The inspire life BOARD

Semaj Vanzant | Board President

Pastor Semaj, Co-Founder and Board President of Inspire Life, is a trained theologian known for his intimate commitment to his calling, demonstrated through cutting-edge leadership, organizational, and motivational skills. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Minor in Psychology from Gannon University, earned his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry from St. Paul's School of Theology.

Currently, Pastor Semaj serves as the pastor-teacher and founder of Encounter Christ Global Fellowship in Neptune, NJ. He also holds board positions in various religious and community organizations, including the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey as the First Vice President and the Brookdale Community College President's Community Advisory Board. His community involvement extends to his roles as Chaplain for the Asbury Park Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. Additionally, he serves as the Development Manager of Launch Center, an initiative of Interfaith Neighbors, Inc., which offers unique and barrier-smashing personal development programs.

Sabrina Perri-Grunin | Trustee

Sabrina has been a resident of Monmouth County since she was four years old. Over the years, she has raised a family, built a successful career, and dedicated herself to volunteering within the community. Of Persian descent, Sabrina's family has faced significant adversity. At just three years old, she, her two-year-old sister, and their mother were forced to flee Iran to escape oppression and war. Despite the challenges of starting over in a new country in the early 1980s, Sabrina's mother was able to create a new life for her children, free from the tyranny they left behind.

Sabrina has become a well-respected esthetician, honing her craft over the past 15 years. She now resides in Little Silver with her husband and nine-year-old daughter, Sadie, who is the center of her life. Sabrina is deeply involved in her community, volunteering as a class mom at her daughter's school and participating actively in PTO activities to raise funds for educational improvements. She also engages in efforts to provide food for those in need, particularly around the holidays, demonstrating her commitment to helping others.

Shanel Ingram | Trustee

Shanel R. Ingram is the founder and owner of Shanel Ronnai, LLC, a company dedicated to using graphic design and media to help individuals, small businesses, and organizations build their brands and effectively market their messages. Shanel graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is the Co-Head of School and Lead Teacher at Sea Lavender Montessori in Belmar, NJ, as well as a Substitute Teacher in the Asbury Park School District.

As a Director for Inspire Life, Shanel has been instrumental in organizing summer camps, a Tech Summit, and a Coding Camp for students in grades 3-8. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the RMW Foundation, Inc., which focuses on feeding, educating, and empowering children and the community, and the Brookdale Community College Foundation, which raises money for scholarships.

Heather Coburn | Board Secretary

Heather Coburn is the Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore (GSJS), where she leads a dedicated team of over 40 full-time staff, 20+ board members, and countless volunteers and supporters. Together, they work to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

Heather is a passionate advocate for the Girl Scout movement and the Jersey Shore council, which serves over 12,500 girl and adult members from Monmouth and Ocean counties. As CEO, she has championed a strategic vision that expands access for girls, transforms program experiences, and engages community partners. Her initiatives include the expansion of Camp Sacajawea to include an Outdoor Garden and STEM Lab, the beautification of Camp Amity Acres, and the launch of "Innovation Station," a mobile STEAM unit providing transformative programming to economically disadvantaged girls.

Duane Montgomery | Co-Treasurer

Duane is a dedicated Wealth Management Small Business Specialist with 16 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry. Currently, he serves as the Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager at Citizens Bank. Duane is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve their financial goals. His extensive knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses allows him to provide personalized solutions that meet their specific needs.

Deeply committed to his local community, Duane actively volunteers with various charitable organizations, demonstrating his dedication to giving back and making a positive impact. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Duane is committed to helping you achieve your financial goals and elevate your business to the next level. 

Kyra Hayward | Co-Treasurer

Kyra, a native of Neptune, New Jersey, is a distinguished professional with an extensive background in project management and grant consultancy. She graduated from the Neptune School District and holds an Associate's degree in Human Services and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Currently, she excels as a Senior Grant Management Consultant. She is currently pursuing a Master's in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Policy to further enhance her ability to make a positive impact on her community and beyond.

Kyra brings a wealth of experience in HUD, Housing, and Community Development Block Grants, showcasing her expertise in managing and optimizing grant processes to benefit communities. Her professional achievements are complemented by her dedication to fostering equal opportunities for individuals of color and promoting education and accessibility for learners from diverse backgrounds.

Dr. David Julius Ford | Trustee

Dr. David Julius Ford, Jr., Ph.D., LCMHC (NC), LPC (VA, NJ), NCC, ACS, is a distinguished professional in the field of mental health counseling and education. He holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University, and earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Old Dominion University in 2014. Dr. Ford is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and New Jersey. Additionally, he is a Board-Certified Counselor and an Approved Clinical Supervisor.

Currently, Dr. Ford serves as a Tenured Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Professional Counseling at Monmouth University, where he has been teaching for six years. He previously taught at James Madison University and has an extensive background in various aspects of counseling and education. He is the Past-President of the New Jersey Counseling Association and holds multiple leadership roles within the American Counseling Association and the National Career Development Association.

Dr. Ford's professional interests encompass a broad range of areas, including Black Greek life, multicultural issues, college students, Black men in higher education, career counseling, addictions counseling, supervision, group work, qualitative research, queer and trans BIPOC issues, intersectionality, and persons living with HIV/AIDS. He has taught numerous undergraduate and graduate courses in counseling and human services and has published award-winning research in the field.

Akene Dunkley | Trustee

Akene “the Champ” Dunkley began his musical journey at the age of six, receiving classical piano training in the heart of New York. With years of professional instruction, Akene developed exceptional sight-reading abilities and the skill to play by ear. He furthered his passion by studying Music Theory at Rutgers University, where he graduated with honors in Electrical Engineering. Additionally, he earned a master’s in education from Monmouth University.

Currently, Akene is a math teacher in Long Branch, where he is deeply involved in the community, bringing inspiration to his students in the classroom and outside the classroom. Akene’s nickname, “the Champ,” reflects his relentless drive to overcome obstacles and achieve triumph in various aspects of life. His dedication to music, coupled with extensive studio experience, has led him to collaborate with several A-list artists and earn three Grammy nominations.

Alexander Simone | Trustee

Alexander Simone is a prolific artist, musician, and songwriter from Asbury Park, New Jersey. Growing up in a religious household and under the influence of his legendary grandmother, Nina Simone, Alexander naturally gravitated towards music. His grandmother, a pastor with a large congregation in New Jersey, instilled in him a strong moral foundation and an early discipline in music.

 From a young age, Alexander was immersed in the world of music, learning to play the piano by ear and directing choirs. His passion for music was further fueled by the sounds of Motown and iconic artists like Donny Hathaway, Teddy Pendergrass, and Sam Cooke, leading him to realize that music was his true calling. At the age of 14, Alexander began composing his own music and sound. By 15, he was ghostwriting for a family member with industry connections, honing his craft and never looking back. Today, he is a master of soulful performance, known for his original songs that reflect his life experiences and his ability to captivate audiences worldwide. With his band, Whodat, Alexander delivers an unforgettable musical experience, blending genres and evoking a range of emotions that make audiences dance, cry, laugh, and most importantly, wake up and live with love. Alexander's dedication to music and his community, along with his exceptional talent and ability to inspire, make him an integral part of the Inspire Life Board of Directors.