We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dwayne Aikens Jr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dwayne below.
Dwayne, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
We Lead Ours’ mission is crucial for youth and families in Oakland, California, for several compelling reasons:
Empowering Youth through Enrichment Programs: WELO’s hands-on learning experiences foster essential life skills, preparing young people for a brighter future. By focusing on career exploration, civic leadership, college preparation, and health and wellness, WELO empowers youth to make informed decisions, become engaged citizens, pursue higher education, and lead healthy lifestyles.
Addressing Community Needs: WELO’s evolution from a summer camp program to a year-round initiative demonstrates its commitment to addressing the ongoing needs of Oakland’s youth. By expanding its services, WELO provides continuous support and guidance, fostering long-term positive outcomes.
Supporting the Oakland Unified School District: WELO’s collaboration with the Oakland Unified School District highlights its dedication to enhancing the educational experience for Oakland’s students. By providing drug education intervention services and social-emotional educational support, WELO contributes to a more supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Adapting to COVID-19 Challenges: WELO’s resilience and adaptability are evident in its shift to virtual mentoring services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The creation of the youth voice and career exploration podcast “We The Scenario” and the peer education program “The Legit Money Club” demonstrates WELO’s commitment to continuing its mission even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Promoting Community Engagement and Wellness: WELO’s free social tennis and rowing youth and adult fitness clinics at Brookdale Park in Oakland, CA, exemplify its dedication to promoting community engagement and physical well-being. These initiatives encourage active participation, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting healthy lifestyles among Oakland’s residents.
In conclusion, We Lead Ours’ mission stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for Oakland’s youth and families. Through its comprehensive and adaptable approach, WELO empowers young people to reach their full potential, while strengthening the fabric of the Oakland community. Its unwavering commitment to education, health, and community engagement makes WELO an indispensable force for positive change in Oakland, California.
Dwayne, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Dwayne Anthony Aikens Jr. currently resides in Oakland California, where he serves as the cofounder and executive director of, We Lead Ours (WELO). WELO is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides youth in Oakland and surrounding areas with school and community-based enrichment programs year-round since January 2010. WELO uses hands-on learning experiences to nurture life skills that focus on, career exploration, civic leadership, college preparation, and health and wellness. Dwayne is the creator of Time 2 Dig Deep Podcast and co-founder of 1865 Collective political organizing group. Dwayne served on the BOD for Keep Oakland Beautiful for 6 years. Dwayne has civic leadership experiences as being the former Western Regional Secretary for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. former Oakland Parks & Recreation Commissioner, a former member of the BOD for Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation, a current member of the Advisory Commision for BART Title VI and Environmental Justice Advisory Committee, and newly appointed to the City of Oakland Sugar Tax Advisory Commission. In 2015 he was inducted into Xavier University of Louisiana’s 40 Under 40 Young Alumni Club, in 2018 received The Golden State Warriors Community Champion Award, and in 2020 he received the City of Oakland Inspirational Leadership Award from the Mayor’s Office. In June of 2021 Dwayne worked with the Mayor of Oakland Office to make a special proclamation declaring June 14, 2021, Oakland’s Youth Civic Engagement Day. Dwayne holds a degree in psychology with a minor in special education from Xavier University of Louisiana and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. Dwayne is currently working on his dissertation in the area of leadership development and curriculum instruction at the University of Phoenix and was inducted into the 2021 National Society of Leadership and Success.
Professional Highlights:
Oakland Sugar Sweetened & Beverage Tax Advisory Commissioner Chair (2022)
Oakland Parks & Recreation Foundation Board Member (2022)
California State University of Monterey Bay Men of Color in Education Panelist (2022)
Madison Prep Academy Career Presenter (2022)
Montera Middle School Career Presenter (2022)
Let’s Talk About Health Equity “Harms of Vaping” Panelist (2022)
Oakland Promise Black History Month Career Speaker (2022)
Castlemont High School HBCU Career Panelist (2022)
Odyssey STEM Academy HBCU Career Panelist (2022)
Xavier University of Louisiana Youth Motivation Task Force Speaker (2022)
Comerica Bank Young Entrepreneurz Solution Business Plan Challenge Guest Speaker (2021)
Dewey Academy Winter Graduation Speaker (2021)
MOCA By Marie Mental Health Matters Guest Panelist (2021)
Motivational Speaker at Robert’s Alternative High School in Fremont CA (2021)
Oakland Martin Luther King Jr Multicultural Rally Speaker (2021)
Networking On Purpose Panelist Topic Importance of Mentorship (2021)
African American Community Service Agency Panelist Topic Grant Writing (2021)
Cognac Confessionals Podcast Guest (2021)
HmtwnHero Agency Black Businessmen Photoshoot (2021)
City of Oakland CA Inspirational Leadership Community Awardee (2020)
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. National Brother Of the Week (2020)
Close The Deal Networking Show Guest Commentator (2020)
Charter Member of 1865 Collective Political Organizing Group (2020)
We The Scenario Podcast Creator (2020)
Time 2 Dig Deep Podcast Creator (2020)
Xavier University of LA Youth Motivation Task Force Speaker (2019)
Xavier University of LA Youth Motivation Task Force Speaker (2018)
Appointed to Bay Area Rapid Transit Advisory Commission for Title VI & Environmental Justice (2018)
Golden State Warriors Walmart Community Playmaker Award Recipient (2018)
Appointed to Oakland Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission (2017)
Xavier University of LA Youth Motivation Task Force Speaker (2017)
Eddie Walker Scholarship Foundation Keynote Speaker (2017)
Thoughts of A Common Man Radio Guest (2017)
Xavier University of LA Youth Motivation Task Force Speaker (2016)
Xavier University of LA 40 Under 40 Young Alumni Award (2015)
Young Professionals of Orange County Guest Presenter (2015)
Fannie Wall Children’s Home Keynote Speaker (2015)
Xavier University Grad Star Focus on The Future Facilitator (2015)
City of Oakland Volunteer Appreciation Celebration Keynote Speaker (2015)
YMCA Teaching Young Men to Fish Workshop Facilitator (2013)
KDIA Men of Faith Radio Show Guest Radio Personality (2013)
Keep Oakland Beautiful Great America Cleanup Speaker (2012)
Youth Radio Youth Speak Out Guest Radio Personality (2010)
Co-founded of We Lead Ours Nonprofit Organization (2010)
Additional Services
Public speaking, youth drug intervention and prevention services, community and nonprofit business consulting, teacher professional development workshops, and political consulting
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The story of We Lead Ours (WELO) is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and community. Founded in 2010 with a humble $500 donation and a shared contract among the three co-founders, WELO has blossomed into a thriving non-profit organization that has impacted the lives of countless youth and families in Oakland, California.
Dwayne Aikens, one of the co-founders, embodies the spirit of sacrifice and unwavering dedication that has propelled WELO’s success. Forgoing a regular salary until 2016, Dwayne poured his heart and soul into the organization, driven by a deep-seated belief in the potential of Oakland’s youth. His commitment to WELO’s mission serves as an inspiration to aspiring non-profit leaders, demonstrating that personal sacrifice is often the foundation upon which meaningful change is built.
WELO’s journey has not been without its challenges. The unpredictable nature of grant funding has tested the organization’s resolve, but the unwavering belief in its mission has always prevailed. The co-founders have learned that success is not solely defined by financial gains but by the positive impact on the lives they serve. The youth of Oakland depend on WELO, and this responsibility has fueled the organization’s resilience and innovation.
Amidst the challenges, WELO has consistently demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness. The development of the “We The Scenario” podcast and the “The Legit Money Club” peer education program during the COVID-19 pandemic are prime examples of WELO’s ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. These initiatives not only continued to provide valuable services to Oakland’s youth but also showcased the organization’s adaptability and commitment to innovation.
WELO’s journey is a remarkable tale of resilience, passion, and community. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a beacon of hope for Oakland’s youth, WELO has demonstrated that with unwavering dedication and a commitment to serving the community, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
My journey with We Lead Ours (WELO) began with an unexpected reconnection with an old friend from high school. Lamont Robinson and I had not seen each other since 2000, but fate brought us back together in December 2009 through the wonders of Facebook.
At the time, I was contemplating starting a non-profit organization, having just completed my MAB business proposal. Lamont, on the other hand, was coaching and collaborating with Trestin George on a sports proposal. Intrigued by each other’s ideas, Lamont suggested a meeting to exchange thoughts and explore potential synergies.
That momentous meeting took place on the first Tuesday of 2010, marking my first encounter with Trestin. We gathered at Lukas Taproom in Oakland, California, eager to share our aspirations and visions. As the conversation flowed, we realized that our individual goals aligned with a broader mission: to empower Oakland’s youth through comprehensive enrichment programs.
Emerging from Lukas Taproom that evening, we were united by a shared commitment to establishing a non-profit organization that would make a tangible difference in the lives of Oakland’s youth. And so, We Lead Ours was born, a testament to the power of rekindled friendships, shared passions, and the unwavering belief in the potential of Oakland’s youth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.weleadours.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delegancewelo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daaikens
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-aikens-jr-42a9445a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeLeganceWELO
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChZTd8flDdTuEsBb6b9Evqw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/we-lead-ours-oakland
Image Credits
We Lead Ours Halloween Costume Giveaway