Mission

Did you know?

1 in 2

African American children will develop diabetes

1 in 3

US High school students reported feelings of hopelessness and sadness

1 in 5

African American children is obese & Hispanic children have an even higher rate of obesity

Our Mission

Well-being for the Whole Being

The Higher Ground for Humanity [HGH] mission is to educate and foster everyday behavioral practices [life skills] to advance mental, emotional and physical well-being for underserved communities in communication, nutrition, and fitness.

Core Values

Play Equity

We are transparent and honest, we strive to center growth for economics and social mobility.

Digital Literacy

We support the whole child, in authentic service to the community in the digital age.

Non-Traditional

We quickly adapt non-traditional solutions, we strive to be pioneers.

Who We Work With

Community Centers

Recreation Centers

Non Profit Organizations

Rise Life Skill Curriculums

self discovery

Students develop an understanding of how they identify with self and their relationship with others.

food is health

Students develop an understanding of current food habits and learn to adopt new practices by learning the benefits of how food can support their needs.

self love

Students learn to start the day off with a positive vibration using word affirmations, music, and physical exercise as aids to jumpstart the day in self-nourishment.

We are committed to Financial Transparency

97% of our grant funds are used on programming to support underserved youth.

475% From 2021 to 2023, HGH increased donor contributions by 475% in 2 years.

Board Members

Board Chair

Maya Emelle

Drawing on her award winning storytelling skills and corporate experience at Meta, formerly Facebook and HBO, Emelle spearheads Higher Ground for Humanity with unwavering resolve to uplift the well-being of young minds. Her mission: harnessing the transformative power of storytelling to elevate the social landscape for generations to come.

Vice Chair

Kavita Vora

Kavita’s passion for impacting income inequality and helping women build wealth aids. With a B.A in Economics from UCLA and 20(+) years of experience in both corporate America and boutique companies, she excels in defining processes in order to achieve sustainable growth.

Board Member

Robert Brownstone

Robert D. Brownstone runs and funds three start-ups that he founded: a law firm; a tech consulting company; and a continuing-legal-education provider. Raised in a family of professional actors and dancers, for decades he has been a renowned presenter and conference chair – as well as a teacher and curriculum-director at several law schools nationwide.

Treasurer

Monique Jones

Monique Jones has 14(+) years of experience as a grant professional and holds a master’s degree in Grant Writing, Management, and Evaluation. Her commitment to youth empowerment is evident through a rich history of mentoring and inspiring young individuals.

Learn more about the humanitarians volunteering to support the mission of Higher Ground for Humanity.

Board Secretary

Ross Emelle

Ross Emelle is a second year English major at NC State University. He is also currently a writer at the Nubian Message, one of NC State’s student newspapers.

Accountant

Jarrai Stephens

Jay holds a B.S. in International Business from Furman University and a MBA in Finance from Howard University. Throughout her 15-years of experience in corporate finance, she has held management roles at Deloitte, Meta, and the U.S. Navy

Advisory Board

Hans Hageman

Hans E. Hageman is a social entrepreneur from Spanish Harlem and has developed visionary solutions to improve education from harlem to india and supports the executive board of Higher Ground.