Meet the Founder

Jaylen D. Berry

FOUNDER & BOARD CHAIR

Originally from the North End of Hartford, CT, Jaylen’s family moved to Windsor, CT when he was seven years old. Growing up, Jaylen enjoyed participating in both athletics and academics. He was nominated to the National Honor Society as a junior at Windsor and as a senior he was a 2013 Connecticut All-State football selection. After graduating Windsor High with honors, Jaylen went on to attend Wesleyan University.

It was during his time at Wesleyan that Jaylen realized his passion and desire to support communities of color and promote social mobility in his home state. While there, Jaylen was a member of the football team, a Patricelli Fellow, and a Residential Life House Manager. In August of 2016, he founded the “Jaylen D. Berry Scholarship Fund.” Today, the fund continues to support Connecticut youth who plan to utilize their education to foster positive social change. Since his graduation from Wesleyan in 2018, Jaylen has worked to expand the fund into a foundation, offering a number of programs aimed at that same initiative.

Meet the Board

  • Brandon McPherson

    VICE CHAIR

    Brandon McPherson grew up in Stone Mountain, GA, earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University. He started his professional career serving as an officer in the United States Navy, eventually earning the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He later transitioned to Wall Street and served as a strategy executive at Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and JP Morgan. Today, he serves as a Senior Vice President at Warner Music Group where he leads cross functional initiatives within the Strategy and Business Operations division. Brandon and his wife, Sherrie McPherson, reside in New Jersey and support several non-profits and community initiatives.

  • Deloris Johnson Drakes

    TREASURER

    Deloris is a CPA with a Masters Degree in Accounting/Finance from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business and a BA in Accounting from Georgia State University. She has 40+ years of professional work experience in accounting, auditing and financial planning & analysis for both publicly and privately held corporations. In retirement, she is owner of AshDel Financial LLC and co-owner of family business, Johnson Apparel Group LLC doing business as E3 Promotions. Deloris is also a servant leader committed to community service. She volunteers her time on several non-profit Boards of Directors and with her church. Over 50 years of membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc she has held positions at local, regional and national levels. Deloris is the proud mother of daughter, Ashley Jehdai, whom she describes as her heartbeat.

  • Pierre Brown

    Pierre A. Brown is a visionary leader in the design and construction industry, with over twenty years of experience in global sourcing and the supply chain underlining his journey. Beyond his roles as founder of Architectural Stone & Wood Company Ltd., and Creative strategist at Pierre Antonio Brand LLC, Pierre is deeply passionate about sustainability. He champions the reuse, recycle, and up-cycling of materials, believing firmly that the power of design and creative  sourcing can revolutionize and destigmatize, while making affordable housing both attainable and desirable. This commitment has evolved from a passion project into a life’s mission, underscoring Pierre’s dedication to making a tangible impact on community development through innovative and sustainable business practices.

  • Justin Antoine

    Justin was born and raised in Connecticut and has a deep passion for community impact. He played football at Bloomfield High School and went on to do the same and earn his degree in economics from Wesleyan University. After starting his career in the public sector, he transitioned into private sector roles focused on finance and investments. Today, he works at an asset management firm with a focus consultant channel. He is committed to giving back, especially by educating undeserved communities about financial literacy and economic opportunity

  • Angela Moore

    Angie is a Michigander at heart (and a Wolverine through and through, Go Blue!), growing up in a small town north of Detroit. She graduated from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. While there, she was a member of the business fraternity Phi Chi Theta and was a Summer Orientation Leader. She was also a part of the UM Waterski Club, through which she competed at tournaments in the Midwest. She currently works as a Director at PWC and still maintains friendships from the Waterski Club.

  • John McGhee

    John was born in Casper, Wyoming, but escaped cold weather permanently when his family moved to Gabon, West Africa, and later to Houston, TX. He earned a degree in International Management from Auburn University, and later earned his MBA (Finance/Entrepreneurship)from Rice University in Houston, where he also served as the Diving Coach while attending school. John has been with Dell Services for the past 17 years in a variety of Finance and Operations roles, primarily focused on Consulting, including global systems and process development activities and business controls.