About us
our mission
Project 614 exists to provide holistic support that empowers historically underserved youth to succeed in education through the leveraging of strategic partnerships that serve to meet tangible needs.
OUR NAME
WHY is it called “6 1 4”?
The name Project 614 was inspired by a passage found in Isaiah 61:4
Isaiah 61:4 NIV
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
This quote captures our mission to empower our students to be the catalysts of change in their own lives, families and communities.
Our values
Dignity
We value the dignity and inherent worth of every human being.
Compassion
We value compassion towards the vulnerable, marginalized and disadvantaged in our city.
Community
We value connection, relationships and community as core components of long-term health for students and families.
Influence
We value the power of influence to spark generational change in the lives of our students and their communities.
love
We value faith-informed actions that reflect God’s love for all people.
our leadership
Ashia coleman
Executive Director
Growing up in the inner city, Ashia Coleman experienced the impact that free and subsidized programming can have on a young person’s life. Participating in these programs sparked a life-long passion for community involvement, education and music. Over the last 10 years Ashia has served as a volunteer and contractor at various non-profit organizations providing music instruction, program development and team oversight.
Ashia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee State University
Board of Directors
Dihan Lee - President | Dihan Lee is the founding and lead pastor of Renew Church LA. The church started with a handful of people back in 2015 and has since grown into a large, vibrant, diverse, community of people who all want to help bring renewal to Los Angeles. Which is why Dihan is passionate about Project 614, because its mission is to help the most vulnerable and underserved of Los Angeles. He brings 20+ years of nonprofit leadership into Project 614 and is excited to harness the volunteer power of the church to see Project 614 make a difference in the city.
Courtney Wilkins - Vice President | Courtney Wilkins believes strongly in the capacity for high quality programming to impact the trajectory of young people’s lives. As an advocate for serving youth through innovative programs, Courtney has volunteered in the past for California YMCA Youth & Government. In a previous professional role with the LA County Second Supervisorial District, served as a lead staff person for the oversight of the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools sites hosted through funding from the office. Courtney holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from Columbia University in the City of New York and currently serves as associate director for Conference & Event Planning at Pomona College in Claremont, CA.
Jaime Olmos - Secretary | Jaime Olmos is a Senior Associate at KFA Architects, partnering with non-profit organizations to design affordable housing throughout Los Angeles County. He also serves on the management team, helping to strengthen the office culture which is based on creating an environment that allows people to do their best work. He also serves as a founding board member of the Juan Garcia Farmworker scholarship program, providing financial assistance for children of farm-working families in the San Joaquin valley.
Sherry Woods - Advisor | Sherry Woods is a native of Minnesota who moved to Washington, DC in 1982 upon the completion of her undergraduate studies. She holds a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Theology from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN. In 1993 she completed her graduate studies at George Washington University with a Masters Degree in Supervision and Evaluation of Education. After arriving in Washington, she joined the staff of ONE Ministries and expanded an effort with children in the community into a daily after-school program. Her commitment to the children in the community is unwavering and she remains true to the calling that she believes God has placed on her life. Sherry and her husband Eric reside in Washington, DC and have three children.
Chris Ko - Advisor | Chris Ko serves as Vice President of Impact & Strategy for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, overseeing its efforts to ensure every resident in LA County has a quality education, a stable job, and safe housing. In his time there, he has helped craft the community coalitions to create and pass historic ballot measures around housing (HHH), homelessness (H), and racial justice (J). He also doubled participation in the homeless count and led the architecture of the Coordinated Entry System, which went on to become a national model after boosting priority housing placements by over 500%. Chris has enjoyed seeing different approaches to social change over the last 20 years, working to expand community schools and close the digital divide in West Philadelphia and managing IT at a Liberian Refugee Camp Self-Help Initiative.