our team
Christopher Purnell
Executive Director
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.
Aisha Jones
Executive Assistant & Housing Coordinator
Board of Directors
Coby Owens
President
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
Vice President
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 Lemon
Treasurer
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.
Zinnia Duran
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
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.
Jason McCall
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.
Gabriel Pabon
Wilmington Fire Department
William Resto
Ian Smith
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 Wilson
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.