The Collective

The Collective is made up of staff, volunteers, advisors, and Elders who work together to guide and support our mission. Each member brings valuable perspectives, skills, and cultural insight, ensuring our work remains rooted in the needs and experiences of the community.

A smiling woman with dark hair styled in short dreadlocks, wearing necklaces and a sleeveless top, sitting at a table in a warmly lit setting.

G. Thomas Smith

Founder & Executive Director
A person's hand and forearm raised against a black background, with the fingers clenched into a fist.
A man with dark hair styled in dreadlocks and a beard, wearing black sunglasses, a black Nike shirt, and bracelets, outdoors surrounded by green trees, with his arms visible and detailed tattoos on his right arm.

David “DJ” Lynom Jr 

Director & Vice-Chair
Young woman with wavy dark hair and light skin smiling while holding a white mug inside a coffee shop, wearing a denim jacket and a white fleece jacket inside. 
Communications & Marketing Coordinator

Sydney Alexandra de Vries

A man wearing glasses, a black t-shirt, and gray Nike sneakers is standing in a gymnasium, speaking or explaining to a group of people. The view is partially obstructed by the arms and torsos of other people in the foreground. 
Director of Community Engagement & Programs

Braxton Dinh-Wingnall

A clenched fist with the thumb tucked inside, positioned above a bare arm against a dark background. 
Operations & Systems Manager

Iwi Eghobamien

Director of Education & Learning

Oriana

A young woman with curly hair wearing a red spaghetti strap dress outdoors, smiling with trees and a black fence in the background.
Portrait of a smiling African American woman with short, curly dreadlocks, wearing a black jacket, colorful top, and long earrings, standing against a plain, light-colored wall.

Jamila Jones

A woman with black dreadlocks, wearing a black headwrap, purple sleeveless knit top, and plaid pants, smiling while sitting on a black bench in a room with a brick wall and large window.

Allison Williams

A woman with black hair and pink streaks smiling, wearing a navy blazer, a white top, a necklace, and hoop earrings, standing outdoors against a blurred gray stone background.

Leena Sharma Seth

A man with a stylish haircut and beard, wearing a colorful paisley shirt, is sitting at a table in a social setting. There are people in the background.

Harrison Thomas

A woman with black hair, wearing hoop earrings and a red blazer, smiling with crossed arms, standing against a plain light-colored background.

Yvonne Sinniah

Cassie Ephrem

A woman with braids and glasses wearing a red blazer over a black shirt, taking a selfie indoors with white walls, a ceiling with striped panels, and green plants in the background.

Chizoba Obidigbo-Egbo

Board Members

Contact Us