BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Solomon Middleton-Williams
BOARD CHAIRPERSON
Principal Consultant of Grace Solutions
A dedicated strategist and community advocate, Solomon Middleton-Williams is a driving force behind initiatives that foster housing justice, community empowerment, and violence prevention.
With a proven track record of building and supporting successful community violence intervention programs, Solomon has spent the past 6 years making a tangible impact in Newark, NJ, reducing violence and fostering community ownership.
His experience also includes guiding young men transitioning from incarceration at Boystown and coordinating health and wellness services for low- to moderate-income residents at Community Housing Partners. Solomon's expertise extends to board leadership for various organizations in NJ and RI, and he serves on the New Jersey Opioid and Remediation Advisory Council.
He is a sought-after national trainer and technical assistance provider, sharing best practices for community violence intervention with organizations, institutions, and government agencies. Beyond his professional commitments, Solomon values travel and cherishes time spent with family.
“Together, we're building more than programs and events; we're cultivating a movement of social renewal, where every greeting, every shared moment, and every artistic expression strengthens the bonds that make our community whole.”
Solomon Middleton-Williams, Board Chairperson
Mark Comesañas
ACTING SECRETARY
Executive Director of My Brother’s Keeper Newark
As a lifelong Newarker, Mark worked as a middle and high school teacher and educational leader within Newark Public Schools for 13 years, including as the founding principal of UPLIFT Academy.
Following this role, Mark served as the Head of Schools and a founding board member of LEAD Charter School, the first and only alternative education charter district in New Jersey.
Mark holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University and is currently working towards a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania.
"Unfortunately the impact of violence reverberates in our communities for many years. Restoration however, is possible. Particularly if we include those who have inflicted harm as a way of truly finding healing for themselves, our families, and ultimately our community. This form of reconciliation is necessary and benefits us all."
Mark Comesañas, Board Member
Jordan Costa
BOARD TREASURER
Senior Project Manager at Giffords’ Center for Violence Intervention
Currently serves at Giffords’ Center for Violence Intervention, a national organization that seeks to uplift community-led strategies to reduce violence, identify best practices, and advocate for sustainable funding at various governmental levels.
Jordan serves as a doctoral fellow at New Jersey’s Center on Gun Violence Research where she investigates system-level violence, community trauma, and the well-being of community violence intervention workers.
Having experienced the personal loss of a parent to gun violence, Jordan is committed to strengthening safety and support structures. She is presently completing her PhD at Rutgers University, Newark.
"To tangibly demonstrate our commitment, we must channel our resources into the very culture shift we envision."
Jordan Costa, Board Treasurer
Amina Bey
BOARD MEMBER
Executive Director of Newark Emergency Services for Families
Local expert in Workforce Development, Human Services specializing in Nonprofit Management and Community Impact Work.
Before working with the City of Newark (Newark Workforce Development Board, NewarkWORKS and Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center), Amina facilitated operations at the Essex County Division of Training and Employment for 15 years.
Amina is a consultant, public speaker, facilitator and Adjunct Professor. She serves on many boards and committees as a thought leader, visionary, and public servant.
Amina is also a member of the North Jersey Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
"Community empathy for those who have caused harm to our community is crucial for the revival of the village because we cannot revive what we have not healed.
We have to heal the wounds and trauma that created the conditions under which the community's children felt that they had no choice but to turn against their own home."
Amina Bey, Board Member
Darrell Price
BOARD MEMBER
Program Director at LEAD Charter School, Newark Opportunity Youth Network
A former New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commision (JJC) Director who possesses over twenty (20) years of youth development programming experience. During his tenure with YouthBuild Newark, he has served as Program Manager, Director of Re-Entry and Director of Climate and Culture.
He served as the Director of Student Supports at LEAD Charter School as the co-lead with the Head of School upon its opening. Darrell earned his Bachelor's Degree from Purdue University majoring in Organizational Psychology and his Masters from Rutgers University in Public Administration.
"A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence."
- Miyamoto Musahi
