Our Team/Board

  • DeJuan "DJ" Verrett

    Founder and Executive Director of Urban Community Action Network (U.C.A.N.), a nonprofit in Los Angeles dedicated to empowering formerly incarcerated individuals and those affected by gang involvement or substance use. Following a 20-year federal prison sentence during the War on Drugs, Verrett transformed his life and now leads U.C.A.N.’s hands-on efforts in training, support, housing navigation, and wraparound services for underserved populations

  • Dr. Adrienne Hillman

    Adrienne Hillman serves as the Chief Board Member of Urban Community Action Network (UCAN). In her leadership role, she provides strategic guidance and oversight to advance UCAN’s mission of empowering lives, supporting the unhoused, and strengthening communities across Los Angeles.

  • Courtney Friel

    Courtney Friel is a news anchor and reporter at KTLA. With 16 years of sobriety, she’s a recovery advocate and the author of the book, “Tonight at 10: Kicking Booze and Breaking News”.

    Courtney is a mom to Cash and Cameron, wife to Jim and pilates addict, daily meditator and zookeeper of two dogs and two cats.

  • Jon Desler

    Jonathan Destler is a veteran entrepreneur and investor with over 25 years of leadership across finance, communications, and sustainable technologies. As Founder of Opti‑Harvest, he leads innovation in climate-resilient ag‑tech. He was also a founding investor in Loop Industries, a pioneering plastic recycling firm. Destler is a frequent voice on environmental innovation and remains committed to both technological impact and community engagement and mentorship.

  • Jamil Toure

    Jamil Touré, a Harlem native, has enjoyed a successful 25-year career in media, excelling as a writer, director, producer, and editor. His impressive client list includes Def Jam Records, Sony Pictures, NFL, and more. Currently a Senior Producer at NFL Media in Inglewood, CA, he is also devoted to social justice causes, actively supporting organizations combating addiction and homelessness. goes here