About Us

"Empowering Minds, Building Futures, Enriching Communities"

12 to 12 Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization committed to transforming lives through education and workforce development. Our board members bring diverse expertise from medical, government, business, education, military, and private sector backgrounds, providing a rich tapestry of insights and leadership. This multidisciplinary team collaborates to create innovative programs that address critical issues in our communities.

Mission Statement

"Shaping Leaders, Inspiring Change, Uniting Communities"

12 to 12 Inc. is dedicated to providing high-quality educational opportunities that equip individuals with the essential skills needed for the modern workforce. We aim to develop an environment that imparts academic knowledge and fosters critical soft skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to lifelong learning. By nurturing leaders and promoting community engagement, we aim to bridge the skills gap, inspire change, and build a united community that thrives on diversity, innovation, and collaboration. Together, we are committed to creating a brighter future for all.

Join us to empower minds, build futures, and enrich communities. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Vision Statement

"Empowering Minds, Building Futures, Enriching Communities"

At 12 to 12, Inc., we envision a world where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We strive to create a transformative educational experience that empowers minds, builds bright futures, and enriches communities. Through innovative programs and dedicated mentorship, we aim to shape leaders, inspire change, and unite communities, addressing workforce shortages and fostering a prosperous society.

Non-Discrimination Policy

12 to 12 Inc. is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or socioeconomic status. We believe in the inherent dignity of all people and are dedicated to fostering a culture that promotes respect, fairness, and equity in all operations.

As an organization dedicated to empowering minds, building futures, and enriching communities, we prohibit discrimination in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and all other privileges of employment or participation in our programs. We strive to create an environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Our commitment to non-discrimination extends to our volunteers, participants, partners, and all community members we serve. Discriminatory behavior or harassment will not be tolerated and will be addressed promptly and effectively.

Meet The Team

Teeba Bankston

Educator

A proud Atlanta native and graduate of Roswell High School, Teeba holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Florida State University and a master’s in teaching with a concentration in Behavioral and Learning Disorders.

With a deep-rooted family legacy in education and a strong foundation in leadership, including group home management, Teeba has built a diverse professional career. Her experience working with individuals with severe behavioral and medical needs led her to discover her true passion for Special Education. Currently, Teeba serves as an educator, where she is dedicated to empowering students to overcome challenges and achieve academic and personal success.

Teeba is particularly committed to teaching literacy and fostering student independence, taking great pride in helping her students navigate obstacles and realize their full potential. She is also a member of the Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity.

Donald N. Peterson, Jr., COL, U.S.Army(Ret.)
Engineering/IT

A native of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, Col. Peterson, Army Retired, earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University. Commissioned as an Officer in the United States Army, he specialized in IT, Telecom Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, and National Security Leadership. He also holds a Master's in National Security Strategy from the National War College. Over a distinguished 24-year career, led and mentored America’s finest young men and women, with pivotal roles at NSA Headquarters and the Pentagon.

He has built a reputation as a strategic-level cyber and national security leader with over 20 years of military service, including 10 years of guiding personnel through complex infrastructure changes. He is known for building cross-departmental and cross-agency coalitions, using strong interpersonal skills to identify stakeholder needs and drive consensus in joint operations. Donald is a decorated U.S. Army veteran with extensive experience safeguarding critical infrastructure and providing senior federal officials with reliable, actionable recommendations.

Donald excels in leadership and people management, cybersecurity, national security strategy, interagency coordination, and building coalitions. With expertise in complex homeland security issues, policy development, infrastructure risk management, and resiliency, he is adept at soft target protection and situational awareness. Their strong communication skills enable effective stakeholder engagement, while their proficiency in recruiting, employee retention, and organizational representation ensures high-performing teams. He is also experienced in IT systems, information sharing, infrastructure assessment, long-range planning, change leadership, and business acumen.

In addition to his board membership with 12 to 12, Inc., he serves as a Board Member of Hornet Acquisitions and Consulting Corporation and a proud member of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc.

Alexis Buffington, ASCP(M)

Microbiologist

A proud Metro Atlanta native, she was born in East Point and raised in College Park. She completed her K-12 education within the Fulton County School District, where she excelled as a math and science magnet student at Westlake High School. During her time at Westlake, Alexis was an active member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, and Health Occupations Students of America. Her dedication and hard work earned her a dual Career Technology and College Preparatory diploma from the Fulton County Board of Education.
Alexis went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Georgia State University. With over 17 years of experience in the Biotechnology field, she has been a certified microbiologist (ASCP(M)) since 2009. Passionate about education, Alexis believes every child deserves a well-rounded foundation to set them up for success in the future.