BOARD MEMBER

With 16 years of experience in property management as a Senior Portfolio Manager in affordable housing, Leaveine Damas holds a strong reputation for leadership, community engagement, and operational excellence. Dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion, Leaveine served as Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for two years at a Property Management organization based out of Braintree, MA, where she led initiatives to strengthen organizational culture, promote equitable policies, and support staff education.

Leaveine’s leadership in DEI continues through her current role as a Parent Advisor for the Office of Health Equity and Inclusion at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she collaborates on strategies to improve patient and family experiences and reduce disparities in healthcare. Through this work, she champions the voices of marginalized communities and strives to ensure that all families receive equitable, culturally responsive care. Across all roles, Leaveine is driven by a passion for advocacy, inclusive practice, and creating environments where individuals and families feel supported, respected, and empowered. Leaveine is especially dedicated and brings a deep personal passion for autism and children with disabilities, inspired by her lived experience as a mother.

BOARD MEMBER

David Harris is a seasoned property management professional with nearly 20 years of experience in affordable housing across Virginia, Washington, DC, and New England, David brings a deep commitment to operational excellence and community impact. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and has built a career centered on advancing equitable housing and sustainable asset performance.

As a founding member and Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a Massachusetts-based property management firm, David played a pivotal role in shaping inclusive policies, practices, and organizational culture. Currently, he serves as a senior leader with a focus on asset management within the assisted living division of a property management firm based in Norwood, Massachusetts, overseeing strategic planning, financial performance, and long-term portfolio health.

Dedicated to meaningful community engagement, David remains deeply committed to supporting and advocating for impoverished and underserved communities through both professional leadership and service.

Throughout their career, David’s work has consistently aligned with the mission of Roots 2Empower—advancing equity, empowerment, and sustainable opportunities for marginalized communities. His leadership in affordable and assisted living housing reflects a deep belief that stable, dignified housing is foundational to individual and community well-being. By combining strategic asset management with a people-centered approach, David actively supports initiatives that uplift residents, strengthen community resilience, and create pathways for long-term economic and social empowerment.

BOARD MEMBER

Lalisa Sweat is the Founder and Managing Attorney of The Sweat Way Law Firm, where she focuses her practice on consumer protection, business law, and trademark law. She is passionate about advocating for individuals and small businesses, helping clients navigate complex legal matters while protecting their rights and empowering them to achieve their goals.

In addition to her legal practice, Lalisa is committed to community service and leadership. She believes in using her knowledge and experience to create opportunities for others through education, mentorship, and advocacy. Her passion for empowering individuals aligns closely with the mission of Roots 2Empower, and she is honored to serve on its Board of Directors.

Lalisa earned her Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law and is licensed to practice law in North Carolina. She also holds real estate licenses in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida. Through both her professional and community involvement, Lalisa remains dedicated to fostering growth, expanding access to resources, and helping individuals build stronger futures.

BOARD MEMBER

Jayelani Hall is a senior leader with extensive experience in workforce development, program strategy, and organizational leadership. Her work focuses on building sustainable systems, strengthening teams, and creating pathways that support individual and community growth. In addition to her leadership work, Jayelani is an entrepreneur and founder of a consulting and brand-development firm that supports organizations and small businesses in clarifying their mission, strengthening operations, and expanding their impact. She brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach that blends strategy, creativity, and community engagement.

Jayelani is deeply aligned with Roots 2Empower’s mission to advance environmental justice, economic empowerment, and pathways for justice-impacted individuals. She is passionate about restoring dignity, promoting self-sufficiency, and helping communities thrive through equitable, community-driven solutions. As a board member, Jayelani is committed to supporting Roots 2Empower’s long-term vision through strategic guidance, collaboration, and advocacy.

BOARD MEMBER

T. Maria is a Senior Property Manager with more than a decade of experience in Affordable Housing. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with diverse communities, gaining firsthand insight into the systemic barriers that shape housing stability and economic opportunity.

Deeply committed to social justice, T. Maria is passionate about advancing an equity agenda rooted in racial and economic inclusion. She is dedicated to supporting initiatives that address systemic inequities and create meaningful, lasting change.

Beyond her board service, T. Maria enjoys mentoring young professionals and investing in the next generation of leaders, helping to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable future.

BOARD ADVISOR

Jackie Jackson-Askie is a social worker and community organizer dedicated to improving access, opportunity, and quality of life for underserved community members. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Simmons University and brings a deep understanding of the systemic barriers that individuals and families face in accessing resources, care, and support needed for healthy, stable lives. Through her professional and community-based work, Jackie partners with organizations to identify gaps in services and advocate for solutions that strengthen education, health, and community well-being. Her experience spans work with faith-based, civic, and nonprofit organizations, including the Ocean State Baptist Church, the Liberian Community Association of Rhode Island, Back To School Celebration initiatives, and the Providence Community Action Program.

As Vice President of Roots 2Empower, Jackie brings a strong commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and community-driven leadership. She is passionate about advancing the organization’s mission by supporting programs that empower individuals, uplift families, and create pathways to long-term stability and success.

BOARD MEMBER, EMERITUS

James is the founder and director of Reentry Campus. Reentry Campus provides workforce development and enrichment opportunities to youth ages 15 to 21 inside and outside RI's Adult Correction Institution ensuring a college degree pathway is integrated into the support systems needed upon release. Inspired by his own lived experience, James dropped out of school in the eighth grade and spent most of his adult life in and out of the penal system. It was within the Maryland Penitentiary in Baltimore that he earned an Associate’s Degree in Psychology, with Honors. Upon release, he earned a Bachelor’s in Community Development at Roger Williams University. James received the RI NAACP’s Joseph Lecount Award for his work founding the Billy Taylor House. He has been named as one of RI's "15 to Watch" for his work in youth programs that address violence in the city and prepare the next generation of Providence leaders.