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The Urban Institute for Strengthening Families (UI4SF) is a visionary nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the social, emotional, economic, and maternal–paternal health outcomes of families. Founded by Dr. Kelly R. Little, UI4SF disrupts harmful systems, amplifies father engagement, and cultivates emotionally intelligent leadership in men, boys, and communities.
Our work is grounded in:
- Healing-centered engagement
- Emotional intelligence frameworks
- Cultural identity & belonging
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Multi-sector collaboration
- Community-led innovation
We focus our efforts on families impacted by generational trauma, inequitable systems, and structural barriers.
Transforming Families. Elevating Communities. Building Legacy.
UI4SF Leadership Team & Board of Directors
Urban Institute for Strengthening Families
Dr. Kelly R. Little
CEO, Founder
Kelly R. Little is a author, poet, visionary, action-oriented leader, podcaster, transformational coach, motivational speaker, and strategist who partners with people and professionals to elevate, community and organizational growth. Selflessly serving is more than a phrase to this retired and highly decorated combat veteran, who has served this country honorably for over twenty-four years. Additionally, he has retired as a Customer Relations Manager for Mecklenburg County Government. Observing inequity, exploitation and disenfranchisement has inspired him to dedicate his life to cultivating solutions for uplifting black families with a specific emphasis on black and brown boys and men.
Michael Jackson
Chief Operating Officer
Michael Jackson serves as Chief Operating Officer at the Urban Institute for Strengthening Families, where he leads operational strategy and program development focused on strengthening father engagement and supporting youth development across our community. With over 12 years of dedicated experience in fatherhood programs and youth development initiatives, Michael brings both lived experience and professional expertise to his role in breaking generational cycles and building healthy family legacies.
As a father of three adult children and husband of 31 years, Michael understands firsthand the challenges and rewards of intentional fatherhood. His personal journey from corporate banking to nonprofit leadership reflects his deep commitment to supporting families through relationship-centered approaches rather than purely transactional services.
At UI4SF, Michael oversees program delivery, community partnerships, and organizational development, ensuring that fathers and families receive comprehensive support that addresses their holistic needs. He has developed frameworks that help men tap into their roots of resources—drawing on cultural wisdom, family strengths, and community connections—to become the fathers and leaders their families need.
Michael holds certifications as a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Life Coach, credentials that enhance his ability to support the whole-person development central to UI4SF’s mission. His 30+ years of professional experience spanning banking and nonprofit leadership bring operational excellence and strategic thinking to strengthening families throughout Charlotte and beyond.
Danyae Thomas
Board Chair
Danyae Thomas is an accomplished strategic leader, organizational architect, and partnership cultivator with over a decade of experience at the intersection of economic mobility, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and community development. Known for her tactical precision and systems-level thinking, Danyae has designed and scaled equity-driven programs that elevate underserved communities while forging sustainable relationships across corporate, nonprofit, and grassroots sectors.
As Director of Programming and Strategic Partnerships at The Park CDC, she operationalizes high-impact initiatives that strengthen ecosystems through innovative design, cross-sector collaboration, and measurable outcomes. Her tenure includes transformative roles at the Urban League of Central Carolinas and Ventureprise, where she built dynamic partnerships, managed multi-million dollar programming portfolios, and positioned organizations as regional thought leaders.
Danyae’s superpower lies in blending strategy with heart, mobilizing stakeholders through authentic relationship building, culturally grounded engagement, and a fierce commitment to inclusive growth. As Founder of Belle Moi and a Leadership Charlotte alum, she is widely respected as a connector, catalyst, and champion for equity.
Courtney Coble
Board Member
As the CEO and Visionary of The Academy of Goal Achievers, Courtney leads a nonprofit organization that develops youth leaders and prepares them for post-secondary success. With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has a proven track record of creating and implementing impactful programs that empower students and families to access education and exposure opportunities.
She is passionate about fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the organization and the community. She has been recognized as an unsung hero, a thought leader, and an impact strategist for her advocacy and leadership. Her mission and purpose are to create accessible and equitable pathways for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Patrick Crockett
Board Member
She is passionate about fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the organization and the community. She has been recognized as an unsung hero, a thought leader, and an impact strategist for her advocacy and leadership. Her mission and purpose are to create accessible and equitable pathways for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Dr. Yven Destin
Board Member
Dr. Yven Destin is a writer, educator, and cultural critic whose work explores the intersections of race, history, and moral responsibility in America. With a PhD in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh, a master’s degree from the University of Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College, Dr. Destin brings over two decades of experience in teaching, publishing, and public scholarship.
He is the author of What Can James Baldwin’s “Little Man” Teach Us About Children and Our Responsibility to Them?, and the curator of the Substack series Microtruths, which blends Baldwinian insight with sharp cultural commentary to expose the myths America tells about itself. His work has been featured in academic journals, national newspapers, and at conferences focused on racial justice, education, and child welfare.
Remington Scruggs
Board Member
Remington is a Relationship Manager in PNC’s Commercial Banking Group. Remington is responsible for delivering banking products and services to Commercial companies ranging from $5 million to $50 million in revenue within the Charlotte Market. Remington advises his clients on appropriate capital structure, cash flow efficiency and PNC’s world class treasury management platform. Remington has been active in the banking industry for the past five years. He is a trusted advisor with experience in providing clients strategic and forward-thinking advice for their business and growth.
Remington has a strong underwriting background working at large financial institutions as a credit and financial analyst. He has experience managing commercial and middle market portfolios. He strives at improving processes and mitigating operational risks. Remington analyzes cash flow lending opportunities to determine risk profile of clients and prospects in coordination with PNC’s credit division. Remington practices PNC’s relationship banking model working with companies during all phases of an economic cycle.
Remington attended Appalachian State University in Boone, NC where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting. He also earned a Masters of Science in Accounting. Remington supports PNC’s Grow Up Great program, a $500 million, multi-year, bilingual initiative that began in 2004 to help prepare children from birth to age five for success in school and life. To date, the program has served 7 million children.
A’Nia Morrison
Board Member
A’Nia Morrison is a Full Spectrum Doula and strategic connector who brings a rare blend of compassion, analytical thinking, and results-driven execution to everything she does. With a background spanning Consumer, Small Business, Corporate and Investment Banking, Treasury Management, Client Success, and Financial Services, she has cultivated the expertise to solve complex challenges while keeping people and purpose at the center.
In her professional work, A’Nia applies a results-oriented mindset and strong analytical skills to optimize processes, enhance customer experiences, and ensure seamless integration of financial tools. Her focus is on creating scalable, impactful solutions that align with the evolving needs of both clients and industries. Always eager to expand her expertise, she actively stays ahead of emerging trends, leveraging technology to make financial services smarter, more secure, and more accessible.
As a Full Spectrum Doula, A’Nia extends her commitment to empowerment, wellness, and advocacy. She stands as a bridge, connecting individuals, families, and communities to knowledge, resources, and compassionate care. Her holistic approach reflects her belief in continuous learning, collaboration, and impact-driven service, whether in the birthing space, the boardroom, or the broader community.
A’Nia is enthusiastic, adaptable, and innovative, thriving in collaborative environments and motivated to contribute to teams and movements shaping the future of finance, health, and community well-being. A connector who merges emotional intelligence with financial acumen and human-centered care, A’Nia Morrison is the partner to watch.
Robert Lewis, Jr.
Board Member
Robert Lewis, Jr., who is former owner of The Lewis Law Firm, PA, graduated from St. John’s University, with a B.A., in Economics and earned his Juris Doctor & L.L.M degrees from St. John’s University School of Law at in Queens, New York. Following law school, Mr. Lewis served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Thomas W. Waldrep, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina, and the Honorable William L. Stocks, United States Bankruptcy Judges for the Middle District of North Carolina.
Following his clerkship, Mr. Lewis was employed as an associate with Stubbs & Perdue, P.A., focusing on business and consumer bankruptcy and civil litigation. Mr. Lewis has been practicing consumer and business bankruptcy for over 14 years and has filed hundreds of bankruptcy cases statewide.
Prior to attending law school Mr. Lewis held multiple positions at Fortune 500 Companies and during law school Mr. Lewis worked on Wall Street for Merrill Lynch.
Transformative Care LLC: www.transformativecare.org
Mission
To strengthen families and build thriving communities by advancing emotional wellness, father engagement, maternal health equity, youth development, economic maturity, and culturally informed healing practices.
Vision
We envision a future where every father is empowered, every child is supported, and every family experiences stability, love, and generational opportunity.
Our Core Values
- Belonging: Every family deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported.
- Healing: We lead with compassion, emotional intelligence, and restoration.
- Legacy: We equip fathers and youth to build generational wealth and wisdom.
- Courage: We challenge inequitable systems and stand boldly in our purpose.
- Community: We rise by lifting others.
- Selfless Service: We serve for the benefit of others, never ourselves.
- Integrity: We uplift honesty, reliability, and connection in every interaction.
Our Ecosystem Approach
UI4SF partners with healthcare systems, child support, DSS, reentry, schools, maternal health providers, workforce agencies, community centers, Health department and philanthropic foundations to ensure families receive coordinated support, not fragmented services.
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