MORII Community Center Board of Directors

Ray Forrest stands as the creative and entrepreneurial heart of MORII Community Center, bringing an extraordinary blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to community development. As co-founder, Ray's multifaceted background spans successful entrepreneurship, youth mentorship, and advanced technology skills.

His entrepreneurial journey includes founding Merit Home Maintenance and Audio Addictive Entertainment, Inc., demonstrating his unique ability to bridge creativity with business innovation. Ray's dedication to youth development is evident through his roles as sports coach, mentor in community-based behavioral health centers, and program advisor at Francis-Bradley Elementary School.

As a Per Scholas IT training graduate turned mainframe engineer, Ray combines cutting-edge technical skills with grassroots community understanding. His unbridled passion for music, trades, information technology, and youth development drives the innovative vision of Difference Driven Community Center.

Brianna Gorman embodies the intersection of rigorous academic training, practical public health experience, and holistic wellness philosophy that defines MORII Community Center's approach to community health and empowerment. Her comprehensive background in research, community engagement, and program management provides the foundation for evidence-based programming.

With research experience in chronic disease and HIV prevention at the University of South Carolina Columbia and UNC Charlotte, Brianna brings scientific rigor to community health initiatives. Her leadership with Rise Against Hunger in food insecurity programming demonstrates her commitment to addressing systemic issues affecting vulnerable populations.

As a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) with an MPH from UNC Charlotte, Brianna combines academic excellence with practical application. Currently pursuing 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification, she integrates holistic wellness practices into youth programming. Her passion for health equity stems from healthcare system experience, public health leadership, community connections, and deep understanding of systems perpetuating disparities.

Lorenzo "Zo" Clark brings over two decades of executive leadership and proven board governance experience to MORII Community Center. Currently serving as Senior Vice President and Head of Sales at Windstream, a leading telecommunications firm, Zo demonstrates exceptional strategic vision and operational excellence.

His remarkable career trajectory includes serving as CEO of Front Row Fantasy Sports, leading the company to industry prominence, and a decade of sales leadership at Red Ventures. Zo's unique professional foundation stems from his athletic career with the Carolina Panthers, where he developed the discipline, teamwork, and performance mindset that defines his business success.

Educated at Grambling State University (BBA) and Harvard Business School Executive Education, Zo combines formal business training with real-world leadership experience. His commitment to community development extends through active mentorship with MicroMentor, supporting Charlotte's small business ecosystem and entrepreneurial growth.

Kiara Davis represents the powerful combination of extensive public health expertise and creative expression that enables comprehensive approaches to community wellness. With six years of public health education and six years as a healthcare nursing assistant, she brings both theoretical knowledge and hands-on healthcare experience to board leadership.

Her passion for mentoring the next generation of health professionals empowers young adults to envision expanded possibilities and create meaningful community impact. Beyond professional healthcare work, Kiara's artistic expression through pour paint art and crafting demonstrates understanding of creativity as both personal wellness practice and community engagement tool.

Whether designing innovative training programs or representing the organization at public health conferences, Kiara's commitment to health equity spans all demographics. Her particular compassion for aging adults ensures that health education programming serves community members across the lifespan, making vital health information accessible to everyone.

Kendrick Cunningham serves as MORII Community Center's strategic connection to policy advocacy and systemic change initiatives. As a government relations expert and skilled community organizer, he brings essential expertise in navigating legislative processes and building strategic partnerships that amplify community voices.

His human rights leadership focuses on empowering communities through authentic storytelling, helping residents share lived experiences that inform policy development and resource allocation. Kendrick's approach to community organizing emphasizes building sustainable coalitions that create lasting systemic change rather than temporary interventions.

His innate passion for youth development and commitment to amplifying Black and Brown communities directly supports Difference Driven's sustainability strategy. Kendrick ensures that community voices reach decision-makers and that policy advocacy efforts reflect authentic community needs and priorities.

Sabir Asheed brings cutting-edge technology expertise and digital innovation leadership to MORII Community Center's strategic vision. As an accomplished IT professional, Sabir ensures that the organization leverages technology effectively to expand program reach, streamline operations, and enhance community engagement.

His technical expertise spans system architecture, digital platform development, and emerging technology integration, positioning Difference Driven at the forefront of nonprofit innovation. Sabir's understanding of both technical possibilities and community needs enables the organization to bridge digital divides while creating accessible, user-friendly solutions.

Through strategic technology implementation, Sabir supports the organization's mission of community empowerment by ensuring that digital tools enhance rather than complicate program delivery, making services more accessible to the diverse Charlotte community we serve.