Ashref El Shazli & Ckori Jones
Ashref and Ckori are the visionaries behind The Diamond Collective, bringing decades of experience in education, youth development, and community impact to Baltimore. Their leadership is guided by a simple belief: access, opportunity, and mentorship change lives.
Ashref El Shazli
Ashref has dedicated over two decades to teaching, coaching, and nonprofit leadership. He has developed initiatives in college access, workforce pathways, and youth empowerment that have impacted thousands of young people. Ashref’s expertise in program development and education drives the Collective’s mission to create equitable opportunities for every child in Baltimore.
Ckori Jones
Ckori’s career spans education and public service, with a focus on community development, systems-building, and youth programs. He has worked to expand access to sports, mentorship, and life skills for Baltimore youth, ensuring that every program under the Collective has a foundation of impact, sustainability, and collaboration.
Their Vision
Together, Ashref and Ckori saw the need for a space where nonprofits could work collectively, youth could access safe, high-quality programs, and sports could be a tool for teaching leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
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Through their combined expertise, they acquired the Diamond Collective facility, expanded programming, and created a hub where eight nonprofits and thousands of youth thrive.
Leadership Philosophy
Collaborative
They believe in working alongside partners, not in isolation.
Innovative
They continuously adapt the Collective to maximize opportunity and access.
Youth-Focused
Every decision centers on the needs and potential of young people.
Impact-Driven
Programs are designed for measurable, lasting outcomes.