Meet the Team
The Urban Male Network (UMN) team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to empowering minority men in urban communities. Through mentorship, education, and community engagement, we provide opportunities for personal growth, career readiness, and life skills development. Our team works tirelessly to create impactful programs that inspire leadership, foster resilience, and build a strong foundation for success. Together, we are shaping the next generation of confident and capable men.
Chief Executive Officer
Marlon Haywood
Dr. Marlon Haywood was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago in the Englewood area. Never one to let his environment dictate his future, he received his Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Roosevelt University. He has a Master’s Degree in Adult & Higher Education and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Liberal Studies from Northern Illinois University (NIU).
Dr. Haywood’s life’s mission is to be a positive source of change in the lives of young people, in particular young minority men. His professional resume is one deeply rooted in service. While
serving as a Transition Specialist, he noticed the completion rate for African American males that receives their GED was low. To serve as an intervention, he developed the male mentoring program
Urban Male Initiative, a program that provided academic support to first generation male students at Malcolm-X college. Dr. Haywood has expanded his work to include elementary and high
schools, where he started Urban Male Network (UMN), a non-profit organization to work with teenage male youth in Chicago. Currently, UMN have 12 mentoring locations across the Chicagoland area, where the organization provide service to 300+ young men monthly. UMN is a
community partner with the Obama Foundation - My Brother’s Keeper Initiative.
Moreover, Dr. Haywood served as a Health Disparities Research Fellow for three years at Rush University Medical Center working on the BMO Harris Bank grant project in partnership with Malcolm X College and the Medical Home Network.
There he did research, designed curriculum and other initiatives to address the socioeconomic and health disparity issues in low-income communities of Chicago. Marlon served as Program Manager for the Office of Community
Engagement at Rush University Medical Center
Email: marlon@urbanmalenetwork.org
Chief Operations Officer
Rickey Layfield
Mr. Layfield is a Chicago native that graduated from Hyde Park Career Academy. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Northern Illinois University in 2013 and received his Master’s in education with an emphasis in student affairs in 2016. His event planning background derives from serving as the President of the Campus Activities Board at NIU, where he was tasked with leading 12 event planners in the execution of 24 events per semester, with a budget of $364,000. Mr. Layfield was able to assist in the planning of several diverse events from 2009-2013.
His marketing and branding skills derived from co creating Campus Live Radio, Liberated Minds Organization and serving as the social media intern for Northern Illinois University. His student development background emerged while serving as a Graduate assistant for Trio Student Support Services, Residential counselor for Upward Bound, Program Intern for Chicago Cares One Summer Chicago Program a. Mr. Layfield currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer Urban Male Network, Brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and Regional Manager for Becoming a man Program and Youth Advisor for Gary Comer Youth Center .
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Chief Financial Officer
Sumera Galvez
Sumera Galvez is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience spanning diverse roles in Global Sales Operations, Marketing, and Financial Analysis. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Urban Male Network, Sumera brings her expertise and leadership to drive strategic financial initiatives and ensure operational excellence within the organization.
With a profound passion for real estate and entrepreneurship, Sumera has cultivated a multifaceted skill set that combines financial acumen with a keen understanding of market dynamics. Her strategic insights and innovative approach have been instrumental in driving growth and maximizing profitability across various ventures.
Sumera's journey in the corporate landscape has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with a commitment to fostering collaborative environments that inspire creativity and drive results. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and leverage emerging opportunities has earned her recognition as a trusted advisor and influential leader in her field.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Sumera remains deeply engaged in community initiatives and is dedicated to empowering others through mentorship and advocacy. With a firm belief in the transformative power of education and entrepreneurship, she strives to create opportunities for individuals to thrive and realize their full potential.
Email: Sgalvez@urbanmalenetwork.org
Program Director
Corey Turner
Corey Turner is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment, driven by a passion for promoting growth, challenging negative stereotypes, and expanding developmental opportunities for young people. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Corey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Black Studies from Northern Illinois University.
Throughout his journey, Corey has been deeply involved in numerous impactful organizations. He has served with distinction in the Black Males Initiative, Liberated Minds Organization, Black Student Union, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Currently, as a key leader at Urban Male Network, Corey continues to leverage his experience and commitment to foster positive change and uplift the next generation.
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Executive Assistant
Alison Manalp
Alison Manalp holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Spring Arbor University. During her studies, she was actively involved in organizations focused on youth empowerment, including a transformative internship in Uganda, Africa, where she worked at a residential center for pregnant teens in crisis.
Following her academic journey, Alison transitioned into the pet care industry, where she managed Chicago's largest dog walking and pet sitting company. In this role, she honed her skills in HR and client success, leading a remarkable recovery post-COVID by expanding the client base from 500 to 2,000 and growing the staff from 15 to 65. Her work fostered a deep passion for staff empowerment and the joy of creating a fun and supportive environment.
Currently, Alison combines her diverse experiences in social work and management at Urban Male Network. She is dedicated to supporting her colleagues in their vital work with youth, striving to make the world a better place for the next generation.
Lead Youth Advisor
Joavon Mckinnor
“It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men- Fredrick Douglass.” Joavon McKinnor journey with education/mentoring rooted from this quote. In 2018 McKinnor began working with AmeriCorps program City Year Chicago, as a student success coach for fourth graders at Johnson School of Excellence on the westside of Chicago. From there McKinnor began working with other non-profits as a mentor, graduating from Columbia College Chicago (2018)with a Bachelor’s in theatre. Relationship building, social emotional learning and critical thinking are three pillars that McKinnor emphasize to all youth. Currently Joavon is Director of Mentorship for UrbanMaleNetwork, ultimately Joavon wants to instruct theatre arts exercises for our youth, creating a coping mechanism to deal with life uncertainty.
Youth Advisor
Tayveun Williams
Tayveun, raised on the west side of Chicago, IL, has always been driven by a desire to make a difference in his community. This passion led him to Northern Illinois University, where he pursued a bachelor's degree in sport management with an emphasis in marketing in eSports. During his time at NIU, Tayveun immersed himself in various leadership roles and student organizations, building a strong foundation for his future endeavors. Throughout his college career, Tayveun was an active member of the Black Male Initiative for three years serving as director of marketing and later vice-president , where he worked tirelessly to support and uplift his peers. His dedication and leadership skills shone through as he took on significant roles in the Association of Collegiate Men, serving as director of marketing and later as president for two years. Additionally, he contributed to the Campus Activity Board for a year, helping to organize events that enriched the campus community.
In the fall of 2023, Tayveun joined the esteemed brotherhood of Kappa Alpha Psi, further solidifying his commitment to brotherhood, leadership, and community service. Currently, he mentors young men through the Urban Male Network male mentoring group, where he continues to inspire and guide the next generation. Tayveun's passion for uplifting young Black males, regardless of their background, is a driving force in all his endeavors. While at NIU, Tayveun's contributions extended beyond leadership roles. He actively participated in community service and fundraising efforts, always striving to make a positive impact. Notably, he co-founded the BMI Met Gala, an event that celebrates and supports the achievements of Black American students on campus. Through these efforts, Tayveun has left a lasting legacy at NIU, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
My name is Deontae Rush I was born and raised in Chicago, IL. I attended Siena Heights University where student Criminal Justice (BA) and Clinical Mental Health (MA). I coach football and train young athletes. My hobbies are going to the gym, videos games, and learning.
Youth Advisor
Fuad Raji
Fuad Raji M.S. Ed. is a first generation Nigerian American born and raised in Chicago IL. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health Administration and Masters in Counseling, Adult, & Higher education. Fuad has over 10 years as a higher education/public service practitioner as well as event programming, marketing, and advertising in the Chicagoland area.
Fuad’s professional experience includes serving as the Academic Advisor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Student Activities Coordinator at Urban Prep Academy; and Assistant Varsity Coach at South Shore International College Prep. Fuad is also the creator of VIBERIGHT LIFESTYLE BRAND.
Fuad is extremely passionate about working with all students and assisting them in their journey towards academic/personal success and leadership; a desire that originated through his campus involvement as a student at NIU. While at NIU, Fuad experienced the impact of participating, developing, and implementing student-centered initiatives for African American student success and retention. Fuad understood, early on, the importance of utilizing campus resources and building relationships with faculty/staff. Since then, he has been committed to serving the holistic needs of students. “
Community Liason
Daniel Ware
Daniel L Ware a seasoned business consultant with 16 years of expertise currently driving success in the non-profit and professional services sector. He specializes in HR services, small business compliance, and SMB tech solutions. Dan is a trusted advisor, blending innovation and strategic insights to empower organizations. Dan offers a unique blend of experience and passion for youth.
Youth Advisor
John Edwards
My name is John I am dedicated to uplifting our Youth. I have fifteen years of experience in this field with both coaching and counseling. In addition I have built a very successful sports program that has serviced hundreds of athletes in multiple sports. I served as a member of the United Automobile Workers union for eleven years. I also lead JOB 33 masonic lodge for 7 years . I am blessed and honored to serve our youth.
Youth Advisor
Deontae Rush
My name is Deontae Rush I was born and raised in Chicago, IL. I attended Siena Heights University where student Criminal Justice (BA) and Clinical Mental Health (MA). I coach football and train young athletes. My hobbies are going to the gym, videos games, and learning.