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 10 years of professional experience, he has developed expertise across multiple areas of professional development. He currently serves as an Associate Faculty Member at the United States Sports University, contributing his knowledge and real-world experience to the academic community. Dr. Bivins holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Sport Management from United States Sports University, an MBA from Morgan State University, a Master of Science in Applied Nutrition from Lamar University, and a Bachelor of Science in Sports Sciences from Delaware State University. This combination of education and hands-on experience has prepared him to make a meaningful impact. Michael founded PRIDE and Strive, Inc. in 2019 as a continued commitment to his passion in mentoring youth, strengthening confidence and life skills, and preparing them for academic and professional success.
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 could 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 LLC, 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 individuals 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.