About Genesis CDC
Our calling is a simple yet profound one: to uplift and embolden the overlooked and underrepresented, spanning from children to adults.
Our History
In 2018, a new board was established around two primary passions;
- Closing the equity gap in education.
- Addressing the needs of the formerly incarcerated and their families.
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"We are committed to supporting under-resourced students to discover their passion and seek the appropriate educational opportunities to realize their dreams."
Organizational Milestones
Navigating our journey, we’ve supported students with HBCU tours, empowered them through college readiness, aided reintegration with ReNewU, and enriched youth education with summer programs.
Adopted a successful 34 year HBCU tour program to support student awareness of and access to HBCU options. Designed a comprehensive college readiness program (Prep for Success) to complement the tours.
Piloted the ReNewU program – a faith-based pilot program that addresses the needs of formerly incarcerated adults to support successful reintegration and return to their communities.
Ran a successful summer learning program in partnership with Cal State Bakersfield for youth in Fremont: Summer Algebra Institute for five years.
Meet the Team & Board
Our dedicated team and visionary board form the heart of Genesis. Together, we breathe life into our mission, leading with passion, wisdom, and a shared commitment to empower communities and transform lives.
Our Team
Lynn Gardner
Lockett
*Executive Director
Lynn Gardner Lockett, MBA, MS Counseling, the current Executive Director of Genesis Community Development Corporation. Lynn has worked in Mental Health for the past 20 years after receiving a Masters Degree from California State University, Hayward with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and a certificate in Child & Adolescent Therapy. She began working in the Youth & Family Services Bureau, City of Hayward Police Department, working with individuals and families in crisis.
She then moved to Fremont Youth & Family Services, providing therapy for children and adolescents dealing with anxiety, depression, truancy, anger management and substance abuse issues at multiple school sites.
Lynn recently retired after 15 years as Program Manager from Horizons Family Counseling, City of Livermore Police Department where she provided counseling services to youth and families, was responsible for administrative management of the clinic, interfacing with Alameda County agencies, Pleasanton, Dublin and Livermore Joint Unified School District management staff and developed outstanding collaborations with local community agencies.
Her responsibilities also included grant management and designing programs and facilitating workshops and trainings at community and school outreach events, for parents, students and school staff personnel.
Tiara
Jones
*Tour Leader
Tiara Jones grew up in the Bay Area since the age of 8. After graduating from Milpitas high school, she went away to college at Grambling State University. After receiving her degree in special education she returned home to teach in public and nonprofit schools for over 10 years. She later went on to receive her Masters in International and Multicultural Education.
After a career change and working with foster care youth she became more active with youth via Carl Leadership Tours, where she assisted with taking Bay Area youth on College Tour’s tours to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She continues to inform and uplift youth wherever she goes and encourages them to attend an HBCU.
Meet the Board Members
Amaka
Agodi
Amaka Agodi is a young adult who believes in Jesus and thanks God each and every day. Working as a research associate and certified nursing assistant, she uses a compassionate and inquisitive heart to help those in need.
Delighted to help the younger generation, Amaka is excited to contribute to the Genesis Board of Directors.
Andree
Driskell-Grady
*Treasurer
Andree Driskell-Grady
Bio coming soon
Janice
Brathwaite
*Chair
Janice Brathwaite, with over 15 years of operational and management experience in service industries and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, brings a wealth of expertise to her role on the board of Genesis. She has demonstrated leadership through various positions at community organizations, including South Bay Community Church, showcasing her dedication to serving youth and families.
Janice is driven by a desire to dedicate time to inspiring causes, leverage talents for impactful work, and approach endeavors with love and compassion. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband Nicholas, her children, family, and friends. In her free time, she can be found enjoying the performing arts, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
Greg
Pierce
Greg Pierce
Bio coming soon
Shaka
Shaw
Shaka Shaw is a digital artist and illustrator based in San Jose who attended Howard University for Business Management and has spent the past decade in the world of technology as a Quality Assurance Engineer.
He has since continued on to forge a new path as an independent digital artist, seeking to inspire creative youth of color and to help provide opportunities and resources to students looking to pursue a career as a creative.
Tammy
Long
Tammy Long
Bio coming soon