OUR TEAM

Meet the Champions Behind the Champions

Our dedicated team of professionals, volunteers, and community leaders work together to empower youth through comprehensive development programs that build character, skills, and futures.

Team Members

10+

Years Experience

500+

Youth Served

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Meet Our Team

Our dedicated leadership team brings together expertise from athletics, education, finance, healthcare, and community development to create comprehensive youth programs that transform lives.

Vincent Thomas-Harper

Founder/President

Vincent Thomas-Harper is a retired professional basketball player who competed overseas before transitioning into youth development and education. He currently serves as an Intervention Specialist and Restorative Practices & Climate and Culture Coordinator at West 40 Regional Safe School Program. In addition to his work in education, Vincent is the founder of Vince Thomas Basketball Training, a basketball skill development program dedicated to mentoring and empowering youth both on and off the court.

Background:

Professional Basketball Player (Overseas)

Key Contributions:

Founder of Vince Thomas Basketball Training
Intervention Specialist at West 40 Regional Safe School Program
Restorative Practices & Climate and Culture Coordinator

Eric Sexton

Treasurer

Eric Sexton is a music executive with a consulting company that specializes in artist development, producer management, promotion and track placements on major projects for R&B, Gospel, Neo Soul, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Pop. Dominion Music Group is a Chicago based music consultant company that consults a broad array of both local and national artist.

Background:

Music Executive & Business Consultant

Key Contributions:

Founder of Dominion Music Group
Artist Development Specialist
Music Industry Professional with National Reach

Stanley Melton

Secretary

Stanley Melton is a seasoned professional in the logistics industry, bringing over 20 years of experience in retail management and corporate training. From 2006 to 2010, he co-founded a boys' youth basketball program focused on character development, respect, discipline, and hard work. In 2013, Stan served as a youth basketball coach with the Lisle Park District. Since 2022, he has been an active volunteer with D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students), a program that encourages fathers to be present in schools by supporting teachers and engaging with students in classrooms and hallways. Stan is passionate about youth development and community involvement, using his leadership to make a positive impact both inside and outside the school environment.

Background:

Logistics Industry Professional

Key Contributions:

20+ Years in Retail Management & Corporate Training
Co-founder of Boys' Youth Basketball Program (2006-2010)
Youth Basketball Coach - Lisle Park District (2013)
Active D.O.G.S. Volunteer (2022-Present)

Dr. Ahmed Montasser Abdalbaqi

Advisor

Dr. Ahmed Montasser Abdalbaqi holds a doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on Strategic Leadership and Innovation from Concordia University Chicago, along with an MBA and a pharmacy and biotechnology degree. His global experience spans crisis management, leadership, business development, and education, with work in organizations like Concordia, Eli Lilly, and AIESEC. He has traveled extensively, gaining leadership skills across countries like Germany, India, France, and the USA, and has received multiple awards for his leadership. As the founder and CEO of American Training Academy LLC, he uses his expertise to empower others through workshops and media appearances. Dr. Ahmed is driven by a passion to help people unlock their potential and live meaningful lives.

Background:

Doctorate in Business Administration (Strategic Leadership & Innovation), MBA, Pharmacy & Biotechnology Degree

Key Contributions:

Founder & CEO of American Training Academy LLC
Global Leadership Experience (Germany, India, France, USA)
Crisis Management & Business Development Expert
Award-Winning Leadership Professional
Workshop Facilitator & Media Speaker

Dionne Archie Thomas-Harper

Advisor

Dionne Archie Thomas-Harper is a seasoned Senior Human Resources Executive with over 20 years of experience in the corporate sector. Outside the boardroom, she is deeply committed to community impact - mentoring high school students, supporting youth-centered nonprofit initiatives, and staying engaged in causes that uplift the next generation. A passionate advocate for young people, Dionne also enjoys cheering from the sidelines at as many basketball games as possible.

Background:

Senior Human Resources Executive

Key Contributions:

20+ Years Corporate HR Experience
High School Student Mentor
Youth-Centered Nonprofit Supporter
Community Impact Advocate

Wiley H. Samuels

Advisor

Affectionately known as Deacon Wiley, he leads a long-standing youth outreach program through his fellowship church called Friday Night Place, which has been serving young people in the Oak Park community since 1998. A retired businessman, Wiley now dedicates his time to working closely with parents, providing spiritual guidance and pastoral counseling. His compassionate focus is on addressing housing insecurity among youth, and he considers it an honor to walk alongside them in their journey, offering a listening ear and unwavering support through their trauma and challenges.

Background:

Retired Businessman & Community Leader

Key Contributions: