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.
​
-
Former Prince George's County baseball player
-
Bowie State University alumnus
-
Youth development advocate and mentor
-
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.
​
-
Led facility acquisition and development
-
Built the shared-platform infrastructure model
-
Former Prince George's County baseball player
-
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
.png)
Anisha Gwynn
Co-Founder, TGLE
Anisha Gwynn Jones is the Co-Founder and CEO of Tony Gwynn Legacy East (TGLE), an organization created to carry forward the values and legacy of her father, Baseball Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. Through TGLE, Anisha works to expand access to baseball for underrepresented youth through scholarships, mentorship, community engagement, and meaningful baseball experiences. Her work is rooted in using the game as a vehicle for opportunity, personal development, and lasting impact for young people.
.png)
John Kutcher
Founder, Baseball 4 Causes
John Kutcher is the Founder of Baseball 4 Causes, a mission-driven organization that uses baseball as a platform to support young people, families, and communities. Through service, mentorship, and community engagement, John works to connect athletics with opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
.png)
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..
.png)
Mekaela Berry
Co-Founder, TGLE
Mekaela Berry is the Co-Founder and President of Tony Gwynn Legacy East, where she helps advance the organization's mission of expanding access and opportunity for underrepresented youth through baseball. With a professional background spanning sports, nonprofit leadership, project management, business operations, and events, Mekaela brings both industry experience and a commitment to equity in youth sports. Together with Anisha Gwynn Jones, she helped establish TGLE to provide scholarships, mentorship, and experiences that help young athletes develop on and off the field.
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.
.png)
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.
.png)
Josh Merrill
Co-Founder, Merril Madness
Josh Merrill is the Co-Founder of Merrill Madness and a longtime educator, coach, and advocate for making baseball and softball more accessible to young athletes. Alongside his wife Jennie, Josh created Merrill Madness to help families overcome the financial barriers associated with youth and travel sports. As the father of San Diego Padres star Jackson Merrill, Josh understands firsthand both the opportunities the game can provide and the financial commitment required for young athletes to pursue them. Through Merrill Madness, he helps give other families access to those same opportunities.
Jennie Merrill
Co-Founder, Merril Madness
Jennie Merrill is the Co-Founder of Merrill Madness, an educator, and a passionate advocate for expanding access to baseball and softball. Alongside her husband Josh, Jennie helps families overcome financial barriers that can prevent young athletes from participating in competitive sports. Their own experience supporting their son, San Diego Padres star Jackson Merrill, helped inspire a mission centered on giving other young athletes opportunities to play, develop, and pursue their potential regardless of their family's financial circumstances.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
.png)
Kenny Woods
CEO, GameFinder365
Kenny Wood is a former professional basketball player, University of Richmond Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, business leader, and longtime supporter of youth athletics. As the father of Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood, Kenny brings a unique perspective shaped by his own experience as a high-level athlete and by helping guide a young athlete through the journey to professional sports. His experience in athletics, business, leadership, and family mentorship brings valuable perspective to The Diamond Collective and its work supporting the development of young people on and off the field.
.png)
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.
.png)
Peyton Brooks
CEO, WorkDev Solutions
Peyton 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.
.png)
Tyler Banks
Founder , CEO, Charm City Builders
Tyler Banks is the Founder and CEO of Charm City Builders, a Baltimore-based real estate company focused on revitalizing properties and strengthening communities. A U.S. Marine veteran, Tyler has been recognized by the Baltimore Business Journal's 40 Under 40 and the SmartCEO Circle of Excellence. Beyond his work in real estate, he has remained active in community service through neighborhood cleanups, youth organizations, and other community partnerships. Tyler brings The Diamond Collective an entrepreneurial perspective grounded in leadership, neighborhood investment, and service.
.png)
Matt Swope
Head Baseball Coach, University of Maryland
Matt Swope is the Head Baseball Coach at the University of Maryland and has been connected to Maryland baseball for more than two decades as a player, administrator, assistant coach, and head coach. A former four-year starter for the Terrapins, Swope was selected by the Montreal Expos in the 2002 MLB Draft before eventually returning to his alma mater. His career reflects a deep commitment to player development, leadership, and creating opportunities for young athletes through the game of baseball.
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.
.png)
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.