Our Team

OUR TEAM

Our GUC Board is a proud, diverse collective of leaders from around the world, united by a shared commitment to intentional service and community impact. Together, they bring global perspective, lived experience, and heart-led leadership to everything we build and give back.

Bobby Jones

Founder/CEO

Bobby Jones, Founder and Executive Director of Grow Unwind Connect (GUC), is a visionary leader dedicated to holistic wellness and community empowerment. Born and raised in Compton, he graduated with a BA in Writing from the University of Washington and was drafted with the 37th pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, leading to a 12-year professional career in Italy. After retiring, he became a yoga instructor, life coach, and community activist, integrating wellness practices into various programs to foster personal development and community engagement. Bobby’s unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and inspiring the next generation drives the impactful work of GUC, making him a beacon of positive change.

Samara Cadogan holds dual Master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Education Counseling from Azusa Pacific University, along with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Cal Poly Pomona and a PPS Credential in School Counseling. She has written and managed grants supporting social-emotional learning (SEL) and wellness initiatives for youth. Through Grow Unwind Connect, Samara manages partnerships, programs and workforce development.

Samara Cadogan

PRESIDENT

NIKISHA LEWIS

Treasurer

Nikisha Lewis, a native of Compton, California, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Treasurer of GUC.. A proud graduate of Dominguez High School, she furthered her education at California State University Dominguez Hills and Compton College. In addition to her professional achievements, Nikisha is a devoted mother of three, exemplifying her commitment to both family and community. Her strong educational background and personal dedication make her an invaluable asset to the GUC team.

Kyra Caldwell is a dedicated professional committed to community service and empowerment in her role as Secretary of GUC. Hailing from Compton, California, she has deep roots in her hometown, having attended Emerson Elementary, Roosevelt Middle School, and Dominguez High School. Kyra is passionate about giving back to her community, embodying the spirit of service and compassion through her various endeavors. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys reading and roller-skating at the beach, activities that reflect her vibrant and engaged lifestyle.

KYRA CALDWELL

Secretary

Our diverse board members were carefully selected based on their nonprofit history, great character, leadership, teamwork skills, and their selflessness in giving back through their capital, time, or resources.

Elysa Howard (Seattle)

Elysa Howard (She/Her) Has Spent The Last Fifteen Years In Nonprofit Leadership Roles Focused On Programs And Fundraising, Serving Youth Experiencing Homelessness, And Working On System Change. She Has Extensive Experience In Fundraising, Leading Programs, Centering Youth Voices, Community Engagement, Strategic Planning, And Racial/LGBTQ+ Equity Work. She Holds A Bachelor’s Degree In Political Science And Communications From The University Of Washington And A Master’s Degree In Nonprofit Leadership From Seattle University.

Craig Smith(California)

Craig Smith Is A Native Angeleno Who Graduated From Fairfax High School. Smith Attended Worcester Academy For A Year As A Post-Graduate Student Before College. He Then Graduated From Boston College With A Bachelor Of Arts Degree In Sociology. Smith Was Selected By The Minnesota Timberwolves With The 36th Overall Pick In The 2006 NBA Draft. He Also Played For The Portland Trail Blazers And Most Notably For The Los Angeles Clippers. After His Stint In The NBA, Smith Went Overseas And Played For Teams In Israel And China. Smith Is Now An Ambassador For His Former Team, The LA Clippers, A Newly Published Author With His Book “Craig And His Magical Basketball,” An Assistant Coach At Crossroads In Santa Monica, And The Director Of Partnerships At Sootchy Inc. Craig Just Completed The NBPA’s Broadcaster U.

Barack Bomani(California)

Barak Bomani Is The Executive Director And Co-Founder Of Unearth And Empower Communities. Alongside His Partner, Sara, They Create Pathways To College, Employment, And Entrepreneurship For Compton Youth Through Engagement With STEM Education And The Arts. Barak Is A Revolutionary Educator Who Disrupts Broken Educational Systems. He Was Handpicked To Be The Founding Principal Of A Charter School In Oakland, CA, The First High School Built In Over 40 Years. Bomani And His Team Of Educators Created A School Culture Where 100% Of Senior Graduates, Both African American And Latino Students, Earned At Least One Acceptance Letter To A Four-Year College. A Huge Advocate Of Social-Emotional Learning And What He Calls Heart, Mind, And Soul Work, Bomani Curates Safe And Healthy Spaces For Communities To Heal From Trauma And Re-Imagine A Culture Of Living Free In A Diverse World. Barak Earned His Bachelor Of Arts In English From Dartmouth College And His Master Of Arts In Educational Leadership & Supervision From San Jose State University.

Ashley Ewert(Nevada)

Ashley is a driven sales executive and entrepreneur with a profound commitment to empowering youth. With extensive experience in sales and entrepreneurship, she channels her passion into initiatives that uplift and support young people. Through mentorship programs, educational endeavors, and community projects, Ashley strives to create meaningful opportunities that foster growth and inspire positive change in the lives of the next generation. Her dedication to making a lasting impact reflects her belief in the transformative power of investing in youth.

Allex Austin (Hawaii/Texas)

Allex Austin Founded Altitude Performance And Altitude Performance Retreat, Organizations Dedicated To The Holistic Development Of Student-Athletes. In Partnership With Palama Settlement In Oahu, Hawai’i, Allex Offers Free Workshops And Clinics For Children And The Community. As A Dual-Sport Professional Athlete In FIBA Basketball And A USA Nationals High Jump Silver Medalist, Allex Combines His Athletic Background With A Master’s Degree In Education To Provide Valuable Insights. His Experience As A Professional And Collegiate Athlete At Baylor University Equips Him To Guide The Next Generation Toward Success Both In Sports And Life.

Francesca Mei (Italy)

Francesca Mei Has Extensive Experience Managing Major International Sporting Events Around The World, Including Four Olympic Games. Her Career Has Increasingly Focused On The Management Of Complex, Multifunctional Projects At The International Level. As A Professional Sports Journalist With A Strong Background In Media Communications And Broadcasting, She Has Gained High-Level Experience In Project Management, Operations, Marketing, Event Management, Sport Management, Sport Production, Opening Ceremonies, Activations, And Entertainment, Including Music Concerts. She Holds An MBA, A Master’s Degree In Business Administration In Sports Management, And A Four-Year University Degree In Economics With A Specialization In Marketing. She Also Attended The London School Of Journalism And Is A University Guest Lecturer In Sport Marketing And Event Management.

Luna Mendoza (CALIFORNIA)

Luna is deeply passionate about an all-around disciplined community that embraces spiritual joyful liberation. Her daily practices include Kundalini yoga, meditation, sound healing, and ritual magic. Luna is the founder of The Luna Vortex, a creative healing studio that hosts international spiritual healing retreats, moon circles, workshops & classes. Through these experiences, individuals are guided on transformative journeys to embrace wellness in their everyday lives and return Back to Self. Luna’s certifications include a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, KRI Kundalini Yoga & Meditation (Level 1 & Level 2) & is a NASM certified personal trainer. She combines all knowledge, life experience, ancestral wisdom & connection in all the experiences known as The Luna Vortex.

Brandon Glasgow (Seattle)

Brandon Glasgow is a consultant with umbrella company, Growing Up Compton and has extensive executive experience and a successful track record as an entrepreneur. He has started and sold a company, demonstrating strong leadership and strategic skills. Passionate about youth development, Brandon has devoted significant time and resources to mentoring through Eden Youth and Springboard, showcasing his commitment to empowering the next generation.

Gianluca Martini (Italy)

Born and raised in Rieti, Italy, Gianluca has always been passionate about basketball and giving back to the community. As the General Manager of an Italian A2 basketball club, he has overseen various departments, including team construction, financial administration, marketing, health management, and communications. His primary responsibility is to ensure these departments work seamlessly together towards the club’s ultimate goal—victory. Over the years, Gianluca has developed strong leadership skills, mastering the art of managing and coordinating diverse teams while taking calculated risks to achieve the club’s objectives. He is also deeply committed to youth development and actively contributes to various communities across Italy, including running a summer wellness camp in Rome.

Tunisia Johnson

Tunisia Johnson, a proud Long Beach native and University of Southern California graduate, has been an educator since 2006. She brings a dynamic background in creative dance, physical education, computer education, and early childhood teaching, along with experience leading arts-based classes. Drawn to GUC’s mission, she is committed to supporting the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of the community.

Lisa Thompson

Lisa Thompson, originally from Minneapolis and now a Los Angeles resident for 21 years, brings over two decades of experience in banking and finance and currently serves as Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager at City National Bank in downtown Santa Monica. She is also the founder of VILASA Luxury Life, a concierge business curating high-end services and experiences. A proud mother of two daughters and a grandson, Lisa dedicates herself to family and community service, actively supporting initiatives that uplift and inspire. A committed yogi, she has completed more than 700 classes.

Esmeralda Nava

Esmeralda Nava, is a first-generation Mexican American who graduated from Venice High School and graduated from Stanford. She’s been coding since 10th grade, driven by a deep love for blending art and technology.

Apollo "AJ" Jones

Apollo “AJ” Jones originally a Seattle, Washington native and now a Compton resident currently attending California State University Long Beach. AJ is pursuing their B.F.A. in acting, and has over 9 years of background in ballet. AJ also enjoys various forms of art such as illustration and photography, with an interest to continue learning, experiencing new things and giving back to the community.

Ashley Mancheni (Seattle)

With more than 20 years of experience consulting in the corporate, association and nonprofit sectors, Ashley brings unparalleled communications expertise to GUC. She’s built communications teams from the ground up, built educational training programs and written countless articles on behalf of her DEI, education, Veterans and nonprofit clients. She looks forward to bringing her energy and enthusiasm to GUC.