Staff and Volunteers
Meet key people dedicated to the cause.
Our Staff Members
Emanuel “Dupree” Jackson
Founder & Executive Director
Emanuel “Dupree” Jackson, Jr., the Founding Director of the EJS Project, is a dynamic leader passionate about empowering youth and transforming communities. With roots in both The Set in Delray Beach, FL and the rural landscape of Sneads, Florida, Dupree has dedicated his life to working with children and teens, particularly at-risk youth, igniting their inner strength and potential.
Dupree’s journey includes earning an Associate of Arts degree from Hibbing Community College and pursuing Communications with a minor in Psychology at North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota Duluth on an athletic scholarship. Motivated by the pressing need for more mentors in his community, Dupree founded the Emanuel Jackson Senior (EJS) Project, which has flourished into one of Palm Beach County’s premier nonprofit organizations. Now in its thriving 9th year, the EJS Project has positively impacted the lives of over 3500 teens, employing innovative grassroots strategies to nurture local talent and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.
Renowned for his loyalty, determination, and selflessness, Dupree is a community leader and an expert in the nonprofit sector, particularly in out-of-school teen programming. His expertise has made him a sought-after speaker at conferences, graduations, and other events, where he shares insights on effective leadership and community development.
Dupree’s commitment to collective impact extends beyond his local community. He has actively participated in Tamarack Institute conferences and advocated for mentor programs nationwide on Capitol Hill. Atlantic Ave Magazine has recognized him as one of the 16 most influential individuals in Delray Beach.
Acknowledged as a ‘Hero in Medicine’ by the Palm Beach County Medical Society and for Organizational leadership by Palm Beach State College, Dupree’s relentless advocacy efforts have earned significant recognition, including the Culture of Health Prize from the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation in 2022. The EJS Project’s pivotal role in this achievement underscores its profound impact on Palm Beach County.
Dupree’s dedication to equity and opportunity drives his work as he actively challenges systemic barriers and champions sustainable, community-driven solutions. As the EJS Project prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in September 2024, Dupree’s visionary leadership continues to inspire action and drive positive change. His family, including his wife Janay and their two daughters, Jazlyn (13) and Kahlia (5), stand alongside him in his mission to advance youth empowerment and community advancement through the EJS Project. Together, they embody the ethos of ‘Bout Dat Action,’ a rallying cry for collective impact and transformative change.
Joeniseley “Jojo” Mathurin
Director of Operations
Joeniseley Mathurin began her journey as an after-school counselor, gradually taking on various roles to expand her knowledge and skills. Her dedication and commitment led her to serve as a Site Coordinator, Curriculum Specialist, and Director of Out-of-School Time. Through the Rising Leaders program with Nonprofits First, she expanded her network and skillset, positioning herself for greater leadership roles.
Joeniseley holds a Director’s Credential, a Bachelor’s degree in Supervision and Management, and a Master’s in Public Administration. In her current role as Director of Operations at EJSP, she plays a vital role in upholding the organization’s vision and mission. Joeniseley is responsible for overseeing the internal systems and processes, ensuring that they align with EJSP’s goals and programs. Her work involves coordinating financial, administrative, and operational functions, maintaining databases, and serving as the primary point of contact for consultants, vendors, and the accounting firm.
Joeniseley’s passion for her work stems from her personal experiences and commitment to making a difference in students’ lives. She believes that her work is not only about healing students but also about healing herself. She is dedicated to helping students nurture and cultivate their best selves, empowering them to take advantage of opportunities and believe in their unique potential.
In her personal time, Joeniseley enjoys skating and going to the gym. She values the discipline that comes with these activities and embraces the journey of self-love and exploration as she continues to evolve. As she moves forward, Joeniseley is excited to continue learning, expanding her network, and leaving a legacy of love and care
Aarif Khan
Senior Program Manager
Aarif is committed to helping others achieve their highest potential through social entrepreneurship. His journey through childhood was marked by significant challenges, including severe mental health struggles and a speech impediment that began when he first started speaking. The support he received from those around him inspired Aarif to become that same source of strength and guidance for others. Aarif’s work in the community is driven by innovation, transformative leadership, and a passion for social entrepreneurship.
In 2021, he co-founded TAMKIN, a social enterprise dedicated to encouraging, educating, and promoting quality self-care for Black men. The following year, he joined the EJS Project, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering teens across Palm Beach County. Aarif earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Entrepreneurship from the Watson Institute at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. There, he honed the tools, networks, and skills necessary to amplify his impact. Today, as the Senior Program Manager at the EJS Project, Aarif continues to develop and manage programs that inspire and empower the leaders of tomorrow.
Marcus Darisaw
Program Manager
Marcus Darrisaw was born and raised in Delray Beach, Florida. He attended college for two years at Hibbing Community College with Founder, Emanuel Dupree Jackson Jr., then earned a scholarship to Savannah State University where he graduated with his Bachelors Degree in English. He always desired to give back to the community like his parents, James Darrisaw and Tia Dobard and his grandfather, Reginald Dobard Sr. After college, he moved back home to work as a teacher working at Boynton High School and West Boca High School. Along with teaching, he also coaches various sports and previously served as a Teen Director for an afterschool program. He continues to aim to inspire kids to go beyond their limits and never to settle for anything less than what they are able to achieve. He wants to see change in the community and strives to help our youth make their dreams become a reality. He joined the EJS Project to help the organization reach it’s greatest potential by providing a consistent place for teens for support and guidance.
Our Volunteers
Andreka Youngblood
Volunteer
Born and raised in Delray Beach FL, Andreka Youngblood, AKA Dreka, graduated from Santaluces Community High School (Home of the Chiefs) in 2008. Currently, she serves as a Business Analyst for The Guardian Recovery Network in their accounting department. Dreka makes it her mission to participate in so many community service projects, events, and efforts to make a difference in her local Delray Beach community. In recognition for the work she does at the EJS Project, she was awarded the 2023 EJS Project Volunteer of the Year Award.
Howard Daniels
Volunteer
Volunteering on behalf of this program has been nothing but incredible, from working and planning events with Andrika and Aarif, to Dupree, Marcus, and amazing Board behind them.
Seeing the teens go after their dreams and ambitions while watching them grow into young adults inspires me to keep serving them as often as possible.
Cameron Lee
Volunteer
Cam is from Delray Beach, FL. She graduated from Atlantic Community High School in 2016 and Florida State University in 2020 and will finish her Master’s at FAU in December.
She has been volunteering with the EJS Project for over two years, providing marketing assistance, serving on multiple event planning committees, and mentoring students. Currently, she works in Sports Marketing at Fanatics.
Daniel Studdard
Volunteer
Daniel Studdard was born and raised in Delray Beach, Florida. Daniel has worked with children and adults throughout the majority of his career and obtains great passion for helping people evolve and finding their purpose in life. Daniel is a proud graduate of Boca Raton Community High School; upon obtaining his diploma, Daniel attended Hibbing Community College to further his career in football and then received a scholarship to Savannah State University where he received a degree in sociology, minor in business. After graduation, Daniel started his career teaching World History & coaching football at Boynton Beach Community High School.
In 2015, Daniel had an urge to do more for people & help others in health care, so he started working for Banyan Health systems as a case manager, and then would later intern as a Mental/Behavioral therapist. Daniel has been serving his community by being an advocate & activist for children, teens, & adults. Currently, Daniel is a Behavioral Health professional & entrepreneur who plans on changing lives one day at a time.
Linnora Clay
Volunteer
Linnora has been a parent volunteer for EJS Project for the past 7 years and counting. When she first heard about EJS, she cried because she felt like it was a blessing to know that it’s a program out there that still cares and wants to be a part of our children’s lives, to make a change, and keep them off the streets.
She had two children in the program: her son Jermane, who graduated from High School, and her daughter Jazmynn, who graduated from High School. She now has her other two children currently enrolled into the program, Ciara and Marcus. As a mother of four children, she didn’t know how she was able to do it, but EJS made it easy for her to show love to the students as well. Even though her children graduated from the program, she still volunteers because that’s where her heart is at. She is forever grateful for EJS.