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About Us

Y-KNOT Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people in grades 3–12 across Prince George’s County, Maryland and Cumberland County, New Jersey.

Founded in response to the growing needs of under-resourced youth, Y-KNOT serves 600+ young people each year through mentoring, social-emotional learning programs, college preparation, workforce development, and community-centered experiences. We meet young people where they are  in schools, community centers, and neighborhoods  and walk alongside them as they grow into confident, capable leaders.

Young people holding pictures, smiling

Our Mission

Empowering the Next Generation

Y-KNOT Inc. empowers under resourced youth to realize their potential through Knowledge, Nurturing, Opportunities, and Teaching that develop curiosity, competence, and confidence for impactful success. We provide mentorship, leadership development, and life skills programs that equip young people to thrive.

Our Vision

A Future of Empowered Youth

We envision a world where empowered youth driven by curiosity, confidence, and a belief in their own potential pursue transformative pathways that lead to education, opportunity, and prosperity. Our motto: Replace “WHY” with “Y-KNOT” and open up new possibilities!

a group of young people smiling

Meet the Team

Leadership that Inspires

Meet the dedicated leaders and board members who guide Y-KNOT’s mission every day.

Executive Team

Regina Gibbons

Regina Gibbons

Founder & Executive Director

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Our Board

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Tracey Wells-Huggins

Tracey Wells-Huggins

Board President

Claudia Hawse

Claudia Hawse

Board Secretary

Jayne Lamondue-Price

Jayné LaMondue Price

Board Treasurer

Tanisha Kemp

Tanisha Kemp

Board Member

Monique Frazier

Monique Frazier

Board Member

Erin Wallace

Erin Wallace

Board Member

Courtenay N Griffin

Courtenay Griffin

Board Member

Benjamin A. Allen

Ben Allen

Board Member

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Regina Gibbons

Regina Gibbons, Founder & Executive Director

Regina Gibbons is a creative and effective planning expert with over 20 years of experience in the highly competitive institutional research and education market. After a successful ten-year run as an educator, Regina is ready to take her knowledge, ambition, and inestimable skill to the next level by developing her leadership skills and establishing herself as a preeminent education expert.

Regina is a visionary with a high level of personal motivation and drive. She is a strategic critical thinker who is passionate about education and the empowerment of youth. With an extensive educational background that spans from Psychology to Education, Regina is poised, competent, resourceful, and articulate, maintaining focus under pressure.

As a sought-after leader in educational excellence, Regina has an unrivaled ability to develop effective and practical plans for future educational development. She continually improves the education system by utilizing her technical and leadership skills to lead teams and work toward future change.

As the founder of Y-KNOT Inc., Regina aims to change the face of at-risk youth. She believes that children are the future and plans to promote a platform to gain knowledge, nurture abilities, create opportunities, and cultivate insight into experienced events. Regina truly believes that the only time you should look down on someone is when you are helping them up.

Regina asserts that her life's work is to be part of the solution to the challenges faced by at-risk youth. She is aware that her experiences can serve as a model for those identified as at-risk. With an innate ability to connect with youth and inspire them to reach their full potential, Regina is resilient, committed, and determined to support the community through the lens of youth outreach.

Tracey Wells-Huggins

Ms. Tracey Wells-Huggins, Board President

Tracey Wells-Huggins is a nationally known Master Facilitator and Trainer of both advocates and systems on the work of justice transformation. Her message is deeply rooted in the data driven effectiveness of restorative justice practices and family partnership as the keys to both personal, as well as collective, systemic change. Having worked for many years as a Registered Nurse, Tracey loves raising the awareness of audiences as relates to race equity, inclusion, and healing from trauma. She currently serves on several organizational boards across the country including, Y-KNOT Inc.(MD), Our Future First (NJ) and the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (Washington, DC) where she is the sitting National Chairwoman.

Promoting solidarity while traveling throughout the U.S and several foreign countries, Tracey continues her quest to bring the crisis of the disproportionate mass incarceration of youth and adults from disenfranchised communities to everyone who will listen and will graduate with her Master’s in Public Health Nursing from Aspen University in Fall 2025.

Tracey is a double Fellow of Georgetown University’s prestigious Center for Juvenile Justice Reform: Youth In Custody and Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities. In 2008, Tracey founded the grassroots organization, Renewed Minds and created its original Personal Accountability Curriculum that has been instituted in schools and detention centers in various parts of New Jersey. In 2021, in the middle of the COVID 19 pandemic, Tracey launched Raw Wisdom LLC, as a means to elevate the consciousness of challenged communities and people through culturally relevant and applicable workshops, events, education and her popular podcast, “Raw Wisdom with a Renewed Mind”. 

Tracey is the wife of Jason and the mother of a beautifully blended family that includes 6 children and 2 grandchildren. A woman who relies on her faith, Tracey stands on 2 verses of scripture to keep her focused and they have become her clarion call to everyone who desires to be an agent of change for true justice: Romans 12:2- “And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” and Proverbs 3:5 “In all thy getting, get understanding….”.

Claudia Hawse

Ms. Claudia Hawse, Board Secretary

With a deep commitment to nurturing the potential of children and adolescents, Claudia enjoys using art, mindfulness, and behavioral interventions to empower youth in building self-confidence and resilience. She is skilled at creating inclusive, safe spaces that encourage personal growth while addressing everyone's unique strengths and needs. Whether through facilitating group activities, leading therapeutic programs, or offering one-on-one counseling,  Claudia is dedicated to promoting the long-term success of the individuals and communities she serves. Her holistic and empathetic approach has been shaped by her personal journey and years of mentorship, ensuring individuals feel supported and understood in all aspects of their development.

Claudia is a compassionate and dedicated social worker with several years of experience providing mentorship services to children, adolescents, and young adults in a variety of settings. She has a special passion for supporting neurodivergent youth, particularly those navigating ADHD, a challenge she understands personally. Currently pursuing her M.A. in Social Work at Howard University, Claudia integrates mindfulness practices, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation techniques to help individuals mitigate stress and emotional challenges. Her work outpatient mental health, combined with her leadership roles and years of facilitating group activities, allows her to foster environments where young people and adults can thrive emotionally, socially, and creatively.

 

Jayné Lamondue-Price

Mrs. Jayne Lamondue-Price, Board Treasurer

Jayné LaMondue Price is a dedicated community advocate with over 30 years’ experience in operations, business development, event planning and entertainment promotion, grant writing and real estate. As the principal owner of the LaMondue Group, LLC, she is a licensed Realtor® in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Through her professional experiences she has developed a deep understanding of the importance of community investment and creative placemaking.

With a B.A. in Labor Studies from the National Labor College, Jayné is an active member of several community and professional organizations, where she champions initiatives that promote neighborhood advocacy and entrepreneurial growth. Her extensive work in the arts and entertainment sectors across the United States has further fueled her commitment to fostering vibrant communities.

Jayné believes in the power of collaboration and the potential for positive change at the grassroots level. Her mission is to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and “Love the life we live. Live the life we love.”

Ms. Tanisha Kemp, Board Member

Tanisha Kemp is a dedicated educator with 23 years of experience, having taught in Baltimore City, Washington, D.C., and currently with Prince George’s County Public Schools. Her approach to education and relationship-building with her scholars combines personal insight with professional expertise, empowering them with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed for the next stages in their educational journey.

In addition to her role as an educator, Tanisha owns two businesses: The Stretch Zen and Balanced Hands Connect Minds: ADHD Consulting, Inc. The Stretch Zen is a mobile Reiki and Stretch Therapy practice that provides a holistic, energetic experience. This practice focuses on enhancing physical and emotional well-being through personalized sessions that incorporate stretching and energy healing techniques. Balanced Hands Connect Minds: ADHD Consulting, Inc. offers parent empowerment workshops to support families with children who have ADHD. These workshops are designed to equip parents with practical strategies and resources to better understand and manage ADHD, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for their children.

Tanisha believes that fostering a strong bond between parents, children, and educators, grounded in trust and mutual respect, not only celebrates victories but also helps navigate challenges along the way. She emphasizes the importance of open communication and collaboration among all parties involved in a child's education. By building these strong relationships, Tanisha aims to create a positive and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

Ms. Monique Frazier, Board Member

Monique Frazier is a seasoned technology leader and business consultant with over two decades of experience in project management, business analytics, and organizational change management. She is a Principal Consultant at Infosys Consulting, where she helps organizations drive transformation, increase productivity, and adopt agile frameworks. Monique leverages industry-leading tools and accelerators to empower people, processes, and technology for large-scale change.

Throughout her career, Monique has led innovative and complex projects that streamline processes, improve efficiency, and support continuous improvement. As an expert in Project Management Professional (PMP), Agile Methodologies, ITIL Foundations, and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, she provides tailored solutions to clients, ensuring seamless transitions and effective knowledge transfer.

Monique’s role at Infosys includes leading the development and expanding the Small Disadvantage Business Partnership Program, driving ServiceNow implementations, and executing global ERP rollouts. She excels in delivering comprehensive change management plans, assessing impacts on stakeholders, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Before joining Infosys, Monique spent nearly a decade as the Director of Educational Technology and Information Systems at Howard University, where she successfully led digital transformations and process improvements within the health science enterprise. Her technical acumen and leadership skills also shone during her roles with Acclaro and ActioNet, Inc., where she designed and implemented solutions that optimized workflows for government agencies like the FDA, HUD, and the Department of State.

Monique holds an MBA from Temple University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Science. She has also been recognized for her outstanding contributions to her profession, including receiving Verizon's Certificate of Excellence, the State Department's Excellence Award, and multiple Distinguished Service and Departmental Awards from Howard University College of Medicine.

Erin Wallace

Erin Wallace, Board Member

Erin Wallace has been a lifelong supporter of youth programs. Originally from New Jersey from the age of 10 through freshman year of college, Erin was a member of the 4-H, an international youth program which strives to empower youth and give them the tools to become leaders and positive role models in their community. Upon aging out from 4-H, Erin continued to serve the program through extension work and offer other volunteer opportunities.

Currently living in Texas, Erin works remotely for a pharmaceutical company ensuring quality throughout clinical trials to benefit patients.

Erin is excited to be a board member at Y-KNOT Inc. and work towards the mission of serving the youth of the DMV area and expand Y-KNOT Inc.’s impact.

Courtenay N Griffin

Courtenay Griffin, Board Member

Courtenay N. Griffin, MBA is an accomplished higher education and nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience advancing educational equity, workforce development, and student success. She currently serves as a strategic consultant and formerly held the role of California Regional Director at Cambridge College, where she led statewide operations, institutional partnerships, and initiatives supporting adult learners and first-generation college students.

Courtenay brings deep expertise in cross-sector collaboration, strategic planning, and leadership development, with a strong focus on serving historically underserved communities. Her work has spanned K–12, postsecondary, and nonprofit spaces, where she has designed programs that empower youth and expand college and career pathways.

A first-generation college graduate herself, Courtenay is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and creating systems that promote access, inclusion, and upward mobility. She holds a Master of Business Administration and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she continues her commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, and service.

As a member of the Y-KNOT Board of Directors, Courtenay is excited to support the organization's mission of empowering youth and strengthening communities through education, mentorship, and opportunity.

Benjamin A. Allen

Benjamin A. Allen, Board Member

Supply Chain Executive with Financial Expertise. Certified OSHA, Lean Six Sigma, HACCP, GMP

With over 30 years of expertise in Consumer Product Goods (CPG) and Food Distribution, Benjamin (Ben) Allen has established himself as a leader in Demand Planning, Inventory Management, Global Supply Chain, Logistics, Procurement, Transportation, and Warehousing. His professional journey includes working with Fortune 100 companies such as Colgate-Palmolive, Unilever, and Performance Food Service, as well as private enterprises like Baldor Specialty Foods and PE-backed startups.

Currently, Ben is the Chief Operating Officer for Gland Market International Corporation overseeing the entire global supply chain operations for its subsidiaries GMI Trading, NetCost Market, NC Logistic and Green Fresh Produce. Operationally, he is responsible for Warehouse, Global & Domestic Transportation, 3PL Services, Retail Distribution and Procurement.

In 2006, Ben expanded his scope globally as the Executive Managing Director of a Brazilian Exporting and Freight Forwarding company. Under his leadership, the company grew its revenue from $20M to $175M. He spearheaded the sourcing of agricultural commodities from Brazil and Mexico, while optimizing in-country logistics including trucking, rail, port operations, and ocean freight. Additionally, he was instrumental in establishing an end-to-end sugar packaging facility. His international expertise includes hands-on experience in markets like China, Brazil, and Mexico.

As a visionary leader, Ben has managed organizations of up to 500 employees (union and non-union), consistently driving “Best In Class” operational practices. His strategic initiatives have achieved a balance between cost efficiency and exceptional customer service. His financial acumen has been key to improving cash flow by implementing inventory management practices that optimize inventory days on hand (DOH) and minimize shrink.

Key Achievements: 
    •Enhanced warehouse productivity for both receiving and shipping shifts.
    •Improved transportation asset utilization from 60% to 90%.  
    •Increased on-time delivery rates from 61% to 92%.
    •Implemented cost-to-service evaluation methods for customer accounts.
    •Achieved a 60% reduction in product shortages on trucks.

Ben is a strong advocate of Total Quality Management (TQM), fostering employee engagement and driving cultural transformations within organizations. Most recently, he played a key role in successfully averting unionization at a distribution facility (Union Avoidance).

Beyond his professional contributions, Ben serves on advisory boards and was elected to the Board of Directors at Turia Technology in 2024. Turia Technology, an EDWOSB/WOSB, is a forward-thinking cloud-managed service provider focused on delivering eco-conscious solutions for public and private sectors. Additionally, Ben is a member of industry organizations such as the Warehouse Education Resource Council (WERC), the Institute of Supply Chain Management (ISM), and the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).

Ben holds a B.S. in Accounting and Supply Chain from Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management and an MBA from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. He has completed executive education programs at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Business School in Global Supply Chain Management and the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business in the CXO Leadership Program. Furthermore, he is certified in Lean Six Sigma and HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points).

With his extensive education and leadership experience, Ben is well-equipped to support organizations in overcoming todays and tomorrow’s economic, operational, and organizational challenges.