Meet the Team
Urgent 365, Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2016 by three Philadelphia creatives. The team works to push communities of color forward through programming and resource distribution centered around community, healing, education and empowerment.
Jasmine "Mizz Jasz" Hawkins
President
Jasmine “Mizz Jasz” Hawkins is an educator, writer, and community organizer serving as president and co-founder of the non-profit Urgent 365 Inc, an organization derived from her poetry chapbook Urgent Conversations: Race, Reality, and Responsibility. With a decade of experience as an inner-city high school teacher, education, empowerment, and faith are intertwined in every thread of Jasmine’s work. She uses writing-centered programming to help Black youth and young adults unpack and uproot unhealthy habits, narratives, and mindsets in order to reach their God-given potential. Recognized for her art-based community endeavors, Jasmine is the recipient of the 2020 Bartol Foundation Micro-Grant and the Leeway Foundation 2020 Art and Change Grant. Her writing is featured in Mogul Millennial and The Dreamer’s Anthology, and a 40-day devotional is forthcoming.
Evangeline Berube
Board of Directors Member
Evangeline was born and raised in Pittsburgh before calling Philadelphia her home in 2011. Over the course of her ten years in Philadelphia, Evangeline has dedicated herself to community advocacy with her work at a neighborhood high school as a special education teacher and leader. Through her community partnerships and volunteering, she’s supported initiatives for neighborhood food pantries in order to feed over 500 families in the Nicetown-Tioga area of Philadelphia.
Dr. Ghynecee Temple
Executive Assistant
Dr. Ghynecee Temple is a licensed and practicing psychologist within the Philadelphia community. She has been in the field since 2013 and has extensive experience working with individuals, organizations, and communities. She is particularly passionate about helping others recognize and cultivate the tools they possess to overcome adversity and live a healthier life. Dr. Temple has translated this passion of service to others through her professional activities, personal projects, and as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Dr. Temple is continuously looking for creative avenues to bring her passion for wellbeing to others and has launched her own YouTube channel “Dr Ghynny From The Block,” to discuss mental health and other topics pertaining to well-being. She utilizes therapy, consultation, teaching, and outreach as her tools to help others.
Derek Hawkins II
Marketing DIrector
Derek is an artist and entrepreneur from Philadelphia serving as the Co-Founder and Marketing Director for Urgent 365. Derek attended Central High School and obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Business Marketing from the University of Pittsburgh. Since entering the professional realm Derek has worked numerous positions that have shaped him to be well rounded, personable, and adaptable some of which include being a Licensed Insurance Producer in Pennsylvania selling personal life insurance as well as working as an On Road Supervisor for a major logistics company. Additionally Derek has several entrepreneurial endeavors that he maintains which include renting vehicles through the Turo platform and providing mobile auto detailing services throughout the Philadelphia area. Currently Derek works in the Special Education Department at a local charter school and remains heavily invested to promoting positive and supportive growth environments for the inner city youth to utilize in order to grow into the strong leaders of tomorrow.
Karen Hawkins
Lead Volunteer
Karen M. Hawkins is a retired accountant and manager who worked for the government for almost 41 years. She has been volunteering and serving others and the community her entire career in various roles including a classroom instructor, children’s ministry leader, and Sunday school teacher. Karen is currently a worship leader, deaconess, community activist, and President of the Philadelphia Chapter of AIM-IRS. She exemplifies the standard of “iron sharpens iron” and treating others as you want to be treated.
Leslie Williams Board Chair
Leslie is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in medical research. Alongside her research career, she excels in public relations, using her expertise to help small businesses scale and thrive. Based in Hyattsville, MD, Leslie is also a devoted mother, passionate about building a bright future for her 2-year-old son.
Balancing her scientific background with a talent for strategic communication, Leslie is driven to make a meaningful impact in her community and support others on their journey to success.
Calvin Washington
Board Secretary
Calvin is a Philadelphia Native from Mt. Airy, graduating from Central High School (266). He attended Hampton University receiving a Bachelors in Finance. Calvin is involved in several businesses. He currently works as a senior manager at Clarivate analytics, is the COO of CTLN Network, and manages his father's landscaping business, Green Pastures Tree and Landscape Services. Outside of his day job and business activities, Calvin's passions are sports and fitness. He is the commissioner of Philadelphia Amateur Baseball League and teaches an afterschool baseball program at Willard Elementary School.
Evangeline Berube
Board Member
Evangeline was born and raised in Pittsburgh before calling Philadelphia her home in 2011. Over the course of her ten years in Philadelphia, Evangeline has dedicated herself to community advocacy with her work at a neighborhood high school as a special education teacher and leader.
Through her community partnerships and volunteering, she’s supported initiatives for neighborhood food pantries in order to feed over 500 families in the Nicetown-Tioga area of Philadelphia.
Leon Fraser
Board Treasurer
Leon is the Principal of the consulting firm AchieveAbility LLC and is a graduate of the
University of Pennsylvania. His Urgent365 board service is a continuation of his
extensive support of pre-college and college students in his career. He was a professor of
business administration on the faculty of Rutgers University where he served as executive
director of the Scholars Training and Education Program (STEP) for incoming minority
freshmen. He was also a faculty mentor in the Cooperman College Scholars program and
guided first generation college students through their freshman and sophomore years. At the pre-college level, he is an ongoing volunteer at a high school and helps students with resume preparation and job interviews. Leon enjoys helping students reach their full potential making him a great asset and we are very thankful to have him join our board!
