Jacoby Waters
Founder, CEO & Executive Director of Young Men of Distinction & Gentlemen of Distinction.
What is the best way to achieve a dream or a goal? Learn from someone that achieved the same goal or dream, or someone that has more knowledge or expertise in that area than you do.
His stepfather and grandfather have provided him with knowledge and expertise creating a strong foundation in his life. He also received great guidance from neighbors – helping to develop his morals and values. With a strong foundation and great guidance, he achieved several goals and he is continuing his journey toward his dream.
His humility and gratitude provided the inspiration to create Young Men of Distinction with the help of several key collaborators to achieve one goal – provide tools and resources for young men to achieve their goals and dreams.
Currently, Young Men of Distinction will be at Dr. Mary McCleod Bethune Elementary School, Belle Glade Elementary School, Howell L. Watkins Middle School, Forest Hill High School and returning back to John I. Leonard High School.
Board of Directors
Mission Statement - Our mission is to increase opportunities for adolescent boys to prosper through mentorship, motivation and guidance, helping them transition into young men with purpose and obtain a higher education.
Corrien Elmore-Stratton
BoardOfDirectors
Executive Youth Development & Community Engagement Leader
Dr. Corey Harrington
Staff
My name is Corey Harrington and I'm originally from Raleigh, NC. I began my career in healthcare as an EMT-Paramedic right after high school. I chose to pursue a career in chiropractic because I wanted to care for patients outside of the emergency setting through a whole-body, holistic approach. I received my Doctorate of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from Palmer College in Davenport, IA. I've spent the last 8+ years primarily in the private practice, and I’ve worked for Broward College as an adjunct professor in the Math and Science Department. I'm currently working for the College of Chiropractic Medicine at Keiser University as a Faculty Clinician.
Yolanda Cope
Staff
Yolanda Cope, a native of Palm Beach County, currently holds the position of Lead Courtroom Administrator at the Palm Beach Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. Yolanda holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Keiser University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology from Florida State University. Yolanda has accumulated over 25 years of management expertise. She is the mother of three children whom she deeply loves. She enjoys traveling, cooking, and reading during her leisure time. She attributes one of her greatest sources of happiness to her volunteer work. Yolanda believes in the importance of giving back and demonstrating compassion. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women-West Palm Beach Chapter, the Junior League of the Palm Beaches, and the South Florida Chapter of The National Organization of Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) are just a few of the renowned organizations that Yolanda has been known to be a member of. Keiser University recently recognized Yolanda as a Hometown Hero for her exceptional experience and unwavering determination during her MBA program.
Dr Damico Nicome
Staff
Dr. Nicome is a passionate educator and seasoned IT Executive with over 25 years of experience. He has developed complex IT solutions for various fortune 500 companies in the Financial and Insurance industries, including The New York Stock Exchange, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Mass Mutual and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Dr. Nicome has consulted for firms such as Accenture, American Management Systems, Keane, and IBM Global Services. While at IBM, Dr. Nicome was a Managing Consultant and led a national consulting practice. In addition to numerous client citations, Dr. Nicome was awarded the IBM Management Award, IBM Consultant Profession Certification, IBM STAR database induction for World Class Technical Leadership, IBM Intellectual Capital award, and IBM Management award. Dr. Nicome holds a B.S. in Information Systems from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY where he received numerous academic awards, an M.S. in Systems Management from New York University where he conducted research on organizational design and its effect on measuring quality and earned his doctorate in education from Vanderbilt University where he researched IT governance and innovation in higher education.
Christopher Kunkle
Staff
Christopher Kunkle is a Management Consultant doing ad hoc consultancy on process improvement, team development, business enhancement and development within institutional banking, securities finance, asset management and custody. Mr. Kunkle was the Managing Director and Head of BMO Global Asset Management’s agency lending program from August 2015 through March 2021. Mr. Kunkle managed strategy, third party agency sales/distribution, relationship management, product development, operations and legal and regulatory issues affecting the business and the staff that supported that. Prior to BMO, Mr. Kunkle was with Wells Fargo as a Managing Director within Client Transaction Services/Securities Finance since 2013. He had responsibilities for building the external and internal client lending capability (principal lending), legal & regulatory issues affecting Wells Fargo and its clients participating in lending/borrowing and market structure within the securities lending businesses.
Our Vision - Our vision is to create a mentoring culture where all male members of the community can be empowered, enabling young men to become better fathers, community leaders, husbands, students, employees, entrepreneurs, business owners, friends, and more.
Stephen Brooks
Web Developer & Tech Support
A Computer programming expert and frontend developer enthusiast with 3+ years of experience in IT and 2 years of experience in frontend development. 1+ year of professional experience, especially involved in web development using TypeScript, React, Redux. Excited to learn new technologies, innovation and problem-solving.
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OUR STRENGTH - We are as strong as our results, and most of which come directly from our volunteers. We value their hard work and efforts that continue to make a difference in what we can do. Contact us to find out more information.