Our Team
I am excited for the opportunities that A Leadership Journey will give to young people across the United States. Their commitment to become the best version of themselves is our commitment to help them.
Akeem was born in Brooklyn, New York; he grew up and was raised in Atlantic City, NJ. His grandparents instilled in him the importance of service, his teachers and mentors helped him understand his role in it.
He received his B.A in African American Studies from Rutgers University-Camden Campus. He continued his education at Temple University where he earned his Master's in Urban Education, focusing on Youth Development.
This is a chance that can enhance the development of how young people engage their world views and goals that they set for themselves in the years to come. Changing a legacy while actually creating one at the same time is rare to come by.
Justin received his Bachelor of Science-Finance, from Rutgers University. After moving back to his home state of Connecticut, he continued to grow his academic portfolio by earning two Masters, a Masters in Business Administration, and a Masters in Accounting & Taxation, both from the University of Hartford.
Maryam is a senior in college studying business marketing at Suffolk University. She has been a part of A Leadership Journey for 5 years. She traveled to Kenya as a sophomore and Ghana as a senior. She resides in Boston, MA. Maryam is passionate about racial justice issues and bridging gaps for marginalized communities.
She’s passionate about advocating for BIPOC communities. Maryam’s love for A Leadership Journey is what led her to take on the role. She believes that there are many benefits from being a participant of ALJ that can positively impact each participant.
In her words, she says, "the takeaways from the experiences ALJ provides are too powerful to not be used as tools for participants of color to maneuver through life." “Although we are all different, our lives are intersected in ways we wouldn’t know if it weren’t for our conversations in ALJ”. She’s excited to partake in this role to serve as an amazing role model for youth who decides to journey with A Leadership Journey.
Daniella is an ALJ alumnus who spent her senior year as a participant in ALJ. In 2023, she served as a peer mentor to ALJ participants who traveled to South Africa. Daniella's commitment to supporting the organization and the youth who will be coming after her is a gift, and we are happy to welcome her into this role as a Leadership Team Member.
A Providence native, Ablaye volunteered with ALJ during our Health and Wellness Ubuntu summer program (USP) in 2023. Having a passion to work with youth, he loved the experience, and wanted to do more as a team member. He will now serve as the USP coordinator.
I’m excited to work with A Leadership Journey because I don’t know many youth programs that offer the same opportunities or accessibility for teens of color to become change agents not only through awareness and personal development but through global experiences also. ALJ aligns with my life purpose of helping youth globally and my positive and civic youth development ideologies.
I was born in Palm Beach, Florida and raised in Providence, RI. I’ve attended both the Providence public and charter school. I attended Rhode Island College where I received my B.A. in Youth Development with a concentration in Global Studies and a certificate in Nonprofit Studies and Mental Health First Aid. Whether it be my routine, making products, watching videos, or just reading interesting articles, skin care is one of my favorite hobbies.
I want to support young people the same way I wish I was supported in my youth and needed it most. This thought comes from the idea of how my parents left Haiti to come to this country so I can have what they couldn’t get. I plan to find a strategic way to obtain resources whether it be monastery or in-kind donation or even advice/mentorship that provides ALJ the liberty to continue with programming for the youth to further its mission.
Dany first joined A Leadership Journey as a student, and today, he proudly serves as Program Manager. Committed to giving back to the program that helped shape his growth. As a first-generation college student and Cape Verdean immigrant, Dany’s journey is deeply rooted in resilience, cultural pride, and a dedication to empowering youth.
A Leadership Journey played a pivotal role in Dany’s life, helping him navigate a difficult period when he was struggling mentally. The support, guidance, and sense of purpose he found through ALJ helped turn his life around. That experience fuels his passion to help youth the same way ALJ helped him. He believes every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow into the best version of themselves.
Before stepping into this leadership role, Dany volunteered extensively with the program, supporting student development, coordinating cultural exchange activities, and helping shape life-changing experiences for youth both locally and abroad. Through A Leadership Journey, he has traveled to Kenya, Ghana, and Cabo Verde. Leading and learning alongside students in global settings that highlight the power of cross-cultural connection.
Dany holds an associate degree in Building Construction and Cabinetry from the New England Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing with a minor in Real Estate at Suffolk University. In his role as Program Manager, Dany combines lived experience and a commitment to community to help lead programming and create transformative opportunities for the next generation.