Our Team

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  Anfernee Simons

  Founder

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Anfernee Simons

Anfernee Simons was drafted into the NBA by the Portland Trailblazers in 2018. Anfernee’s love for the game has opened many doors for him but it was his hardwork and dedication that has allowed him to succeed. Anfernee wants to use the tools he has learned to help people to be a light in a world that could sometimes seem dark. With the help of his board he knows he has the right people in place to impact the youth in a positive way to change the social landscape for disadvantage and at risk youth.

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  Tameka Simons

  Vice President

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Tameka Simons

Tameka has had to overcome challenges in life that prepared her for her passion today. Her passion is young people and watching them succeed in all things! Tameka was a teenage mother who took alternate routes but still managed to find her way. She acquired her Bachelors in Business and Marketing and also a Masters in Business Administration at the age of 34 while being a mother, wife and having a full time job. While the road was not always easy she managed to achieve her goals and wants to share her wisdom with the younger generation.

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  Charles Simons

  Director

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Charles Simons

Charles was a teenage parent that struggled as a youth to find his way. Charles was a great basketball player who took an alternate route but was able to pour into his son the knowledge and the wisdom to get him to the NBA. His son went from prep school to the NBA in the 2018 draft class. Charles was able to pour his passion of the game, the importance of hardwork and dedication into his son to help him reach his goals. He loves to see people succeed and is ready to pour into the next generation to give them the tools needed to find their passion and to be successful.

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  Melody Jones

  Board Member

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Melody Jones

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. Melody has worked in Information Technology for over 24 years, managing and implementing Software Solutions for large organizations across the country. Melody earned a Bachelors degree in Computer Sciences from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 2000, and a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from Florida State University in 1995.

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  Maestro Lightford

  Board Member

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Maestro Lightford

Since his birth, Melvin W. Lightford III was expected to do great things in the world of music. His nickname, “Maestro”, was given to him by his mother whose only wish was that her son would learn how to play the piano. With his God given talent Melvin “Maestro” Lightford has created numerous memorable experiences in the world of music.

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Carissa Simpson

Carissa Simpson has been in the Administrative Field for over 34 years, earned her AS Degree in Legal Assisting and Paralegal in 2006, is a Passionate Volunteer Worker within the Central Florida area and serve as a strong Public Advocate. She loves music, helping the less fortunate, watching law solving episodes and comedy movies.

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  Dr. Thurman E. Webb Jr.

  Board Member

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Dr. Thurman E. Webb Jr.

Associate Professor of Psychology, College of Education, Tennessee State University. Dr. Webb serves as coordinator and provides instruction for the College of Education in the Professional School Counseling program. He is also the lead instructor for the course titled Psychology of the Black Experience at Tennessee State University. Dr. Webb is both a Licensed Professional School Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor, which allows him to serve as a counselor/therapist in both the private sector and the school setting. The counseling profession is a labor of love for him and has resulted in a productive, 15+ year career, as a Counselor as well as a counselor educator at Tennessee State University. As a licensed professional school counselor, licensed professional counselor and a certified life coach Dr. Webb has played both a proactive and reactionary role in the educational mindsets of learners of all types.e is the founder of the non-profit organization Rebrand the Black Man, an organization geared toward changing the narrative about black men in America and the global community (www.rebrandtheblackman.com); and Founder/CEO of Centered Person Consulting (www.centeredperson.com), a consulting firm design to bring out the best in people and organizations through communication and increased cultural proficiency.

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  Christine Kimbrough Watkins

  Board Member

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Christine Kimbrough Watkins

Christine Kimbrough Watkins understands what it is to live without. As a child, her family lost their home due to foreclosure, as a result, they were forced into homelessness. She relocated to unincorporated Winwood as a teen, it was there where she first saw people who looked like her excelling in life, they owned their own businesses and nice homes. There were so many people that had a positive influence in her life from Winwood. Outside of Winwood was a teacher, his kindness and steadfast resilience was an inspiration, he encouraged her to teach as well. Christine earned her Associate Arts Degree, Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education, Masters of Arts Degree in Elementary Education, and Educational Specialist Degree. She taught 38 years in Elementary Education, and Volunteered in Adult Education. She is currently active in the community where she serves as President of South Seminole Community Association for Progress, Inc., President of Historic Winwood, Inc. These experiences help shape who she has become, the roles that she has taken on in her career, personal life, as well as in the community as she continues “Paying it forward and making a positive difference!”

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  Ronda Akins

  Board Member

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Ronda Akins

Ronda is a Florida native, who was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. She has worked in Finance for over 20 years in various leadership roles in financial accounting, audit, financial analysis and planning for large and small organizations in the public and private sectors. Ronda has a passion for service to all man-kind and helping those in need. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and Master of Accounting from Nova Southeastern University.

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  Madelyn Starks

  Board Member

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Madelyn Starks

Madelyn Starks, Esq. is an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of New York, where she serves as a defense litigation attorney. Committed to public service, Ms. Starks views her role as a vital opportunity to engage with the community and promote equity.

In addition to her legal work, Ms. Starks is deeply involved in community service and advocacy. She is the recipient of the Public Interest Fellowship Award from St. John’s University School of Law, she has collaborated with organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety, founded by former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, and has played a key role in outreach efforts for political campaigns, focusing on voter engagement and community education.

As a dedicated member of her church and a proud graduate of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Ms. Starks strives to build collaborative partnerships and advocate for policies that advance social equity and justice.

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  Kadijah Carter

  Secretary

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Kadijah Carter

Kadijah Carter knows all too well the importance of pursuing your passion. She started on the traditional route of college and decided to change courses and get her certification in cosmetology. Although still very young Kadijah is living proof why one should pursue their passion. Kadijah is excited about working with our young target audience to assist them with finding their passion and never giving up on your dream.