Executive Board Members

Darnell Williams is the Founder and CEO of Today’s Youth Tomorrow’s Future, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people through education, mentorship, and leadership development. With more than 26 years of experience in the automotive industry, he brings extensive expertise in sales leadership, customer service, and team development—skills that have consistently driven growth, strengthened performance, and elevated team success. A committed mentor and community advocate, Mr. Williams has devoted many years to youth sports as both a youth basketball coach and football coach, offering one-on-one and group skills training that emphasize discipline, teamwork, confidence, and character. He also serves as a youth basketball referee for boys and girls ages 7–14, helping young athletes learn the game, respect its standards, and grow both athletically and personally. A native of New York and current resident of Uncasville, Connecticut, Mr. Williams exemplifies servant leadership through his dedication to youth empowerment, community service, and creating opportunities for the next generation. A proud father of six, he credits his wife, Laren, for her steadfast support, which continues to fuel his purpose and passion for helping young people become their best selves. 

Stephane Bowens-Browder is retired and a licensed master’s social worker (LMSW)  with over 30 years of experience serving the State of Connecticut in roles including: DSS Eligibility Worker; DCF Social Work Manger/Trainer for the Workforce Academy. She holds a master's degree in social work with a concentration in Community Organization from UConn. She is currently an adjunct at Three Rivers CSCU and Mitchell College, while also serving as a Clinician at SCADD’s Lebanon Pines program. Beyond her professional life she is deeply committed to building engagement and advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is active in organizations such as the National Association of Black Social Workers, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, National Council of Negro Women, Visionary of Community Street Ministry, Waterford RISE (Residents for Inclusion and Social Equity), and serves on the boards of Drop In Learning Center as well as Chair for Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Future. Her passion comes from connecting with people while networking, and evangelizing, reflecting her dedication to empowering individuals and creating space in the community where everyone feels valued and empowered. 

Michelle Dean is an established educational leader with more than twenty-five years of experience spanning curriculum design, district leadership, higher education, and nonprofit work. She currently serves as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Lyme-Old Lyme Schools, where she oversees all K–12 curriculum implementation, technology integration, and professional learning. Michelle also teaches future administrators as an Adjunct Professor at Sacred Heart University and serves as the New England Area Coordinator for Educators Rising, supporting regional and national programming for the organization, staff, and students. Her career includes service as a middle school principal, high school assistant principal, school counselor, and national presenter on restorative practices, equity, and continuous improvement.  Regarded as a strategic, collaborative, and innovative leader, Michelle is known for building capacity and championing equitable opportunities for all students.  

Joseph Howard is an accountant based in Connecticut who is passionate about helping people and strengthening his community. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Joe moved to

Connecticut in 2017 to pursue his MBA and work in the accounting and finance department at Enders Island, a nonprofit organization in Mystic, CT, focused on helping young men in recovery from drugs and alcohol. It was there that he was introduced to the nonprofit world, and he has been involved ever since, now serving on the Board of Trustees for the past two years. Joe has built his career serving individuals, families, and small businesses with their tax and financial needs and now works for Peter Wm. Maneri Jr., CPA in Norwich. He is committed to giving back, especially to organizations that support and uplift young people, because these organizations have made a meaningful difference in his life, far beyond anything money could ever repay. He is honored to join Today’s Youth Tomorrow’s Future and looks forward to contributing his experience and heart to strengthening youth leadership in the community.

Dimaris Abreu (she/her/ella) is a proud Puerto Rican Latina, born and raised in New London, Connecticut, and dedicated to serving her community with purpose and integrity. She is a wife to Ivan Abreu and the mother of two children, ages 3 and 12, who inspire her daily to lead with compassion, strength, and authenticity. Dimaris works full-time with Yale New Haven Health – Northeast Medical Group and is also the CEO and Founder of Inspiration Décor and Rentals LLC, where she creates meaningful and memorable event experiences through custom décor. In addition to her professional and entrepreneurial work, she serves as the Youth and Young Adults Minister at Church of the City, where her passion for uplifting the next generation continues to thrive. As a mother of children at different stages of life, Dimaris is deeply committed to supporting youth through creativity, music, arts, and faith-based values. Her mission is to show up in spaces where young people feel seen, supported, empowered to grow, and encouraged to become confident leaders within their community and beyond. 

Michelle Drayton, a lifelong resident of New London, is a Clinical Materials Coordinator at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, where she specializes in the ordering and management of specialty supplies, implants, and bone and tissue for surgical cases. With 28 years of dedicated service at L+M, she previously worked in Anesthesia Technologies before transitioning to her current role in the operating room. Beyond her professional work, Michelle is deeply committed to serving her community. She volunteers at local food kitchens and serves on the boards of Hope Inc. and the New London Youth Football League, where she supports initiatives that help children become the best version of themselves. Passionate about uplifting others, Michelle stays involved in programs that strengthen families and youth. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, traveling, and spending quality time with her family. 

I'm a mom, a wife, a friend and a lawyer.  I value each role that I have and I strive through all of my endeavors to support and nurture my relationships.  It is because of the value that I place on these relationships that I hope my work also impacts the greater community.  WIth my diverse legal background ranging from construction contracts and disputes to questions of constitutional and administrative law, I hope to leverage my personal and professional experience to support and develop our next generation of engaged citizens.  

Margaret is a native of New London, CT. She is a Senior Health Program Coordinator, Peer Navigator and Community Health Worker at Ledge Light Health District (LLHD) in New London, CT. She has made it her chosen profession to work in human and social services, community outreach, and advocacy for both community and statewide services and needs. Margaret has worked across the state in Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford obtaining training, certifications, skills and knowledge that has given her the opportunity to do the work she is passionate about and has done for over 20 years. Margaret is Minster at Madry Temple Church where she has served for 10 years, she is a Certified Full Spectrum  Birth Doula and Lactation Counselor and has served on numerous Executive Boards and Boards across the state, those being Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, Connecticut AIDs Residence Coalition now known as AIDS Connecticut (ACT), in Hartford CT, and Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) in New London. She currently serves on the Step-up New London Advisory Board in New London, and Ahavah House Advisory Board in Groton. Margaret is also a 2022 100 Women of Color honoree.   

Seth Burzycki is a financial advisor with Guided Financial Strategies in Mystic,

Connecticut and an active community leader. What started as a passion for educating friends and colleagues about financial wellness quickly grew into a career—and a calling. Seth is deeply committed to early financial education, helping adolescents and young adults understand budgeting, saving, and smart money habits that last a lifetime.

A Brandeis University (B.A.) and University of Connecticut (Doctorate) alumnus, Seth holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ (AWMA®) designation and

multiple financial licenses. Seth’s dedication to Today’s Youth Tomorrow’s Future (TYTF) comes from his

own experience in YMCA youth programs, where he saw firsthand how great mentors shape lives for decades. Now, as an executive board member, he advances TYTF’s mission to build confident young leaders through education, mentorship, and real-world

impact—ensuring today’s youth are ready to lead tomorrow.

Scott Pellerin brings nearly two decades of professional experience and community-focused leadership to the Board of Directors of Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Future. As a full-time real estate agent in East Lyme for 18 years, he has built his career on honesty, respect, and a commitment to Truly Remarkable Service. Known for his clear communication and client-first approach, Scott is dedicated to guiding others through important life transitions with integrity. Scott’s passion for community is what drives his involvement with the nonprofit. He believes all children deserve opportunities that inspire growth, learning, and confidence. By supporting educational and recreational programs, he hopes to help create positive experiences that strengthen the next generation—because today’s youth truly are tomorrow’s future.

Lydell Pemberton is a Lead Behavior Motivator and Coach known for his confident, articulate communication style and his commitment to empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. With extensive experience guiding people toward positive habits, personal growth, and meaningful results, Lydell brings clarity, compassion, and strong leadership to every interaction. His ability to motivate people at all levels makes him a valuable force in helping communities thrive and move toward lasting change. Lydell has been a major part of the New London community, where his dedication and service have helped support growth, resilience, and connection among those he serves. 

Lori Miller is a certified yoga instructor with more than 20 years of experience teaching children and adults, and she is passionate about helping young people build confidence, purpose, and healthy habits. A dedicated community member, she volunteers her time walking dogs for the Humane Society and providing yoga support to local high school basketball and football teams. Lori has also spent 40 years in the service industry as a bartender and is known for her strong ability to connect people with the resources they need. She is a proud mother of two—her daughter, a special-needs educator with a master’s degree in Education, and her son, a collegiate athlete pursuing his master’s in business who also serves as a wrestling coach at his alma mater. A longtime wrestling mom, she has supported his athletic journey since childhood. Lori is an active member of Madry Temple in New London and enjoys life at her beachside apartment with her cat, JoJo. Recently divorced, she remains grounded in her faith and deeply committed to helping youth set goals, discover their strengths, and become the best version of themselves.