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Executive Director | mckayla@collectiveclimb.org
“What brings me to this work is more accurately answered by tending to the question of whom: My grandfather shaped me through his carefully chosen gifts. At 14, he gave me his copy of DuBois’ The Souls of Black folks because he knew I would need the language. Later, he entrusted me to hold onto Daniel Warwick’s will, a document written to instruct the enslaver’s sons on how to distribute his estate, to ensure I map pathways to freedom with a firm starting point. I would not know restorative justice without my paternal aunts who believed deeply in prayer and practiced forgiveness. I witnessed circle keeping through Bingo Nights and family squabbles ending over warm plates and laughter. My position here is in that tradition.
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Finance Director | kwaku@collectiveclimb.org
I was lucky to start my journey of becoming by coming to Penn for undergraduate study, but life in Philadelphia proper is what truly molded me. Much of that molding is owed to hours spent working as a mentor and advocate for young people. Amidst inhospitable schools, an unfair justice system, and troubling digital landscapes, Philly youth stand strong and declare that they are here, alive, and fighting for a better future for all. With the skills and wisdom I’ve gained, I can’t resist that call — it’s only right to give back to those who have given so much to me.
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Creative Director | hyungtae@collectiveclimb.org
The third floor window in John Coltrane’s boarded up home—a jagged edge where wounds still hum. For me, that is what this was for.
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Restorative Diversion Coordinator khari@collectiveclimb.org
When we think about all that makes and defines us, we consider many different things. From inherited traits imbued with ancestral strength and knowledge, lessons taught and learned first hand, and the wealth of varied experiences we have throughout our lifetime, it is a range of things that make us the rich, complex, and unique individuals we are. However, all too often, systems and the societies under them seek to define people, particularly youth, by the mistakes they made.This acknowledgement and centering of the inherent worth of all people, and the need for healing, learning, and growth as opposed to punishment that Collective Climb and the process of Restorative Justice is grounded in aligns powerfully with my personal politic, established professional practices, and my vision for a just and supportive community and world.
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Restorative Justice Facilitator | andres@collectiveclimb.org
I know cops and courts do not exist to protect or serve us or our youth. Restorative work gives us all a chance to learn, grow, and be better for ourselves and for each other. After graduating from Penn, I wanted to do work that I could stand behind with pride, using my political education to uplift youth and create support networks so everyone in our community has the opportunity to go after their goals and aspirations. We can create the world we deserve, together.
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Executive Assistant
dan@collectiveclimb.org
I’m deeply drawn to work that uplifts communities rather than exploiting them. Collective Climb’s commitment to restorative justice and the empowerment of BIPOC teens resonates with my belief that healing and community are catalysts for real change. While my work often happens behind the scenes - through systems like Salesforce or financial reconciliation - I see it as building upon the foundation that allows transformative programming to thrive. Being part of a Black feminist organization that centers care, equity, and youth leadership is not just aligned with my values, but essential in this moment.