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Meet Our Team

Strengthening Communities, One Young Life at a Time

AIF is powered by educators, mentors, coaches, veterans, community leaders, and professionals who believe that consistent relationships can change the direction of a young person’s life. Our team brings lived experience, professional knowledge, accountability, and genuine care to every school and community we serve.

Each team member is expected to model the character, preparation, and respect we seek to develop in our young people.

Dr. Daiman Johnson

Founder and President, AIF “Brilliance Collective”

Dr. Daiman Johnson is an accomplished educator, professor, athletic administrator, nonprofit executive, entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader whose career has been dedicated to helping young people achieve academically, socially, professionally, and personally.

More About Daiman

Joe Anthony Garcia

Project Lead/Safe Passages

Let me formally introduce myself My name is Joe Garcia, I am officially the new Achievement Initiative Foundation Project Manager. Few things about me I’m an ambitious optimistic very big emphasis on, I’m an Army veteran and have been in multiple fields so my experience runs deep.

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Brandon T. Baker

Brilliance Coach

My name is Brandon T. Baker, and I serve as a Brilliance Coach for the Achievement Initiative Foundation. With over 20 years of experience, I specialize in mentoring boys and young men of color, as well as supervising students during their commutes to and from school to ensure their safety.

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Paul Bellows

Brilliance Coach

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles and Compton, my life has been shaped by perseverance, service, and a deep commitment to growth. After graduating from Culver City High School, I chose to serve my country by joining the United States Air Force at the age of 19, where I worked as a Firefighter and Medic. This experience instilled in me discipline, accountability, and a lifelong dedication to helping others in moments of need.

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Malik E. Johnson

Brilliance Coach

Malik E. Johnson is a dedicated Brilliance Coach with a proven track record of leadership and service. A former Division 1 collegiate basketball player, he brings over five years of experience coaching basketball and mentoring minority youth leadership programs.

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Leatrice Moore

Director of Human Resources (AIF)

Leatrice Moore is a seasoned human resources leader with a deep commitment to building people-centered organizations that drive equity, accountability, and long-term impact. With a career rooted in public service and nonprofit leadership, she brings a strategic, compassionate, and compliance-driven approach to human capital management.

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Choni Francis

Brilliance Coach

Choni Francis is a dedicated educator, coach, and mentor with a strong background in communication and sociology. 

More About Choni

Dr. Daiman Johnson

Founder and President, AIF “Brilliance Collective”

Dr. Daiman Johnson is an accomplished educator, professor, athletic administrator, nonprofit executive, entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader whose career has been dedicated to helping young people achieve academically, socially, professionally, and personally.

For more than two decades, Dr. Johnson has served students and families through education, athletics, youth development, mentorship, community programming, and organizational leadership.

His professional experience has allowed him to work directly with young people at multiple stages of their development—from early childhood and secondary education to college, career preparation, athletics, and community leadership.

Throughout his career, Dr. Johnson has remained committed to creating environments where young people are seen, supported, challenged, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

His leadership philosophy is grounded in service, integrity, accountability, collaboration, and the belief that every young person possesses a unique form of brilliance.

Dr. Johnson founded AIF to create sustainable programs and partnerships capable of addressing the academic, social, emotional, and professional needs of young people, particularly those living within historically underserved communities.

Under his leadership, AIF has continued to expand its work through school partnerships, mentorship, community development, Safe Passage Services, leadership education, scholarships, athletics, special events, and collaborative initiatives.

Dr. Johnson’s vision for AIF “Brilliance Collective” extends beyond building a successful nonprofit organization.
His vision is to build a lasting institution that develops leaders, strengthens families, creates opportunity, and leaves a legacy of service for generations to come.

Joe Anthony Garcia

Project Lead/Safe Passages

Let me formally introduce myself My name is Joe Garcia, I am officially the new Achievement Initiative Foundation Project Manager. Few things about me I’m an ambitious optimistic very big emphasis on, I’m an Army veteran and have been in multiple fields so my experience runs deep.

I come from a very constructive and accountability background, but nevertheless a genuine caring individual empathetic to every situation.

I am also in the fitness industry as I have my private gym nim working at, I’m a father of 2 beautiful daughters and engaged to an amazing, beautiful woman. I’m very honored and blessed of this opportunity to Be a part of this team and look forward to doing what I can to contribute to help make it even better.1% better everyday is the motto I live by.

Brandon T. Baker

Brilliance Coach

My name is Brandon T. Baker, and I serve as a Brilliance Coach for the Achievement Initiative Foundation. With over 20 years of experience, I specialize in mentoring boys and young men of color, as well as supervising students during their commutes to and from school to ensure their safety.

I am dedicated to supporting students who may be misguided, providing them with thought-provoking guidance. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of mentoring students from the 6th to 12th grades.

Beyond my professional commitments, I have a passion for creating clothing, photography, and fitness. I am also deeply committed to giving back to my community.

Paul Bellows

Brilliance Coach

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles and Compton, my life has been shaped by perseverance, service, and a deep commitment to growth. After graduating from Culver City High School, I chose to serve my country by joining the United States Air Force at the age of 19, where I worked as a Firefighter and Medic. This experience instilled in me discipline, accountability, and a lifelong dedication to helping others in moments of need.

Following my military service, I pursued my passion for culinary arts at the Art Institute, building a career in respected establishments such as the House of Blues, Sai Sai, and Dulan’s Soul Food. In 2012, my wife and I took a leap of faith and launched our own catering business, which has thrived for more than 14 years a testament to resilience, teamwork, and entrepreneurial determination.

Today, I am continuing my educational journey by pursuing a degree in History, driven by a desire to better understand the past and contribute meaningfully to the future. Alongside my studies, I serve as a youth mentor, working with young men ages 11 to 18 to help them develop confidence, discipline, and vision for their lives. My journey reflects not only personal growth, but a commitment to uplifting others and creating lasting impact within my community.

Malik E. Johnson

Brilliance Coach

Malik E. Johnson is a dedicated Brilliance Coach with a proven track record of leadership and service. A former Division 1 collegiate basketball player, he brings over five years of experience coaching basketball and mentoring minority youth leadership programs.

He holds a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Community-Based Education and is committed to serving underprivileged communities through food services.

Leatrice Moore

Director of Human Resources (AIF)

Leatrice Moore is a seasoned human resources leader with a deep commitment to building people-centered organizations that drive equity, accountability, and long-term impact. With a career rooted in public service and nonprofit leadership, she brings a strategic, compassionate, and compliance-driven approach to human capital management.

At the Achievement Initiative Foundation, Ms. Moore leads all facets of human resources, ensuring that the organization attracts, develops, and retains mission aligned professionals who are equipped to serve communities with excellence. She believes that sustainable change begins with strong internal culture one that values transparency, professional growth, and employee well-being.

Throughout her career, Leatrice has played a critical role in scaling organizations, strengthening operational systems, and embedding trauma-informed, people-first practices into workforce development. She partners closely with executive leadership to create HR frameworks that support innovation while maintaining regulatory integrity and ethical standards.

What She Does Best

  • Builds equitable, inclusive HR systems that support diverse and high-performing teams
  • Oversees talent acquisition, onboarding, training, and retention strategies
  • Develops policies and procedures that ensure compliance and organizational accountability
  •  Cultivates a positive workplace culture rooted in transparency, respect, and integrity
  •  Provides leadership coaching and employee relations support to foster long-term success


Leatrice is known for her ability to balance structure with empathy—advocating for both the organization and the people who power its mission. Whether she is strengthening internal operations, resolving complex personnel matters, or guiding leaders through organizational growth, her focus remains the same: empowering staff so they can deliver transformative outcomes for youth, families, and communities.

Her work ensures that the Achievement Initiative Foundation remains not only a place where impactful programs are built—but where people thrive, grow, and lead with purpose.

Choni Francis

Brilliance Coach

Choni Francis is a dedicated educator, coach, and mentor with a strong background in communication and sociology. He earned his B.A. in Communication from Southeastern Louisiana University and minored in Sociology at the University of Houston. His teaching career began in Houston, where he worked for HISD, Galena Park ISD, and Fort Bend ISD.

At Viewpoint High School, he served as the Wide Receivers Coach, Co- Offensive Coordinator, and Head Track Coach. His passion for media education led him to head and teach the film production class at Bishop Conaty before transitioning into administrative leadership. He now serves as a Brilliance Collective Coach, where he is committed to mentoring and guiding young men.

With a unique blend of education, athletics, and media expertise, he strives to inspire students to find their voices, build confidence, and pursue their goals. His dedication to character development, teamwork, and leadership helps shape young men into strong, capable role models in their communities.

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