Shop
Donate
Shop
Donate

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 state 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 to 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 equipt 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

Click image to view full bio

Our Board

Click image to view full bio
Benjamin A. Allen

Ben Allen

President

Courtenay N Griffin

Courtenay Griffin

Vice President

Erin Wallace

Erin Wallace

Secretary

Tracey Wells-Huggins

Tracey Wells-Huggins

Board Member

Monique Frazier

Monique Frazier

Board Member

Amber McDonald

Board Member

Nina Hughes

Board Member

Heather Zink

Board Member

Placeholder image, photograph to follow

Bryn Johnson

Board Member

Placeholder image, photograph to follow

James McCallister

Board Member

Close Popup
Scroll to Top
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.

Benjamin A. Allen

Benjamin A. Allen, President

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.

Courtenay N Griffin

Courtenay Griffin, Vice President

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.

Erin Wallace

Erin Wallace, Secretary

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.

Tracey Wells-Huggins

Ms. Tracey Wells-Huggins, Board Member

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….”.

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.

Amber McDonald, Board Member

Amber McDonald is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Linked Logic Consulting, where she specializes in strategic operations, caregiver support services, and community-centered program development. With a background in organizational leadership and logistics, Amber brings a structured, solutionsdriven approach to helping individuals and organizations navigate complex processes with clarity and efficiency.

A proud Texas native and graduate of Texas College, an HBCU in Tyler, Texas, Amber remains actively involved in her alumni community—supporting engagement, mentorship, and initiatives that strengthen the legacy of her alma mater. She is deeply committed to community empowerment and regularly volunteers across local service programs focused on stability, access, and compassionate support for individuals and families.

Amber’s work blends leadership, empathy, and operational excellence, reflecting her dedication to building systems that help people thrive during life’s most challenging moments.

nina-headshot

Nina Hughes, Board Member

Nina Hughes is a dedicated educator, community leader, certified life coach, and speaker with nearly two decades of experience in public education. As a Community School Coordinator, she is passionate about building meaningful partnerships that strengthen schools, empower families, and create opportunities for students to thrive.

Nina is the founder of Clarity Quest Coaching, where she helps individuals navigate life's transitions with confidence, clarity, and purpose using evidence-based positive psychology coaching practices. She is also an engaging presenter who enjoys inspiring audiences through interactive workshops focused on personal growth, intentional living, and resilience.

Known for her energy, creativity, and heart for service, Nina believes that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and that intentional action can transform lives. Whether coordinating community initiatives, leading professional development, or speaking at conferences, she is committed to helping others bloom into the life they deserve.

Heather Zink, Board Member

Heather Zink is the Founder and Chief Learning Officer of Olive Groves LLC, a professional development company she launched in September 2025 to champion learner-centered design and accessible learning experiences.

Her career includes serving as Senior Director of Learning Design at Graduate School USA, where she led curriculum experts and instructional designers in developing innovative training solutions, and directing educational technology initiatives at American Public Education, Inc. and Rasmussen University.

Beyond her professional achievements, Heather is dedicated to education and community impact. She received the Blended Learning Effective Practice Award for her innovative course delivery framework and was named Humanitarian of the Year by The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center in recognition of her volunteer work in the Dallas community.

Heather is a Gallup-Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and a fellow of the OLC Institute for Emerging Leaders in Online Learning. She holds a Master of Science in Learning Technologies from the University of North Texas. Her work has been featured in publications including Business Management Review and OnTrack with Microsoft EDU, and she is a frequent presenter at national conferences on learning innovation and instructional design.

Facebook Youtube Instagram Linkedin