Board of Directors
Antwan McHenry
Antwan is the founder of U Can Turn It Around Inc. The vision to start the company came to him after an afternoon of violence that caused the street he lived on to be shut down by police for 3 nights. He decided that he could not just sit by and not raise his voice to the constant barrage of violence that plagued his community. His rallying cry has been “unless the youth are active participants in combatting the issues plaguing their generation there can be no change!” He was employed with the Chicago Public Schools for the last 15 years in the capacity of substitute teacher and later school clerk. He is the author of 2 poetry books “Moods & Moments” & “Memoirs From the Heart” In 2012 he received his life coaching certificate in from Fowler Wainwright International. Antwan is also the Co-founder of Called2Serve NFP (501C3), a freelance photographer and a community activist.
Contact: antwanmchenry@ucanturnitaround.com
Marcus Jones
Marcus is a celebrated author, Chicago cable talk-show host, and motivational speaker, is dedicated to inspiring young people through his motivational message on non-violence and empowerment through education. He is the author of Everyone Has a Story, This is Mine. Born and raised in one of Chicago’s most dangerous south-side neighborhoods, Marcus, like many inner-city youth, grew up without a father. Although strongly encouraged by his single- mother and grandparents to attend college, their influence did not dissuade him, as a seventeen- year-old, from choosing the street life—a life-altering path that led to being shot multiple times, becoming wheelchair bound, and imprisoned.
While sharing stories about expensive lessons and hard-earned successes, Marcus builds a compelling case for the life consequences we engender based on our understanding and actions. He communicates in ways that help young people internalize positive, life-altering images while spurring them to ponder the inextricable link between self-esteem and choices in the context of such life-affirming priorities as family, education, and integrity.
Marcus’ life-long quest is to reach deep into the troubled lives of young people. He meets them exactly where they are and they feel it. He models his simple code, which is to live life with love, peace, and acceptance, and to learn, grow, achieve, and contribute to others.
Contact: marcusjones@ucanturnitaround.com
Robin Ewing
Robin is a wife, mother, Sunday school teacher and a business professional who loves encouraging and working with youth. She started her journey with helping kids at an early age when she became a youth counselor at church. It was during this experience she realized that kids just want to be heard, understood and guided. This is one reason why she continues to stay active with the youth at church and gets involved in programs with her daughter’s school. She desires to maintain a pulse on what our youth are faced with and how they navigate through life.
Growing up in a single parent home and watching her mother work long hours to provide for her family was the visual foundation for her “Can Do” personality. She lives by a statement her mother used to say growing up, “if you can’t be a blessing to someone, then what are you good for”. It was those words which lead her down the path of opening her door for runaway or homeless teens in the past. As a result of her “big heart”, her long time friend and business partner Antwan McHenry decided to use her talents of encouragement and edification with the U Can Turn it Around movement which has birthed “Drama Girlz”. This opportunity gives Robin the chance to use her motherly and professional skills mixed with her spiritual guidance to help young girls take any drama in their life and turn it into productivity.
Contact: robinewing@ucanturnitaround.com
Shameeka Shavers
Shameeka is the founder of OMTV (Open Mic Television)and Coordinator of “At Ease Sundays” productions, where she orchestrates and manage artist and events under the umbrella of the company. With a bachelor degree in psychology Shameeka works as a counselor in the mental health field. Keeping in touch with the human services she now graces the stage with her team members revealing her own story to help her and others heal through spoken word.
Contact: shameekashavers@ucanturnitaround.com
Michelle Diaz
Michelle is a community worker, office manager and is passionate about helping members of her community. She loves to spread cheer and give a helping hand where it is needed and is very active in spreading the message of the #CaptureLove campaign.
Contact: michellediaz@ucanturnitaround.com
Onye M. Davenport
As a Life Coach Author, Speaker, and Minister of the Gospel, Onye is taking faith-based life coaching to another level. The Chicago native is no stranger to transformation, having the ability to never give up on his faith, gift, and calling. With his favorite phrase “I can’t let go” he encourages others to live life through faith and wisdom. His faith-based coaching style stems from over 20 years of training development and education in the area of addiction and lifestyle redirection. His service and dedication to his community, since 1998, has been astounding. Working with organizations such as Soul Food Ministries, as a newsletter columnist, and facilitating for Inner Circle/Winner’s Circle, he has influenced the lives of many in extremely positive ways.
Contact: onyedavenport@ucanturnitaround.com
