Black Male Highlight of the Month: ishmael sandiford

 Ishmael Sandiford is a man who has used his passion and purpose to positively impact the lives of others, one person at a time. He believes that meaningful change does not always have to begin with changing the entire world; sometimes, changing one life can create a ripple effect that inspires that person to positively impact someone else.

Ishmael stands firmly behind the principle of “mental fitness through physical focus.” He believes that when an individual strengthens and improves their mind, their entire life can begin to change. For Ishmael, physical fitness and exercise are more than simply ways to improve the body they can serve as a gateway to greater discipline, mental strength, self-awareness, and personal transformation.

Ronnie Ransome Jr. is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Performance Coach, and Founder & CEO of Focus Forward Counseling & Coaching in Virginia. Over the past 11 years, he has worked across community mental health and clinical settings, creating spaces where individuals can heal, grow, and reach their full potential.

A two-time graduate of Virginia State University and former All-American football player, Ronnie combines his clinical expertise with firsthand experience in high-performance environments. His work bridges the gap between mental health and peak performance, helping clients strengthen both their well-being and their ability to excel. 

Ronnie specializes in working with student and professional athletes, individuals with ADHD and executive functioning challenges, and high performers across a variety of professions who are committed to personal and professional growth. Through counseling, coaching, and performance-focused strategies, he helps clients build resilience, improve focus, and become the best version of themselves.

 Dr. Gregory Marcelle is a visionary entrepreneur, behavioral healthcare executive, and community advocate dedicated to creating pathways to healing, hope, and opportunity. As the Founder and CEO of Our Community Home, Inc. and Leading, Elevating, Valuing, Everyone, Launching Success (L.E.V.E.L.S.) Mental Health, he has devoted his career to expanding access to quality mental health services, substance use treatment, crisis intervention, recovery housing, and community wellness throughout Virginia. Through leadership, mentorship, public speaking, and innovative community initiatives, Dr. Marcelle is committed to empowering individuals to overcome barriers, discover purpose, and build brighter futures. 

Saturday, September 19, 2026
The Hippodrome
518 N. 2nd Street
Richmond, VA 23219

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating community leaders while raising funds to support recovery housing, mental health services, youth initiatives, and life-changing programs throughout Virginia. This year's theme is Speakeasy Masquerade.

 Purchase tickets or become a sponsor:
www.ourcommunityhome.org

Coming August 2026

The Collective Cup is Richmond's newest community coffee shop a welcoming space where coffee, wellness, creativity, and connection come together. Whether you're looking to work remotely, network, attend community events, or simply enjoy a great cup of coffee or matcha, The Collective Cup is designed to bring people together.

104 N. 19th Street
Richmond, VA 23223

Follow our journey as we prepare for our grand opening!

Darryl Johnston, affectionately known throughout the community as “Coach Rock,” is a dedicated youth mentor, coach, community leader, and founder of The Rock Project in Richmond, Virginia.

Established in 2019, The Rock Project was created with a clear mission: to provide young people with positive opportunities, meaningful guidance, and safe spaces to grow and thrive. Through mentorship, sports and coaching, summer camps, after-school programming, community events, and back-to-school giveaways, Coach Rock has remained committed to uplifting youth and strengthening the Richmond community.

Driven by a passion for violence prevention and youth development, Johnston has been vocal about the importance of helping young people navigate trauma, depression, and life’s challenges while empowering them to make healthy and productive choices.

In 2024, his vision expanded with the opening of The Rock Project Community Center in downtown Richmond—a permanent safe haven designed to support and inspire youth. The center includes plans for a game room, library, fitness space, and mentoring programs aimed at fostering growth, connection, and opportunity.

Coach Rock’s impact extends through meaningful community partnerships and collaborative efforts, including football camps, youth events, and school supply giveaways. His work has brought together local leaders and organizations, including collaborations with former Philadelphia Eagles player Anthony Harris, to create lasting change for Richmond’s youth.

Through service, leadership, and unwavering dedication, Coach Rock continues to be a powerful force for hope, healing, and empowerment in the lives of young people.

 Andre Rawls, native of Franklin, VA, is a Virginia State University Class of 2014 graduate and a two-time CIAA Champion, as well as a dedicated mental health leader. He is deeply passionate about investing in his community, empowering young people, and creating environments where growth, accountability, and opportunity can thrive. Through mentorship, nonprofit leadership, coaching, and community engagement, Andre strives to lead by example, using his platform to inspire others to grow, lead, and give back in meaningful ways that create lasting impact. He stands on the principles of purpose, discipline, consistency, and showing up for others. Professionally, Andre works in the human services and behavioral health field, where he supports individuals and families through mentorship, crisis intervention, and community-based services. He is also on track to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist this year. 

Troi Hughes is a Richmond, Virginia native, father, mentor, and multifaceted creator who refuses to be confined to one lane. Known for wearing many hats, he moves with purpose across fitness, mental health, entrepreneurship, modeling, and community leadership. As a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), personal trainer, and mentor, Troi is deeply committed to helping individuals grow not only physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.

At his core, he is a man of the community using his presence, voice, and work to uplift others, help them discover purpose, and push toward the next level in life. As a personal trainer, mental health professional, entrepreneur, content creator, and mentor, Troi has spent years building impact across multiple spaces. Each lane serves as a platform to reach people beyond the surface, fostering real transformation that extends far beyond the physical.

Dominic Jones is a man of faith, a transformation coach, and a visual storyteller who embodies discipline, empathy, and purpose. His personal journey of losing over 100 pounds and overcoming adversity serves as the foundation of his mission: helping others develop sustainable habits, renew their mindset, and understand that lasting change is built through daily consistency and intentional action.

Dominic is the proud owner and certified trainer of Dropping Dimes Intrinsic Training (DDIT), where the mission is to empower individuals to unlock their intrinsic potential through structured training, accountability, and mindset development. Through DDIT, he combines physical fitness, mental resilience, and purpose-driven coaching to inspire transformation from the inside out, proving that discipline paired with belief can create lifelong impact.

Trevor Alexander is a husband, proud new father of two, and Virginia native with deep roots in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia. Grounded in family, service, and legacy, his work is driven by a belief that access, ownership, and informed decision-making should not be privileges—but standards.

He is the founder of FindABlackAgent.com, a national real estate platform built to connect families with vetted professionals through trust, transparency, and data-driven systems.

A graduate of Old Dominion University and Morgan State University, and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Trevor brings a disciplined, service-oriented lens to everything he builds, bridging technology, real estate, and community infrastructure to create systems that last.

 Dana Lewis is a husband, father, and licensed clinical social worker dedicated to the healing and restoration of Black men, couples, and families. With over 11 years of clinical experience, he is the Founder and CEO of Whole Life Center in Baltimore, MD, a mental health private practice that’s rooted in culturally responsive care and emotional integrity. Through his work, Dana supports black men and couples in breaking generational cycles and building lives grounded in wholeness, authenticity, and purpose. 

Dana’s approach integrates emotional intelligence, relational repair, and generational healing. Whether guiding Black men through identity, trauma, grief, and growth or helping couples navigate rupture and repair, his work is centered on transformation that extends beyond the individual and into the family system. He is committed to creating spaces where healing is practical, relatable, accessible, and sustainable. In addition to his clinical work, Dana is an emerging voice in men’s mental health and relational wellness.

He is slated to serve as a panelist at the Generation DMV Men + Mental Health Conference in May 2026 and is currently developing an email newsletter designed to support couples seeking clarity, understanding, and restoration in their relationships and marriages.

Grounded in faith, purpose, and consistency, Dana believes that true change occurs when individuals do the internal work required to disrupt cycles and redefine legacy. His work reflects a deep commitment to helping people live whole lives—emotionally, relationally, and generationally.

Darrian Hewlett: The Youngest of his parents five children, he hails from the Southside of Richmond. Darrian is an award-winning event planner, model coach, and a prominent figure in the fashion and hospitality industries in the Richmond, Virginia area. He is the founder and executive director of Threaded, a Men's Fashion Week, which launched in 2025 to provide a dedicated platform for menswear and male models. 

From 2017-2025 served as a Housing Official, administering Affordable Housing Programs and community walks with The Mayor of Richmond. Darrian continues to serve underserved communities although he doesn’t currently hold a role in the world of Housing, but has a passion to serve those in need. 

Darrian continues to push the barriers of what’s expected in the world of events and community engagement to shine a light on the river city! 

Justice Peebles is a visionary leader, community builder, and business development expert dedicated to empowering men and entrepreneurs to reach their full potential. Based in Richmond, Virginia, he serves as the Executive Director of The Men’s Huddle, a 501(c)(3) organization focused on mental wellness, mentorship, and the personal growth of men ages 18 and up. Beyond his nonprofit work, Justice is the founder of several ventures—including Mobile Hoops & Games, a rental and event entertainment company that brings mentorship and joy to communities through interactive experiences—and is also an active real estate investor committed to creating opportunities for community growth and ownership.

Justice’s purpose-driven approach blends faith, leadership, and strategy. Whether helping men rebuild their lives or guiding entrepreneurs in turning ideas into income, he is committed to creating systems that heal, inspire, and sustain growth. Known for his authenticity and vision, Justice stands as a living example that transformation begins when purpose meets consistency.