Meet the Team

The Heart Behind Wayside Uplift Initiative Inc.

Wayside Uplift Initiative is powered by a dedicated team of leaders, volunteers, and community‑driven individuals who bring passion, skill, and purpose to everything we do. Each member of our team plays a vital role in supporting families, strengthening our programs, and uplifting the community through service, compassion, and commitment.

From executive leadership and administrative support to media, outreach, food coordination, and youth empowerment, our team works together with one shared mission to provide hope, resources, and opportunities for those who need it most. Their diverse backgrounds, certifications, and talents come together to form a strong foundation that keeps Wayside moving forward.

This is the team that shows up, serves with heart, and makes our vision possible every day.

Tuwana Ford

Chief Executive Officer

Associates Degree of Business Management Certified Accountant & Business Owner

Tuwana Ford

Chief Executive Officer

With an Associate’s Degree in Business Management and certification in accounting, I bring a strong foundation in organizational leadership, financial stewardship, and strategic planning. As a dedicated business owner, I am committed to building systems that support growth, accountability, and long‑term sustainability. My passion for community empowerment drives my work with Wayside Uplift Initiative, where I focus on creating structured programs, developing youth‑centered curriculum, and leading initiatives that strengthen families and neighborhoods. I believe in excellence, integrity, and purpose‑driven leadership, values that guide every project I take on. As CEO, my mission is to build an organization that uplifts, educates, and empowers our community through consistency, compassion, and strategic vision.

Phone:(800) 718-7929
Email:[email protected]

Francesca Dacus

Chief Operating Officer

Certified in Fostering Children Certified in Special Needs Certified in CPR and Life Saving Techniques & Business Owner

Francesca Dacus

Chief Operating Officer

With certifications in Fostering Children, Special Needs Care, CPR, and Life‑Saving Techniques, I bring a deep commitment to safety, compassion, and hands‑on support for youth and families. My background reflects years of dedicated service, working closely with children of all abilities and ensuring they receive the structure, care, and encouragement needed to thrive. As a certified professional and business owner, I combine practical experience with strong leadership skills to help strengthen community programs and build environments where children feel supported, understood, and empowered. My work is rooted in purpose, integrity, and a genuine passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others. As COO of Wayside Uplift Initiative, I focus on operational excellence, program development, and ensuring our mission is carried out with consistency, compassion, and accountability. Every day, I strive to uplift families, support our team, and help create a safe, nurturing foundation for the communities we serve.

Phone:(800) 718-7929
Email:[email protected]

Daphnee Miller

Outreach Food Coordinator

Certified Medical Assistant Certified Social Media Literacy Nation Health career Association

Daphnee Miller

Outreach Food Coordinator

Certified as a Medical Assistant and trained in Social Media Literacy, I bring a unique combination of healthcare knowledge, communication skills, and community service to my role. I hold credentials through the National Health career Association, reflecting my commitment to professionalism, safety, and continued growth. As Wayside Uplift Initiative’s Food Coordinator, I oversee our food pantry, ensuring families receive consistent, organized, and compassionate support. I manage inventory, coordinate volunteers, and maintain a welcoming environment where every person is treated with dignity and care. My passion for helping others drives everything I do. Whether supporting health needs, educating youth, or leading food distribution efforts, I strive to serve with integrity, reliability, and a genuine heart for the community.

Phone:(800) 718-7929
Email:[email protected]

Jacquelyn Coleman

Executive Director

Certified Chef Certified to manage and operate any food establishment in New York City. Certified In food safety & Cleanliness

Jacquelyn Coleman

Executive Director

As the Executive Director of Wayside Uplift Initiative, I lead with purpose, compassion, and a deep commitment to strengthening families and communities. I am a Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Chef, and fully licensed to manage and operate food establishments in New York City. I also hold certifications in Social Media Literacy, Food Safety, and Cleanliness, along with credentials through the National Healthcareer Association. In addition to my leadership role, I serve as the organization’s Food Coordinator, overseeing the daily operations of our community food pantry. I manage inventory, organize donations, ensure compliance with food‑handling regulations, and maintain a welcoming environment where families receive nutritious food with dignity and respect. My background blends healthcare knowledge, culinary expertise, and community service, allowing me to support our programs with both structure and heart. I am passionate about empowering others, creating safe spaces, and building initiatives that uplift the people we serve. Every day, I strive to lead with integrity, excellence, and a genuine dedication to making a meaningful impact.

Phone:(800) 718-7929
Email:[email protected]

Shabi Davis

Director

Associates Degree in Business Management Certified Carpentry

Shabi Davis

Director

Shabi Davis serves as the Director of Wayside Uplift Initiative, bringing strong leadership, structure, and hands‑on expertise to the organization. With an Associate’s Degree in Business Management and certification in Carpentry, Shabi blends practical skill with strategic thinking to help build programs that uplift youth, support families, and strengthen the community. His background reflects dedication, discipline, and a commitment to creating safe, empowering environments where individuals can grow and thrive. Shabi’s leadership is rooted in integrity, accountability, and a genuine passion for service. He plays a vital role in guiding the team, developing initiatives, and ensuring the mission of Wayside Uplift Initiative is carried out with excellence and purpose.

Phone:(800) 718-7929

Kesha Kent

Treasurer

Certified in Financial Literacy Certified in food and safety and cleanliness Certified in Management

Kesha Kent

Treasurer

As the Secretary of Wayside Uplift Initiative, I bring strong organizational skills, accuracy, and a commitment to keeping our administrative operations running smoothly. I am certified in Financial Literacy, Food Safety & Cleanliness, and Management/Treasury, giving me the knowledge and structure needed to support both our leadership team and our community programs. In my role, I manage communication, documentation, scheduling, and record‑keeping to ensure our organization stays coordinated and efficient. My financial literacy training strengthens our budgeting and reporting processes, while my food‑safety certification supports our pantry operations and compliance standards. I am dedicated to professionalism, reliability, and service. Every day, I strive to maintain clear organization, strong communication, and a welcoming environment that helps Wayside Uplift Initiative continue to grow and uplift the families we serve.

Phone:(800) 718-7929
Email:[email protected]

Lenette Millard

Seceraty

A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary

Lenette Millard

Seceraty

As the Secretary of Wayside Uplift Initiative, I bring strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to keeping our operations running smoothly. I manage communication, scheduling, documentation, and administrative support to ensure our programs and leadership team stay coordinated and efficient. I am dedicated to maintaining accurate records, supporting team members, and creating a structured workflow that helps our organization serve families and the community with excellence. My role is rooted in professionalism, reliability, and a genuine passion for helping Wayside grow and thrive. One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar. The Big Oxmox advised her not to do so, because

Phone:(800) 718-7929
Email:[email protected]

Asia Atkinson

Social Media Coordinator

High school graduate who manages social media content. Also works in security and brings reliability.

Asia Atkinson

Social Media Coordinator

As the Social Media Coordinator for Wayside Uplift Initiative, I bring creativity, consistency, and a strong commitment to sharing our mission with the community. I manage our digital presence across multiple platforms, creating engaging content that highlights our programs, events, and the impact we make every day. My role includes developing posts, capturing photos and videos, responding to community interactions, and ensuring our message remains clear, positive, and uplifting. I am a high school graduate who works in security, where I’ve gained valuable skills in professionalism, awareness, and communication. These experiences strengthen my ability to represent Wayside online with responsibility and care. I also operate a small business, which has helped me build strong marketing instincts, customer engagement skills, and an understanding of how to connect with diverse audiences. I am passionate about using social media to inspire, inform, and empower others. Through digital storytelling, I help bring visibility to our mission and ensure our community stays connected, informed, and supported. My goal is to continue growing our online presence and using media as a tool to uplift the families we serve.

Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
Email:[email protected]

Alexus Atkinson

Media &PR Coordinator

BMCC student studying to become a paramedic working in security

Alexus Atkinson

Media &PR Coordinator

As a Media, PR, and Videography Specialist for Wayside Uplift Initiative, I bring creativity, technical skill, and a strong commitment to telling powerful community stories. I am currently a student at BMCC in New York City, studying to become a Paramedic, where I am building knowledge in emergency response, public safety, and medical readiness. Alongside my studies, I work in Security, gaining hands‑on experience in situational awareness, professionalism, and maintaining safe environments — skills that strengthen my role within our organization. In my media position, I capture video content, manage public relations messaging, and help shape the visual identity of Wayside Uplift Initiative. I am passionate about using digital storytelling to highlight our mission, uplift our community, and showcase the impact of our programs.

Phone:+1 800) 718-7929
Email:[email protected]

The Heart Behind Wayside Uplift Initiative Inc.

Tuwana Ford

Francesca Dacus

Daphnee Miller

Jacquelyn Coleman

Shabi Davis

Kesha Kent

Lenette Millard

Asia Atkinson

Alexus Atkinson

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