Leadership & Team

The People Behind New Avenue

New Avenue is powered by people who believe in creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and building brighter futures. Meet the leaders, team members, and community members who help move our mission forward.

Where it started

Our Founders

Kalonda K. Kent

Founder

Dynamic and purpose-driven Founder of New Avenue Inc., Kalonda K. Kent is committed to creating pathways to opportunity for underserved youth and young adults. She brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, real estate development, business management, and youth programming — building collaborative partnerships, securing resources, and developing innovative programs that connect education, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and creative expression to real-world opportunities. She is dedicated to creating stronger, more equitable communities through solutions that invest in people and inspire the next generation.

Areas of leadership

Strategic Leadership
Youth & Workforce Development
Partnership Development
Real Estate Development
Grant Writing & Management
Community Engagement

Tashauna Parker

Founder

Dedicated and solutions-driven Founder of New Avenue Inc., Tashauna Parker brings a strong background in financial management, nonprofit leadership, program development, and community impact. With hands-on experience in budgeting, grant management, compliance, and operational oversight, she helps ensure New Avenue Inc. delivers high-quality programs and services that create real opportunities and lasting change. She is passionate about empowering youth and families through strategic planning, resource development, and sustainable growth.

Areas of leadership

Financial Management
Grant Writing & Compliance
Strategic Planning
Program Development
Nonprofit Administration
Youth & Family Support Services

The work every day

Our Team

Shonte Clay-Fulgham

Community Center Director

Shonte Clay-Fulgham is a community-focused leader and changemaker with extensive experience in youth development, sports programming, nonprofit operations, fundraising, partnership development, and organizational leadership. She previously served as Director of Sports for the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, where she has expanded programming, increased sports participation, managed staff and operations, and developed fundraising and partnership strategies. Shonte also was a Unit Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, managing a nonprofit budget of approximately $250,000 annually, developing operational systems, supporting fundraising efforts, and overseeing programming serving up to 125 youth daily. Her professional experience also includes higher education athletics, corporate relations, event coordination, training and development, and community engagement. She holds a master’s degree in Sports Administration/Management from Pittsburg State University and a bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in Spanish from Missouri Southern State University. Her background also includes leadership in equity and inclusion initiatives, youth mentorship, coaching, and community service.

Primary responsibilities

Youth Development
Sports Programming
Nonprofit Operations
Fundraising & Partnerships
Organizational Leadership

314-467-0934 ext. 704 Email

Jessica Anderson

Community and Engagement Coordinator

Jessica Anderson is a communications and community engagement professional with more than 10 years of experience developing outreach initiatives, public engagement campaigns, youth-focused programs, and community partnerships. Her experience includes working with schools, families, community organizations, local leaders, and media to connect people with resources and opportunities. Jessica currently serves as an On-Air Talent and Social Media Content Creator with Cumulus Media and is Co-Founder of Juxtapose 1764, where she leads strategic communications, community outreach, public relations, event coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Previously, she served as Regional Director of Marketing & Promotions with Audacy, managing community engagement campaigns, public events, fundraising initiatives, and outreach programs across multiple markets. Jessica brings strong skills in public speaking, relationship building, event planning, communications, social media, and community engagement. She is passionate about youth development, community impact, and creating opportunities for individuals and families to succeed.

Primary responsibilities

Community Engagement
Strategic Communications
Public Relations
Event Coordination
Youth Development

Brandon Taylor

Program Director

Brandon Taylor is a strategic operations and project management professional with experience spanning higher education, nonprofit, and corporate organizations. He currently serves as a Project/Facilities Director at Lincoln University, where he leads strategic operations, facilities management, capital improvement initiatives, organizational planning, and performance reporting. Brandon brings expertise in project management, budgeting and forecasting, stakeholder engagement, process improvement, facilities operations, and organizational planning. His previous leadership experience includes serving as an Executive Director, Program Director, and Senior Project Manager, including managing a $2.9 million workforce development initiative and developing partnerships among educational institutions, nonprofits, employers, and community organizations. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Missouri Baptist University, a Master of Arts in History from Jackson State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Mississippi Valley State University.

Primary responsibilities

Project Management
Budgeting & Forecasting
Stakeholder Engagement
Process Improvement
Facilities Operations

Marasha Blakley, MHSA

Administrative Assistant

Marasha Blakley, MHSA is a healthcare administration and operations professional with more than a decade of experience in healthcare operations, program management, human resources, and community-focused initiatives. She holds a Master of Health Services Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Healthcare Administration. Marasha is passionate about serving others, supporting youth and families, and creating opportunities that strengthen communities. Through her professional career and community involvement, she brings strong organizational, leadership, and relationship-building skills to New Avenue Inc. She is excited to support New Avenue's mission and contribute to programs that empower youth, families, and the St. Louis community.

314-467-0934 ext. 706 Email

Shani Warren

Workforce Development Coordinator

Shani Warren is a Licensed Master Social Worker, community advocate, and U.S. Army National Guard veteran with a background in workforce development, clinical leadership, and community engagement. She holds a Master of Social Work from Saint Louis University and is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen families, and uplift communities. Her work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive. Outside of her professional life, Shani is a proud wife and mother of three who values faith, family, and giving back to her community.

314-467-0934 ext. 708 Email

Guidance & accountability

Board of Directors

Tamara Lackland

President

Tamara Lackland is a seasoned banking leader with 20 years of experience at Commerce Bank, currently serving as Retail Group Manager and Vice President over the North County and North City regions of St. Louis. She is passionate about financial literacy, small business development, and expanding access to financial services for underserved communities. Tamara is dedicated to helping individuals and entrepreneurs build financial confidence and achieve long-term success. She actively partners with community organizations and serves on the executive board of North County Incorporated, the board of the Wesley House Association, and The Soulfisher Ministries, and is committee chair for the North Star Scouts. She is also a member of the Florissant Rotary Club, reflecting her strong commitment to service and community impact.

Experience & involvement

Financial Literacy
Small Business Development
Community Banking
Community Partnerships

Lady Vania J. Williams

Vice President

Lady Vania J. Williams is the Community Living Manager for Easterseals. She has over 20 years of experience in the social work network. She is a wife of 26 years and a mother of 3; Godmother and mentor to many. Lady Vania, also known as Lady V, has been an influencer in many lives over many years. She's also the owner of GoodStuffed CupCakes. Lady V is a Finer Lady of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc for 22 years.

Experience & involvement

Social Work
Community Living Services
Mentorship
Youth & Family Support

Fornisha Morgan

Treasurer

Fornisha Morgan is a dedicated community leader and advocate who serves on the Board of Directors of New Avenue Inc., where she also serves as Treasurer. She brings a strong commitment to supporting the organization’s mission of creating opportunities, strengthening families, and building stronger communities. As Treasurer, Fornisha helps provide financial oversight and accountability, supporting New Avenue’s efforts to responsibly manage resources and invest in programs that benefit youth, families, and underserved communities. Fornisha is passionate about being part of an organization that turns ideas into meaningful opportunities. Through her service with New Avenue, she contributes to the organization’s growth while helping ensure that its programs and initiatives remain focused on creating positive, lasting community impact.

Experience & involvement

Financial Oversight
Accountability
Community Advocacy
Family & Community Support

Joe “Capo” Kent

Artistic and Media Innovation Chair

Joe “Capo” Kent is a three-time Grammy-nominated, Emmy-nominated, and Telly Award-winning producer, composer, songwriter, and creative executive with over 20 years of experience in the music and entertainment industry. His credits include work with Drake, J-Kwon, Nelly, Eminem, D12, Ty Dolla $ign, Nappy Roots, and numerous emerging artists. As Artistic and Media Innovation Chair of New Avenue Incorporated, Joe helps lead the organization’s strategic vision, developing innovative programs, creative partnerships, and workforce opportunities that empower youth through music, media, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. He is passionate about using creativity as a tool for education, leadership, and lasting community impact.

Experience & involvement

Music & Media Production
Youth Mentorship
Creative Partnerships
Workforce Opportunities

Bishop Oliver N. Williams

Youth and Family Program Chair

Bishop Oliver N. Williams is the Senior Pastor and Founder of the Kingdom Living Ministries of St. Louis, MO. Bishop Williams has been in the ministry since 1998, he’s been a Senior Pastor since 2003, and was consecrated to the Office of Bishop in 2006. Bishop Williams is a husband of 26 years and a father of 3; Godfather to many. Bishop Williams is also the General Manager of the Inspired Services, LLC in Fenton, MO (Amazon DSP). He is the current Chaplain for the Upsilon Omega Graduate Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Experience & involvement

Youth & Family Programs
Ministry Leadership
Community Service
Operations Management