Shownda J. Pagan – Chief Executive Officer
Shownda J. Pagan is an Organizational Leader who has worked in the corporate, nonprofit and church industry. Shownda started her work of helping people succeed out of the struggles she herself endured in reaching her ladder of success. It took years of research, mentoring and patience to become the woman she is today. She is passionate about helping others succeed and not endure the same resistance and barriers she faced.

Shownda has successfully lead community socio-economic programs, out-of-school programs, days of service initiatives and written and awarded grant funding from The Children’s Trust, 21st Century, Department of Education, Department of Health, Allegany Ministries and many others. She has also had the great opportunity and pleasure to host some of the world’s elite such as Taye Diggs, Bill Clinton and DJ Khaled through organized events.

She believes that the most successful and best companies are built on collaboration with like-minded companies who know what they need to take their business to the next level.

Shownda is known for helping organizations with program development, implementation, and enhancement of the organization’s strategic goals. She is an expert in infrastructure, strategic planning, clarification of objectives, coordination and training of program and operation staff.

Anthony D. Williams – HR/Care Coordinator Supervisor
Mr. Anthony Williams was born in Miami, FL. After graduating from Miami Northwestern Senior High School he attended Tennessee State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. He furthered his education by attending Florida State University where he obtained a Master’s in Educational Administration/Public Administration. Mr. Williams has experience in administration, human resources, and labor relations. He is a former teacher, having taught school on both the public school and university level.
 

Cedric Hooper, Jr. - Athletic Director
Mr. Cedric Hooper (“Coach Ced”) Grew up in the Liberty City area, He attended Miami-Dade public schools from K-12 and had a brief stent at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. He went on to Miami-Dade College and finished up his education at Sports Management Worldwide where he received a degree in Athlete Management. Under his leadership the Sports Program has grown both in numbers and quality.  During his watch the program has won many Championships in multiple sports as well as seen athletes to go on and compete in High School, College, and Professionally.  His love for the youth has continued to be his drive and motivation.  He came to TACOLCY in 2000 as a recreation aid then later became the Athletic Director. During his time with the organization, TACOLCY sports has been on the rise, continuing to get better one season at a time.

Sandra D. Clinch - FAST Program Coordinator
I am the F.A.S.T. Program Coordinator at Belafonte TACOLCY Center, Inc. The F.A.S.T. Program consists of many facets in helping our students become more focused and successful. Raised in the Liberty City area, Sandra is a graduate of Miami Northwestern Sr. High class of 1979. She continued her education at Florida A & M University where she received a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree.

Sonia Baker – Assistant Care Coordinator
I am a child of many caring hands.  From auntie-mama to uncle-daddies (who were actual siblings of my mother). But I always consider myself as grandma’s baby; therefore, I called my Grandmother ‘Mama’ just as my mother did.  I was born and raised in our own Liberty City by the ways of Scott housing projects.   I am one of ten children in which my single mother had eight girls and two boys.  I have one daughter who is now 24 years of age. As a Care Coordinator with a background in education and the courts, I know extensively about the trials and hardships that can disassemble the unity-dynamic of our families.  Therefore, I am dedicated to provide sincere help, to promote our children and families resilience ability in our inner-city community. How do you change the world? One child, one family, one hut, one village at a time.

Andrea Moore – Assistant Care Coordinator
Andrea was born and raised in the Liberty area, where she attended Charles Drew Elementary and Miami Springs Middle/High School. After obtaining her Diploma, she moved to Tallahassee to study at the wonderful Florida A&M University where she received her Bachelors in Social Work. Andrea is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at Florida International University in Miami. “I am excited to be a part of this wonderful team at the TACOLCY Center, providing for those in my home area.”

Martiska Thompson – After Care Program Director 
I was born and raised in the heart of Liberty City of Miami, FL. I graduated from Miami Dade College with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. While attending Miami Dade College I started working at TACOLCY as Servant Intern Leader and that’s when I discovered my passion for working with children. I am currently working on getting my Director’s Credential and is proud to serve as the Program Director of TACOLCY’S After-School and Summer Enrichment program. I am a daughter, sister and friend to many. When I am not surround with children, I enjoy shopping.

Melinda Pierre – Teen Council Program Director 
As a person of faith, Melinda Lovely Pierre was called to be a servant six years ago. She had so much time in her hand that she felt the need to share it with others, so she found the Miami Dolphins Special Team powered by AARP volunteer program and began her volunteer journey with them. She enjoyed giving her time to others unconditionally. What she didn’t realize was that she was going to be ushered into a new season; a season full of passion. With a Associate of Arts degree in Psychology from Miami-Dade College, Melinda always made sure that she leads with her heart and made sure everyone around her was sound in mind and in spirit. As of now, her main focus is to continue what she started in Liberty City through the TACOLCY Teen Council. She plans to assist in paving the way for the next college bound students.

Marquita Francois – Out-of-School Instructor
I am a mother to a handsome 3 tear old. Working with kids has always been my interest. Helping kids to become the best they can be is a rewarding accomplishment for me. My hobbies are watching TV and eating (food is life) LOL….

Jemara Jackson – Lead Servant Leader Intern, Orchard Villa Elementary School 
Born and raised in Miami, FL, where I attended and graduated Suma Cum Laude at Miami Edison Senior High School. Currently, attending Miami Dade College in pursuit of my Bachelors Degree in Business Management. From the year 2013, I have developed the passion to work with children. I love helping children to express themselves through arts, literacy, and sports. My dream is to one day open my own youth center, where children from all over, regardless of their background, will come and have a safe environment to grow and develop social and life skills while interacting with peers in various programs. I strongly believe that our children are the future. Any and every moment spent with them is an opportunity to impact, groom, and model them into a successful and thriving future.

Candace Reid – Servant Leader Intern Orchard Villa Elementary School 
Hello my name is Candace, I am 19 years old. I am studying Business Administration in hopes to become a business owner one day. On my free time I love to work with children and reading books.

Brandy Williams – Afterschool Transportation Provider
Ms. Brandy Williams has been an integral part of the Belafonte TACOLCY Center’s afterschool transportation team since March 2016. She also works as a Servant Leader Intern for our Summer Enrichment Program. Prior to joining TACOLCY, she worked with children in early childhood development for approximately ten years. Ms. Williams has two daughters and feels that working with kids is a pleasure because they have sweet souls – she says, “They love to learn and have a drive to want to achieve the fundamentals of learning.”

Shaquanda Smith – Certified Reading Teacher Orchard Villa Elementary School 
Hello! My name is Shaquanda Smith, and I'm thrilled to say this is my 4th year of teaching elementary school in Miami Dade County Public School System. For the past two years, I've taught 1st grade reading. I grew up in Liberty City and graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High School in 2003. From there I went to Miami Dade College earning an Associate's Degree in Exceptional Education. I've also earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Exceptional Education degree from Florida International in 2015 and 2016.

Molaure Lucsaint – Out-of-School Instructor
I am from Haiti and currently attending Miami Dade Community College for Nursing. My goals in life are to graduate college, own my own house and become a productive citizen. I love working with children and appreciate my job.

Wanda Felix – Environmental Tech
I love my job and the people I work with. God bless each of you.