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Meet the Staff

Keynon Lake

Owner and Founder

Jacquelyn Lake

Director of Operations, Grants & Finance, MSTMT Director

DeAngelo Collins

MDTMT Director, Impact Coach

Jayla Bomar

Impact Coach

Tyrique Marshall

Impact Coach, MDTMT Coach

Van Wilkins

Community Health Worker, Impact Coach

Rohneeka Arrington

Executive Assistant

Paige Bell

Teacher

Hannah Beaudoin

Teacher

Audrey Aiken

Teacher

Shaun Bowman

Director of Transportation

Shawn Smart

Community Health Worker

Joe Greene

MDTMT Community Navigator

Alyssa Freeman

Administrative Assistant

Meet the Board

Steven Smith (Board President)

Stephen Smith is the owner and manager of M.S. Lean LLC, a residential and commercial landscaping and light construction company founded eight years ago. Through M.S. Lean, he works to expand entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for African Americans and formerly incarcerated individuals. Stephen is committed to serving the Asheville community and inspiring others by demonstrating that a successful business can be built on quality, respect, integrity, and perseverance.

Pastor Shadrack Waters

Pastor Waters is a minister of the Gospel, community leader, and retired Progress Energy employee with 35 years of service. During his career, he advanced from a maintenance position to Fleet Supervisor, a role he held for six years. He currently works part-time with Blue Ridge HealthCare and serves on the board of the Ramble Charitable Foundation. He is passionate about mentoring and serving as a positive role model for young Black men.

Pastor Gwendyln Jones

Reverend Gwendolyn R. “Gwen” Jones is a pastor, community leader, and trailblazer in ministry. She became the first woman ordained through the Mud Creek Missionary Baptist Association and later its first female Moderator. In 2020, she made history as the first female pastor of St. John Baptist Church in more than 100 years. Reverend Jones also founded Praying Women Warriors of Faith, an organization dedicated to empowering women through prayer, fellowship, and community outreach. She is a devoted wife, mother, mentor, teacher, and servant committed to uplifting others and sharing her faith.

Jessica Tomasin

Jessica Tomasin is a producer, educator, and community leader with more than 20 years of experience in music, live events, and creative development. She owns Echo Mountain Recording, leads Jet Up Productions, and has produced concerts, national broadcasts, and large-scale cultural events. Jessica also teaches music entrepreneurship, supports youth workforce development, and creates programs that amplify underrepresented voices and prepare the next generation of creative leaders.

Dexter Conner

Dexter Conner is a financial advisor with experience in wealth management, financial planning, and estate planning. He currently serves clients at United Capital Financial Advisors and previously held roles with Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Wilmington Trust. Dexter holds Series 7 and 66 licenses and earned degrees from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, UCLA, and Emory University. He also spent more than a decade working in film and television, giving him unique insight into clients in entertainment and professional sports.

Jared Albritton

Jarrett Albritton is a technology executive, entrepreneur, speaker, and community builder with more than 20 years of experience in technology, partnerships, and business development. He has helped hundreds of individuals access career opportunities, grow their networks, and advance in technology and business. Through his work with KL Training Solutions and the Big Tech Energy Podcast, Jarrett is committed to expanding mentorship, resources, and economic opportunities for underserved communities.

Leanne Briggs

Leeanne Briggs is Executive Director of Guest Services and Senior Vice President of Member Services for the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. She has led the development of programs including WomanUP, PROpel AVL, and the Black Business Alliance, while advancing a more accessible, member-focused model for local businesses. Leeanne also oversees the Asheville Visitor Center and Asheville Shop, creating welcoming experiences that connect visitors and residents with Asheville’s businesses, culture, artists, and makers.