about us
Here at Evolutionary Cultures we stand firmly on the principle that our ability to care for someone will always be one of your greatest assets. We also believe the idea that when you take responsibility for your life you will be able to take control over your life.
Evolutionary Cultures is a youth driven organization with our main focus being to empower, motivate & guide our youth but, we understand that help doesn’t end there. We extend assistance to families and school programs as well.
We want to address the youth and young adults in the community and to work with the underprivileged and underserved We want to monitor the culture and address the needs of our youth. We are able to achieve this by keeping these goals at our forefront.
MEET OUR STAFF
Jerome Washington
CEO
Greetings! My name is Jerome Washington, the founder behind the organization Evolutionary Cultures; a program created to help serve Maryland’s many communities. A native New Yorker and a product of the NYC public school system. I left New York in 1997 and moved to the Virginia Beach area. I have several years of experience in Telecommunications and over 16 years of experience in the Human Services field, which is my true passion.
Prior to developing Evolutionary Cultures, I worked for multiple Maryland and DC organizations acquiring knowledge about the various cultures throughout the region. I’ve volunteered at men and family shelters in DC and Maryland. I’ve been married to my lovely wife for over 20 years. I am a father of five and grandfather of two. I’ve coached various sports such as basketball, baseball, softball, and football up to the high school level. My first job in Human Services was in the DC public school system as a WRAPCARE Coordinator. After a successful career engaging the youth through the DC school system and in the community, I decided to use my expertise, connections and forward-thinking to assist the very communities we live in. I worked with a lot of children who were growing up in the worst of conditions, but I was limited to what I could do to help them improve their situation. My experiences in the community made me feel like I needed to do more.
An additional motivating factor to starting Evolutionary Cultures was the experiences I had with my 15 year old son who started high school. His freshmen year seemed to present a lot of challenges. Through his experiences and through many conversations with him I saw a lot of issues that were happening in my own community. I realized that these issues were not just isolated to the neighborhoods I worked in. Dealing with my son and all of his issues, forced me to realize that I needed to take action to invoke change not just in the underserved communities that I work in, but to all
communities that needed support. One of my visions at Evolutionary Cultures is to know and grow with
the culture wherever we are afforded the opportunity to make an impact.
Deo djossou
COO
Born and raised in the Washington Metropolitan Region commonly known as the DMV today, March 30, 1972. I graduated 1990 from Suitland High School, I received a B.S. in Criminal Justice in 1994 from Northeastern University, Boston Ma, Master of Education and Curriculum, I earned a Master of Education and Curriculum/ Leadership from National Louis University 2001. Entering my 26 years in education where I have served in many capacities throughout the years (Peer Mediations Specialist, School Base Counselor, Rehabilitation Coordinator (PRP), Dean of Student, Assistant Principal, Principal/Director of Middle School High School Basketball Coach Assistant Track Coach). In addition, I served as a member of a variety of community engagement Youth Director at New Home Baptist Church, Mentor, Youth/AAU Basketball, Football, and Baseball coach.
This is snapshot of my commitment to develop and enhance others to see the gifts and potential in our youth. I have been challenged throughout my life and have never seen as good enough until. My high school coach saw something greater than I saw in myself. I knew that it was my calling to be a positive productive citizen in society and pay it forward after I received proper mentorship from him. From that point I have made it my purpose to become a change agent for students and family in economic challenging living environments.
brittney Thomas
Executive Director
Originally from New York, Growing up as a young person I always loved art, including drawing and painting. However, at the age of six I fell in love with the game of basketball. I was the first male or female basketball player to receive a full Division I Basketball scholarship from Ossining High School. I played on the school varsity team as an eighth grader. I was Inducted to the Ossining High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010. After graduating college I assisted with several Basketball Programs throughout New York, as well as worked in the Mental Health and Education field. In 2013 I received my Master’s Degree in Teaching.
When I moved to Maryland in 2014, I continued to work in the mental health field as well as teach as a Special Education Teacher. After a few years of teaching in Maryland, I transitioned to teaching English Language Arts for two years in Washington D.C. I currently teach Physical Education at the same school. I have worked in Education for over 10 years and
the Mental Health field for over 20 years and I continue to provide services in both fields.
I have a passion for sports, teaching, and cooking. I have coached basketball as well as provided personal training sessions for several years and I have a strong desire to push others to their greatness. I enjoy writing poetry and learning new things. I have earned a BA – in Communications Arts and a MAT in Physical Education & Sports Pedagogy. My motto is “Be great on purpose.”
Britt Toku
Project Administrator
Britt Toku is our program facilitator. Britt is involved in program development, however she is also involved in program implementation to help create a continuously evolving environment that helps to support the EC culture.
Britt received a music scholarship to AAMU where she studied Urban & regional planning. Before joining the EC family Britt worked a number of years as a help desk associate for a couple of government agencies. Outside of Evolutionary Cultures Britt enjoys spending time with her son & family. Britt is also a professional makeup artist & travel advisor. In her spare time Britt enjoys cooking, working out and music.
Pamela Williams
Micheal mackell
As a Youth Engagement Specialist, at The Achievement Center in Washington, DC where he helps youth ages 14 to 24 years of age who have had criminal offenses in the past to aide in their rehabilitation process by engaging the youth with events, activities, programs and other related services.
Mackell attended San Diego State University where he studied Criminal Justice while playing basketball. He played as a power forward/center position. Michael also earned an Associate’s Degree in Social Science from Porterville Community College in Porterville, California where he was JUCO player of the year. Michael enjoys watching basketball, football, and movies he also loves spending time with family and close friends. He also has a passion for mentoring and guiding people in the right direction.
Michael Mackell is available for mentoring and coaching.
Simone dawson
As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington, DC and Maryland (LCPC). Simone is a native Washingtonian who thrives to provide quality care to children, adolescents, families, and adults. Simone has completed trainings and certifications in various specialty areas and continues to increase in her knowledge and skills through continuing education courses.
Before joining Evolutionary Cultures, Simone worked for over ten years as a Mental Health Therapist and Clinical Supervisor in a local community clinic that provides dental, medical, and mental health services. When Simone isn’t working, she’s traveling and enjoying time with her two children Madison and Trey.
Brenda Washington
Brenda Washington, a Washington D.C. native, has worked in the Information Technology (IT) industry for over 20 years. Ms. Washington began her IT career as a computer programmer and worked as a contractor for several mission-critical military contracts before her federal public service career in senior management. Ms. Washington holds an Associate’s degree and is nearing completion of her Bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security Policy and Management.
When she’s not studying, Ms. Washington enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, gardening, performing arts, sporting events, and volunteering in her community.