Our Team
Keyonna Kidd-Goins
Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer
Keyonna is a two time alumni of CSUDH where she earned both her BS and MBA Degrees in Business Administration. She has extensive work experience which includes community outreach and civic engagement through over 20 years of service with multiple government agencies.
She is a serial entrepreneur owning a triplex of businesses including Collab Dance Studio & Creative Space LLC (the for profit partner to Collab CDC) a facility where small businesses and entrepreneurs can collaborate to thrive in their various business functions within a supportive community that offers free and low cost programming to South Bay residents.
She also serves on the board of various nonprofit organizations that support women in business in various industries and offers scholarships to youth. Her education and experience will allow her to guide our organization on a path to success while giving back to her community which spans from the South Bay, through South Central Los Angeles and into to the San Fernando Valley.
Chevonne Smith
Co-Founder, Chief Development Officer
There’s an African Proverb that says: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This timeless proverb stands true in the work needed to properly heal and unite our communities from the inside out.
Chevonne’s passion for cultivating beneficial community resource programs and events began years ago as a young child attending Sunday school at her local, inner-city, family church. These early experiences of servant leadership have prepared us for unique opportunities to help nonprofits and various county programs bring enrichment into high-needs areas of our communities. From putting last-minute fundraising events together for Freedom School to creating financial wellness workshops for underserved communities or hosting spa days at her local church for the economically disadvantaged women in the neighborhood, her service to God’s people is unwavering and ever-evolving.
Connection is key and she believes we must allow ourselves to be connected to our communities in ways that will inspire the very ones we help to continue the task and carry the torch into future generations.
Shelly Clark
Secretary
Shelly Clark, owner of Shelly’s Cobbler Creations, is an accomplished businesswoman with a degree in Business Administration from CSUDH. She skillfully combines her passion for baking with her commitment to the community, ensuring her shop not only offers delightful desserts but also contributes positively to local initiatives.
As a board member for various organizations, Shelly utilizes her expertise to propel community development. Balancing her professional pursuits with her roles as a dedicated wife and mother, Shelly exemplifies dedication, compassion, and a strong community ethos.
Eric Askew
Treasurer
Eric Askew was born in Gary, Indiana and served in the United States Marines in California. He then worked for Demon Hampton and Associates as a consultant for the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering until he was employed by the City of Los Angeles Police Department.
He retired from the LAPD Legal Affairs Division in 2021 with over 25 years of service. During his retirement he enjoys working for his business, Ask Q Appraisals. He is also actively involved with his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma, where he has served as treasurer. He brings a diverse wealth of knowledge and expertise to our organization.