentoring financial advisors, and executing target marketing strategies. Steve is a University of Pittsburgh alum and earned his MBA in Strategy and Finance from George Washington University. He enjoys spending time with his wife and their two sons.

DR. Aliya Covington, Ed. D, Bio

Dr. Aliya Covington, a West Philadelphia native, has exhibited her passion for education for over 20 years. Dr. Covington earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education and English from Widener University in 1999 while completing her student teaching requirements in the Southeast Delco School District. After graduating, she returned to the Philadelphia School District to teach English and simultaneously developed an interest in school counseling. Her strong interest in the counselor role compelled her to pursue a master’s degree at her alma mater (Widener) and she later became a Certified School Counselor in New Jersey’s Bridgeton Public School District. While balancing life and family, she continued her academic pursuits at Widener and earned her Doctor of Education in 2022. Through her experiences as both a student and educator, Dr. Covington has found that an essential part of helping students reach their full potential is building personal connections with students and those who serve them.  A clinical therapist specializing in  adolescents through young adulthood, Dr. Convington utilizes evidences-based approaches to help individuals set achievable goals, navigate through trauma, and ultimately live healthier lives. Like her role as the district high school counselor for Chester Upland School district, Dr. Covington wants to encourage students to pursue higher education and help them fill the gaps between college application and college acceptance.

Dr. Edward Small, Ed. D, Bio

Dr. Edward Small is a dedicated husband to a wonderful wife and father of two daughters, balancing his personal and professional life with a deep commitment to education. He has nearly two decades of experience in educational leadership. He currently serves as the Director of Human Resources for a school district in Delaware, where he manages recruitment, training, and staff retention while overseeing policy and contractual matters.

Throughout his career, Dr. Small has been a champion for school reform and student achievement. He successfully led school turnaround efforts at multiple schools, significantly improving math and reading proficiency rates while reducing suspension rates. He has led curriculum development efforts in secondary education, collaborated with neighboring districts to drive instructional innovation and developed community partnerships to enrich student learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Dr. Small holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation from Wilmington University, along with an MBA in Finance (West Chester Un.) and a Bachelor’s (Un. Of Delaware) in Education. His career began as a middle school math teacher, where his passion for student success first took root, eventually leading him to become a respected leader in education.