Meet the Team
At our nonprofit, we are fortunate to have an incredibly dedicated and passionate team who are committed to making a positive impact in our community. Our team is made up of individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, but we are united in our mission to create lasting change. From our leadership team who bring years of experience in nonprofit management, to our program staff who work tirelessly to ensure our initiatives are making a real difference, each member of our team plays a crucial role in advancing our mission. We are proud to work alongside one another, and are excited to continue to collaborate and innovate in our efforts to build a better Conyers/Rockdale.
CEO/Founder
Dawn Thomas
Ms. Thomas is a visionary leader and compassionate advocate who stands at the helm of our community center's journey. With an unwavering commitment to creating positive change, Ms. Thomas embarked on this remarkable venture to establish a haven for empowerment, growth, and unity.
As the CEO and Founder of Tejavon Community Center, she brings a wealth of experience and a heart full of dedication to our noble cause. With a background of being a US Veteran, certified Chaplain, and certified in Ministry, she has honed the skills necessary to not only lead but also inspire everyone involved.
Ms. Thomas' passion for community development ignited during her early years when she witnessed the transformative power of collective action. Driven by a fervent desire to foster meaningful connections and provide essential resources, she took the bold step of establishing Tejavon Community Center as a vessel for positive change.
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Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Thomas is known for her approachability and compassion. She believes that every individual has the potential to make a difference, and she tirelessly works to create an environment where this potential can flourish.
Executive Director
Payton Thompson
As a champion for families, Ms. Thompson understands the challenges that individuals and households face daily. She has tirelessly worked to develop and implement innovative programs that provide families with the resources they need to thrive. Her unwavering dedication to their well-being has led to the creation of the Children's After-School Program and the Young Adults Writing Initiative, which will touch the lives of countless community members.
Payton firmly believes that education is the cornerstone of progress. With a heart deeply rooted in helping children succeed, she has spearheaded initiatives that provide quality educational opportunities to the youth within our community. Her vision for a brighter future resonates through these programs, paving the way for a generation of informed, empowered leaders.
Beyond her role as Executive Director, Payton is known for her hands-on involvement and approachability. She sees the importance of being personally connected to the community, forging relationships and truly understanding the needs of those she serves. This compassionate approach not only fosters trust, but also ensures that Tejavon Community Center remains a safe space where everyone can seek guidance and support.
Vice President
Jameel Wahid
Jameel Wahid is a remarkable veteran whose journey from military service to becoming the Assistant CEO of Tejavon Community Center exemplifies his unwavering commitment to serving others. With a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of his fellow community members, Jameel has become dedicated to helping build a thriving and inclusive space that fosters unity, empowerment, and personal growth.
After his career came to an end in the United States Army Reserves, Jameel decided to embark on a new mission – to assist in creating a community center that would serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for individuals from all walks of life. Guided by his military values of discipline, leadership, and dedication to a higher purpose, Jameel helped found Tejavon Community Center with the vision of transforming lives and uplifting his community.
Jameel Wahid’s transformation from a dedicated veteran to the Assistant CEO of Tejavon Community Center is a testament to his indomitable spirit and selfless dedication to improving the lives of others. Through his leadership, Tejavon Community Center will be a transformative force in the community, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and unity for generations to come.
Meet the Team
Superintendent of Construction
Tre'von Wahid
Tre'von Wahid is an exceptional construction supervisor whose unwavering commitment to quality and projects has left a lasting impact on the community he serves. With a passion for construction and a heart for community development, Tre'von has dedicated his career to creating spaces that uplift and empower the communities he serves.
His journey as a construction supervisor began with various commercial projects, where he honed his craft and gained invaluable experience. Recognizing the profound impact that a well-designed community center could have on the lives of residents, he wholeheartedly embraced opportunities to lead construction efforts for these vital spaces.
Tre'von's dedication to his craft and his community-driven approach make him a valuable asset to any community center project. As a construction supervisor, he plays a vital role in bringing to life spaces that enrich lives, promote unity, and create opportunities for growth and prosperity within the neighborhoods he serves.
Visual Media Manager
Terry Thomas
After graduating high school, Terry felt a strong sense of duty and patriotism and enlisted in the United States Army. He served with honor and distinction as an infantryman, facing challenges with resilience and bravery during his deployments. During his time in the military, he had the opportunity to travel to various locations, experiencing diverse landscapes and cultures. Captivated by the breathtaking vistas and natural wonders he encountered. Terry started capturing these moments with a simple camera he carried during his travels.
Throughout his military career, Terry remained drawn to photography and videography, capturing memories of his fellow Army Soldiers and documenting the landscapes and cultures he encountered during his deployments. His experiences during this time strengthened his passion for visual storytelling, and he knew that it was a calling he could not ignore.
Today, as part of Tejavon Community Center, Terry continues to capture the essence of nature through his lens. His journey as a veteran who transformed into a nature photographer and videographer exemplifies the power of art to communicate a deep connection to the natural world and inspire positive change for future generations.