Our Crew

Shawn Ginwright, PhD is one of the nation’s leading innovators, provocateurs, and thought leaders on African American youth, youth activism, and youth development. He is Professor of Education in the Africana Studies Department and a Senior Research Associate at San Francisco State University. His research examines the ways in which youth in urban communities navigate through the constraints of poverty and struggle to create equality and justice in their schools and communities. Read More

Nedra Ginwright is our Chief Flourish Officer. She has a Master’s Degree in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from California State University East Bay. Nedra previously co-founded and led Leadership Excellence, an organization which provided leadership development to African American youth. Read More

Heather Daniels has a B.A. in Education and African-American Studies from Smith College and a M.A. in Education Leadership: Politics and Advocacy from New York University. She has spent the past decade working with diverse student populations to lower the opportunity gap in education, and is committed to not only promoting equitable education practices, but also creating healing spaces in academic institutions. Heather’s interests include: travel, holistic health, and spending quality time with her loved ones. Read More

La'Cole Martin is a West Oakland native and proud graduate of McClymonds High School. In 2004, La’Cole received her B.A. in African American Studies from the University of California Berkeley, and in the 2011, La’Cole completed her Master's Degree in Ethnic Studies with an emphasis in Africana Studies at San Francisco State University. La’Cole has 14 years of experience as an educator in the city of Oakland, starting her career in 2006 as a sixth grade English teacher for the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). Since leaving OUSD as a classroom teacher in 2008, La’Cole has worked in various capacities for non-profits throughout the city of Oakland including Mills College Upward Bound, Youth Together, Alternatives in Action, EBAYC (East Bay Asian Youth Center) and Lincoln (formerly Lincoln Child Center). La’Cole also served as an instructor of African American Studies at Laney College from 2011 to 2018. Read More

Brett comes to Flourish with a variety of experience in small businesses, event support and financial services for primarily non-profit community, theatre and arts presenting organizations, though he has also owned high-end custom stationery stores in San Francisco, was part of producing team that ran a yearlong production on the life of Buckminster Fuller, and worked on features films in Los Angeles. Brett has a passion for providing opportunities that connect people with new ideas in meaningful and impactful ways, that can change their lives and our communities. Read More

Dr. Denicia Carlay is a mother, wife, divine Spirit, healer, space keeper, former system impacted youth, community builder, scholar, and practitioner. Denicia has served system impacted youth and families in various capacities as a social worker, mental health practitioner, and instructor in the field of child welfare and education for 15 years. Denicia holds space for the following truths within her practice: • Everyone possesses an array of cultural knowledge, skills, and attributes that can contribute towards a deeper understanding of both themselves and others once allowed to harvest these inherent strengths and flourish within their mind, body, and spirit. • Where there has been collective harm to people, restorative actions encompassing critical steps are needed to cultivate radical healing across that collective. The steps to be taken must be defined and shaped by the group impacted by the harm. • Children and youth have dynamic voices and perspectives that should always be uplifted and valued • I am because we are (Unbuntu), You are my other me (In Lak’ech), and One Fall (Isang basak) are key principles to uphold and embody within our work because our realities are all interconnected, meaning that our outcomes are dependent upon one another’s thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Denicia holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree from the University of Southern California, Masters of Social Welfare (MSW) with an emphasis in Children and Families from UC Berkeley, Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) from San Jose State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) from San Francisco State University. Denicia is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Read More

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Chris Nguon is an Oakland native and graduate of the University of California-Berkeley. An avid learner and advocate, Chris has held numerous community-based roles as a public service professional, spanning commitments in elementary schools, affordable housing, recreational centers, residential services, and family resource centers throughout various neighborhoods in West Oakland. Chris firmly believes that radical healing, consistency and follow-through, cultural competency, and community awareness are the foundational hallmarks of impactful work. Read More

Deborah, lovingly known as Deb, is a native San Franciscan and brings over 20 years’ experience to our team, having provided high-level administrative support to C-suite Executives, Boards of Directors and top senior management. She is a servant leader who "rolls up her sleeves" to lead by example, inspire others and promotes a positive work environment with a sense of humor.  Read More

Gerricka is a Bay Area native with B.A.’s in Psychology and Religious Studies from Smith College. She has spent her time working with nonprofits and the legal system, all in ways that surround and intersect with the well-being of others. She is very passionate about Mental Health, Movies/TV/Books, and her Maltipoo named Baby. Read More