MEET THE
TEAM
UMOJI is powered by 9 core volunteers, 100+ advisors, and 30,000+ contributors worldwide. Every member of our team is a leader. Every voice matters.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Zhivago Rhodes
Environmental justice advocate, cultural club builder, and fitness leader. Zhivago's vision drives UMOJI's community infrastructure — from green spaces to urban mentorship. His lived experience is the foundation of UMOJI's impact.
Alexander Walton
Coach Alex anchors the Leadership Excellence Initiative — cultivating executive readiness, principled decision-making, and next-generation leadership pipelines for justice-impacted and underserved communities.
Xaveira Rhodes
Coach X brings creative energy, leadership, and resilience to UMOJI's programs. Through the Art Healing Journey Initiative, Xaveira channels creative expression — visual art, storytelling, and movement — as a pathway to trauma recovery and cultural reclamation.
Jeroldine Kaiser
The visionary founder of UMOJI — a mother's love turned into a global movement. Jeroldine's Mediation Model is the backbone of UMOJI's restorative justice work. She built this organization with faith, grit, and radical love.
Dr. Coach Kay Merchant
Keisha Lanell Merchant — Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. Ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. 20+ years in ministry, Christian education, community organizing, and transformative leadership. Founder of the Coach Kay Standard.
Dr. Sandy Tsuneyoshi
Wellness and DEI expert with deep roots in Asian Pacific community bridge-building. Dr. Tsuneyoshi's work weaves culturally responsive wellness, equity, and inclusion into every layer of UMOJI's ecosystem — honoring ancestral wisdom while scaling globally.
Maya Cohen
Coach Maya leads the LGBTQ+ Integrated Education Initiative — building curriculum, training, and safe spaces that affirm identity, dignity, and belonging across UMOJI's programs and partner networks.
CO-FOUNDING ADVISOR STRATEGISTS
Quay Rhodes
Carrying the Family Legacy forward — Quay's strategic counsel ensures UMOJI's vision stays rooted in kinship, generational stewardship, and the enduring strength of family as the first community.
Kierra Rhodes
Champion of the Youth Initiative and the 18–24 cohort — Kierra designs pathways for emerging adults navigating reentry, education, and early career, anchoring the next generation in purpose, legacy, and belonging.