Our founder Lakesha Mai-Ling Allen is a firm believer that deep in the inner cities across America there are many gifted children with numerous talents. Regretfully, these children’s talents are crushed due to the many social disparities, inequities, and personal issues they encounter daily. Children are often living with grandparents or other relatives due to one or both of their parents being incarcerated or deceased or are simply from low income families. Due to these situations, talents have been underdeveloped and issues undiagnosed. Lakesha identifies with these circumstances; she grew up in poverty in Brockton, where she witnessed violence, crime, and substance abuse, not only in the community but in her own family. These painful conditions carved an indelible impression in Lakesha’s young mind.

Decades later Lakesha is still surrounded by the disparities and inequities that hinder communities from improving their quality of life. Because of her personal experiences and recognizing the harsh realities of her community, she created a non-profit organization, Building Our Lives Together As One in 2019 with the primary project being FocusOnEmpathy - a program for today’s under-served young people.

Amy’s career in the financial services industry spans three decades and includes positions in banking, global insurance, mutual funds, private equity, wealth management, and venture capital. Amy has held roles in investor relations, board governance, investment portfolio research, project management, and payroll administration. Currently, she is the International Finance Coordinator for Latin America and EMEA for American Tower Corporation. Amy does volunteer work for the following organizations: The Haven Project (Lynn, MA), Women’s Lunch Place (Boston, MA), and the Alternatives to Violence Project (United States and International).

Tom attended Harvard University between 1981-1987 BA degree in Visual & Environmental Studies, a broad range of studio arts and theoretical studies. Tom's degree encompasses painting, drawing, sculpture, design, architecture and photography. Also studies of the built and natural environment, design and urbanism, and visual studies and contemporary arts.

Owner of Bedford based HTR Construction, Inc. Tom brings 35 years of experience to his role mentoring his team members. HTR Construction is a remodeling and construction company focused on providing outstanding customer service, high quality workmanship and the best value for their customers. He believes in high standards of reliability, courtesy and respect, and his long term vision of a growing, successful company drives him to develop leaders in all positions.

LaJuan began his career with the City of Providence as the Community Relations Coordinator, was promoted to Deputy Director of Community Relations and is currently the Deputy Director of Youth & Education for Providence Mayor Jorge O.Elorza. His portfolio includes providing creative and strategic leadership to support all aspects of the Mayor’s Youth and Education priorities in the City of Providence. In this role LaJuan supports the strategy and implementation of the Mayor’s investments around Youth and Education, including the yearly Summer Opportunities Expo and the City’s participation in the By All Means initiative at Harvard University. He is also the key liaison between the Providence Public School Department, other youth facing and/or youth serving departments, and other stakeholders.

LaJuan became the first person in his family to graduate from college earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/Public Policy and Sociology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in 2018. He currently attends the University of Massachusetts; Dartmouth and plans to graduate with a Masters in Public Policy with a concentration in Education Policy. While a student, LaJuan co-founded the Be-Great Community Organizing non profit, that actively educated and mobilized community members. He also worked at Camp Harbor View, the Boys and Girls Club of Boston and United Cerebral Palsy. His volunteer work includes The Museum of Science, as a member of the Emerging Leaders Council, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force at MCLA and the Red Sox Scholars Alumni Committee.