Our board members all possess a passion for achieving the mission and vision of Project Inspire through incorporating their expertise and passion for impacting the lives of youth and young adults. Learn more about them below.
Being raised in a community where youth programming served as a strong beacon to under-resourced youth amidst community strife, Daphne L. Valcin believes in the power of expression, empowerment and youth development as tools that allow our youth to surpass societal challenges. She has worked with young people for the past 13 years, working tirelessly to ensure that they have the resources and opportunities to impact their own lives and the lives of their communities.
Throughout the East Coast, she has served communities in various capacities, using skill-sets in project management, event planning, program development, recruitment, community outreach, and marketing in conjunction with a passion for education and a love for the performing arts to impact youth. As the Executive Director of Project Inspire, Daphne believes in the power of young people to make large-scale change when provided with the resources and opportunity to do so.
Regis DeVeaux, Board Chair
Regis DeVeaux is a native of Atlanta, GA who is passionate about poetry and spoken word. He is a graduate of Morehouse College where he studied Sociology with a keen focus on Africana Studies and currently works as a District Sales Leader with PepsiCo. His professional service began with LevelTen where he worked alongside our founder, Daphne Valcin, to lead academic programs and community empowerment.
During his early years in youth development, Mr. DeVeaux helped over 25 high school athletes achieve their NBA, NFL, and Division 1 collegiate dreams through these academic programs while with LevelTen. Currently, through his affiliation with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Mr. DeVeaux helps to facilitate empowerment and personal development programs for underprivileged young men. His ultimate goal is to continue to build a career that inspires younger generations to strive for ultimate achievement and thus make a valuable impact on their own communities.
Breylon Smith, Board Secretary
Breylon is a native of Youngstown, Ohio and is passionate about youth development, social justice, entrepreneurship, and volunteerism. Breylon has worked in Washington, DC since 2014 with Higher Achievement and currently serves as a Center Director. Prior to this work, Breylon gained experience in the education field at Global Scholars Academy, a public charter school in Durham, NC. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and volunteers in various opportunities throughout the DMV area.
Breylon is a proud graduate of North Carolina Central University located in Durham, NC completing his Bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education (Cum Laude) and his Master’s degree in Public Administration. He also earned a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. His interests include organizational leadership, community outreach, and consulting. Breylon aspires to be an ethical public servant and an influential entrepreneur. His philosophy for leadership is driven by his vision to help people become self-sufficient and inspire others to pursue and accomplish their dreams.
Timothy Hill, Board Member
Timothy Hill is a native of Hollywood, FL who has always been passionate about youth development and higher education. As the first African American male to graduate from college in this family, he understands the struggles of being a first-generation college student and the skills necessary to succeed for both undergraduate and graduate school. Timothy is an alumnus of the Daphne L. Valcin Scholarship for Creative Minds, Young Leaders Program, and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. where he served as chapter Reporter. In this role, Timothy was responsible for documenting chapter achievements and providing outreach to the general public. Timothy also has a governmental relations background working previously for Florida Senator Randolph Bracy.
Timothy obtained his B.S. in Public Administration and a dual master’s in Public Administration & Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Here, he served of the 2020 Presidential Search Committee to select the next university president. At UCF, Timothy received the highest and most prestigious student award titled the Order of Pegasus that recognizes individualized achievements in academics, leadership, university involvement, and community service.
Kristen Crockett, Board Member
Kristen Crockett’s passion for education began in the non-profit world, where she helped students navigate the college process, providing leadership skills and personal development to students across the country.
Kristen is the Director of Learning & Development for a national Media Company, where she jump-starts passion, connects people and departments, and gives leaders the tools they need to grow.
Kristen has a B.A. in Communications from Loyola University, an M.A. from American University, and a J.D. from G.W. Law School. She is also the founder of the Crockett Collective, which provides executive coaching and leadership solutions for organizations and individuals.
Shani Williams, Board Member
Shani Bennett is a south Floridian who relocated to Washington, DC more than a year ago. She serves as an Academic and Career Advisor with 5+ years of experience advising and mentoring youth ranging from k-12 to the collegiate level. Shani was drawn to her profession (and Project Inspire) by her positive experiences and support she received as a first generation college student. She has held numerous positions in both private and public university career centers where she has provided one-on-one advising, course planning, resume and cover letter critiques and job search strategy workshops to students, organizations and alumni.
Shani holds a M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University, a B.A. in Applied Sociology from The University of Tampa and is a proud City Year Miami alumna.
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