Meet Our Team.
We’re passionate about changing lives and creating opportunity. Together, we are determined to help young men find Another Way of Life.
Nicole Best |
Founder & Executive Director
Nicole Best founded Another Way of Life, Inc. to be a revolutionary vision connected to her core passions. Her childhood was spent in community based organizations and she was able to experience the impact of a non-profit through Yonkers Community Action Program, before she knew what a non-profit was. Coupling her love for community and her background in finance and entrepreneurship, Nicole wants to provide the type of impact she received. The AWOL program is one of a kind, using various resources and a unique holistic approach. The AWOL team believes education, life skills, and the tools needed to succeed should be accessible to all. Providing intentional focus on the present, creates an incredible future. Nicole believes young boys have immense potential and are innately talented. Another Way of Life is challenging the stereotypes, redefining success and removing the invisible ceiling to support these young men. AWOL offers a life with unlimited possibilities, join the fight.
Nicole Smith |
Treasurer
Nicole Elyse Smith is the facilitator of Education Pearls. She has spent over 15 years working in urban education. As an education facilitator, she has developed a passion for finding the “wow” in children. She leverages that passion to help students, families, and mentors reach their maximum potential and overcome systematic racism. She strives to understand the community she teaches because of her strongly held belief in the power of community. Education Pearls cultivates spaces to collaborate and create outreach programs. Nicole fights daily to fix the gaps in education, and assists in tackling other global matters that plague Black and Brown communities.
Stefan Hawkins |
Community
Engagement Director
Stefan Hawkins is a is a life-long resident of Harrisburg, PA. As a proud father of five amazing boys and graduate of Harrisburg High School, he fueled his love for his community by becoming a serial entrepreneur. Opening several businesses in one year, he planted solid roots as a staple in his community. Good Brotha’s Book Cafe; a coffee shop and bookstore, serves as a networking hub and source of literacy for all ages. As a product of a single parent household, Stefan understands the importance of having strong role models, mentors and positive influences in a young males life. Because of this, he spends his spare time reading to children and serving as a volunteer coach for the Harrisburg Junior High wrestling team and a local youth basketball team. With goals of teaching literacy to the community, Stefan’s vision for the youth of Harrisburg aligns with Another Way of Life’s mission to uplift and empowering the youth. As a valued asset to the team, Stefan hopes to bring awareness and impact as many as he can.
Derrell Lane |
Youth Engagement Director
Derrell Lane is currently in his 5th year serving as a Signals Intelligence Analyst in the U.S. Navy. Passionate about creating opportunities for young people, Derrell has served in a variety of organizations. From starting a nonprofit aimed at reaching impoverished people, to mentoring young people searching for jobs, Derrell cares about empowering people to find pathways to success. Derrell has been recognized for his commitment to excellence through a variety of awards from the military and participation in extracurricular commitments such as Diversity Awareness Boards and local church groups. Derrell hopes to continue to pour into the next generation and use his gifting and talents to show others another way of life.
Lisa Best |
Secretary
Lisa Best is a speaker, advocate, entrepreneur and long-time activist for community, family, and social justice issues. She has been heavily involved in discussions regarding housing, education, health disparities, and policy change. Lisa served on various boards and councils committed to the needs of the underserved and economically impacted communities including Mayors Parental Task Force, NAACP, QU.E.E.N - Quality Education & Empowerment Now. Her current work includes juvenile and social justice, parental empowerment, education equity, and EDI. She wants to serve in any areas that strengthen, uplift, and empower.