Shakura Woodland is the Program Coordinator for Rising from the Shadows' H.A.V.E.N. program. Shakura has a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and in the future she has hopes of using that degree to start a foundation for underrepresented/underserved children.  Her passion in life is to help children find their path in life. It is because of Shakura's passion and heart that she is the perfect addition to our organization!

Woodland will be taking on a major role within the H.A.V.E.N. program for Rising from the Shadows and becoming not only an ambassador for prevention education, but a community outreach specialist who will serve with Rising from the Shadows to bridge gaps of inequity. She will help to create educational spaces and opportunities for young boys and girls in the community to empower them with the tools that they need to survive in today's society. She will be training under the Founder, Latoya Alston, closely to learn the brand and help to create brand messaging for the program, along with training up mentors for H.A.V.E.N..

In her free time, she likes to do arts and crafts! She is a creative mind that loves to learn (and teach) through the arts. We are so blessed to be able to have such a talented soul representing this organization in the community and are excited to help nurture the God-given talents that she possesses. 

Aggie Parks is the West Coast Program Coordinator for Rising from the Shadows' H.A.V.E.N. program. She will be training under the Founder, Latoya Alston, closely to learn the brand and to help create brand messaging for the program, along with training up mentors for H.A.V.E.N. Here are a few words directly from her heart: "I’m aggie, and my story has never been neat, polished, or tied up with a cute little bow. I've walked through abandonment, abuse, eating disorders, toxic relationships, rejection, and seasons where i genuinely wondered if i would ever feel like myself again. But Jesus kept meeting me in the mess. Every good thing that came after—the healing, the rebuilding, the courage, the opportunities—belongs to Him. Somehow, by His grace, the girl who once felt invisible and voiceless became a marathon runner, businesswoman, podcast host, pageant titleholder, and someone who now gets to create spaces where other people can finally say the things they’ve been afraid to say out loud.

That’s what i hope to bring into Rising From the Shadows. I'm not coming in as someone who has it all figured out—because LOL, absolutely not. I'm coming in as someone Jesus has rescued, restored, carried, and redeemed over and over again. i want to walk beside others, help them find their voice, rebuild their confidence, laugh again, dream again, and remind them that their darkest chapter does not get the final word—Jesus does. If anything in my story can help someone else rise a little sooner, feel a little less alone, and see what God can do with a surrendered life, then every hard thing i walked through was not wasted."

Jermaine Alston is a devoted man of God who has spent much of his life serving in ministry and investing in the lives of young people. Having grown up in the church, he developed a strong foundation of faith that continues to guide his life and purpose. His passion for Christ is evident in his commitment to helping youth grow spiritually, build confidence, and recognize the unique gifts and potential God has placed within them. He believes that every young person deserves encouragement, guidance, and positive role models who will help them navigate life's challenges and opportunities.

As a father of two and owner of Alston Insurance Agency, Jermaine brings the values of integrity, compassion, and service into every aspect of his life. He understands the importance of consistency, support, and accountability in shaping the next generation and is dedicated to empowering youth to pursue their goals with faith and determination. As a mentor, Jermaine is approachable, dependable, and authentic—someone who meets young people where they are, believes in them wholeheartedly, and encourages them to become the individuals God has called them to be.

As a dedicated Pitt County educator and owner of a tutoring business, Nitiya Brooks is committed to helping students build confidence, achieve academic success, and reach their full potential. She specializes in providing individualized instruction tailored to each student's unique learning needs, focusing on strengthening foundational skills, improving academic performance, and fostering a lifelong love for learning. Through her work, she strives to create supportive and encouraging environments where students can grow both academically and personally.

Beyond her professional endeavors, she is a devoted woman of God and a faithful leader in ministry with a heart for serving youth. Having dedicated much of her life to mentoring and encouraging young people, she is passionate about helping them develop strong character, faith, and purpose. Her commitment to education and ministry reflects her desire to empower the next generation to succeed in the classroom, in their communities, and in their walk with Christ.

LaKeshia Brown is a seasoned Healthcare IT Senior Project Manager with extensive experience leading complex implementations, managing large-scale projects, and building high-performing teams. Throughout her career, she has been driven by the belief that when people feel supported, valued, and seen, they are capable of achieving far more than they ever imagined. Her leadership style is rooted in empowerment, collaboration, and helping others recognize their strengths and potential.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, LaKeshia is deeply passionate about mentoring youth and young adults. She is committed to helping young people discover their value, develop resilience, and take meaningful steps toward their personal, educational, and professional goals. Through encouragement, guidance, and authentic connection, she strives to make a lasting impact on the lives of those she mentors. As she often says, “Mentorship is not about having all the answers—it is about walking alongside someone long enough for them to find their own. Meet people where they are.”

Carson Moore is a recent psychology graduate from East Carolina University with a strong passion for working with children and helping them reach their full potential. She is dedicated to fostering positive growth, confidence, and emotional well-being in the children she works with. Carson enjoys creating supportive and encouraging environments where children feel safe, valued, understood, and empowered to succeed.

Through her academic background in psychology and her genuine enthusiasm for helping others, Carson has developed an understanding of the importance of patience, empathy, and effective communication when working with children and families. She is committed to building meaningful connections and providing guidance that promotes healthy development and self-confidence. Carson’s goal is to continue working with children and families in a meaningful way, making a lasting positive impact on their lives and supporting them as they grow and thrive.

Dantriel Woodland is a devoted man of God who is passionate about youth empowerment and helping young people recognize their potential. Throughout his life, he has dedicated himself to mentoring and encouraging youth, believing that with faith, determination, and the right support, every young person can achieve their goals. His love for God serves as the foundation of his approach to mentorship, inspiring him to invest in the spiritual, personal, and educational growth of the next generation.

As a mentor, he and his wife previously led their own Big Brother, Big Sister program. Together, they guided youth through discussions about college opportunities, personal development, and faith, while also organizing visits to college campuses to expose them to possibilities beyond their immediate surroundings. His goal has always been to broaden horizons, build confidence, and help young people believe in themselves and their future. He is committed to being a consistent source of encouragement and support, and he takes great pride in the fact that all seven of his children have graduated from high school—a reflection of his lifelong dedication to guiding, empowering, and uplifting young people.

Click Here To Apply As A Mentor!

Click Here To Apply As A Mentor!