Our innovators.
“As the organization is composed of a team of mentors from different industries, students will benefit from the knowledge and experience from their mentors and other professionals.”
The organization founded in 2019, PRIDE and Strive, Inc. consists of the following dedicated individuals serving our mentorship team:
Dr. Michael Bivins
“Growing up, one of the things I could have significantly benefited from was mentorship. Outside of my family, I did not have any guidance. Also, I grew up in a community that was considered financially illiterate. This organization would have helped me better prepare for the future. The basic financial education, support from mentors, and knowledge in other areas would have helped in my growth.”
- Founder, President of the Board of Directors / Mentor
Dr. Bivins has a passion for educating and inspiring people around him. With over ten years of professional work experience, Dr. Bivins has gained knowledge in different aspects of professional development. He graduated with a Sports Management degree from Delaware State University in 2009 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Morgan State University in 2012. Michael also holds a Doctor of Education. The combination of education and work experience has prepared Michael for a bright future in helping others to succeed. He has mentored high school students in the Wilmington, Delaware, and New York City areas for the past few years. As helping others has become a passion of his, it has led him to the creation of PRIDE and Strive, Inc.
Yaw Boakye-Hwedie
“What Pride and Strive means is an opportunity to make an impact on the future generation of leaders coming after us… by passing along practical wisdom and ensuring the next generation has a chance to be successful in their lives or anything they pursue.”
- Treasurer, Board of Director / Mentor
Yaw Boakye-Hwedie is an alumnus of Delaware State University with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Masters of Business Administration from the University of Delaware. He is a proactive, diligent, results-oriented individual with a can-do attitude who understands the importance of developing strong client relationships. Yaw’s professional experience includes working with one of Delaware’s largest local banks at WSFS Bank as a credit risk analyst and as a fund accountant at the Bank of New York Mellon Group. His leadership experience and an excellent foundation in accounting and financial analysis are key elements that provide the essential foundation for his success. Yaw has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, tutored college students in advanced academic programs, and mentored college students through mentoring programs at Delaware State University and the University of Delaware.
Phoebe Acheampong-Quaye
“A lot of students end up navigating most of the college process by themselves or dependent on a guidance counselor who often suggests to ‘choose this or that’ without a real explanation. If we can show the youth that there’s more than one way to reach a goal and that they have so many options out there, it would make a huge impact.”
- Paralegal, Secretary, Board of Director / Mentor
Phoebe Acheampong-Quaye is a New York-based legal and operations professional with over a decade of experience leading teams, managing business operations, and supporting creative entrepreneurs. A graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Business and Liberal Arts, Phoebe bridges her background in law, media, and management to help individuals and organizations grow with purpose and integrity. As the Director of Retail Operations for a luxury design brand and founder of ECB Media Group, Phoebe blends strategy, compliance, and creativity to build systems that empower both businesses and people to thrive. She also lends her expertise as a paralegal, providing legal and organizational support to nonprofits and small businesses seeking structure and sustainability. From volunteering with youth programs as early as middle school to serving as a board member for Pride and Strive Inc., Phoebe remains deeply committed to mentorship and empowerment. Her mission is to help young people discover their strengths, explore career pathways, and develop the confidence to lead with authenticity and impact.