BOARD MEMBERS OF GIFTED ORIGINS
LEON ROCKYMORE-FOUNDER
Raised by Cynthia & Reginald Mayhew, Leon grew up in the St. Clair Village neighborhood of Pittsburgh. No stranger to hard work, Leon learned lessons of bootstrapping and entrepreneurship from his dad, Reginald Mayhew – who instilled in him the lesson that no matter what goes on around you, does not mean you can't be elevated above it if you work hard for it and focus. As he grew, Leon's athleticism and intellect opened the door to higher education, which led him to getting his bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medicine at Penn State University. Leon then furthered his studies with the pursuit of his master’s degree in Education at Argosy University. When he stepped into the workforce, Leon took the initiative to learn on the job, and to build relationships that stand to this day. Tirelessly curious, his quest for knowledge and hunger for growth led him to step into leadership roles, filling gaps in the community, and serving while helping others. With a fire in his belly, Leon founded The Roxamore Empire which provides multimedia services of video, photography, audio engineering and streaming to jubilant brides and grooms, for family events, and celebrations; and showcases local talent in and around the Pittsburgh area. - The bereavement services division of Roxamore, Grieve from Home Services, fills an unfillable gap: connecting bereaved loved ones across the miles during unbearable times, which became a critical bridge to families who lost loved ones during the COVID lock down. − The largest division, The Roxamore Sports Network provides kids exposure to the college experience so that they can open their minds to: − the potential of higher education, − the possibility of scholarships, and − the positivity of steering their passion towards a brighter future. These live streaming events also provide an opportunity for families to be part of their student athlete's experience and preserve for posterity, cherished memories of their athletic career. The Roxamore Event Ministries donates and raises monies for men’s and women' retreats. Leon has been involved in Stop the Violence rallies and produced The Rock Comedy Show which is a Roxamore department, structured to help fight Depression with Laughter. Leon is a father of four and resides in the Penn Hills neighborhood with his wife Shaquanna and their children.
HIAWATHA HUDSON- VICE PRESIDENT
My name is Hiawatha L. Hudson. I grew up in Nelson County, Virginia. I’m the youngest of 8 kids. I attended and graduated from Nelson County Public Schools. Growing up sports was always a part of my life whether it was school, recreational, or family time. I developed a passion for the sport of boxing at a young age. My greatest coach was my father. He taught me, my brothers and other neighborhood kids the sweet science of boxing. I was fortunate enough to get back into the world of boxing here in Pittsburgh, PA. Although I miss training and competing as a boxer, I find great reward in being a coach, like my father. Under my coaching banner, Formula A#1 Boxing, I currently coach both boxing and MMA amateur and professional fighters. Becoming a coach in boxing, my goal is not to only create champions in the ring but to develop and create champions outside the ring. I strongly feel that the training that comes with boxing teaches our youth important life skills and values: discipline, commitment, hard work, dedication, and to positively channel stress of everyday challenges. I think this is a great benefit to the greater Pittsburgh area
SHAQUANNA ROCKYMORE- TREASURER
Shaquanna Rockymore graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She has been working as an accountant for the past 22 years. She is originally from Brooklyn, NY but currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA. Shaquanna is married and is the mother of four and the grandmother of one.
DEVON MADDEN -BOARD MEMBER
DeVon Madden, is an accomplished and resourceful community-centric leader in marginalized communities in south/west Pittsburgh; a transformation professional and leader who perpetuates an exceptional understanding of modeling for the youth and strategy building for best practices for community leaders when assisting youth outcomes. His proficiency stems in him having a pulse on the culture in the community and that enables him to be highly successful. Von served as Restorative Justice Practitioner in Pittsburgh Public Schools to support school staff by modeling culturally specific mentoring practices, managing class transition periods and providing intensive support through individual or group sessions to students that build and develop social emotional skills, and to activate the empowerment of parents to be equitable partners with school staff.
In addition, he is the founder and Executive Director of Shadow Student Athlete Development Services, Inc and the Founder of Brothers of Christ now known as B.S.O.C. Where he steers several programs such as A.I.M. Initiative, Evolve, and Camp F.UN., to name a few. He completed his undergraduate studies at Clarion University with a Bachelors of Science in Sports Management, The College of Education, The University of Notre Dame, with an advance certification in Strategies in Conflict Management, Mendoza College of Business.
CIARA KIMBROUGH-SECRETARY
Ciara Chic Kimbrough, a native of Rand, WV. Mrs. Kimbrough graduated from West Virginia University in 2000 with a BS in Sociology/Anthropology and Ball State University in 2010 with a MA in Anthropology. Mrs. Kimbrough is a former WVU track All-American and Pittsburgh Passion running back. Mrs. Kimbrough is well versed in sports and non-profit programs working as a coach and case worker. She loves connecting people and helping them with resources that are life changing. Mrs. Kimbrough is currently employed at JMT, Intl. as a designer. Mrs. Kimbrough is a mother of two and currently resides in Aliquippa, PA.