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Meet The Dedicated Team Behind
Ground Level Upward!
Steven Irving
Founder
Steven Irving is the Founder of Ground Level Upward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to coaching and mentoring youth ages 12 to 21 in crucial life skills, including financial literacy, leadership, communication, and health & wellness to name a few. Positioning himself as an entrepreneur, creator, promoter, business owner and motivator, Steven's passion lies in empowering youths, introducing new artists and entrepreneurs through podcast platforms, showcasing their talents and achievements. His enduring dedication to nurturing young talent and fostering community engagement drives his mission further to provide opportunities for youths, aspiring artists and entrepreneurs to thrive and shine.
Hailing from California, Steven graduated from Saint Mary’s in Berkeley. He is the CEO and business owner of Fame Media LLC.
Adriane Tolefree
Founder
Adriane Tolefree leads this organization as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Ground Level Upward, a non-profit organization dedicated to coaching and mentoring youth ages
12 to 21.
With over 40 years of experience in the corporate sector, Adriane has worked with major corporations such as Lucent Technologies, Sybase, and PG&E.
Additionally, she brings two and a half decades of expertise as a seasoned Realtor, Entrepreneur & Business Manager, having managed an industrial commercial real estate brokerage firm for a decade.
Adriane's passion for empowering youth and her extensive background in business management and real estate uniquely positions her to drive positive change and create impactful programs at Ground Level Upward.
Zimbabwe Davies
Founder
Zimbabwe Davies journey started when he entered the foster care system at the age of 13 after his mother passed away. Zimbabwe received support from The Independent Living Skills Program (ILP), a program that supports foster youth to become self-sufficient into adulthood.
Zimbabwe continued his journey in college receiving an AA Degree in Fashion Merchandising. In 2002 Zimbabwe entered the social welfare field and entertainment industry at the same time, producing a fashion show fundraiser for the ILP program that raised $12,000 for housing and school needs. Since then, Zimbabwe has continued to advocate for youth and work in the entertainment industry.
With over 20 years in both fields, Zimbabwe has received numerous awards including the “Angel Award” from Actress Terri J. Vaughn. As a film producer, philanthropist, certified life coach, and facilitator Zimbabwe believes that youth can thrive with guidance, skills, and tools to match.
Coaches & Partners
Jonathan Newsom
Development Consultant
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Ania Stokowska
Strategic Marketing & Communication Consultant
Ebony Hebert
Coach/Educator
Heather Rippere
Leadership Coach/Educator
Louis K. Johnson III
Co-Founder/Exec.
Director at UNITE
GLU Affiliate Partner
Giles Domkam
Afrocentric Engineer/Educator
at UNITE
GLU Affiliate Partner
Mission Statement
Ground Level Upward is a non-profit organization that focuses on financial literacy education through coaching and mentoring youth ages 12-21. We work with youth on their personal development, building their confidence and meeting youth where they are to help them level up. We believe youth need support to tap into their gifts and talents to help them thrive in society. It is also our future goal to provide Leadership, Health & Wellness, STEM, and Branding & Professionalism.