The organization was founded by Dr. Emmanuel Cherilien, an Education Specialist (Ed.D.) with over 20 years of experience in education and leadership. Dr. Cherilien, also known as "Dr. Tank," currently serves on the Board of Directors for Catholic Partnership Schools in Camden County, NJ. He is a certified DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) coach and motivational speaker focused on dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline. He is also a professor, education consultant, and the director of the T.A.N.K Mentoring Program. This program assists the state of New Jersey mentor formerly incarcerated individuals with re-entry success. He brings extensive expertise in various subjects, including servant leadership, social-emotional learning, and social justice.​ Dr. Cherilien’s research on college access in underserved communities inspired the formation of TANK EdDucates LLC.