Dr. Denise Y. Lewis

Dr. Denise Lewis is a Licensed Professional Counselor who holds a B.A. in Sociology from Ohio Dominican College, an M.A. in Counseling Ministry from Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Ohio University. Dr. Lewis is a Lecturer at Ohio University, as well as a counselor at a charter school in Columbus, Ohio. She has dedicated her career to educating and working with youth and families as a counselor and advocate, and has worked with youth involved with the juvenile justice system, providing extensive individual, family and group counseling to deal with various concerns.  She has developed curriculum for group counseling sessions, including AOD, anger management, life skills, thinking errors, teen domestic violence, social awareness, loss and grief, and sexual health.

Dr. Lewis’ honors include receiving the Outstanding Faculty Award from Ohio Christian University, and the George C. Hill Counseling Award from Ohio University. Dr. Lewis is a member of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society and Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International.  She is a past member of the Executive Board of the Ohio Counseling Association, past-President of the Central Ohio Counseling Association, past-President of the Ohio Association of Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling, and past-President of the Ohio Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development.  Her professional affiliations also include membership in the American Counseling Association and the Ohio Counseling Association.

Dr. Lewis is married to Rev. Edward Lewis, and together they have four children and three grandchildren. Dr. Lewis, along with her sons Thomas and Benjamin, founded The Sankofa Project and is committed to empowering youth and their families to achieve success through utilizing all the tools available to them.

Rev. Edward K. Lewis, Sr.

Rev. Edward Lewis is a Hospice Chaplain who holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Ohio Dominican University, an M.Div. from Princeton Theological School, and a Th.M. from Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Rev. Lewis has dedicated his career to the ministry and to working with those in the community on social justice issues. He continues to develop in both areas and brings a great deal of commitment to The Sankofa Project.

Thomas B. W. Paige

Thomas is a graduate of Pickerington HS North, and a graduate of Bluffton University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Education at The Ohio State University. Thomas is a teacher at a charter school in Columbus, Ohio, and he has dedicated his time and energy to working to enrich the lives of others. Thomas has extensive management and sales experience, serving as an Assistant Manager with a popular store chain for over 3 years, and a Business Development Manager for over 5 years with a marketing company. He has volunteered his time to help develop youth as a football coach and is a significant addition to the team. Thomas is one of the founders of The Sankofa Project, and he works diligently to ensure the mission, vision, and purpose of the organization is fulfilled!

Thomas is married to Mary Paige, and they have two beautiful daughters. He is a wonderful husband, an amazing father, and a competent leader! He looks forward to serving our youth, their families, and our community!

Benjamin F. White, III

Ben is a graduate of Gahanna Lincoln High School, and a graduate of Arcadia University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. In May of 2018, Ben will receive his Master’s degree in Counselor Education from Ohio University. He currently serves as a counseling intern at a charter school in Columbus, Ohio, and he has dedicated his time and energy to working to enrich the lives of young people. Ben has gained a majority of his professional experience working with youth as a mentor, leader, camp counselor, and basketball coach, and is a welcome addition to the team. Ben is one of the founders of The Sankofa Project, and he works diligently to ensure the mission, vision, and purpose of the organization is fulfilled!

Ben has received numerous academic awards. He was inducted into The National Society of Leadership and Success at Arcadia University in 2015, and Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International in 2017, where he currently serves as their Treasurer. Additionally, he serves as the Youth Department Chair for the Columbus NAACP.

Ben is a dedicated leader who inspires so many through his wonderful and infectious personality. He is excited about working with youth to enable them to achieve their goals!

Nicolle Cordell-Evans

Nicolle is a consummate professional with over 20 years experience in marketing, event planning and advertising communications in the corporate, advertising agency, healthcare and non-profit sectors. She is a multi-tasker with a strong visual sense and excellent attention-to-detail. Nicolle is able to plan strategically and to translate marketing ideas and design concepts across all organization levels. Her skill at seeing the big picture and implementing the details to get there are a significant asset to The Sankofa Project.

Nicolle is married to Sheila Evans, and she has a daughter who is currently one of the Assistant Coaches of the women’s basketball team at Columbia University in New York City. She looks forward to using her significant skills to contribute to the work The Sankofa Project is doing.

Gwendolyn Walker

Gwendolyn Walker was called to be a pastor in 1991 and has had the honor and the privilege of being the Pastor of the Light of the World Worship & Celebration Center since that time. She is also a well-known speechwriter in Central Ohio has had the honor and privilege of writing speeches for key public officials in Columbus. She enjoys her current position at the Brookwood Academy Charter School in the Office of Human Resources and the Office of Confidential Records where she works with a gifted group of educators serving families of children with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and emotional and behavioral challenges.

She currently serves as the Chairwoman of the Sankofa Project, as a member of the Boards of Directors for the Christian Women’s Leadership Alliance of Central, Sister Friends Ministry, and Breath of Life Ministries. She is a former employee of the State of Ohio where she served in the capacity of Budget Officer for the Department of Development and former employee of Nationwide Insurance, holding positions as a Securities Specialist in Investments, Management Reports Analyst, Senior Human Resources Representative, and Trainer-facilitator for the 4,000 Life Company employees.

She is a proud graduate of Ohio Dominican University and is a graduate student at Franklin University. She will receive a certification as an Instructional Designer in April, 2018 followed by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design Technology in December, 2018. She is excited to work with The Sankofa Project to ensure its mission, vision, and values are met and our children and their families are served.