Meet The Leadership
Asha Freeland
Co-Founder
Asha Freeland is a native of Durham, North Carolina, and a recent honors graduate of the illustrious North Carolina Central University. In May 2020, Asha earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing; she is currently a Travel Nurse and a part-time Registered Nurse at UNC Hospital in heart and vascular services.
Since a young age, Asha has had a passion for community outreach and service. She actively volunteers to assist local organizations with women's health awareness events and youth-focused activities. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, initiated through the Alpha Lambda Chapter at NCCU.
Asha's interest in mentorship stemmed from early childhood experiences coupled with the continued support of her village. She recognizes that she did not get to this place in her life by herself and has a deep desire to give back. She is overjoyed to begin this journey to lift young girls in the community alongside her co-founder and life-long friend, Taylor Dorsey-Flowers.
Taylor Dorsey-Flowers
Co-Founder
Taylor Dorsey-Flowers is a Health Educator, Community Advocate, and native of Durham, North Carolina. She graduated from Hampton University with a B.S. in Health Sciences with a concentration in community health promotion. She also obtained her Masters of Science in Human Development and Family Consumer Sciences at North Carolina Central University.
Taylor has a passion for serving her community and pouring into the lives of young girls. She has worked with children for over six years in a plethora of different capacities. Currently, Taylor is the Senior Youth Director for the Durham YMCAs
​
In addition to her passion for health education, Taylor also has a long-standing love and commitment to learning, performing, and teaching performing arts. She has performed with several dance companies in North Carolina including, Harambee Collective, African American Dance Ensemble, and Collage Dance Company, where she served as the dance captain for several years.
Taylor currently serves on the Board of Directors for Durham Regional Theatre, an organization that is intentionally multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and intergenerational theatre. She also serves as the Young Adult Volunteer Coordinator for Hope For Hair, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women undergoing cancer treatment. Taylor's commitment to improving the lives of others is in-line with the African Philosophy, Ubuntu, "I am because we are."
Raven Reaves-Jackson
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
A native of Hartford, Connecticut, Raven Reaves-Jackson is a multimedia journalist and digital marketer who graduated from Hampton University with a B.A. in journalism; and an area of emphasis in the School of Business. Raven was actively involved while attending undergrad. She was a member of various clubs, including the National Association of Black Journalists, American Marketing Association, Onyx 11 Community Service Committee, and an intern with the Homecoming Committee.
Raven spent the majority of her free time in Virginia volunteering throughout the Hampton Roads community; she volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club of Newport News, the Peninsula FoodBank, and Phoebus High School. Her most memorable volunteer moment was when she was able to bring comfort and laughter to the hearts of many young girls at the Bloom Middle School Conference.
Raven first got her start in the entertainment industry as a college marketing representative for Sony Music. Additionally, in college, she participated in numerous internships and major-based extracurricular activities to broaden her journalistic and marketing skills. She was the web editor and contributing writer for The Hampton Script, a promotions assistant for Entercom Norfolk, a social media intern for The BOSS Network, a broadcaster for the Smooth 88.1 WHOV student newscast, a producer and technical crew member for Hampton University WHOV-TV newscast, a floor director and news intern for The Hampton Roads Show/Fox 43 Wavy-TV 10 News, a Hampton University Athletic Marketing team member, an AT&T Summer Learning Academy extern, and a contributing writer, interviewer, and social teams member for Hampton University's chapter of Her Campus.
Currently, Raven is a Brand Marketing Specialist with iHeart Media working directly with the Black Effect and My Cultura Podcast Networks. Raven prides herself on being hardworking, dedicated, and reliable; and believes that success comes to those who work diligently and put genuine energy out into the world. She is remarkably excited about the extraordinary journey the G.R.O.W.T.H team is about to embark on and has high expectations the team will significantly impact several young girls' lives today and in the future.
Faith Resto
Sports & Wellness Coordinator
Faith Resto is a native of North Carolina and a recent 3-year graduate of the illustrious North Carolina Central University, where she received a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in science. She was a collegiate basketball player for 2 years and is currently an eyewear consultant while enrolled as a student to attain an optician certification.
​
At a very young age, Faith has not only been passionate about eyecare/vision, sports, supporting & giving back to her community and youth through different acts of services within several organizations. She has been involved and a part of many services / programs of the
youth department within the YMCA, in addition to being a part of the Black eyecare pre-optometry group and an assistant coach for an all-girls AAU basketball team.
​
Faith’s goals are to open a nonprofit organization for families that are in need of eyecare services, where it will provide a safe trusting environment for those that aren’t fortunate enough to get proper care, security, and diversity & try to help change the way doctors are perceived in order to get the help they need. She also wants to build a sportsplex for youth, which will provide them a place to go and enjoy being a kid while learning, staying active, and being healthy.
​
Faith believes that it takes a community not only to raise a child but to be successful no matter the stage of life. I am truly excited and grateful to be a part of the G.R.O.W.T.H journey and help make such a positive impact on our future.
​
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourself”
Diamonique Johnson
Program Director
Diamonique Johnson is a native of Durham, North Carolina. She received her Bachelor’s in Psychology (2018) and Master’s in Social Work (2021) from North Carolina Central University. Diamonique is licensed as a clinical social worker-associate.
During her educational career, Diamonique served as a social worker intern for Duke Hospital and Durham Public Schools. She focused on creating strong mentoring relationships with students and their families.
​
Diamonique has worked extremely hard to pour positivity into her community and the youth. She believes in the importance of education and creating a legacy that will last forever.
​
“Reflect on yourself. Define your legacy and move forward with purpose and focus.”
