Executive Leadership

Ebony brings over 15 years of strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and program management expertise to Black Kids Swim as a founding member and board member. She has led large cross-functional teams and multi-million dollar initiatives to expand economic and educational opportunities worldwide.

Her passion for empowering women and youth entrepreneurs through access to training, partnerships, and digital resources is invaluable in driving BKS’s mission. Ebony’s extensive experience in developing narratives, building consensus among diverse groups, and facilitating public-private collaborations position her to provide visionary leadership.

Ed brings over 16 years of digital marketing expertise to the BKS board as the owner of Liquid Web Designs. His full-service agency has helped hundreds of businesses mature through website development, search engine optimization, email marketing, social media strategies and marketing automation.

Ed’s deep technical knowledge combined with his consultative approach to driving business growth will provide invaluable strategic guidance as BKS expands its digital platforms and online community outreach efforts to increase outreach and awareness to a wider audience.

Alanna brings strategic communications, community engagement, and wellness activism to the Black Kids Swim board. Taylor has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through innovative marketing campaigns that amplify vital resources and programming.

Her personal expertise in developing initiatives that educate and empower others towards holistic healthy lifestyles aligns seamlessly with BKS’s mission. Alanna’s proven ability to foster partnerships, craft compelling narratives, and drive diversity and inclusion efforts is invaluable in expanding BKS’s reach and impact within communities nationwide.

Noelle Ojo brings over two decades of experience in international affairs, diversity initiatives, and governance to the Black Kids Swim board. As a Foreign Service Officer with USAID managing teams focused on engaging minority-serving institutions.

Noelle’s skills in policy analysis, program management, and fostering cross-cultural collaboration aligns with BKS’s mission of empowering Black youth through aquatics. Noelle’s unique perspective as the author of “The Blaxit Effect: The African-American’s Guide to Relocating to Africa” coupled with her legal background in immigration and international development further enrich the board. Noelle’s passion for creating opportunities and amplifying underrepresented voices will fuel future Black Kids Swim efforts.

Fareed lends over 14 years of strategic communications and public diplomacy expertise to the Black Kids Swim board as he has spearheaded media campaigns, managed grants, and fostered partnerships to advance U.S. interests abroad.

His skills in developing innovative digital strategies, shaping narratives, and coordinating cross-functional teams is invaluable in amplifying BKS’s mission. Fareed’s relationship building with diverse stakeholders and driving impactful programming aligns with BKS’s goals of empowering Black youth through aquatics. Fareed’s global perspective provides vision as BKS grows.

Dr. John Warford brings a wealth of academic expertise and a passion for student development to the Black Kids Swim board. As a Professor at Florida A&M University focused on designing life skills courses, and a former competitive swimmer and water polo player, Warford understands the profound impact extracurricular activities like competitive swimming can have on youth empowerment.

His global perspective, honed through studies at the University of Sussex and work in international affairs at Florida International University, provides valuable insights as BKS expands its reach. Dr. Warford’s doctoral research at the University of Florida further enriches his ability to shape transformative programming. With experience mentoring the next generation of leaders, Dr. Warford furthers BKS’s mission of creating opportunities and leadership for Black children through swimming.

As a former youth competitive swimmer and current swim coach, Malea brings a unique perspective that allows BKS to directly tap into the needs and experiences of young swimmers. Her participation on the Board provides invaluable insights to help inform and advance BKS programs and initiatives geared towards engaging more Black youth in the sport.

Malea’s firsthand knowledge as an accomplished high school swimmer, coupled with her role mentoring the next generation of athletes, allows her to identify key opportunities to promote access, representation and sustainable success for Black children in competitive swimming.