Jahmeer Reynolds - Founder & Executive Director
Jahmeer has always had a strong desire to serve his community and worked his way through college as an advocate for adults and children with mild to severe disabilities. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., as well as an accomplished playwright. In 2004, he wrote and directed a stage play about the AIDS epidemic and toured around the country. This led to him becoming a board member of African Advocates Against Aids in North Carolina.
In 2011, Jahmeer became an educator in the Wake County Public School system. In 2012, he and his family relocated to Abu Dhabi. Since then, he earned his Master’s in Education and in 2015 launched the first youth mentoring organization in the United Arab Emirates for young Black men, called "I Promise."
Most recently, Jahmeer was the Community Engagement Director for the Sausalito Marin City School District (SMCSD) and West Contra County School District’s Full-Service Community School Manager. In both roles, his work was centered on implementing needs-driven, high-quality programs and services in adherence with the Community School Model. While working at the SMCSD, he created the Marin County Cooperation Team.
Out of 1,500 applicants from over 100 different countries, in 2021, Jahmeer was selected as an Echoing Green Fellow— a fellowship of global leaders advancing racial equity from all angles with alumni such as Michelle Obama and Van Jones. For his work as MCCT's ED, Jahmeer also received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for Outstanding Innovation from the U.S. Congress, a Certificate of Recognition from both the California State Legislature and the Marin County Board of Supervisors, and the “Excellence in Innovation'' award from the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership.
If you’d like to contact Jahmeer directly, please e-mail him at jahmeerreynolds@marincountycooperationteam.org.
Mira Karageorge Guidi - Deputy Director
Mira is an attorney and lifelong Marin County resident who is deeply passionate about advancing equity and racial justice, protecting individual’s civil rights, and leading a life of service.
She has spent the majority of her legal career working toward these passions, beginning with her high school and college internships in the Marin County Public Defender’s Office and Legal Aid of Marin. After college, she channeled her desire to serve by working as a paralegal representing primarily low-wage, blue-collar workers who were dead or dying as a result of asbestos exposure. Her proudest accomplishment during law school was raising $100,000 for a record 27 grants for UC Hastings law students working in the public interest/public sector.
In her law practice, Mira dedicated herself wholly to (1) representing low-wage workers in employment discrimination, wage and hour, and civil rights individual and class actions and (2) supporting numerous judges in San Francisco Superior Court’s Complex Civil Litigation Department as a staff attorney, including a judge who went on to become the first Black female justice appointed to the California First District Court of Appeal.
Though she has had a fulfilling legal career, her serendipitous introduction to MCCT’s Founder and Executive Director, Jahmeer Reynolds, in 2020 made her realize that she was not walking in her purpose.
So, while holding a full-time job as an attorney, Mira began volunteering countless hours to MCCT assisting with its formation, funding, and launch. Her unwavering dedication led to Jahmeer asking Mira to become a full-time staff member. She joined MCCT full-time in April 2022.
While Mira wears many hats as MCCT’s Deputy Director, her focus is on (1) mobilizing monetary and non-monetary resources for MCCT; (2) ensuring the day-to-day functioning of the organization with a detail-oriented focus; and (3) co-leading MCCT’s programs, including the Southern Marin Community Response Team and Marin City’s HEAL Collaborative Community Action Team.
Mira received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a Philosophy major and Afro-American Studies minor. She graduated cum laude from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, with a Social Justice Concentration.
Her colleagues commonly refer to her as MCCT’s “linchpin” and “engine.” She accepts these nicknames proudly and is honored to be a part of the MCCT family.
If you’d like to contact Mira directly, please e-mail her at miraguidi@marincountycooperationteam.org.
Lakisha Hill - Director of Programming
Meet Lakisha Hill, a passionate advocate, and facilitator dedicated to fostering a nurturing space for empowerment and growth among black students. With a profound understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that black students face, Lakisha utilizes her extensive background in education and community engagement to skillfully guide transformative affinity groups. Through her empathic approach, Lakisha creates an inclusive environment where black students can openly share experiences, exchange perspectives, and develop strategies for success, ensuring that each individual feels heard, valued, and empowered on their academic journey.
Lakisha is a visionary leader, dedicated quality improvement consultant, accomplished Community Schools Coordinator, and seasoned Program Manager with a profound commitment to enhancing education and community development. With a strong academic background and years of hands-on experience, Lakisha is driven by a passion for catalyzing positive change and fostering growth within educational institutions and their surrounding communities.
With a solid foundation of quality improvement methodologies, Lakisha brings a wealth of expertise to organizations seeking to optimize their processes and outcomes. Her ability to identify inefficiencies, streamline workflows, and implement data-driven solutions has earned her a reputation as a sought-after consultant in various industries. Lakisha's analytical acumen, combined with her exceptional interpersonal skills, enables her to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, ensuring successful implementation and sustainable results.
Lakisha's unwavering belief in the power of education as a catalyst for community transformation led her to her role as Community Schools Coordinator. In this capacity, she orchestrates the alignment of education, health, and social service to create a holistic learning environment that nurtures students' academic, social, and emotional growth. Her leadership fosters collaboration among educators, parents, and community partners resulting in improved student outcomes, increased parental engagement, and stronger community bonds.
Driven by a passion for equity and social justice, Lakisha approaches every facet of her work with a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of education, community well-being, and sustainable development. Her transformative leadership, combined with a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world experience positions her as an invaluable asset to any organization striving to create a better future for all.
If you’d like to contact Lakisha directly, please e-mail her at lakishahill@marincountycooperationteam.org.
Shannon A. Bynum - Community Liaison, Youth Academy
A Marin City native and lifelong resident, Shannon takes great pride in being of service to his community.
Having grown up in programs like Marin City’s Summer Sports Zone, he has lived experience with how organizations like MCCT can alter life trajectories and be transformative for a community and its youth. This is precisely what motivates him in his work at MCCT.
As MCCT’s Community Liaison, Shannon builds relationships with community members and conducts outreach through tabling at events, canvassing at locations, and conducting in person, door-to-door home visits and flyer distribution.
As the FLMYA’s Program Coordinator, Shannon contributed to a successful first year of the program. He is integral in organizing weekly programming in civic engagement, leadership development, social justice, community building, health and wellness practices, and trauma response. He also serves as an indispensable mentor to the young men of color in the program.
Shannon’s approach to service can be summarized by his favorite Winston Churchill quote - “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Prior to his work at MCCT, Shannon worked in the Sausalito Marin City School District’s (SMCSD) after-school P.E.A.C.E program, served as Program Coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club of Sonoma-Marin after school program, and worked at Play Marin. He is a single father of three children, and is raising his three children in the Marin City community and SMCSD.
If you’d like to contact Shannon directly, please email him at shannonbynum@marincountycooperationteam.org.
Ain Ashby - Safety Net Services, Director
Ain Ashby moved to Marin City California in 1978. Her mother, a political activist from Chicago, brought her family here for a warmer climate and a safer environment.
Ain attended grade school at Bayside, then on to MLK, then Redwood High School, and College of Marin.
After obtaining a Real Estate license and working for Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Ain went on to work in Mortgage Banking, Title & Escrow and Small Business and Loan Administration.
For more than two decades Ain devoted herself to volunteering and advocating for residents of Marin County to receive social and other support services. In this capacity, she served the senior community, disabled youth & adults, and predominantly low-income residents of Southern Marin. All of her volunteer efforts were done while raising her two children and caring for her mom.
After volunteering at Legal Aid of Marin, Ain decided to continue her "good work" here at MCCT.
If you’d like to contact Ain directly, please email her at ainashby@marincountycooperationteam.org.
Maya McCray - Executive Assistant
Maya A McCray is an administrative assistant who believes in the power of community. Her first community was her church home in San Francisco, and she has continued the tradition of service by working throughout the Bay Area in both paid and volunteer capacities. Maya dedicates a large portion of her time to early childhood education and early literacy.
Maya lives in the South Bay with her son and small dog. When she isn’t working or volunteering, she enjoys crafting, live music, reading and watching questionable television.
If you’d like to contact Maya directly, please email her at mayamccray@marincountycooperationteam.org.
Curtis Aikens - Marin City HEAL Collaborative CAT, Program Director
Curtis is an activist, a celebrated chef and culinary consultant, a popular television and radio personality, and a published author. Curtis brings his immense expertise as MCCT’s Program Director for the Marin City HEAL Collaborative CAT, and is in charge of implementing its three food system priorities. He is also currently studying to become a Master Gardener. To learn more about Curtis, visit www.curtisaikens.net.
Curtis is also a member of the Marin Human Rights Commission, selected by the Marin Board of Supervisors to provide recommendations on implementation of CA assembly bill 1185 for sheriff oversight.
Monica Grant - Community Liaison, Youth Action Board & Substance Use Prevention Coalition
As a BIPOC and the youngest of three girls, Monica was born to be a disruptor. Growing up in Marin, Monica is aware of the disparity of equity and resources among people who are not rich and/or white living in Marin County, and is sad (but not surprised) to see how little has changed in the county in the last 30+ years.
While she graduated from UC Davis with a background in Design, Monica has always been passionate about using her voice to create awareness and make change. Monica first became familiar with the Marin County Cooperation Team during the pandemic when racial injustice started making mainstream news and she felt compelled to find productive ways to help the black community. This eventually lead her to take a leap of faith and quit her job in Commercial Property Management.
Monica lives in Marin with her daughter and two dogs. Outside of work you can find her doing arts & crafts, yoga, hiking, or reading. She believes in using a lense of empathy and perspective to build genuine, trustting relationships. Monica is honored to join the MCCT team and hopes to make a tangible difference in the community.
If you’d like to contact Monica directly, please email him at monicagrant@marincountycooperationteam.org.
PJ Taylor, Jr., Community Liaison, Youth Academy
PJ is a Richmond native that has always considered Marin County a second home. Born at Marin General Hospital, P.J. along with 5 close family members have collectively worked well over 100 years at Marin General Hospital.
PJ relocated to Mississippi from California, while in high school, where he graduated before attending an HBCU. While at Alcorn State University he studied Robotics and Manufacturing while becoming a member of Upsilon Phi Upsilon Fraternity Incorporated. During his time in college, P.J. developed a passion for mentoring Black youth through his organization which he took into adulthood. From his experiences in life, he takes the knowledge he's obtained and pays it forward. The quote he lives by comes from the great poet Maya Angelou...“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”
PJ has a strong passion when it comes to Art. He likes to draw pictures and paint, write poems and movie scripts, produces music and loves to build whether using his hands or computer aided design. He feels that when you're able to paint your own picture, the world gets to see who you really are.
As a FLMYA Program Coordinator, PJ aims to show young minority students how to paint their own pictures and teach them how to present to the world who they truly are.
If you’d like to contact PJ directly, please email him at pjtaylorjr@marincountycooperationteam.org.