Our Crew

Amanda grew up in Northern California at the foot of the majestic volcano Mount Shasta. With the aspirations of becoming a first grade teacher she graduated from California State University Chico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts. Amanda is passionate about working with the youth, sports, and investing in her community.

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.

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. 

Diana Quintana is an enthusiastic learner committed to supporting initiatives that foster well-being and continual growth in young people and the adults serve them. Originally from Makati, Philippines, Diana grew up in various parts of Southern California. Throughout her K-12 schooling experience, she participated in afterschool and summer programs that shaped her unwavering belief in the value of intentional investment in young people beyond the school day to support their overall well-being.

Evert has over a decade of experience in scaling innovative EdTech startups and nonprofit organizations. He has spoken to and trained over 100,000 people throughout the world. He loves bringing an idea to reality and bringing it to the masses. When Evert is not working, you can find him roaming the streets of California with his amazing wife and daughter in search of the perfect cup of tea.

Mike Torres is a lifelong Bay Area resident who has dedicated his career to building the financial & administrative systems that help nonprofits execute their mission. He has over a decade of experience in nonprofit financial management & operations, and holds degrees in Business Economics & Mathematics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. When he’s not building financial models in Excel, he enjoys traveling with his wife and playing board games with his friends.

Evin is a connector, educator, healing facilitator, and lover.

Falilah “Aisha” Bilal has worked joyously for over 30 years creating innovative, relevant evidence based strategies to transform, empower and develop individuals, systems, organizations and contemporary thought. Ms. Bilal’s work is centered in healing practices, empowering youth and families, and self-discovery.  Ms. Bilal specializes in the field of youth development, healing informed organizational development, professional wellness and strategic fundraising consultation.

Dr. Farima Pour-Khorshid is a proud Bay Area educator-organizer-scholar. She has taught at the elementary grade levels for over a decade throughout California, as well as teaching, supervising and supporting educators locally, nationally and internationally through her roles as a university professor, teacher supervisor, educational consultant and community organizer.

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, Music/Movies/TV/Books, and her Maltipoo named Baby.

Jordan Howzell is an experienced educator and project driver for social-emotional and equity initiatives in K-12 and higher education. Jordan has been engaged in a variety of social-emotional equity initiatives with the goal of providing underserved youth with the skills necessary to navigate the world with success and self-efficacy. She has worked closely with school administrators, students, and communities to collaboratively design systems to implement strengths-based and healing practices and interrupt systemic inequities.

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.

Dr. Lee Porscha Moore (pronouns: she/her/ella) is a fun-loving lifelong learner committed to walking with children, youth, and families as they reconnect with their inner superhero. Porscha lives in her intersectionality and navigates this world as a Black cisgender woman. Outside of facilitating and guiding trainings, Porscha juggles many hats, which include her role as Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing individual & group therapy and as a college instructor at various CSU, Private, and community colleges throughout the Bay area. Porscha is a proud first-generation college graduate who has earned a bachelors in psychology from California State University San Bernardino, two masters degrees in Social Work with an emphasis in community mental health, and Communications from Cal State East Bay, and a doctorate in Education from San Francisco State University. Porscha communicates through laughter and sarcasm, as she challenges those she works with and serves to never stop challenging the status quo.

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.

Olafemi B. Akintunde currently excels in the role of a Senior Trainer, placing a strong emphasis on the art of facilitation. Within his role, Olafemi specializes in healing-centered engagement and serves as an inspirational keynote speaker.

A graduate of California State University, East Bay, holding a B.A. in Sociology with a dedicated focus on social services, Olafemi possesses a versatile set of credentials as an educator. Continually engaging with numerous clients, his extensive experience spans teaching, facilitating, program development, and social service delivery. His unwavering commitment revolves around the healing and education of youth of color. Over the past several years, working in collaboration with organizations such as Flourish Agenda, Inc, Alameda County of Education, Juvenile Hall, and the African American Male Achievement program, he has pioneered opportunities that encourage individuals to explore and deconstruct harmful societal norms while providing a holistic perspective essential for personal and community healing.

As an educator, Olafemi has garnered recognition in various publications and media outlets, including features in the Detroit Free Press, Ubuntu Leadership Academy, and the African American Male Achievement Documentary, "Kingmakers." His groundbreaking work has been showcased by the Campaign for Black Male Achievement, highlighting his distinctive approach to educating young black males. His engaging and charismatic teaching style is a testament to his background in the performing arts and is deeply rooted in an empathetic understanding of the urban educational experience. Olafemi views education and healing as his life's calling and eagerly anticipates carrying forward the legacy of exceptional educators.

Raana is a youth developer with a deep passion for reminding young people, their families and communities of their brilliance and magic.

Randa Powell is a highly accomplished and dedicated professional with a passion for youth development and project management. With a proven track record of success in supporting and mentoring youth and young adults, Randa has made a significant impact in the field of education and program development.

Randa was introduced to youth development healing space by Flourish Agenda when she was just 13 years old. After being deeply impacted by the Camp Akili program and traveling to Ghana with Flourish, Randa was inspired to continue working in the field for the past 25 years.

Randa is driven by a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of youth. Her unwavering dedication, combined with her extensive experience in youth development and education positions her as a highly effective leader in the field. Randa's ability to inspire, empower, and mentor youth is truly remarkable, and her contributions have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the lives of those she has served.

When Randa is not working, she enjoys listening to music, traveling, sewing, and designing clothes, and spending time with her family and friends. Randa can be described as a resourceful, warm hearted, direct communicator that prides herself on being transparent and moving through the world exuding integrity and kindness. 

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.

Tahisha is a first-generation Haitian-American, and her personal journey heavily influences her work. Rooted in her values of justice and the power of community, Tahisha is committed to equipping historically and systematically underrepresented and marginalized communities with the tools and resources they need to become agents of change within their communities. Before joining Flourish Agenda, Tahisha served as Executive Director of the San Francisco 49ers Academy; a nonprofit focused on equity education for black and brown youth.

Zahra is a long-time educator and community builder. Her work has included both direct teaching and strategic, operational and client centered roles across many different types of institutions. Her professional journey is marked by collaboration with stakeholders and functional teams to bring innovation, resources and goodness through responsive design, empathy and strategic communication.

Zahra is committed to dignity, liberation and healing for the community. She is thoroughly and deeply invested in the well-being of our collective children, and a return to ancestral ways of being and relating, grounded in our respective cultures. She operates from curiosity, an intuitive understanding of human behavior and a love for young people. Fascinated by post-modern, liberatory pedagogical approaches, the arts, and restorative, healing practices in work, education and relationships, Zahra values camaraderie and enjoys challenges.

In addition to healing work at Flourish Agenda Zahra loves long conversations, stories, making art, sweater weather and delicious, warm drinks.

Julius Deshon Jackson is a distinguished Senior Trainer in Healing Centered Engagement. With over 15 years of experience in interpersonal transformation specializing in complex trauma , Julius's visionary approach to holistic wellness and leadership is unparalleled.

Julius's profound healing impact has extended to hundreds of children and youth, nurturing their growth and empowerment. Moreover, he has collaborated closely with the hundreds of dedicated staff who serve these young individuals, fostering an environment of compassion and support while making his global impact in the 1000’s.

Revered by prestigious clients including Fortune 500 corporations, influential tech giants, high-achieving individuals, and esteemed non-profit organizations, Julius's unique fusion of occult sciences, modern methodologies, and cutting-edge technology has achieved remarkable outcomes.

Igniting boundless potential in others, Julius's guidance in Healing Centered Engagement transcends barriers, creating an atmosphere of growth and fulfillment.

Hannah Germonprez (she/they) is an educator, neighbor, healer, and community-centered researcher. Hannah believes deeply in learning, community health, disability justice, government accountability, and collective liberation, and these beliefs have led them to take on diverse roles in K-12 education, massage therapy, and policy advocacy for systems change. Throughout her roles, her practice is to create and hold space for accessible learning, healing, and being. Hannah is passionate about centering relationships and the intuitive wisdom of everyone’s unique body/mind/spirit. They are thrilled to be a part of Flourish Agenda to support evaluation, research and impact work that is grounded in healing. When they aren’t working, Hannah is an explorer of books, art, movement, culture, and being present and connected with community and cats!

Jakira Rogers serves as a Project Manager in Boston, working on the Boston/BPS HCE Partnership at Flourish Agenda. A native of Boston, Jakira holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Suffolk University and a Master’s degree in Public Policy, specializing in Educational Policy.

Her dedication lies in effecting systemic change to improve educational access for students and communities affected by systemic racism and anti-Black racism.

Having embarked on her own healing journey, Jakira is enthusiastic about prioritizing healing within BPS, the very school system where her educational journey began.

Justis is currently completing his residency with Flourish Agenda as he completes his doctoral degree at Harvard, in Educational Leadership, focusing on fostering ecosystems of healing. As a community organizer he focuses on ways to create spaces of radical justice and joy through Hip-Hop and the arts. Justis began his teaching career as a public middle school and high school social studies teacher. When Justis isn’t teaching he can be found DJing or dancing down the street. He enjoys long hikes, funfetti cupcakes, and long walks on the beach.

Dean L. Rene is a thoughtful and values-centered evaluation professional with dual master's degrees from UC Berkeley in Public Affairs and Information Management and Systems. Currently, he serves as an Analyst for Flourish Agenda’s Evaluation, Research and Impact team. His work focuses on evaluating strategies for organizational development and the impact of Flourish’s core programming. Dean’s prior professional experience included serving as a Program Director and Program Officer for education non-profits and philanthropic organizations. With extensive experience in program management and youth development, he is passionate about building evaluation and research tools that not only measure healing-centered engagement but also develop positive, organization-wide data culture.