PRESIDENT & FOUNDER

Professional Background

Dayo Lawal is a Program Manager at General Mills, Inc., where he leads global Financial Systems governance and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX 404) program execution. With a background at Deloitte & Touche LLP in financial audit and risk management consulting, he brings expertise in financial governance, internal controls, and risk management across Fortune 500 environments.

Connection to Mission

As the son of a first-generation American immigrant and a beneficiary of mentorship and access to opportunity, Dayo founded The Lawal Foundation with the belief that equity begins with access. His personal journey informs his commitment to expanding education, mentorship, and community resources for under-resourced youth.

Community & Leadership

In addition to his professional and nonprofit leadership, Dayo is a mentor to students and early-career professionals, helping them navigate education and career pathways. He is passionate about fostering environments where youth can develop confidence, skills, and resilience.

TREASURER & BOARD DIRECTOR

Professional Background

Matthew Nelson is a Senior Environmentalist within local government, where he oversees contracts, grants, and partnerships between municipalities, state agencies, and private organizations. His expertise includes contract management, risk oversight, and fiscal governance — disciplines that directly inform his stewardship of The Lawal Foundation’s financial and operational integrity.

Connection to Mission

Matthew’s commitment to youth access and mentorship began in college, where he founded and led S.T.A.T.E., a student organization dedicated to improving attendance and engagement at the Boys & Girls Club and local middle schools. This experience helped shape his belief that education and access are the cornerstones of opportunity.

Community & Leadership

Matthew serves on a regional waste-reduction Board, leads environmental outreach initiatives in the state of Minnesota, and regularly conducts educational tours for schools and community groups.

SECRETARY & BOARD DIRECTOR

Professional Background

Sade Lawal is a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in supporting students with special needs at a private educational institution in Baltimore, Maryland. Her extensive experience as an educator spans work with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and students requiring specialized education and support.

Connection to Mission

A lifelong advocate for equitable access to education, Sade brings both professional expertise and personal conviction to The Lawal Foundation’s mission of empowering youth through opportunity. Her work in special education and communication development embodies the Foundation’s belief that every child deserves the tools to reach their fullest potential.

Community & Leadership

Sade is an active member of the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland and continues to lead initiatives that strengthen family engagement and community inclusion.