B-A-W-M SQUAD
DERRICK KNIGHTON
FOUNDER/DIRECTOR
Derrick Knighton was born in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was raised in San Bernardino, California and San Antonio, Texas, due to his father’s career in the military. From middle school through college, he was very active in sports (basketball, baseball and football). His talent in basketball led him to New Jersey where he was a student athlete at Kean University. After receiving his BA in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice, Derrick continued on as an Assistant Basketball Coach for Kean. Derrick joined the field of Human Services as a Youth Worker for troubled and addicted males at Ogden Residential Group Home for Boys in Newark, NJ. Soon after, he became a professional mentor, working for the Essex County Youth Advocate Program in East Orange for over 15 years. Derrick began his work at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey as a Mental Health Specialist working with kids who had both psychological and behavioral problems. Derrick recently retired as the Program Coordinator for Children Services after 30 years of service for the Rutgers Behavioral Healthcare Center in Newark. He began facilitating the Rites of Passage Programs for teens in the cities of Newark, New Brunswick, Morristown and even the USVI, St. Thomas. Derrick founded U Are Worthy, LLC in 2006. This program provides youth mentorship that encourages self awareness, self expression, sense of worth and positive peer relationships that will promote healthy personal, family and community-oriented growth. Derrick’s accomplishments to date include: Employee of Month at UMDNJ (1996), Advocate of the Year (1997 & 1998); the Nora O Fant Humanitarian Award (1999); The UBHC Excellence Award (2000); and a Certified Crisis Prevention Trainer for the State of NJ. Derrick was married and worshiped at Kenilworth Gospel Chapel for 20 years before joining Agape Family Worship Center in Rahway where he actively participates in the Men’s Ministry and currently serves on the Security Ministry Team. Derrick is happily married to his wife Stephanie of 28 years and has two beautiful daughters, Teonah 28 and Taylor 26. Derrick resides in Plainfield, NJ.
FUN FACT: I’m a natural born HYPE MAN
FAVORITE QUOTE: Let your efforts rise above your excuses.
ROBERT D. SMITH
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Robert D. Smith is a licensed social worker with 23+ years of experience in working with youth. Since his teenage years as a native of Elizabeth, NJ, Robert has been an active mentor and leader for youth dealing with a host of challenges that range from everyday life experiences to hardships such as poverty, violence, abuse, abandonment and various other forms of trauma.
FUN FACT: Robert loves culture and scripture and spends leisure time tracing his family's Israelite heritage.
FAVORITE QUOTE: Remember our journey!
STEPHANIE KNIGHTON
CORPORATE SECRETARY
Stephanie was employed at Prudential for 15 years and currently works for American Express as a Senior Executive Assistant. Stephanie worked in numerous departments and supported various levels of leadership, including C-Suite rank. Stephanie received numerous awards including The Excellence Award, one of the highest level awards at American Express. This award was part of an elite group of 85 top performers who exemplified the best Amex had to offer. Stephanie is a member of Agape Family Worship Center in Rahway, NJ where she serves as the administrative assistant for the Security Team. Stephanie enjoys sending daily words of encouragement to her co-workers, family and friends. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys reading, watching documentaries and enjoys supporting her family with their various businesses.
Fun Fact: I love Old School Hip Hop
Favorite Quote: When someone shows you who they are, believe them the fist time. Maya Angelou
LAKEEYA JACKSON
COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR
Ms. Lakeeya Jackson is a native, born and raised in Jersey City, NJ. Ms. Jackson graduated from William Paterson University with a BA in Sociology and Minor in African America Caribbean Studies. Lakeeya currently works as a Quality Assurance Specialist for a nonprofit social service agency in NJ who provides services to over 13, 000 children throughout Essex County over the years.
As a QA Specialist, Lakeeya has developed and facilitated trainings to staff within the agency that captures data on how to improve quality care management to the children and families receiving services. During Ms. Jackson’s tenure, she excelled in her role as a care manager and because of her dedication to the children and families, she was selected to work with Mr. Derrick Knighton as a counselor for his program to mentor young females. Since its inception, Ms. Jackson continued this journey with Mr. Knighton for the past 10 years. Lakeeya’s dedication and passion to serve the community and helping people is one of the most fulfilling part of the work she does.
Fun Fact: I learn some great life lessons from my dog
Favorite saying: Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better!
AL CALLOWAY
TREASURER
Al was born and raised in Newark, NJ, where he grew up in the Stella Wright Projects of Newark’s Central Ward. Al graduated from Rutgers University, Newark College of Arts and Sciences where he earned a degree in Accounting and a minor in Business Administration. Al was an accounting manager for several small/mid-size companies and also managed a law practice.
Owned and managed a major U.S. franchise Mail Boxes Etc. (known now as The UPS Store).
Served on the planning board for the City of Orange.
Served as treasurer for many organizations including Greater Newark Katrina Relief Fund, local Condominium Association, Newark Business incubator -Diversified Business Group.
Partner in real estate development group.
Mentorships: Founder/officer of several financial/investment clubs; advising, assisting and preparing individuals for their financial futures.
Al is happily married with two adult children.
Fun Fact: - I make pretty good desserts (coconut cake, banana cream pie, cookies, etc).
Favorite Quote: Your life is not a dress rehearsal, you only get one…LIVE IT, enjoy it!
TAYLOR KNIGHTON
MARKETING COORDINATOR
Following her mother’s footsteps, Taylor works as an executive assistant in NY while she simultaneously finishing a marketing degree at UCC and develops a small partnership with her sister. Taylor enjoyed music festivals & concerts, exploring new restaurants. She currently enjoys trying new forms of fitness from yoga to weight training and pilates classes.
Fun Fact: I’m a Music Junkie
Favorite Quote: Expectancy determines outcome. As long as you’re not attached to the outcome, the outcome will be guaranteed.
BOARD MEMBERS
KISHA PINNOCK
Ms. Pinnock is a resident of Morristown, NJ, litigation attorney, mother, and social activist. She received a B.A. in Government in Politics with minors in Theology and International Studies from St. John’s University in 2014. Ms. Pinnock is a graduate of Rutgers School of Law (2017) where she was a recipient of the Mary Philbrook Public Interest Award (2016) and the Dean's Pro Bono Publico Award for Exceptional Service (2017). Ms. Pinnock is a member of the New Jersey bar (2018) and also has been admitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (2018). She now works for Ambrosio & Associates, LLC which is a general litigation firm. In her spare time, Ms. Pinnock works for social justice initiatives. Ms. Pinnock also loves to travel, create art, bake, and plan parties for family and friends.
Fun Fact: I am very sentimental and artistic. I feel the big feels. I am very expressive, especially with the people I trust.
Favorite Quote: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
RUDOLPH LEWIS
Mr. Rudolph “Rudy” Lewis is a Government Contractor within the 59th Clinical Investigation & Research Support (59 CIRS), Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. As a Clinical Research Coordinator, Rudy oversees 59 CIRS’s Animal Resources, Hyperbaric/Hypobaric and Instron Functions, and a myriad of ancillary duties. Rudy has over 54 years of combined government service. During his tenure he continued his education and received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Occupational Education and Surgical Technology from Wayland Baptist University. Rudy is a native of West Palm Beach, Florida. He and his lovely wife, Shirley have one son, Derrick and his lovely wife, Stephanie and two beautiful granddaughters, Teonah and Taylor. Rudy is a laid-back, kind-hearted person who always try to focus on the positive aspects of life rather than dwelling on the negative.
Fun Fact: I’m a Grill-Master! Also love several music genres
Favorite Quote: “It is what it is”
DAN ARTHUR
I have had a blessed life. I am married over 35 years to my best friend Dawn, and we have 3 children now in their 20's. I have spent my entire work career in the commercial construction industry and currently own a manufacturers rep business covering the metro NY area with 11 employees. We live in Clinton Township NJ and are very involved in South Ridge Community Church in both leadership and teaching positions working with children and youth. I love the beach, sitting on the porch with my wife and playing golf.
Fun Fact: My dream car is a Mini Cooper with manual transmission (one day I will get one!)
Favorite Quote: CS Lewis: "There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns from Him."
ALAN LESNEWICH
Alan was born in Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ. After graduating from high school, Alan went to Colgate University where he majored in philosophy and religion. He graduated magna cum laude and became a member or Phi Beta Kappa, both in 1975. At Colgate, Alan participated for two years in intercollegiate football.
Following graduation, he worked construction for several years before attending police academy and becoming an Investigator for the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. Alan changed gears and began attending Seton Hall University School of Law. He graduated with honors and completed a one year clerkship with the Honorable Gary S. Stein, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of NJ. Alan began the practice of law as an associate with Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch, moved to Collier Jacob & Mills where he was an associate and partner, and eventually ended his career as an attorney as a partner with Fisher Phillips. His primary concentration was as a defense attorney representing clients in discrimination lawsuits in both State and Federal courts and before administrative agencies. Alan was nominated to become a Superior Court Judge by Governor Chis Christie. He currently sits in Elizabeth where he serves the residents in the Union County Vicinage.
Alan is happily married to his wife, Peggy, and have three children, Kate, John and Alexa. Alan is a Christian, an Elder with the Presbyterian Church of New Providence where he has taught both children and adult education. He served as a Councilman in New Providence for three years before becoming a judge. Alan was the Founder and President of the New Providence Athletic Association, a group of volunteers who planned and privately fund raised so that artificial turf and lighting could be installed at the high school field.
Fun Fact: Alan is a long-time girls’ basketball coach with an expertise in teaching shooting.
Favorite Quote: “Although failure is sometimes inevitable despite best efforts, quitting is intentional.” Anonymous