Maurice O'Bannon

Program Director

Born and raised in North Minneapolis, Maurice is passionate about advocacy and empowering BIPOC communities to overcome the societal and systemic barriers, he grew up learning how to navigate. His passion to improve circumstances for inner city youth led him to obtain his Associates Degree in Human Services from North Hennepin Community College. He continued his academic journey and  receiving his B.A. in Individualized Studies with a focus area in Family Studies from Metropolitan State University. Maurice currently works in the Racial Equity Department for Intermediate District 287.  He's an advocate for those without a voice, and leads with empathy and openness. He values diversity, equity, and inclusion with a commitment to rid the disparities and inequities plaguing BIPOC communities. 

Mark Hostetler 

 Assistant Program Director

Mark served 20+ years as a youth director and pastor. He started an educational service company through which he led hundreds of events in elementary schools to promote parental involvement in education. He formed a youth theater company, a home remodeling company and currently serves as a commissioner on the Human Rights Commission for the City of Brooklyn Park. He is passionate about creating racial equity and personal development. He is a creative, relational leader who is always looking to love and empower those he serves. He is an experienced speaker, teacher, small group leader, mentor and growth facilitator.

Angelo Grant

Director of Mental Health Services

Angelo Grant grew up in Compton, California and attended Morehouse College where he completed his Bachelor’s in Psychology. He attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and graduated with a Master of Social Work Degree in 2012. Growing up in foster care without the guidance of a mother or a father to navigate life was difficult. This often left him feeling alone, unloved, and unwanted due to the challenges he encountered growing up in the system. Despite, or perhaps even because of the challenges he encountered growing up in foster care, he developed a passion for the field of social work. After lifting the weight that once bared his own shoulders, he is conscious of others needs, has an aspiration to serve, and realizes that his skills and first-hand experience in the system can and should be used to improve the lives of others. In his free time, he enjoys running, CrossFit training, playing sports, and spending time with family. 

Amy Harms Hoad

Director of Curriculum and The Empowered Family

From an early age, Amy found herself drawn to the stories of others. That, along with her interest in human behavior, led her to the field of Human Services where she now gets the chance to rewrite stories, and teach students to do the same. Her background working with diverse populations allows her to bring a unique, real world perspective to the classroom. Amy’s educational background includes an M.S. in Human Services and Sociology and a B.A. in Psychology.

Antwan Cork

Director of Financial Services

I've Been in the financial industry for almost 20 years, Most recently working as a sales Manager overseeing a team of financial advisors. I started off my educational journey at Florida A&M university and am currently finishing out my Bachelors in Business Management at Western Governors University. I currently hold my Series 7, 63, 24 and Life & Health insurance Licenses as well as maintain a designation as a Behavioral Financial Advisor. As a part of my work, my passion lies in the space of recruiting and more specifically improving the gap of people of color in the financial industry. Being a black man in an industry that doesn't see many people like me make it as far as I have, I feel a personal responsibility to help bridge that gap in any way I can. My personal motto is "Someone can and will make a difference, why can't that someone be me" and I'm truly doing my best to live out those words in everything I do.



Ryan D. Curenton Sr. 

Director of Youth Mentorship Program

Raised in the neglected neighborhoods of Chicago, Illinois and Jackson, Mississippi, Ryan is no stranger to life’s struggles. During his formative years, he witnessed and experienced the impacts of systemic poverty. However, with the support of social services providers and his mentor, Ryan narrowly escaped the trap known as recidivism. After the obtainment of his GED, he went on to achieve an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Minneapolis College, and later a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Metropolitan State University. Ryan is now committed to seeing a better future for all through social mobility and equity of opportunities.