Mark Johnathan Hill II​ "MJ"
Lead In School Facilitator, Lead Chess Bully
Mark Johnathan Hill II. Mark Johnathan Hill II or MJ for short (22 years old)
"Originally from Florida but Colorado is my second home"! Mark has been with MACM since 2014 and is a Lead Facilitator. Mark graduated from Denver School of Science and Technology. MACM had contributed to my being able to be in a long distance relationship while also upgrading my life. Mark is fortunate enough to have both of my biological parents in my life. "My mother who I call my first love, is exactly that, A beautiful strong minded individual who loves unconditionally. My father, a provider, protector and professor of his faith and love". Honored to have taken qualities from both parents which he says include being respectful, attentive, protective, loving, and strong and I use them all for the work we do with the youth. Because of this, "I’ve learned to always think 3 moves ahead to ensure I make every move with purpose. This is why I love working with youth, because it’s never too late to reteach common sense, and the work we do has changed many lives and will continue to change lives"! Oh and he also loves potatoes.. like LOVES!​
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Aaron Smith "AJ "
Lead Out of School Facilitator, Program Coordinator
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Aaron Smith, as a Lead Facilitator and OST Specialist here at MACM strives to make an impact in the community. Being born and raised in Denver Colorado, Aaron was able to experience different community programs that have developed and diminished throughout the East Denver community, therefore, has seen the necessary results and impacts from an organization from the past, similar to MACM. Aaron recently graduated from Metropolitan State University with a bachelors in Sport Management. As an alumni of both Whittier K-8 and Denver School of Science and Technology: Montview. A huge highlight of Aaron’s experience in MACM programming has been from 2015 when as a part of a group of youth facilitators, they were able to share their knowledge of chess and life at the Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center with the youth in that community. “One of my current goals is to bring back the sense of hope for all families that need it. In life similar to chess we move based on how we strategize and value everything in our lives. If we could apply that small part of values to the future youth, their potential would be limitless.”
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Oujaa Brown
Lead Facilitator, Executive Assistant and Workshop Coordinator
Oujaa Brown, our Workshop Coordinator and organizer, Administrative Assistant, as well as Graphic Designer has been with us for almost two years. Because she has completed MACM’s summer programs every summer, she is also a very experienced Lead Facilitator. Oujaa is currently in her second year of college at Houston Community College , majoring in Nursing. Although this is the longest consecutive time that she’s worked for MACM, she has been here from the very beginning. MACM created the opportunity for Oujaa to develop numerous lifelong skills, such as communication, and leadership skills.​
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Omni Benjamin
HR Director / Co Facilitator
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Omni Benjamin, a native of Denver CO has watched the birth of MACM since the beginning in 2011, in 2020 "I was blessed with the opportunity to join MACM" as the Operations Coordinator in June with the impact of COVID-19. Currently leading MACM's HR Department and implementing Financial Goals Budgeting Omni brings a wide range of policy and structure to the MACM team with over 15 years of corporate experience and 5 years of account management, Omni's goal is to help empower and develop financial freedom in our community.
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Sheldon Norman
Information Technology Coordinator/Co-Facilitator
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Sheldon Norman, born and raised in Denver, is a proud graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he earned his degree in Computer Information Systems. His professional journey has taken him to both coasts, allowing him to live and work in diverse environments, further enhancing his experience\as an Information Technology Specialist. Sheldon brings a deep passion for nurturing young minds and guiding them through their exploration of computer-related fields. He is dedicated to leveraging his skills and experiences to support MACM’s mission, contributing to its ongoing success and community service. With a strong drive to make a technical impact and propel the youth forward, Sheldon embraces every opportunity to support and inspire the next generation on their journeys.
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​sheldon@makeachessmove.org
Vishnu Gonzales
Co- Facilitator
Vishnu Gonzales is a co-facilitator at Make A Chess Move (MACM), where he helps empower students through strategic thinking and leadership. Beyond his role in schools, Vishnu is a dedicated activist and influencer, using his platform to inspire positive change and uplift his community."​
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Sir Martin
Co Facilitator
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Sir Martin - "I am a dedicated leader, empathetic mentor, and strategic innovator committed to empowering individuals to unlock their full potential through resilience, critical thinking, and holistic growth. My mission is to inspire and support individuals and communities to rise above challenges, thrive in their endeavors, and exceed their goals by fostering creativity, strategic foresight, and collective well-being. Through initiatives like MACM, I’ve led efforts to build community resilience, promote critical thinking, and create meaningful opportunities for growth by integrating innovative strategies with actionable tools. As a leader, mentor, and innovator, I am passionate about cultivating critical thinking, resilience, and personal growth. My strengths in strategic planning, empathy, and leadership drive meaningful change, helping individuals and communities unlock their highest potential. When I’m not collaborating with the team, I enjoy playing chess, mentoring aspiring leaders, and exploring innovative solutions to complex challenges."
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​Jesse Wall
Safe Zone Coordinator/Co-Facilitator
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Jesse Wall (37 yrs old) moved to Denver with his family at 4 years old. Born to parents in Christian ministry he was exposed at a young age to his father providing support and personal development to East Denver youth, notably at Manual and East high schools. He grew up in the Park Hill neighborhood and attended Stedman Elementary, Smiley Middle (now McAuliffe) and Denver East High. He moved to Fort Collins, CO where he earned bachelors degrees in history and English. He then pursued a career in woodworking followed by welding and construction. Jesse opted to leave the construction industry for something more emotionally fulfilling. He is a big fan of our formula for success:
"if you know better, you think better, if you think better you do better"
Jesse believes growing up he often knew better, but chose to not do better. Jesse loves being able to reach out to the denver youth, share some of his stories and hopes these young people can learn from his experiences as well as the programs we provide.
​​jesse@makeachessmove.org
Stephone Vaughns
Co-Facilitator
Stephone Vaughns is a Co-Facilitator for MACM, and the Head Coach for Make A Coach Move. With a passion for empowering others and, and a strong commitment to the community, he strives to guide and inspire individuals to reach their full potential. His role at MACM allows him to utilize his skills to create impactful experiences and foster growth within the community.
As a coach, he believes in the power of guidance and mentorship. Coaching not only enhances personal and professional development but also boosts confidence, sharpens skills, and fosters a deeper understanding of one's strengths and areas for improvement. His coaching approach is centered on building strong, positive relationships and creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
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Co-Facilitator
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Royatta Jones is a native of Denver, Colorado, serving as a co-facilitator and bookkeeper. Her mission is to guide youth and at-risk adults towards the development of skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, in a positive manner. Ms. Jones is committed to making a meaningful impact within her community. She holds a degree in accounting and aims to utilize her expertise to support the younger generation. Her dedication to giving back is a core aspect of her professional purpose. Moreover, she possesses strong leadership and communication skills, and she aspires to enhance her community's well-being.
​Phillip Douglas
Founder / Executive Director / Lead Facilitator
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MACM is lead by Phillip Douglas. Phillip has been working with youth in Northeast Denver since he was a 14-year-old freshman at Manual High School. In 1998, he became involved with a local youth development nonprofit organization, where he served as a youth leader and facilitator before becoming a full-time staff member. Phillip has 20 years of experience working with youth that share many of the struggles he experienced growing up in the neighborhood.
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Although MACM's founder Phillip Douglas, performed well in school, his academic success was not enough to keep him off the school-to-prison pipeline. The critical thinking skills developed in school are not sufficient to overpower the multiple risk factors youth face on a daily basis. Too many young people of color share this same experience.
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Board of Directors
Ms. Alicia Mountain:
Law Student
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Mr. Mareese Comer:
CEO - MMC Integrity Services LLC
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Mr. Kamau “DJ KTone” Martinez -
Founder / Executive Director - KTone Cares Foundation
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Advisory Board Members:
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​Jason Janz
Founder/Executive Director Cross Purpose
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