Leadership Committed to Nurturing Young Innovators
Carl J. Gray III
Founder & CEO
Danyel Watson
Director of Operations
Tiffani Headly
Director of Business Development/Sponsorships
Latasha Walker
Regional Director (ATL)
Crystal Brooks
Raising Founders Coach
JOshua power
Raising Founders Coach
Reginald B. Berry
Raising Founders Coach
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Carl J. Gray III
Founder & CEO
Carl Gray is a visionary leader and seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in business strategy, specializing in the growth and empowerment of minority-owned businesses.
As the Founder and CEO of Raising Founders Young Entrepreneur Academy, Carl is on a mission to transform the lives of young, Black entrepreneurs in the DMV area by equipping them with the skills, resources, and mindset necessary to launch and scale successful businesses. His philosophy centers on the belief that urban youth can be tomorrow's most influential business leaders if given the right support and opportunities.
Through Raising Founders, Carl has designed a unique, year-long incubator program that serves as the 'AAU of Entrepreneurship' for young Black teens. With an emphasis on providing hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world business experiences, the program aims to guide students through every step of their entrepreneurial journey. Carl's innovative approach combines high-touch coaching, strategic partnerships with schools and community organizations, and the integration of technology and creativity in business education.
Carl is committed to creating scalable solutions that drive community development and has successfully partnered with institutions like the Prince George's County Chamber of Commerce, local schools, and influential community leaders. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs has garnered him recognition and support from a diverse network of business professionals, educators, and parents.
Beyond his work with Raising Founders, Carl also leads "Launch With Carl," where he helps urban entrepreneurs transform their ideas into profitable ventures. Through both his personal and professional endeavors, Carl remains a passionate advocate for fostering economic growth and innovation within the Black community.
"Strong enough for adults, but built for young founders" – Carl Gray
Danyel Watson
Director of Operations
Danyel Watson is a dedicated advocate for arts education with an extensive background across various disciplines of the performing arts. A self-taught musician who plays five instruments, She has been teaching music lessons for over 13 years. As a mezzo-soprano, she has graced prestigious stages like The Kennedy Center and has performed internationally in Germany and Nova Scotia, showcasing her talent and passion for the arts. Over time, she transitioned from performing to arts administration, focusing on supporting and mentoring youth through creative outlets.
She is committed to empowering the next generation, believing in the transformative potential of the arts to shape future leaders. Her career in the Washington, D.C. area has seen her collaborate with numerous renowned arts organizations, including The Theatre Lab, The National Children's Chorus, The Fairfax Choral Society, and ArtStream Inc. Through these roles, she has built a strong reputation for her leadership and dedication to youth development.
Currently, Danyel is thrilled to join Raising Founders as the Director of Operations, where she will support her team and local youth in achieving their entrepreneurial dreams. She is eager to contribute her expertise to help young people in the DMV area realize their full potential, particularly in the growing field of entrepreneurship. In addition to her role at Raising Founders, she serves as the Program Director and Artist Relations Manager at the Canady Foundation for the Arts, where she continues to advocate for creative development and artistic expression among young people. She holds a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from James Madison University and a B.A. in Music with minors in Theatre and Dance from UNC Charlotte.
Tiffani Headly
Director of Business Development/Sponsorships
Tiffani, a proud native of Prince George's County, Maryland, is the Director of Business Development and Outreach at Raising Founders. She drives strategic partnerships, enhances program visibility, and secures key funding opportunities, all aimed at empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. With a career spanning human resources, marketing, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit support, Tiffani excels at creating campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.
Tiffani earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from South Carolina State University and began her career by contributing to the grand opening of a Fortune 500 company. Over the years, she has worked across multiple industries, driving brand growth and forging key partnerships. Her work in the nonprofit sector has been instrumental in developing sustainable strategies that help organizations fulfill their missions.
Tiffani further honed her business acumen at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University, where she gained advanced expertise in leadership, strategy, and entrepreneurial innovation. This experience equips her to lead high-impact initiatives and craft sustainable business strategies across various sectors.
Beyond her professional life, Tiffani is passionate about the arts, community, and youth. She enjoys modeling and coaching young girls, helping to inspire confidence and creativity. In her free time, Tiffani indulges her passion for culinary exploration, discovering new restaurants and expanding her appreciation for diverse cuisines. Connect with Tiffani to explore partnerships, mentorship, or collaboration opportunities that align with Raising Founders' mission of nurturing future entrepreneurs.
Latasha Walker
Regional Director (ATL)
Latasha J. Walker is a multi-faceted entrepreneur, businesswoman, and community leader with over 15 years of experience in Human Resource Management and Financial Management. Her diverse expertise spans across several industries, including farming, consulting, staffing, cosmetology, transportation, and food services, healthcare.
Latasha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration, alongside Master's degrees in Divinity and Christian Education. These academic foundations have empowered her to make significant contributions to both the public and private sectors, focusing on community-building and youth education. She has served on various state government, non-profit, and church boards, passionately advocating for youth education and development. Her roles on these boards reflect her commitment to fostering opportunities for the next generation.
In 2016, Latasha resigned from her role in the public sector to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations full-time. Her bold move into business ownership proved immensely successful, and by 2020, she had achieved multi-millionaire status. She continues to secure government contracts and grants, which she uses to address community needs and inspire youth to embrace entrepreneurship. Latasha's entrepreneurial success and passion for community service are further reflected in her role as Regional Director for Raising Founders ATL, where she helps develop entrepreneurship schools for youth aged 11 to 18. Through this initiative, she equips young people with the tools and knowledge to start their own businesses.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Latasha is married to Leshaun J. Walker, a chef by passion and the owner of 3L Catering. Together, they are proud parents to two beautiful children, Lijah J. Walker and Lyric J. Walker. Latasha's inspiring journey, from a state employee to a thriving businesswoman, demonstrates her dedication to empowering others, especially the youth, to pursue their dreams and build successful futures.
Meet The Coaches
Crystal Brooks
Raising Founders Coach
Crystal Brooks, affectionately known as the “Mentor/Coach Extraordinaire,” is the visionary Founder of Love You More, Inc.®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering teen girls and women and Love You More Legacy®, LLC her transformative coaching practice.
Best Selling Author, Certified Master Life and Forgiveness Coach, Speaker and entrepreneur, Crystal encourages women from all walks of life to find their voices and walk confidently in their truth. She is known for her authentic, caring spirit. Her love for empowering others is exuded through her relatable energy, sincerity, and genuine passion for uplifting women through every endeavor she embraces.
Through courageously sharing her own journey through abuse, loss and pain to abundance, self-love and finding her voice, Crystal proves that silence is no longer an option! She understands that to open doors for the next generation we all must begin to do the work of healing and self-discovery.
DR joshua powers
Raising Founders Coach
A Prince George's county native and an honorary doctorate recipient for my over twenty years expertise in live vocal and musical performance. I combine the stage experience and communication skills gained from my background in sales to connect with and motivate those I coach. With a passion for educating and empowering the youth, I bring over two years of experience coaching young entrepreneurs (ages 13 & up) at the Young Entrepreneurship Camp.
My approach centers on motivation, practical education, and encouragement, fostering the skills and confidence essential for the success of those who I'm honored to guide.
Reginald B. Berry
Raising Founders Coach
Reginald B. Berry, affectionately known as "Reggie," is a multi-talented business leader, educator, and coach whose career reflects a deep commitment to youth empowerment, security, and community. As co-founder of Kidonaire, an innovative youth entrepreneurship platform, Reggie is dedicated to nurturing future leaders by introducing young minds to business fundamentals and inspiring confidence. Through Kidonaire, he helps youth develop hands-on skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and the self-belief to pursue their dreams early on.
Reggie’s career also highlights his extensive expertise in audio-visual technology. As a former AV technician, he excelled in managing complex setups for major events, operating multi-camera systems, and troubleshooting technical issues. Known for his attention to detail and dedication to quality, he ensured that every event ran seamlessly, meeting the highest standards for both clients and audiences alike. His technical skills and focus on excellence made him a key asset in elevating event experiences.
In addition to his technical work, Reggie has a strong background in security and public safety. He served as a Security Officer with Prince George’s County Public Schools in Upper Marlboro, MD, and Integrity Church International in Landover, MD, where he implemented safety protocols, coordinated with law enforcement, and maintained secure environments. His proactive approach to safety, clear communication, and strategic planning underscore his effectiveness and reliability as a leader.
A lifelong athlete, Reggie’s passion for football began early and continued through college, where he developed resilience, teamwork, and discipline. After college, he became a high school football coach at Bowie High School in Bowie, MD, mentoring young athletes and imparting valuable life skills such as perseverance and collaboration. His coaching emphasizes personal growth, teamwork, and supporting others on and off the field. Reggie attended Potomac High School in Oxon Hill, MD, James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, and Bowie State University in Bowie, MD. Balancing his professional roles with devotion to his faith, his wife Ashley, and their son Ian, Reggie is known for his strategic insight and problem-solving abilities, inspiring a lasting impact on his community.
