Jenson "Fig" Newton, Founder and Head of School of Empigo Academy, launched the concept of the Bible-based tech and vocational in 2023 by the leading of the Lord. Inspired to provide a unique structure of education for secondary students, the journey began. He and his wife Shawnda have been working in ministry in the Des Moines community since 2017 and felt that this was the next stage. Fig Graduated from Simpson College with his Bachelor's in Business Management. He is currently enrolled in Liberty University, pursuing his Master's of Education. Fig is currently one of the directors of the urban sports camp, Kids Across America, where he leads the high school Leadership Development arm. Fig lives by the Master Jesus' teaching of "seek first the kingdom of God, and all of his righteousness, and all things will be added onto you"; and is motivated to obey the Great Commission of "go therefore make disciples of all nations."  

Victoria Knight serves as the Dean of Students and Head Administrator of Empigo Academy. She grew up in Ames, Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University in 2010. She has over 12 years of experience working in administration with local organizations and has been working in education since 2021. She has worked in private, public and home schooling districts. She has also been a one-on-one mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters for the last 4 years. Victoria loves encouraging students to learn in the present and be positive about their future.

Meagan Kinmonth Bowman is an enterprise tech entrepreneur who lives in Bentonville, Arkansas with her husband Dr. Jon Bowman and their 11-year old son, Robbie. Their 19-year old son Jonathan, lives, works, and studies in Des Moines, Iowa. Meagan holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from St. Louis University and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. She loves learning, but rarely felt successful in school as she was diagnosed with dyscalculia and dyslexia as an early student. Meagan taught herself to code in the early 80’s and has been connected to all things digital since. Meagan believes every young human is complex and beautifully made in God’s image. She also believes young humans, a diverse and extraordinary generation, are actively disrupting the future of traditional work. Through this disruption, new communities are born and opportunities unlock.  In addition to serving on Empigo’s board, Meagan serves on the board of directors at the University of Arkansas’ school of Engineering & Data Science.  But most importantly, Meagan takes one day at a time, grateful to be the object of Jesus’ faithful pursuit.

Randy "Doc" Dr. Randy  McCaulley (Doc) and his wife, Marsha, reside in Perry, Iowa. He is a native of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Doc and his wife raised three wonderful children: Katie (JeSus), Tony (Christa), and Shane (Alli).  All are married and the McCaulley's now have nine wonderful grandchildren. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. His wife, Marsha, also graduated from both Oskaloosa H.S. and UNI.      

During his 33-year career in education, Randy served as a teacher/coach, principal, and superintendent of schools for several school districts as he advanced his career. He has earned several degrees along with his Bachelors, including a Masters of Science from Iowa State University (1985), a Specialist Degree in Education from Truman State University (1987), and a Doctorate in Education from the University of South Dakota (1992). Doc served as a superintendent for 23 of his 33 years in education. He retired in 2009 after serving as Perry's superintendent for eight years (01-09).   

Since retirement, Doc has served the community and his church in many ways. For 2 and 1/2 years, he served as a part-time Human Resources Director for the Perry Lutheran Home. He served as a Perry City Councilman from 2011 - 2021 before stepping down at the end of his term in 2021. He currently serves on the following Boards: Empigo Academy, Optimist Club, Rotary Club, Hometown Heritage Board, Wiese Charitable Foundation, Perry Fine Arts, and Perry Lutheran Home Board. In addition, he serves as an Elder for the Perry Bible Church and also shares a Bible story for children at each church service. 

Steve LeVon attended church as a child with his parents. When he left for college, his parents got divorced. Two years after that bump in the road, he received Christ and joined a church. There he studied the Bible and preached the gospel for 28 years.  

While attending Northern Illinois University he completed a master’s degree in Statistics. He worked as an actuary for 15 years and then served his church for 8 years in their bookstore and youth ministries. After subbing in charter schools for a year, he earned a master’s in education. He taught math and computer science for 13 years, first in public schools in Chicago and Oklahoma, and later in Crossover Prep Academy in Tulsa, a private Christian school. Last year he retired and moved to Dayton, Ohio, with his wife of over 40 years. They have three children and six grandchildren who live within a few hours of their home.  

Shayla Deering was born and raised in Des Moines, IA. She received her degree in Business Administration from Langston University and is currently an Executive Assistant at Federal 

Home Loan Bank. 

Shayla is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® where she held the position of President, Vice President and Program Chair. She is also a Board Member for James B. Morris Scholarship Fund and the Vice Chair of the Black Employee Network (BEN) Business Resource Group at Federal Home Loan Bank. 

Shayla is a mother, serves in the community, and is a member of New City Church. 

Liz Sweeney is really excited to work alongside Empigo Academy. She graduated from Iowa State University in 2017 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After working in the medical device field, God called her into teaching in 2020. She has always loved working with youth and really values the relationships she has built with students over the years. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, camping, hiking, biking, riding horses, reading, spending time with family and friends, and taking care of her numerous animals. 

Cornelius Dunaway has been in education for 19 years. He has been a camp instructor, basketball instructor, and camp director since 2001. In addition, he was a college minister for 11 years. For approximately 6 years Cornelius served in Youth ministry. 

His education includes a Leadership certification from Texas Bible Institute and bachelor's and master's degree from Louisiana Tech. Currently, he is pursuing a certification to become a principal. 

Cornelius is a teacher and educator at an alternative school. Lastly, Cornelius is a family man, entrepreneur, and disciple-maker.