our team

In November 2019, I assumed the role of Executive Director at the Police Athletic League of Wilmington (PALW) after serving as Developmental Director for three years.

A Wilmington, Delaware native, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and a Master’s degree in Education Administration and Leadership from Wilmington University, complemented by various certificates and certifications.

With 31 years of experience in education and recreation, my journey has encompassed roles such as Camp Counselor, Assistant Athletic Director, Prevention Coordinator, Physical Education Teacher, Dean of Discipline, Director of Transportation and Facilities, Assistant Principal, Director of Operations, and Athletic Director.

Coaching football, basketball, baseball, and softball at middle and high school levels has enriched my understanding of youth development. My diverse background, coupled with invaluable mentorship, has equipped me for this leadership position.

My overarching goal is to expand opportunities for youth, families, and community members to access positive and impactful services and programs at our facility. Through strengthened community partnerships and innovative approaches, we aim to enhance both the physical and technological infrastructure of our facilities, ensuring that students, families, and community members have access to the latest information, resources, and equipment to meet their evolving needs for services and support.

Together, we are committed to advancing toward the shared vision of “Building Brighter Futures” for all.

Sharon Brown is a dedicated professional with a strong commitment to community engagement, youth development, and organizational leadership.

With a background in program coordination and staff support, Sharon has consistently worked to create safe, supportive, and empowering environments for both youth and colleagues.

Throughout her career, Sharon has played a key role in developing and implementing programs focused on mentoring, prevention, and academic support. She is passionate about fostering positive relationships, strengthening team collaboration, and ensuring that programs meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Known for her leadership, reliability, and compassionate approach, Sharon has contributed to staff development, volunteer engagement, and the successful execution of community-based initiatives. She brings a thoughtful balance of structure and empathy to her work, helping teams stay focused while also uplifting those around her.

Sharon continues to be driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, support others in their growth, and contribute to initiatives that promote opportunity, safety, and long-term success.

As the Community Liason, Kevin’s work centers on empowering individuals—especially youth who are often overlooked—to reach their fullest potential. With unwavering commitment, he creates opportunities for growth through mind‑challenging activities, focus groups, physical training, and transformative workshops.

Kevin believes deeply in the power of community support and collaboration. His goal is to build an inclusive environment where every member of the community can thrive.

In his role, Kevin oversees all volunteers, including both voluntary and mandatory community service participants. He also teaches chess, strength training, and boxing, using each discipline as a tool for discipline, confidence, and personal development. His office manages a wide range of community events—from giveaways and donation drives to fun, family-centered activities.

If the community needs it, Kevin is the one who makes it happen. Having faced and overcome significant challenges throughout his life, Kevin brings resilience, transparency, and lived experience to his work. These experiences fuel his drive and inspire his daily commitment to growth—both personally and within the community.

Kevin is an observer, a great listener, and a transparent community engager. His motto reflects his approach to leadership and service:“Let’s stop talking about it, and let’s do it.”

For partnership inquiries or information about upcoming community events, Kevin can be reached at: kevin.chambers@palw.org

JoEllen Edwards, affectionately known as Ms. Jo, is an Evangelist, Motivational Speaker, wife, mother of two beautiful girls, and proud grandmother of six grandchildren. Ms. Edwards serves as the Receptionist, Office Manager, Senior Program Supervisor, and Facility Rental Manager at the Police Athletic League of Wilmington (PALW).

In her role, Ms. Jo oversees daily office operations, coordinates community events, and manages all facility rentals for individuals and organizations seeking to host gatherings at PALW. She is also the Supervisor of the Morning Mingle Save Space Community Senior Program, a vibrant initiative that provides seniors with opportunities for fellowship, wellness, creative enrichment, and spiritual growth.

The Senior Program has become a welcoming space where older adults can connect, learn, and thrive. Activities include light exercise and movement sessions, Line dancing as part of our Morning Mingle, arts and crafts, educational workshops, and community outings. The program also features themed events such as Everybody’s Birthday Celebration, wellness days, and seasonal gatherings that promote joy, friendship, and purpose. Through these experiences, Ms. Jo helps seniors build confidence, reduce isolation, and strengthen their sense of belonging within the PALW community.

Ms. Jo is a survivor of mental, emotional, and physical abuse and has been clean for 34 years. After sharing her story of addiction and recovery at a luncheon sponsored by Goodwill Industries of Delaware and attended by Dr. Audrey Doberstein, President of Wilmington College, Ms. Jo was offered a scholarship by Dr. Doberstein to obtain her B.S., which she achieved in 2002 and was the Student Speaker for the 2002 Commencement. Two weeks later, she was offered another scholarship by Dr. Doberstein to obtain her M.S., which she completed in 2007.

Ms. Jo is an ambassador and Board Member of Project New Start, a New Start Reentry Program. Today, she remains committed to helping seniors grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially, creating a safe, joyful space where they can thrive and feel valued. She continues to live out her mission “to set the captives free from spiritual and emotional bondage, facilitating personal growth.”

Thomas Mckean graduate 2000
University of Delaware graduate 2004
WPD 2005-current
PALW officer 2021-current

Keondra Temple is a dedicated childcare and youth development professional with over seven years of experience working with children from infancy through early adolescence.

Keondra holds an Associate’s degree in Elementary Education from Delaware Technical Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science, and a Master’s degree in Human Services from Wilmington University. In addition to her work in childcare, Keondra has experience teaching at the grade school level, further strengthening her ability to support children across a variety of developmental stages.

Keondra is deeply passionate about building and empowering others, particularly youth. Her work is rooted in a strong educational foundation, combined with the values instilled in her through her upbringing—drive, dedication, and determination. She is committed to creating supportive, enriching environments where children can thrive.

In her leadership, Keondra values professional development, team building, and fostering a positive, supportive work environment for staff. She believes that when educators feel empowered and appreciated, they are better equipped to serve and uplift the children in their care.

With a clear sense of purpose, Keondra’s goal is to ensure that every child has access to the education and opportunities they need to succeed, especially within systems that can present barriers to their growth. She strives to be a positive force in the lives of young people, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and resilience necessary to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Board of Directors

Coby Owens is a native Wilmingtonian and is an award-winning advocate and national organizer. As a human and civil rights activist, he has led mobilizations and nonviolent direct action campaigns across the country.

Coby possesses the unique ability to bring people together for a common purpose and mobilize them to bring about change. Coby’s passion to fight for equity in our community comes from his own life’s journey and fuels his pursuit of fundamental civil rights.

Shardae White is a seasoned case manager with a passion for providing culturally responsive social services.

With over nine years of experience in the field, Shardae has developed a strong track record of navigating various care systems, including housing, education, health, and family support.

Her commitment to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication have made her an asset in the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, where she currently serves as a Senior Community Navigator. In this role, Shardae has successfully secured grants for the expansion of housing services, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

Beyond her professional achievements, Shardae has been recognized for her outstanding contributions, receiving the 2022 Francine C. Oates Award for Exceptional Success and Dedication to the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League’s Mission. Named Most Influential Delawarean by Delaware Online in 2021, Shardae continues to play a vital role in community engagement and advocacy.

Her diverse experiences, leadership roles, and commitment to social justice underscore her role as a dedicated professional contributing to the betterment of her community.

RaeLynn is an information technology professional with 12 years of experience and has resided in Delaware for 8 years.

She has a strong passion for innovation and technology, always striving to keep up with the latest trends and advancements. In addition to her professional pursuits, she is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and is dedicated to community service. RaeLynn loves finding ways to simplify tasks and make life easier for those around her. Her enthusiasm for technology and commitment to service make her a valuable member to the Police Athletic League of Wilmington board and community.

Office Manager with 10 years of professional experience currently working for WSFS BANK.

My passion for leadership comes from my love of one’s personal growth and self-development. Committed to unlocking full potential, I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and thrive on the transformative power of self-discovery. A love for self-improvement, I seek to inspire and uplift others on their own paths to becoming the best version of themselves.

Shantel Love a native Brooklynite turned Delawarean circa 2013. Started her path here in Delaware with teaching and moved on to the nonprofit sector during the pandemic.

Fast forward to today, she is the founder of Humbly Assisting Humanity, a non-profit organization that works to combat food insecurity and poverty in Delaware.

Shantel is a proud Public Ally Alum, where she served as the Community Engagement Coordinator, and has now moved on to be a full-time staff member for an Americorps program.

Service and giving back are things I am very passionate about because I’ve seen the effect they have on the community and those serving.

I look forward to using the life skills I have learned to be an asset to the PAL board and community.

Currently I work as a Navigational Coach for the EMPOWER program at Kingswood Community Center.

Our EMPOWER provides a holistic services approach to assist our clients from financial assistance, resume review, workforce development and various other services in collaboration with resource partners.

Previously I was a caseworker and field representative for Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, resolving cases with federal agencies and acting as a liaison for constituents in the congresswoman’s office while also representing and staffing the Congresswoman at various events throughout the state.

I worked in corporate America for the majority of my professional career but wanted to serve the youth and the community. I’m a 2020 Public Allies Delaware Alum and a 2021 Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League James H. Gilliam Sr. Fellow Alum.

While at West End Neighborhood House in Wilmington prior to joining Team LBR, I oversaw three COVID vaccination clinics, the groundbreaking of a new foster care facility and a program that supported local restaurants and front-line workers.

Outside of the office, I’ve served as vice president of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League Young Professionals and helped plan the 2021 MLK Day of Service with Westside Grows Together, which included a march, clean-up, and a celebration. I am also a board member for Every Man Counts and a charter member of the 100 Black Men of DE.

I’m an alum and avid supporter of Delaware State University, obtained an Associate of Applied Science degree in Human Services from Delaware Tech, and am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in the college of Interdisciplinary Health and Human Services from Morgan State University.

When not helping others, I moonlight as a co-sports anchor on DETV.

Ian Smith’s work since 2016 in Delaware with YAP has included:

Executive responsibility for all aspects of the daily YAP operations and expansion of programs that have served more than 150 youth re-entering the community from detention. The services include educational support, job readiness training, employment, wraparound services, and mentorship
Developed new afterschool programs at four key elementary schools by implementing Peaceful Alternative to Tough Situation (PATTS)
Managed Peaceful Alternatives to Tough Situations, a curriculum that teaches students alternative methods for dealing with conflict, crisis, and trauma
Served as Policy and Advocacy Center (PAC) Liaison for Delaware where he identified opportunities to leverage local outcomes, emerging issues, and national policies for strategic implementation into local, regional, and national programs

Smith previously held management and community-based positions with YAP programs in Sierra Leone, on the southwest coast of West Africa, where he reviewed the program for funding renewal, and in Baltimore, Maryland, where he lived for much of his life. In Baltimore, Ian served as court-appointed support for young men (ages 14-18) who had been committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice and ensured that his clients were complying with all areas of their court order, such as probation and drug treatment. Smith was also a Therapeutic Behavioral Specialist with Maxim Health Services in Baltimore where he worked in the homes and in the schools of families and children diagnosed with mental health issues. Smith engaged clients in life skills activities, including field trips to various cultural events around the city and state. Smith also worked for the Boy Scouts of America, Baltimore Area Council. Ian Smith’s community service also includes serving currently as Vice-President of the Browntown Civic Association; as a current Board Member of Delaware Greenways and Innocence Delaware, Inc.; a former member of the Juvenile Justice Advisory Group; and former Board Member of the Light Up the Queen Foundation.

Darrin has over 15 years of experience as a financial services professional, IT consultant and community leader.

In his role as a registered financial services professional he educated customers on the types of banking and investment products that could meet their financial goals. Throughout his career he has worked tirelessly in his local community as a member of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, which focuses on community-based initiatives that build sustainable diverse communities and the Beta Gamma Foundation which helps minority students in pursuit of higher education. Darrin is also a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

Darrin Wilson, will be based out of the 9th & Market St. branch and coordinate a wide range of initiatives in the community. He will partner closely with the Delaware MLT and local Corporate Responsibility leads to develop financial health roadmaps and ensure the community knows we are there to support their financial goals.

As the Community Manager, I will develop and implement community outreach and engagement programs that are designed to deliver solutions for improving the financial knowledge and financial health of the underserved and underbanked members of our community. My role is to connect members of the community, community leaders, non-profits, and small businesses to the expertise and the full suite of resources that JPMC has to offer.

As the Community Manager, I represent the brand of JPMC and the resources available to the community. I let them know we are here for all and ready to serve. I am here to build financial acumen, financial health, and financial wealth within our communities.
As the Community Manager, my value proposition is simple: to establish & foster relationships within the community, position Chase as a credible & trustworthy resource, and to support and coordinate local initiatives with community stakeholders that ultimately lead to the elimination of economic inequity.