BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Darien Headen - Alexander Shaw - Khalia Jackson - Ronald Simms - Gloria Lee - Patrick Kibbe
MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Gloria Lee is the dedicated Executive Director of the Midtown Youth Academy (MYA), where she expertly oversees the organization's daily operations and management. With over three decades of combined experience working for nonprofits focused on underserved adults and youth, Lee's commitment to service is a cornerstone of her career. Before joining the staff, she was a dedicated volunteer with MYA for more than 20 years, consistently driving positive change for local families through her steadfast leadership and deep community roots.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT/COMMUNICATIONS
Khalia Jackson is an Army veteran with 25 years of service who continues her military career while remaining dedicated to community activism, mentorship, and coaching. For those 25 years, she has also supported Midtown Youth Academy, currently serving as its Director of Development & Communications. In this role, she manages fundraising, enhances the academy’s public visibility, and builds vital partnerships to secure resources. Her dual expertise ensures their mission and impact resonate deeply across the community.
BOXING COACHES
Boxing coaches, Oscar Mejia and Greg Tolbert have collectively dedicated decades to boxing and working with underserved youth and young adults. They utilize boxing as a proactive approach to gun violence prevention, fostering discipline and resilience. Their team mission emphasizes the development of a strong mind and body through the principles learned in the gym. This holistic approach helps guide participants toward positive life choices and personal strength. Their impactful work provides a safe haven and a path forward for many in the community.
Eugene 'Thunder' Hughes, Founder (April 23, 1937 - March 12, 2018)
Eugene Hughes (Gene) and his thirteen brothers and sisters were raised by their mother and grandmother in inner-city Washington, D.C., where Gene quickly learned the basics of survival on the streets. Growing up, Gene found himself constantly in trouble; he was heading toward a life of drifting and drugs, when a mentor, “Sonny Boy West,” convinced him to channel that youthful energy into boxing. Gene went on to become the Diamond Belt Champion (before African Americans were allowed to participate in the Golden Gloves) in 1951, 1952, and 1953. In 1954, Gene deservingly won the Golden Gloves Championships. After his boxing career, Gene became a successful trainer, but he never forgot his community, always combining boxing with youth mentoring and drug counseling.
In 1966, Gene worked with Mayor Stokes in Cleveland, Ohio to create an effective community action, jobs, and drug rehabilitation program. He was personally aware of the patterns that start young people on the wrong path, and lead to a life of drug addiction and criminal behavior. Gene believed the key to breaking these patterns that had been repeated throughout generations was to develop self-discipline by providing goal-oriented activities.
In 1972, Gene returned to Washington, D.C. and founded, what is now known as the Midtown Youth Academy (MYA). For almost five decades, MYA has been providing inner-city youth with a safe haven; offering such programs as an after-school and summer enrichment camp for kids ages 9 to 17, as well as a boxing gym for both youth and adults. In addition to helping a countless number of youths, MYA has actively participated in community events targeting crime reduction, education awareness, and community revitalization. Midtown Youth Academy has also produced World Champion boxers such as Lisa “Too Fierce” Foster and Toni Keese.
For his continued dedication, and commitment to community service, Gene, has been recognized and awarded with several honors, to include: The Washingtonian of the Year (1989), entrance into the Washington DC Boxing Hall of Fame (1995), Achievement Against the Odds Award (1996), Seven Salutes Seven Who Care (1997), Black History Achievement Award (1999, 2007), The Boxing All Star Trainer of the Year Award (2001), All Star Volunteer Award (National Points of Light Foundation) (2003), Mayor’s Community Service Award (2003), Humanitarian Award (2006), Amateur Boxing Outstanding Achievement Award (2007), Good Will Award (2007), Outstanding Boxing Coach Award (2007), The Ethiopian-African American Award (2008), Amateur Boxing Recognition Award (2011, 2012), Lifetime Commitment to Youth Award (2013), USA Boxing Award (2012-2015), Honored for Perseverance (2015).
Gene realized his dream of "breaking the pattern," leaving behind a powerful legacy of champions. The individuals he molded are now actively mentoring the next generation, passing along crucial life lessons. This continuous cycle of mentorship, fueled by education, self-discipline, and positive goal building, successfully breaks the cycle of drugs and crime.