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Center 360 youth at the graduation ceremony

Our Team

Center 360 is powered by a dedicated team passionate about empowering middle school youth. We are committed to providing mentorship, guidance, and support to help them build a successful future.

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KEISHA HAMILTON

Co-Founder

Keisha is a living testament to the power of resilience and dedication. With over 20 years of experience in mentoring young people, she brings a unique understanding of their challenges in her approach to helping them overcome obstacles and thrive. 

Keisha Hamilton empowers the next generation on and off the field as a mother, multi-sport coach, corporate leader, and non-profit founder. Her love for running, which began at age 5 in Jamaica, provided her with the tools to cope with life's changes. This personal journey fueled her unwavering passion for track and field, leading her to pursue higher education through a full athletic scholarship at Western Kentucky University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master of Science in Athletic Administration and Recreation. Keisha is also a USA Track and Field Certified Coach, actively contributing to youth development through the Carolina Blaze Track Club. Keisha's work is a powerful testament to the transformative power of mentorship and sports in shaping the lives of young people. Inspired by her experiences working with Parks and Recreation departments in Decatur and Atlanta, GA, and the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Youth Sports Division in Charlotte, Keisha established Center 360. Her vision is fueled by the profound impact that mentors and coaches can have on young individuals. Through Center 360, Keisha aims to provide unwavering support and guidance to empower today's youth, just as she received. Her work is not just a mission but a living example of the difference one person can make in the lives of many. “Sports, as well as my coaches along the way, have all greatly impacted my life and the person I am today. Center 360 is an opportunity for me to use what I was blessed with and pay it forward to our youth.”

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AKELIAH STEWART

Co-Founder
& Executive Director

Akeliah is a seasoned director working in management of non-profit organizations. Her expertise in nonprofit organizations, youth development, coaching, crisis intervention, and family therapy is informed by her empathy and belief in everyone's potential. 

Since her high school years, Akeliah Stewart, co-founder of Center 360, has been unwavering in her dedication to uplifting and empowering young people in need. Driven by her passion for teaching, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from South Carolina State University and later pursued a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Throughout her journey, she has fearlessly tackled various challenges faced by youth, such as poverty and substance abuse, supporting LGBTQ youth and allies, aiding runaways, addressing homelessness, and combating abuse/neglect and human trafficking, among other crisis situations. Akeliah's impactful work includes serving as a Program Director at Time Out Youth for three years and as a Program Manager at The Relatives Crisis Center for a decade. In 2015, she co-founded Center 360 — a testament to her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people. In 2021, Akeliah took on the role of Executive Director, elevating the organization's mission. Her return to the Executive Director role in 2024 signifies her enduring dedication to being a beacon of hope for young people in need. Akeliah is a living embodiment of a dedicated Youth Advocate and a true champion for all young individuals.

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2026-2027 Interns

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UNC Charlotte | Major

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DENIEYA ROBINSON

UNC Charlotte | Masters in Social Work

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MA'LIAYHA WILKINS

UNC Charlotte | Masters in Social Work

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UNC Charlotte | Major

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UNC Charlotte | Major

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MARLON JOHNSON II

UNC Charlotte | Bachelors in Social Work

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STEPHANIE DAVIS

UNC Charlotte | Bachelors in Social Work & Bachelor of Science in Psychology

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UNC Charlotte | Major

Board of Directors

Center 360 Co-Founder Keisha Hamilton

KEISHA HAMILTON

Board Chair

Northwell Health​

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LT. LEBRAUN EVANS

Board Member

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department

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CHARLES WATKINS

Board Member

FocalPoint Business Leadership Coaching of Charlotte

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ERIC LUMPKINS

Board Member

Enlightened Financial Group

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JILL DOZIER

Board Treasurer

Microsoft

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ANNE ESSAYE

Board Secretary

Retired Attorney

Join us in shaping a brighter future
for our youth

Center 360 is seeking passionate, committed individuals to join our board and help guide the vision and growth of our organization. As a board member, you will play a critical role in shaping our future, supporting our mission, and expanding our impact in the community. Please complete the form below to provide us with insight into your background, experience, and how you can contribute to the success of Center360. We look forward to learning more about you and exploring how we can work together to serve youth and families through our programs.

Become a part of our mission to make a difference in the lives of young people.

Board Member Interest Form

Thank you for your interest in joining the Center360 Board of Directors!

Center 360 is seeking passionate, committed individuals to join our board and help guide the vision and growth of our organization. As a board member, you will play a critical role in shaping our future, supporting our mission, and expanding our impact in the community. Please complete the form below to provide us with insight into your background, experience, and how you can contribute to the success of Center360. We look forward to learning more about you and exploring how we can work together to serve youth and families through our programs.

Do you have any previous experience working with nonprofits or youth-based organizations?
Which of the following areas would you consider your areas of expertise? (Select all that apply)
Are you able to commit to attending board meetings regularly?
Can you commit to serving a two-year term on the board?
Are you comfortable with fundraising and donor engagement activities?
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