Built From Experience.
Designed for Impact.
The Team Behind the Collective
The Diamond Collective was founded by two Maryland athletes who saw firsthand the power of baseball and the gaps in access and set out to build a better model. Recognizing both the strength of BUBA's mission and the very real challenges it faced, CKori and Ashref made a pivotal decision: they would acquire a facility to support and strengthen BUBA's programming giving the organization the infrastructure it needed to grow and serve more youth effectively.
But as they began to build, something became clear. The need was bigger than one organization. The opportunity was bigger than one program. What started as a focused effort to support a single nonprofit began to reveal a much larger gap in how youth sports organizations operated and a much larger chance to do something meaningful about it.
Ashref Elshazli
Co-Founder
Ashref brings a deep, lived connection to youth development through baseball and softball. His perspective is rare and invaluable: he has experienced the sport as a player who was shaped by it, and as a parent who has watched his own child benefit from it giving him a ground-level understanding of exactly what young athletes and their families need from a program. That dual lens informs everything about the mission and direction of The Diamond Collective. Ashref's insight ensures that the platform is built not just with good intentions, but with genuine understanding of the real barriers families face and the real difference that access, consistency, and quality programming can make in a young person's life.
Ckori Jones Sr.
Co-Founder
CKori brings strategic vision and operational leadership to The Diamond Collective. Drawing on his extensive background in real estate and business development, he led the acquisition and buildout of the facility that anchors the entire platform creating the physical environment that enables multiple organizations to operate, collaborate, and grow under one roof. His journey is one of intentional full-circle impact. From playing baseball in Prince George's County to building the infrastructure that gives the next generation access to the same transformative experience, CKori has translated personal history into purposeful action. He understands what it takes to turn a vision into something real and he built exactly that.
Ckori Jones Jr.
Director of Communications & Media Strategy
Ckori Jones Jr. is a storyteller, content creator, and media strategist serving as the Director of Communications & Media Strategy for The Diamond Collective. A graduate of Prince George’s Community College and owner of DMV Made Media, Ckori specializes in photography, videography, video editing, social media strategy, and brand storytelling. As a YouTuber and creative entrepreneur, Ckori has produced more than 130 videos focused on sports, community impact, and organizational storytelling. Through his work with The Diamond Collective, he helps lead media production, communications strategy, and digital storytelling efforts that amplify the organization’s mission and ecosystem. ckorijr@thediamondcollective.org
Dariel Torres
Executive Advisor for Strategic Partnerships
Dariel Torres is a former college and amateur baseball player with experience in athlete relations, sports branding, and partnership development. In addition to his work with The Mas Sports Agency, he brings valuable industry connections and relationship-building experience to The Diamond Collective. As Executive Advisor for Strategic Partnerships, Dariel helps strengthen relationships with athletes, organizations, and brands while supporting the continued growth of the Collective’s mission and ecosystem. Dtorres@thediamondcollective.org
Taevon Bradley
Strategic Storytelling & Media Consultant
Taevon Bradley is the Founder and CEO of StraightWay Media, a Baltimore-based media production company specializing in strategic storytelling, cinematic video production, and executive communications. He partners with organizations, nonprofits, public officials, and business leaders to craft compelling visual stories that inspire action and elevate brands. Beyond producing high-quality video, Taevon helps organizations think strategically about messaging, audience engagement, and how stories should be communicated for maximum impact. His experience includes working alongside elected officials, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, and mission-driven organizations to develop content that is both visually compelling and purpose-driven.
From Supporting a Program to Building a Platform
Recognizing both the strength of BUBA's mission and the very real challenges it faced, CKori and Ashref made a pivotal decision: they would acquire a facility to support and strengthen BUBA's programming giving the organization the infrastructure it needed to grow and serve more youth effectively.
But as they began to build, something became clear. The need was bigger than one organization. The opportunity was bigger than one program. What started as a focused effort to support a single nonprofit began to reveal a much larger gap in how youth sports organizations operated and a much larger chance to do something meaningful about it.
The Turning Point
What started as a way to support BUBA evolved into a vision to support an entire ecosystem one where organizations could thrive together rather than struggle separately.
Co-Founder Profile
Ashref Elshazli
Ashref brings a deep, lived connection to youth development through baseball and softball. His perspective is rare and invaluable: he has experienced the sport as a player who was shaped by it, and as a parent who has watched his own child benefit from it giving him a ground-level understanding of exactly what young athletes and their families need from a program.
That dual lens informs everything about the mission and direction of The Diamond Collective. Ashref's insight ensures that the platform is built not just with good intentions, but with genuine understanding of the real barriers families face and the real difference that access, consistency, and quality programming can make in a young person's life.
Community Connector
Player, parent, and passionate advocate for youth access to baseball and softball.
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Former Prince George's County baseball player
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Bowie State University alumnus
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Youth development advocate and mentor
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Connected the mission to BUBA's programming
Strategic Visionary
Real estate professional, community builder, and the operational architect behind The Diamond Collective's physical foundation.
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Led facility acquisition and development
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Built the shared-platform infrastructure model
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Former Prince George's County baseball player
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Bowie State University alumnus
Co-Founder Profile
CKori Jones
CKori brings strategic vision and operational leadership to The Diamond Collective. Drawing on his extensive background in real estate and business development, he led the acquisition and buildout of the facility that anchors the entire platform creating the physical environment that enables multiple organizations to operate, collaborate, and grow under one roof.
His journey is one of intentional full-circle impact. From playing baseball in Prince George's County to building the infrastructure that gives the next generation access to the same transformative experience, CKori has translated personal history into purposeful action. He understands what it takes to turn a vision into something real and he built exactly that.
Director of Communications & Media Strategy
Ckori Jones Jr.
Ckori Jones Jr. is a storyteller, content creator, and media strategist serving as the Director of Communications & Media Strategy for The Diamond Collective. A graduate of Prince George’s Community College and owner of DMV Made Media, Ckori specializes in photography, videography, video editing, social media strategy, and brand storytelling.
As a YouTuber and creative entrepreneur, Ckori has produced more than 130 videos focused on sports, community impact, and organizational storytelling. Through his work with The Diamond Collective, he helps lead media production, communications strategy, and digital storytelling efforts that amplify the organization’s mission and ecosystem.
Executive Advisor for Strategic Partnerships
Dariel Torres
Dariel Torres is a former college and amateur baseball player with experience in athlete relations, sports branding, and partnership development. In addition to his work with The Mas Sports Agency, he brings valuable industry connections and relationship-building experience to The Diamond Collective.
As Executive Advisor for Strategic Partnerships, Dariel helps strengthen relationships with athletes, organizations, and brands while supporting the continued growth of the Collective’s mission and ecosystem.
MEMBERS
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Anisha Gwynn
Co-Founder, TGLE
Ashref brings a deep, lived connection to youth development through baseball and softball. His perspective is rare and invaluable: he has experienced the sport as a player who was shaped by it, and as a parent who has watched his own child benefit from it giving him a ground-level understanding of exactly what young athletes and their families need from a program. That dual lens informs everything about the mission and direction of The Diamond Collective. Ashref's insight ensures that the platform is built not just with good intentions, but with genuine understanding of the real barriers families face and the real difference that access, consistency, and quality programming can make in a young person's life.
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John Kutcher
Founder, Baseball 4 Causes
John Kutcher, Founder - Baseball For Causes - bio John Kutcher is a leader, mentor, and community advocate serving through Baseball 4 Causes, a mission-driven organization focused on using baseball as a platform to create meaningful impact for youth and families. Passionate about service, mentorship, and community engagement, John helps lead initiatives that combine athletics, opportunity, and purpose to positively influence the next generation.
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Adam Elshazli
Chief of Programs & Partnerships, BUBA
Adam leads BUBA’s program strategy and partnerships, designing initiatives that promote equity, mentorship, and personal growth. With more than 20 years of experience in education, international program development, and community engagement, he drives innovation that expands opportunities for Baltimore youth. Passionate about creating lasting impact, Adam ensures BUBA empowers the next generation both on and off the field..
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Machaela Berry
Co-Founder, TGLE
Mekaela Berry is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning sports management, non-profit leadership, and a passion for social equity. Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Mekaela’s journey in the realm of sports and community advocacy began early in life. After graduating from Morse High School in 2000, Mekaela pursued her academic endeavors at California State University, Northridge, where she majored in Communication Studies. Mekaela entered the world of professional sports, beginning with a nearly 10-year career with the NFL’s San Diego Chargers. Her time in the league provided invaluable insights into the inner workings of sports organizations and fueled her commitment to promoting inclusivity and opportunity within the sports industry. Relocating to the D.C. metro area in 2016, Mekaela shifted careers into nonprofit work focused on project management, business operations and events. Mekaela’s commitment to access and growth in baseball is further underscored by her personal connection to the world of professional sports. Her brother, Quintin Berry, former MLB World Series Champion turned 3B Coach for the Chicago Cubs, has inspired her to confront the challenges and disparities present in athletics head-on. Driven by her personal experiences and a desire to address systemic inequalities, Mekaela pursued further education, obtaining certification from the University of South Florida in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Through her journey, Mekaela has witnessed both the triumphs and tribulations of her brother’s baseball career, reinforcing her determination to effect meaningful change in sports equity. Mekaela hopes to be a driving force for positive transformation in sports and beyond.
Dondre “Don” Yon
Advisor & Community Engagement Specialist, BUBA
Don brings over 18 years of playing, coaching, and mentoring experience to BUBA. A former Product Manager for Diamond Sports at Under Armour, he supports youth development through leadership workshops, mentorship, and community partnerships—helping inspire the next generation of leaders on and off the field.
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Andrew Wetlinger
Founder of BUBA
Andrew founded the Baltimore Urban Baseball Association (BUBA) to empower underserved youth in Baltimore City. With 22 years in the financial sector as a Chartered Financial Analyst and leadership experience at Merrill Lynch, he has grown BUBA into a program serving over 2,300 athletes annually—providing free facilities, coaching, and mentorship that foster athletic and personal development.
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Josh Merril
Co-Founder, Merril Madness
Josh Merrill is the cofounder of Merrill Madness and a passionate advocate for youth baseball and athlete development. A Maryland resident and father of Major League Baseball player Jackson Merrill, Josh is deeply committed to helping young athletes and families gain access to opportunities within the game. Through Merrill Madness, he works to support youth development, mentorship, and affordability within travel baseball, helping remove financial barriers so more young players can compete, grow, and pursue their goals both on and off the field. Known for his generosity, leadership, and passion for helping kids, Josh continues to positively impact the baseball community through service, relationships, and opportunity-driven programming.
Jennie Merril
Co-Founder, Merril Madness
Jennie Merrill is the Co-Founder of Merrill Madness and a passionate advocate for youth baseball, athlete development, and community impact. A Maryland resident and proud mother of Major League Baseball player Jackson Merrill, Jennie is deeply committed to helping young athletes and families gain meaningful access to opportunities within the game of baseball. Despite her family’s success in professional baseball, Jennie continues to work full-time as an educator in Severna Park, Maryland, reflecting her genuine passion for serving young people and investing in her local community. Her heart for mentorship, guidance, and youth development is evident both inside and outside the classroom. Through Merrill Madness, Jennie helps lead efforts focused on youth development, mentorship, and affordability within travel baseball. She is passionate about helping remove financial barriers that often prevent families from fully participating in the sport, creating pathways for more young athletes to compete, grow, and pursue their goals both on and off the field. Jennie also plays a critical leadership role behind the scenes by providing extensive administrative and organizational support to Josh Merrill, utilizing her professional background and strong operational skill set to help the organization function effectively and efficiently. Through service, relationships, and opportunity-driven programming, Jennie continues to make a lasting and positive impact throughout the baseball community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Kenny Woods
CEO, GameFinder
Kenny Wood, father of Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood, to our Advisory Board. A former professional basketball player in Europe and University of Richmond Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Kenny now applies his leadership skills in business and community ventures while staying deeply involved in youth sports. His wide-ranging experience—from collegiate athletics to professional competition and family mentorship—brings valuable guidance as BUBA develops programs that cultivate talent, character, and opportunity for Baltimore’s scholar-athletes.
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Chris Rollins
Partner, The Alliance Group
Chris Rollins brings over 15 years of experience in executive search and leadership advising, specializing in senior roles across corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors. At The Alliance Group, a premier retained search firm in the D.C. area, Chris partners with boards and executives to identify leaders who embody organizational mission and culture. He is deeply committed to building diverse and inclusive leadership teams, advising clients on equitable hiring and succession planning. Beyond recruiting, Chris mentors emerging leaders and engages in community initiatives focused on expanding opportunities for under-represented groups. He is based in Vienna, VA, and is well connected in the DC leadership ecosystem.
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Peyton Brooks
CEO, WorkDev Solutions
Payton Brooks is the CEO of Wordev Solutions, a workforce development company focused on creating opportunities through education, career readiness, and professional growth initiatives. Payton brings experience in leadership, business development, and community engagement with a strong passion for helping individuals access pathways to long-term success. Through his work, he is committed to empowering communities by connecting people to resources, mentorship, and workforce opportunities that create lasting impact.
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Tyler Banks
Founder , CEO, Charm City Builders
Tyler Banks, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Charm City Builders, proudly serves on the Baltimore Urban Baseball Association’s (BUBA) Advisory Board. A U.S. Marine veteran and recipient of the Baltimore Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and SmartCEO Circle of Excellence awards, Tyler has led Charm City Builders since 2011, revitalizing Baltimore one home at a time. His company purchases properties in cash and restores them to vibrant use, strengthening neighborhoods and simplifying “as is” sales through his innovative online platform, REXTAR, launched in 2020. Deeply committed to service, Tyler also organizes neighborhood clean-ups and partners with youth associations and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His leadership in real estate and community engagement brings invaluable perspective and purpose to BUBA’s mission of empowering scholar-athletes on and off the field.
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Matt Swope
Head Baseball Coach, University of Maryland
Diamond Collective proudly welcomes Kenny Wood, father of Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood, to our Advisory Board. A former professional basketball player in Europe and University of Richmond Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Kenny now applies his leadership skills in business and community ventures while staying deeply involved in youth sports. His wide-ranging experience—from collegiate athletics to professional competition and family mentorship—brings valuable guidance as Diamond Collective develops programs that cultivate talent, character, and opportunity for Baltimore’s scholar-athletes.
Edwin Thompson
Head Baseball Coach, Georgetown University
Edwin Thompson has led Georgetown University’s baseball program since 2020, bringing over 16 years of collegiate coaching experience from institutions like Eastern Kentucky and Bates College. Known for his focus on player development and team culture, Thompson has propelled Georgetown to national recognition, especially for maintaining one of the most diverse and inclusive Division I rosters. He is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in college athletics, actively recruiting and mentoring players from underrepresented communities. As a former collegiate outfielder and USA Baseball coach, Thompson’s leadership fosters high-character athletes who succeed on and off the field.
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Tyrone Brooks
Senior Director,
Major League Baseball
Tyrone Brooks is a leading figure in advancing diversity in professional baseball. Since 2016, he has directed MLB’s initiative to increase representation of women and people of color in front office and on-field roles. His efforts have reshaped hiring practices across the league. Before joining MLB’s central office, Brooks worked nearly 20 years in operations for the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Guardians, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He also founded the Baseball Industry Network, a LinkedIn community of over 38,000 baseball professionals, serving as a key resource for career development and networking. Brooks is active on SABR’s board and a sought-after speaker on equity and leadership in sports.
Be Part of the Vision
The Diamond Collective was built from lived experience but it is sustained and grown through partnership, generous support, and deep community commitment. What CKori and Ashref started as two former players who believed in something better has become a platform that is already changing lives and is built to change many more.
Whether you are an organization looking for a home, a donor who believes in expanding access, or a community partner ready to collaborate, there is a place for you in what we are building. The field is open. Come be part of it.
A Shared Platform. A Stronger Ecosystem.
The Diamond Collective was built to fundamentally change how youth development happens in baseball and softball. Rather than asking organizations to continue operating in isolation, we created a unified platform where space, infrastructure, and programming can be shared—and where every partner is stronger because of the whole.
Shared Purpose
Mission-driven organizations align around common goals, eliminating duplication and amplifying collective reach.
Shared Infrastructure
A centralized facility and operational backbone give every partner access to resources no single organization could sustain alone.
Multiplied Impact
Together, partners reach more youth, deliver better programming, and create a sustainable model for long-term community benefit.