Founder & CEO
Dr. Rafael Class II
Dr. Rafael Class II is a visionary leader and advocate for education equity, social justice, and community empowerment. As the Founder and CEO of Self3mpowerment, a nonprofit organization established in May 2024, Dr. Class is dedicated to creating transformative pathways for underserved communities, including first-generation college students, domestic violence survivors, and previously incarcerated individuals.
With a dynamic career spanning higher education, nonprofit management, real estate, automotive, construction, and consulting, Dr. Class leverages his expertise to dismantle barriers to academic opportunities and promotes inclusive diversity 4 equitable equality & belonging. Under his leadership, Self3mpowerment provides comprehensive services, including application assistance, financial aid literacy, institutional matching, and first-year transitional support. The organization empowers marginalized individuals to achieve their educational goals and build brighter futures through strategic partnerships with universities and a robust funding model.
Dr. Class’s journey is rooted in resilience and a deep commitment to lifelong learning. A first-generation college graduate, he has earned multiple advanced degrees, including an EdD in Higher Education Leadership from Liberty University, a Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) from Fordham University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of the Southwest. He is currently exploring opportunities to deepen his impact through further academic pursuits and community initiatives.
Dr. Class’s leadership is further distinguished by a suite of professional certifications, including Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Change Management Specialist, and Human Rights Specialist, reflecting his dedication to operational excellence and social impact.
As a father, educator, and advocate, Dr. Rafael Class II embodies the transformative power of education and the profound potential of collective action. His work at Self3mpowerment is not just a mission—it is a movement to uplift lives and reimagine what is possible for communities worldwide.
Academic Achievements
EdD. in Higher Ed. Admin.
EdD. in Higher Ed. Admin.
EdD. in Higher Ed. Admin.
Class of 2025
GPA: 3.29
M.S of Real Estate
EdD. in Higher Ed. Admin.
EdD. in Higher Ed. Admin.
Class of 2025
GPA: 3.48
MBA in Strategic Lrdsp.
EdD. in Higher Ed. Admin.
B.S. in Organizational Mgmt.
Class of 2020
GPA: 3.83
B.S. in Organizational Mgmt.
Certified Change Management Specialist
B.S. in Organizational Mgmt.
Class of 2018
GPA:3.22
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Certified Change Management Specialist
Certified Change Management Specialist
Class of 2024
Certified Change Management Specialist
Certified Change Management Specialist
Certified Change Management Specialist
Class of 2024
Continuous Improvement Professional
Certified Leader of DEI in the Workplace
Certified Leader of DEI in the Workplace
Class of 2024
Certified Leader of DEI in the Workplace
Certified Leader of DEI in the Workplace
Certified Leader of DEI in the Workplace
Class of 2024
Certified Org. Leader of DEI
Certified Leader of DEI in the Workplace
Certified Leading of DEI in Higher Education
Class of 2022
Certified Leading of DEI in Higher Education
Certified Leading of DEI in Higher Education
Certified Leading of DEI in Higher Education
Class of 2022