Leadership Committed to Nurturing Young Innovators
Carl J. Gray III
Founder & CEO
Danyel Watson
Director of Operations
Charles McGlone
Director of Admissions and Recruitment
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 seasoned administrator and advocate for youth development, with extensive experience in nonprofit management. Over the years, she has focused on leveraging her expertise to support creative programs and empower young people, particularly in underserved communities. Her strong background in program management, strategic planning, and community engagement has allowed her to build a reputation for leadership and innovation. She is skilled in developing impactful programs, streamlining operations, and fostering partnerships to enhance organizational capacity and program reach.
Currently, Danyel serves as the Director of Operations at Raising Founders, where she manages daily operations, implements efficient systems, and supports a team dedicated to helping local youth achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.
Charles McGlone
Director of Admissions and Recruitment
Charles McGlone, a proud graduate of DeMatha Catholic High School, pursued higher education at Morehouse College and Bowie State University. With a career rooted in instructional design, Charles has honed his expertise in crafting engaging curricula that empower learners to retain what truly matters.
As a father to a teenage son and a preteen daughter, Charles is deeply committed to equipping young people with the tools, confidence, and mindset needed to design a future that excites and inspires them. His passion lies in helping youth not only realize their potential but also create opportunities that uplift others. In his new role as Director of Admissions, Charles is dedicated to expanding access to entrepreneurial education for teenagers in underserved communities. Combining his skills in communication, curriculum design, and community outreach, he aims to inspire the next generation of leaders to turn their dreams into reality.
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.
