Meet Our Team

Charles King

Executive Director

Charles King is the visionary founder and Executive Director of Helping Others With Life, Inc. (H.O.W.L.). Drawing from his personal journey of overcoming adversity, Charles has dedicated his life to empowering underserved youth, justice-involved individuals, and families throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. With extensive experience in youth mentorship, family engagement, and community advocacy, he leads H.O.W.L. with a mission rooted in second chances, personal accountability, and creating meaningful pathways to success.

Jakarya Branch

Program Manager

Jakarya Branch is an accomplished business consultant, workforce development professional, and strategic program leader with more than a decade of experience in business development, nonprofit capacity building, and community-based initiatives. As Program Manager for H.O.W.L., she oversees program planning, implementation, partnership development, compliance, and performance reporting. Through her leadership, Jakarya helps transform innovative program concepts into structured, results-driven initiatives that equip underserved individuals with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to achieve long-term success.

Mahalia Whittier

Success Coach

Mahalia Whittier serves as a Success Coach for H.O.W.L., supporting participants as they navigate personal challenges, establish meaningful goals, and prepare for educational and career opportunities. Her role focuses on individualized guidance, participant engagement, accountability, and connecting individuals with resources that promote personal and professional growth. Through a supportive, participant-centered approach, Mahalia helps young people build confidence, strengthen life skills, and remain focused on achieving their goals.

Christopher Plummer

A1 Finishers, LLC

Certified Instructional Partner

Christopher Plummer is a skilled construction professional and instructional partner who brings real-world industry experience into H.O.W.L.'s TradeWorks workforce development programming. Through A1 Finishers, LLC, Christopher provides hands-on carpentry instruction, technical skill development, jobsite supervision, and practical construction training. His commitment to mentorship and experiential learning helps participants develop workplace discipline, industry knowledge, and foundational skills necessary to pursue careers in the skilled trades

Gene Cobb, CHST

OSHA Safety Instructor

Gene Cobb is a Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) and occupational safety professional specializing in construction safety education and workforce training. As H.O.W.L.'s OSHA Safety Instructor, he provides participants with essential instruction in workplace hazards, accident prevention, personal protective equipment, and OSHA safety standards. Through OSHA-30 training and safety education, Gene helps prepare participants to enter construction environments with the knowledge, awareness, and safety-first mindset needed for successful careers in the skilled trades.

Board of Directors

Charles King | President

Alphanso Dawson | Vice President

Patrick Pinkney | Treasurer

Vivian Satterwhite | Secretary