issues WE CONSULT ON

Maheen is a certified yoga teacher and the owner of Myna Yoga. Her mission is to empower all bodies, with a special focus on supporting immigrants, migrants, refugees, and BIPOC communities. As a refugee, person of color, and foster mother, Maheen intimately understands the challenges faced by underserved communities and brings expertise in community organization, positive youth development and instructional design. Her work is dedicated to enhancing social and economic outcomes for young people and underserved communities through innovative programming and facilitation.

Tyerell thrives on optimizing organizational performance through strategic human resources expertise. His skill set spans various HR function areas honed through advisory roles across public, private, and non-profit sectors. 

He is passionate about developing the talent of young people, ensuring they are well-rounded individuals capable of navigating workplace challenges with resilience and confidence. Leveraging his extensive background in service-oriented and student-focused roles, Tyerell empowers young minds with practical skills and mentorship.

Samantha, is a dedicated social worker and adjunct professor at Longwood University in Farmville, VA. With a rich background spanning non-profit organizations, academia, higher education, and the public sector, Samantha brings a wealth of experience to her role. Her work includes experience in child protective services and intensive family preservation.

A proud Caribbean native from Grenada, Samantha is deeply committed to justice and equality, believing fervently that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. In her workshops, she empowers parents with nurturing parenting skills, approaching her work with a deep appreciation for diverse cultural backgrounds. Samantha’s passion for social work is evident in her heartfelt approach to her career; she affectionately says that social work chose her. As a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), she remains unwavering in her dedication to helping families and individuals at-rick succeed.

 With over 18 years of diverse experience, Maurice specializes in organizational development, technical expertise, leadership development, and process improvement. He is a certified Change Management Professional and Six Sigma Lean Professional, leveraging his in-depth knowledge to optimize workflows, boost productivity, and drive continuous improvement. Maurice excels at translating complex technical information into clear, user-friendly formats.

In leadership development, Maurice has designed and delivered impactful programs that cultivate the next generation of leaders, blending theoretical insights with practical applications to enhance strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making skills. He creates programs that upskill employees, improve performance, and support personal and career growth, while also emphasizing safety through comprehensive training that promotes a culture of risk awareness and proactive mitigation.

Passionate about making a difference, Maurice uses his extensive experience to empower young people and enhance the capabilities of organizations serving youth and families, creating valuable opportunities for growth and development

Rudy, also known as DJ Rudy C and the founder of Rudy C’s Ice Cream, began his DJing journey in middle school, initially assisting a friend before venturing out on his own in 2009. Inspired by childhood memories of hardworking ice cream vendors, Rudy realized a lifelong dream with the launch of Rudy C’s Ice Cream, aiming to modernize this tradition for a new generation. His upbringing, marked by financial struggles and the challenges of growing up with brothers in gangs, and in communities affected by gang violence, and discrimination against Hispanic/Latino communities, deeply shaped Rudy’s commitment to advocacy. He actively engages in community service, organizing back-to-school events, supporting non-profits, and mentoring youth. Rudy aims to inspire young people by showing that dedication and perseverance can overcome obstacles, aiming to leave a legacy of resilience and opportunity for future generations.

Kiwani, is a dedicated Wellness & Self-Care Mentor with over a decade of experience in guiding individuals towards a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle. With a holistic approach that blends beauty, personal hygiene, and style. Kiwani empowers her clients to embrace their best selves from the inside out. Kiwani has continually expanded her expertise through certifications in skincare, herbalism, financial literacy, and nutrition. Her journey into the wellness industry began with a deep passion for helping others achieve balance and confidence in their daily lives. Kiwani’s approach to hygiene is both comprehensive and compassionate. She believes that good hygiene practices are the foundation of overall well-being and self-respect. Her mission is to make self-care accessible and enjoyable for everyone, advocating for a balanced lifestyle that nurtures both the body and mind. In her free time, Kiwani enjoys a diverse fitness program, exploring the benefits of herbalism, and defining what “luxury” means to her. 

Muslimah, a seasoned cosmetologist and stylist licensed since age 18, brings over three decades of expertise as a thriving business owner. Her journey is rooted in personal growth and resilience, overcoming adversity from a young age, including the loss of her mother at 15 and navigating challenges without guidance. These experiences shaped her into a resilient entrepreneur passionate about mentoring today’s youth, often misunderstood and underestimated.

Her love for hair stems from its power to bring profound transformations, both outwardly and inwardly. Muslimah’s workshops foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and self-confidence, ensuring young people are well-prepared to thrive in their chosen career paths post high-school. Workshops cover cosmetology careers and select topics for girls and women.

Monica, founder of SkillSource TD, brings a unique blend of personal, academic, and professional expertise shaped by her lived experience. As a teenage mother before 18, Monica chose to reject social security disability benefits, opting instead for higher education and a career path. Her journey led her through roles in human and social services across private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Motivated by a profound sense of purpose, Monica established SkillSource TD to honor her lived experience and empower young people facing similar challenges. She specializes in training, and organizational development. Monica's unique perspective enriches her consultancy, providing insights from within the systems that once impacted her, alongside her academic and professional background.