Meet Our Board of Directors
We believe that a map is only as good as the person holding it. Our team is comprised of "Credible Messengers"—individuals who have navigated their own winding roads and now dedicate their expertise to lighting the way for others. From urban agriculture leaders to business strategists, we are united by a single goal: empowering the next generation to own their journey and reach their highest potential.
Otha caldwell
Otha Caldwell is a community builder and urban agriculture leader dedicated to helping youth navigate the "winding roads" of food security and environmental justice. As the Director of Food and Gardens at Isles, Inc., Otha leads neighborhood revitalization initiatives in Trenton, NJ. With a career rooted in hands-on mentorship, he designs innovative programs for youth ages 13–24 that blend STEAM education with workforce training. A lifelong learner of ethnobotany, Otha creates fertile ground where young people can grow physically and spiritually, ensuring they have the "trusted guide" they need to reach new horizons and discover the beauty of their own landscapes.
Arthur Jackson
Lamar Ansaar is a retired Maintenance Engineer and community advocate with 21 years of experience in technical operations and infrastructure management. As a co-founder of Brick Road Life Skills, Lamar is dedicated to leveraging his professional background to guide youth toward promising futures. His vision is rooted in the belief that while technology may eliminate many modern roles, the need for skilled labor remains a vital and resilient cornerstone of the economy.
Taqiyya Wallace is an experienced business development consultant with over 15 years of success in empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Specializing in leadership development and strategic planning, she has a proven track record of driving operational excellence for Fortune 500 companies and creative entrepreneurs alike. At Brick Road, Taqiyya uses her strategic expertise to help youth at a "crossroads" chart their own successful journeys. By providing the leadership coaching and entrepreneurial tools necessary for sustainable growth, she ensures every young traveler has the map and the confidence needed to steer confidently toward a future of purpose and possibility.
Taqiyya Wallace
Hassan Abdul-malik
Hassan Abdul-Malik is a dedicated community advocate with a profound passion for learning, development, and social justice. As a lifelong believer in continuous improvement, Hassan brings an adaptable and curious spirit to the Brick Road Life Skills team. He is deeply committed to neighborhood revitalization and preparing vulnerable youth to face life's inevitable challenges with resilience. By focusing on community improvement and equity, Hassan serves as a "trusted guide" for young travelers standing at critical crossroads. He works to ensure every young person is equipped with the hard-work ethic and confidence needed to navigate their own winding roads, turning future endeavors into successful milestones and reaching new horizons.
Lamar Ansaar
Lamar Ansaar is a retired Maintenance Engineer and community advocate with 21 years of experience in technical operations and infrastructure management. As a co-founder of Brick Road Life Skills, Lamar serves as a "credible messenger" for youth, leveraging his extensive career to prove the enduring value of skilled labor. In an era of rapid technological change, he believes that hands-on trades remain a resilient and vital path to success. Lamar is passionate about providing young people with practical options that keep them engaged and disciplined, helping them navigate life’s detours with the craftsmanship and integrity needed to secure a stable, successful life.
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Other Ways to Help
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