Lee C. Bonner
Jabar X. Watson
Shani Shay
David Thompson
Jonathan Walton
Teneika Robinson
Zalika Bonner
Jill Arrington
Melvin Davis Jr.
Sean Cole
Carl C. Hancock
Leon Cole III Program Director
Pastor Anthony E. Grayson
Treasurer
Zalika Bonner
Zalika Bonner is a wife, mother, and Oakland native. She has worked for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland for over a decade, helping to ensure the children in our communities receive specialized care when needed. She is an active member and volunteer of various nonprofits throughout the bay area. Underprivileged children and the unhoused communities are close to her heart. For years, she has used her personal savings to provide them with supplies, food, and compassion kits. She is currently in the process of starting her own foundation to aide in the continuing of that work.
Financial Consultant
Jill Arrington
Jill Holly Arrington is a member of the Vision Vocations Expansion Committee, and she comes to us by way wearing many hats. Jill is currently a Realtor/Realist
and a full-time employee with PG&E. She said that she manifested this position
as she began to rethink about her vision and passion for a vocational oa for women of color back in 1999 where she worked her way up from Outreach Coordinator to Assistant Director of Women’s Employment Resource Center (WERC). WERC was one of the first non-profit agencies selected by Alameda County to receive funding for the Welfare to Work Program. The 2nd round of funding we won 1st place (Welfare to Work), 2nd place (Technology Training), and 3rd place (Domestic Violence Program) consecutively. Jill worked under the tutelage of Carole Brown, Director who taught Jill everything she knows about community programs, grant writing and operating a non-profit. She states, “It was my dream job, and I was devastated when Carole had to close the doors in 2004 due to lack of funding. Alameda County decided to take what they learned from us in the Community Organizations Groups and keep the money for themselves”. she never forgot about the work that she did where she felt most focused and purpose. She now brings that same experience, energy and excitement to Vision Vocations. Jill holds a B.A. in Human services and Community Development and taught in the Business Dept. at Peralta Colleges as a Part-Time Vocational Instructor. Her passion is in Motivational speaking, Vocational Training and coaching. she holds a designation as Competent Communicator with Toastmasters and is working towards her Distinguished Toastmaster Designation (DTM). She is also a Certified Life Coach and Youth, Parent & Family Coach with World Coach Institute, and an NLP Practitioner.
Business Consultant
Melvin Davis Jr.
Dr. Mel Davis has more than 30 years of experience both personally and professionally in leadership and mentorship roles with young people. Mel is the Chief Executive Officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Contra Costa. In this role, he helps to shape the outcomes of young people from all different backgrounds.
Mel’s previous professional experience was in the field of Brand Management. In those positions, Mel led such famous brands as 7 Up, Banquet Pot Pies, and Del Monte Foods. He also led the diversity initiatives within the
organizations where he worked. When he wasn’t at work, Mel spent and continues to spend time supporting organizations that focus on positive outcomes for young people, especially those who find themselves in challenging situations. Mel has several degrees including a Doctorate of Education from The University of San Francisco, a Masters in the Study of Law from University of California Law San Francisco, and an MBA from Indiana University. He lives in Pittsburg, CA after moving from Pittsburgh, Pa. with his wife, Beverly, and his dog Dianna Princess. Mel enjoys working with people who want to do great things in their communities but
need free support with developing their ideas.
Outreach Specialist
Sean Cole
Born and raised in Oakland California into a talented family. Sean Cole started writing poems, plays, and rapping at a young age. His Father, Leon Cole Jr., enjoyed playing the flute. His Mother, Yvonne Cole enjoyed singing in church choirs. His Brother, Leon Cole III enjoyed art drawing. His Sister, Keyshia Cole, Platinum R&B singer became one of the world’s top 5 singers.
Sean Cole adopted the name “Nuttso” which relates to his talented writing skills and the awesome way he rap his lyrics. He formed a rap group called “Street Thugs” in the mid 80’s which signed onto the independent label “Snakepit Records.”
Sean Cole met one of Oaktown’s greatest, MC Hammer, then singed the Street Thugs onto MC Hammer’s label.
Outreach specialist
Carl C. Hancock
College graduate, University of The Pacific, Stockton, CA., B.A. in Communications: Cross Cultural Communications; Interpersonal Communications; Nonverbal Communications; Progressive Relaxation and Meditation.
A dedicated son and family man.
A strong community leader, youth and adult mentor, fitness athletic trainer, that specialize in conflict resolution.
Vocational skills: Welding, Carpentry, Painting, Silkscreen Painting, and Preventive Maintenance.
Entreprenuership: Defy vent
Stockton Chapter
Leon Cole III Program Director
A red belt in karate, a family man, a youth advocate who loves embracing the beauty of nature through camping, fishing, water sports, hiking, and bike riding. Leon spends a majority of his leisure time teaching marine life to youth he mentors.
Leon also assumes the responsibility as the Recreational Coordinator for TYD.