FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As a former gang leader Beni was intimately familiar with the challenges that people in urban communities struggle with. After experiencing his own radical transformation he devoted his life to helping others experience the same freedom and established Hope4DaHood in 2009. For over 15 years, Beni has been turning dope dealers into hope dealers. He has led community initiatives to bring peace and unity among different warring gangs, reconciliation between racial and ethnic groups, and provide meaningful support and resources to those in the hood. Additionally, Beni is also a rapper who shares encouraging lyrics and invites others to find creative and artistic outlets. He is a lifelong student of leadership and believes that the impossible is only a matter of perspective and time.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Darnell witnessed and experienced firsthand the havoc that addiction can wreak on a family and the hope that can be restored. He was raised by his grandmother on the west coast and found purpose in athletics. Through the intentional investment of a few key people in his life he found something worth living for and has been growing in impact and leadership ever since. He was ordained as a Pastor in 2016 and graduated from The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI). He is currently studying leadership and holds several certifications. Darnell is excited to be leading the operations at H4DH and he believes that every day is an opportunity to turn potential into progress.

TREASURER

Known on the streets for being a brawler, Greg processed a lot of his pain through his fists. After coming to the end of himself he found the opposite of anger was purpose. He wanted to bring healing to the streets and connected with H4DH over a decade ago and has been an active part ever since. As Treasurer, Greg possesses a strong sense of responsibility for the impact each dollar donated to H4DH can have in a person’s life. He continues to find ways to increase the financial efficiency and efficacy for H4DH and is eager to explore any community partnerships that may help catalyze transformation.

SECRETARY

Milagros is fully devoted to the mission of reaching urban communities as she herself grew up in the hood and was formerly married into gang life before marrying Greg Koehn. She is fundamental to the operations of H4DH. As Secretary she coordinates all the administrative aspects of the organization including event planning, communications, marketing, scheduling, and so much more. Milagros has led various women’s and faith groups connected to impacting her community. She believes that H4DH is building bridges between shared experiences and dreams that can change families forever.