Allyson Jones
Program Manager
Allyson Jones, MBA has over 10 years of experience conceptualizing, developing, and executing strategic plans and programs where nonprofits, companies, and corporations work together to make an impact on communities. From her work with United Way leading community impact to her work with the Atlanta Hawks in social responsibility, she has developed and created several successful strategies driving community change. Allyson has relationships with community-based organizations, schools, influencers, legislation, and corporate partners. Allyson began working to support friends and family members who are influencers with their philanthropic efforts and realized that there was a huge gap. She learned that there are a host of influential people with great intentions to do work in the community without recognition and without creating a true impact. These efforts were underutilizing resources and not capitalizing on the fact that influencers can ignite massive movements that move the needle in several areas of social good. When the public witness an influencer creating change, they will follow, this creates trends and movements of change. Allyson created i4C because it aligns with her life’s purpose - to help people understand and realize their own power. This movement resonates with other aspects of athletes' lives and prompted Allyson to begin professional management. Managing everything from developing LLCs, business management, athlete media visibility, philanthropy, and public relations.
Chris Suggs
Advisory Board Member
Chris was born and raised in Kinston. Throughout his life, he has found ways to be involved in our great community—as a Boy Scout, through his church, or volunteering with his parents and family. Chris is no stranger to public service. At age fourteen, Chris started a nonprofit organization operating at the intersections of youth empowerment and community development. From transforming vacant lots into neighborhood amenities to building platforms for young people to be involved in government and make their voices heard, this organization works to ensure that Chris’s peers and the local community are both thriving. Since 2016, Chris has served as a Commissioner on the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission, an advisory board to the Governor on issues relating to crime, justice, and law enforcement. In November 2021, Chris won an election to the Kinston City Council and became the youngest elected official in North Carolina. As a City Councilmember, Chris works hard fighting for a Kinston where every citizen can thrive.
Serena Johnson
Advisory Board Member
Throughout Serena Johnson's career, her passion and calling to serve those who traditionally face societal and systematic oppression have guided her endeavors. Serena holds a Family Studies degree, a Master's in Public Safety, a Master's and License in Social Work, and a Professional Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion. These experiences have afforded her valuable training and expertise in cross-cultural team management, change management, problem-solving leadership, and a business focus that supports modern strategies. Her professional experience spans 20 years, encompassing community education, diversity & inclusion, organizational relationship cultivation, non-profit leadership, pragmatic strategic planning, and implementation. Serena has been uniquely positioned to empower others who face constant challenges in their daily lives, homes, and communities.
