Aja Ajavon is a leading small businesswoman and the founder of "Every Man Counts". She created this initiative to develop programs that address the issues being faced by both single and re-entry fathers and their children. Aja earned a masters in Science Management with a concentration in Public Administration from Wilmington University and a Liberal Arts Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Criminal Justice from Widener University.
Aja is a member of Delaware Domestic Violence Women of Color Task Force (WOCTF), a member of Newark NAACP branch, Executive board member of Delaware African Caribbean Coalition (DACC), a member of the International Gender Base Violence group (IGBV), Advisory board member at Delaware Women Business Center (WBC), Director of International Affairs for Delaware Complexity of Colors, and former executive board member of Delaware Fatherhood Family Coalition (DFFC).
Nyemade Boiwu a writer, speaker and digital content strategist. She’s also had a 12 year career at one of the leading banks in the country. During her time there she’s held various leadership roles, both in her job role as well as for employee groups such as the Toastmasters and the Diversity and Inclusion Network. She’s been responsible for creating or restructuring the training curriculum for multiple lines of business. Nyemade has also been the liaison between the bank and various community non-profits to help organize volunteers and fundraising efforts.
In addition to her career, community focus has always been important to her. Over the years she’s been a “Big” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, annually participated the “JA for a Day” program for Junior Achievement, and was a Guardian Ad Litem to help represent children in the foster care system. Nyemade is currently a community presenter for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), DE and the program director for Empower & Educate. She looks forward to making a positive impact with the great community programs put together by EMC.
Serena Davis studied business management with a focus on finance at Liberty University. Prior to that she was homeschooled growing up. Serena has worked as an assistant to business executives and is currently a small business owner herself. She is a hairstylist and owns S&A Beauty Supply. In addition to her business skills Serena has always helped others in anyway she could. Her love for helping others began as a child when she would help her grandmother’s friends. From there it progressed to her helping those in need whenever she can.
Since moving to DE recently Serena has been looking for a non-profit to join. After meeting Nyemade & Ajawavi she decided to follow the EMC on Instagram. As she began to learn more about the organization and see their work in the community, she decided to join the team. She is looking forward to using her role has Program Director to help and inspire others.
Chris Anthem is a University of Delaware student, poet, lyricist, musical artist and host of events for the Wilmington downtown community. He's partnered with local Wilmington organizations, created spaces for community engagement, and has helped countless others to speak their voice through various platforms. At 21 years old, he's now the supervisor at UDairy Creamery Market and is set to graduate in the year 2020 with a Bachelor's degree in English.
Chis looks forward to using his degree in English in his role as communications director for EMC. He wishes to also use his skills, talents, and knowledge of the arts to help improve the community as well as inspire others in his walk of life.
Lourena Gboeah, a former refugee from Liberia, West Africa, is committed to serving the public through her volunteer, work, and educational experiences. She has 18 years of volunteer experience—nine of which are full-time work experience with vulnerable and marginalized populations. Lourena currently serves as a Board Member/Regional Representative for the *Refugee Congress’s Mid-Atlantic Region, specifically representing the state of Delaware.
Lourena also serves young adults as a Student Services Manager at Year Up-Wilmington. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from
Rutgers University, Newark Campus in 2009 and a Master of Social Work degree from
Temple University in 2014. Lourena resides in Newark with her husband Jonah, along with their son Junior, and daughter Moriah.
Aaron Holden was born and raised in Wilmington De. He is a graduate of Sanford School, c/o 99, and earned his bachelor degree in business management from Muhlenberg college in Allentown, PA. He’s held various positions in HR and banking since graduation. Aaron is currently a product consultant with Bank of America. He manages invoice reconciliation and data analysis for Preferred rewards and credit card rewards products. He’s been employed with the bank for 8 years.
Aaron currently co-chairs the mentor pillar of the Bank of America, Black Professional Group. He helps to coordinate volunteer efforts of 50+ employees working with youth at 4 school locations. He’s also helped organize and participated in volunteer events to support the boys & girls club of DE. Aaron sign on as volunteer coordinator for EMC because he believes in its mission. His hope is that together we can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of these fathers and families.
Jennifer Henry has over ten years of experience in personal trust administration. She has a proven record as an administrator in various industries for over fifteen years with in-depth knowledge of state bank examinations include risk management and compliance. She currently works as a Trust Administrator at Parkwood Trust. Jennifer has been in leadership for several non-profit organizations for over ten years. Her work includes board development, event planning, program coordination, marketing and administration.
Jennifer is currently a Board member and Secretary with Destiny Community Development Corp., a Board member with Goldey Beacom Alumni Association, and a Volunteer Leader with New Destiny Fellowship Church. Jennifer joined EMC because it speaks to a personal value of mine - the preservation of families in the African American communities. I also am a promoter of positive images of black men which EMC is as well. I hope to continue to promote and grow the resources and recognition of EMC on a local and national level.
Leonard J. Young is the founder of NationalBlackGuide LLC and the NBG Network. He is a native of Wilmington, Delaware and is a graduate of Florida A & M University (FAMU), with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He has over 10 years of experience in website design, social media marketing and working with media/advertising websites. In 2012, Leonard founded the NBGNetwork after already having online media outlets serving New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Delaware Washington, DC and Atlanta.
Leonard also creates many of his own events/promotions to edify others and creates networking opportunities to promote black businesses and organizations. Currently, Leonard actively gives back to the community and assists other organizations in providing hands on opportunities for them to build upon their dreams. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League Young Professionals.
SPENCER L. BUSCH, II specializes in new business development and major market expansion. He combines entrepreneurial drive with business-management skills to drive gains in revenue, market share and profit performance.
He’s currently the business development manager at Concealed Carry Training where he’s responsible for marketing and building relationships with clients as well as revenue processing and collection, expanded market share
Spencer has a degree in Business Administration and attended both Penn State University and Antioch University. He is a fraternal member of Omega Psi Phi.
Jessica Philippe, also known as Ms. Jess is a vibrant secondary social studies Educator. Originally from New Jersey, she is also an avid dancer, fitness enthusiast, host and social justice champion. She's worked with nonprofit organizations to create pathways to help residents gain citizenship, as well as serve as a case worker for social services. Jessica is an alumnus of Teach for America and AmeriCorps, her mission is to serve and educate the community by any means necessary. She has been a speaker at TEDx Wilmington, holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Master’s degree in Teaching.
Overall, she is most fulfilled while helping youth find the power in their voice, spreading positivity, inducing laughter, and celebrating black culture. Our deepest fear by Nelson Mandela is her life’s philosophy.