In 2015, I stepped into the classroom for the first time— fresh out of college and not fully knowing the journey ahead, but trusting I was walking in purpose. Ten years later, I reflect with gratitude on a journey that has been filled with powerful moments, passionate students, and impactful opportunities to grow and give back.
One of the most unforgettable highlights of my teaching journey has been working with fashion mogul Mateo Ascencio Silvan, a creative genius who can turn trash bags and chip bags into runway-ready looks. At just 16 years old, Mateo earned a spot to showcase two collections at New York Fashion Week—a milestone I was honored to help him reach. Today, Mateo continues to thrive and is now the Front House Manager for Threaded, a new fashion initiative dedicated to highlighting men in fashion and helping them build strong, sustainable modeling careers. Watching his talent unfold reminded me of the incredible potential that exists within our youth when they are supported and exposed to opportunity.
One of the best decisions I’ve made along the way was founding The Hines Foundation Inc. in 2020. Through the foundation, I’ve been able to use my creativity and problem-solving skills to truly help individuals to Network, Explore, & Succeed. I’ve also found a unique way to keep up with many of my former students by recruiting them as volunteers—and in some cases, welcoming them back as interns. Watching them give back to the same organization that once served them is a full-circle moment I don’t take for granted.
Since our launch, we’ve been able to form dozens of collaborations and partnerships, including donating to Mary Scott Preschool twice—where we purchased coats for an entire class. In 2023, we also sent youth donations overseas to Africa, and we’ve helped high schoolers throughout the 804 area secure free prom services. Currently, we’re working to provide free hair services for elementary students preparing for their graduation.
We’re also proud to partner with Fisher’s Elementary School librarian in a creative initiative to give back. As the school collects cereal boxes, The Hines Foundation will be donating them to local college students—specifically, recipients of our Transition Trunks from previous years—to pay it forward in an unexpected and meaningful way.
Through The Hines Foundation, we’ve launched the Transition Trunk Scholarship, awarded annually to high school seniors heading to college. We’ve introduced memorial scholarships, hosted forums and workshops, and taken students on powerful field trips—from college tours to life-changing conferences. One of my favorite trips so far was our journey to New York for Roc Nation & the United Justice Coalition’s Youth Summit. There, our students interacted with formerly incarcerated individuals who are now thriving business owners. The summit focused on critical topics such as knowing your rights, restoring rights, mental health within the criminal justice system, reducing recidivism, and civic engagement. We even heard from public figures like Charlamagne Tha God, Fat Joe, and many others who shared powerful personal stories. One of the most enlightening moments was seeing someone with past marijuana charges now owning a dispensary—proof that transformation and success can coexist.
We’ve also launched initiatives like Lou’s Locker, our community clothes closet that provides free clothing to low-income and homeless families year-round, and we’re developing a new program called #LongLiveLove. This initiative will support youth and young adults who have been impacted by gun violence by offering resources for grief support and teaching healthy coping mechanisms.
We’ve partnered with nonprofits like Just C Organization to extend our impact. In one of our most rewarding experiences, we took 30 students to the Black College Expo, where they connected directly with HBCUs. Many received on-the-spot acceptances and scholarship offers—leaving the event with over $300,000 in scholarships secured!
One of our most beloved community events is our annual Juneteenth Celebration & Pop-Up Shop, where we highlight local and national Black-owned businesses while celebrating culture, freedom, and economic empowerment. The event brings the community together for a powerful day of unity, history, and hope. Here's a flyer for this year, hope to see YOU there!
In 2023, The Hines Foundation received its first official recognition: the Humanitarian Excellence Award, honoring the impact we’ve made through our outreach and service to underserved communities.
As an educator, I’ve also had the privilege of organizing impactful school events like our College and Career Expo, where students gain valuable insight from real entrepreneurs, college representatives, and professionals in diverse career fields. To prepare, I teach students how to craft and deliver elevator pitches, helping them to confidently network and market themselves to potential employers, mentors, or college admissions reps. This event opens doors for students to explore business ownership, higher education, or career pathways by learning what it truly takes to succeed in those spaces.
Beyond these initiatives, I’ve had the privilege of coaching students who have competed at both state and national levels. I’ve served as a Virginia FCCLA advisor, helping students prepare and compete in STAR Events at the VA FCCLA State Conference, where they sharpened leadership and family and consumer science skills. Together, we’ve traveled to California (twice), Denver, and Las Vegas for the NAACP ACT-SO Conference—and in July 2025, two of my students will head to Orlando, FL for another national leadership conference/competition.
In May 2024, I was celebrated by the district that both educated me and now trusts me to educate the next generation. And in December 2024, I proudly earned my Master’s in Administration & Supervision from Virginia State University.
At the core of everything I do is a simple belief: Exposure is essential. Our youth deserve to see, learn, and dream beyond their neighborhoods. The more they know, the more they grow.
This 10-year milestone is a reminder of how far I've come—and how much more potential there is to unlock. Here’s to the next decade of purpose, passion, and possibility.
