SHOWNDA J. PAGANCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER BELAFONTE TACOLCY CENTER
Shownda has successfully led community socio-economic programs, out-of-school programs, days of service initiatives, written and awarded grant funding from The Children’s Trust, 21st Century, Department of Education, Department of Health, Allegany Ministries and many others. She has also had the great opportunity and pleasure to host some of the world’s elite, such as Taye Diggs, Bill Clinton, and DJ Khaled, through organized events.
RACHEL BADILLA, LMSW CANDIDATETHRIVE & BLOSSOM/ HEAL GROW THRIVE LIBERTY CITY
Heal Grow Thrive is a compassionate mental health center in Liberty City based on evidence-based practice and infused mindfulness where the focus of treatment is healing trauma and the “whole” person, not just the symptoms. Through the non-profit Thrive & Blossom, Rachel is collaborating with Liberty City Protecting Youth Partnership to help address the needs of those impacted by gun violence in the community.
DR. CHERYL COLEMAN Ph.D., APRN, MBAABUNDANT LIVING HEALTH AND WELLNESS RESULTING SERVICES
Dr. Cheryl is the founder/CEO of Abundant Living Health & Wellness Resulting Services, Inc., a non-profit organization focused on ten-dimensional healing education modalities. She is also an ordained Minister and served as a Faith Community Nurse, working closely with Faith-Based Organizations and surrounding communities to promote health education, facilitate faith health support groups, health coaching, spiritual counseling, consultation, and wellness program implementation.
- REV. CHARLES LEE DINKINS, MDiv, MPA
- HOSANNA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, INC.
- URBAN PARTNERSHIP OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COALITION
- LIBERTY CITY PROTECTING YOUTH PARTNERS – DIRECTOR
HOSANNA/UPMDCC uses Prevention Science models to address substance abuse, low academic proficiency, and youth (gun murder) violence within its coalition boundaries. The project’s strategy addresses prevention at the direct service, policy/advocacy, and environmental strategies levels using behavioral health concepts to develop a comprehensive community plan to improve the wellness of children and youth.
MARK FRIED – ATTORNEY
As a lifelong Florida resident, I attended law school at The University of Miami and Florida State University undergraduate and was accepted to the Florida Bar in 1979. Having graduated from the University of Miami in 1979, Mark opened Fried Law. It represents corporations and individuals in business, immigration, and real estate matters. In 2013, he was the honoree of the Dade Legal Aid’s General Civil Law Pro Bono Award. “My commitment to the local community remains strong.”
PASTOR LORENZO JOHNSONCOMMUNITY YOUTH AGAINST VIOLENCE
Pastor Lorenzo G. Johnson, Sr., a graduate of Iowa State University, founded Community Youth Against Violence (CYAV) with a vision to restore community safety. The strategy employed to accomplish community safety is changing the mindset of community members. The outreach services are designed to provide tools and resources that work to mend broken families and connect resources that lead to improved quality of life.
- RAGASTEN PAUL B.A. – PRESIDENT
- SONS OF LITTLE HAITI – SOLH ACADEMY
- CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER – MIAMI CHILDREN INITIATIVE
For 30 years, Mr. Ragasten Paul has worked with youth and families in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and currently, South Florida. Mr. Paul served in the U.S. Army, where he was awarded a Green to Gold Scholarship to attend Hampton University, where he studied Sociology with a specialization in education. At Hampton, his research revolved around the educational tracking of Black males and its correlation to delinquency and incarceration.
TERRY T. RUTHERFORD – PRESIDENTTAKING ON UNITED CHILDHOOD CHALLENGES HAMONIOUSLY T.O.U.C.C.H.
Ms. Terry T. Rutherford is an Early Care & Education leader. She believes we must “start early” by addressing the needs of children to provide them with the greatest opportunity to reach their full potential. Her work includes strengthening early learning centers (ECE), improving early childhood development awareness among a diverse group of stakeholders, and advocating at the local and state level on behalf of young children.