Board of Directors

  • Douglas Brooks, MSW, LCSW

    BOARD MEMBER

    Douglas Brooks is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Community Counseling & Mediation (CCM), a New York-based organization providing mental health, health, supportive housing, youth, and education services. He holds a Master’s of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and serves as an Adjunct Professor at New York University’s School of Social Work and The City University of New York’s College of Staten Island. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Brooks has dedicated his career to supporting vulnerable populations and enhancing social services.

  • Shaquana Boykin, B.A.

    BOARD MEMBER

    Shaquana Boykin is the District Leader for the 57th Assembly District and a lifelong Brooklynite committed to youth empowerment, civic engagement, and community advocacy. A product of New York City public schools and the foster care system, she has dedicated her work to connecting young people and underserved communities with resources and opportunities. Her community leadership includes work with the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project and Brooklyn Movement Center. Shaquana brings to Soul2Soulz Inc. her passion for community engagement, youth advocacy, and empowering individuals to use their voices to create positive change.

  • Barbara Smith KariKari, Esq

    Barbara is a Strategic HR and Employment Law Executive with expertise in employment law, labor relations, human resources, talent development, employee relations, engagement, inclusion, recruitment, retention, and advancement. She has served as a strategic partner to global leadership teams and as an Executive Coach. As a member of the Soul2Soulz Inc. Board of Directors, Barbara brings her legal and HR expertise to support sound employment practices, organizational decision-making, and the continued growth of Soul2Soulz and its community impact.

  • Dion Ashman, B.S.

    BOARD MEMBER

    Dion Michael Ashman is the founder of Our Gang Productions of NY, LLC, a communications company focused on African American news, arts, and culture. He graduated from Pace University, with a degree in Communications. Dion is a longtime community and youth advocate, he has served in leadership roles with Brooklyn Community Board 9, the Crown Heights Youth Collective, and juvenile detention centers. He also founded Generation Not Deferred, a youth development program, and created Pure Fact, The Way It Is, a platform amplifying youth voices on critical community issues. In 2026, Dion was a candidate for New York City Council. He brings his extensive experience in youth advocacy, community engagement, and leadership to his support of Soul2Soulz, Inc.

  • Brian Creary, B.S.

    BOARD MEMBER

    Brian has a Bachelors in Business Administration with a minor in Social Work. He has close to 20 years of experience in Supervision, Management, and Youth Development. Brian worked with youth from underserved communities, living in group homes. He also coached multiple children and teen sports teams, while volunteering his time mentoring adolescent males. Brian will support Soul2Soulz, Inc with its overall operations and as a Board of Director.

  • Dan Taddeo, B.S., M.S., MBA

    BOARD MEMBER

    Board Member/ Data / Finance

    Dan is a data and finance professional with more than 13 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, specializing in technology solutions and data enablement. His commitment to youth development is reflected in his work as a College Admissions Counselor and Tutor, helping young people pursue their educational goals. As a Board Member of Soul2Soulz Inc. Dan brings his analytical and financial expertise to support data collection, financial oversight, budget monitoring, and reporting, helping to strengthen the organization’s fiscal accountability and continued growth.