Hawa Peters is the founder and executive director of Utica Royalties, a community-based organization dedicated to empowering youth through creativity, leadership development, and community engagement. With a deep passion for service and community advocacy, she established Utica Royalties to create safe and inclusive spaces where young people can discover their talents, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to become future leaders.

Her leadership is rooted in compassion, lived experience, and a strong commitment to equity and opportunity for all youth. Hawa is known for her ability to build meaningful partnerships with community organizations, schools, and local leaders to expand opportunities and resources for young people and families.

In addition to leading Utica Royalties, Hawa brings valuable experience in healthcare and education, which shapes her holistic approach to youth and family support. Through her work, she focuses on empowering young people, strengthening community connections, and creating programs that promote long-term growth and positive impact.

Kevin Maken serves as a valued member of the Utica Royalties Board, bringing a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and educational advocacy. As the Director of On Point for College – Utica, Kevin has dedicated many years to helping students access higher education, guiding them through the college process, and connecting them with the resources they need to succeed.

With decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, board service, and fundraising, Kevin has built strong relationships throughout the region and is widely respected for his commitment to community development. His deep knowledge of local history, education, and social impact allows him to bring thoughtful perspective and strategic insight to the work of Utica Royalties.

Kevin is known not only for his leadership but also for his compassion and genuine dedication to helping others reach their potential. His ability to see both the broader vision and the individual stories within the community helps strengthen the organization’s mission to empower youth and support families.

Utica Royalties is honored to have Kevin’s guidance, experience, and unwavering commitment to community uplift as part of its leadership. His support continues to help advance programs that inspire confidence, opportunity, and long-term success for the next generation.

Michelle Laguerre serves as a Board Member of Utica Royalties, bringing extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, public engagement, and community development. She is dedicated to supporting initiatives that strengthen organizations and create opportunities for positive impact within the community.

Michelle is the Founder and Principal of Laguerre Media, where she advises nonprofit and civic organizations on strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and public accountability. Through her work, she helps organizations build strong relationships with their communities, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and develop strategies that promote transparency and trust.

Throughout her career, Michelle has held leadership roles with several education, housing, and civic organizations. Her work focuses on advancing initiatives that promote equity, strengthen community partnerships, and support sustainable development across the Mohawk Valley and New York State.

As a member of the Utica Royalties Board, Michelle contributes valuable insight and guidance that supports the organization’s mission to empower youth, strengthen families, and build a more connected and supportive community.

Abdelshashakour Khamis serves as the President of Utica Royalties, where he supports the organization’s executive leadership and helps guide its strategic vision, growth, and community impact. In this role, he works closely with the leadership team to strengthen youth programs, build partnerships, and ensure that the organization continues to create meaningful opportunities for young people and families in the community.

As President, Abdelshashakour plays an important role in overseeing strategic initiatives, supporting program development, and helping the organization expand its reach. He is deeply committed to the mission of Utica Royalties—empowering youth through leadership, creativity, education, and community engagement. His leadership focuses on building programs that inspire confidence, encourage innovation, and support the personal and professional growth of young people.

In addition to his leadership role at Utica Royalties, Abdelshashakour serves as an Instructor in Management Information Systems. In this capacity, he mentors students and youth by teaching essential technology, digital literacy, and information systems skills that are increasingly important in today’s technology-driven world. His work helps prepare young people for academic success, career readiness, and participation in the modern workforce.

Through both education and community leadership, Abdelshashakour is dedicated to helping young people discover their potential and develop the tools they need to succeed. His passion for mentorship, technology, and youth development continues to play a key role in strengthening the mission and impact of Utica Royalties.

Mohamed Abdelmoula serves as the Assistant Director of IT & Digital Operations at Utica Royalties, where he supports the organization’s technology infrastructure and digital initiatives. In this role, he manages the organization’s website, online forms, communication platforms, and internal data systems to ensure that programs, events, and community outreach efforts run smoothly and efficiently.

With a background in Computer Information Systems and a strong passion for technology and service, Mohamed works to strengthen the organization’s digital presence and improve the systems that support both youth programs and community engagement. His work helps streamline communication, maintain reliable technology resources, and expand the organization’s ability to connect with families, volunteers, and community partners.

Mohamed is dedicated to using technology as a tool to empower organizations and communities. Through his role at Utica Royalties, he contributes to building a strong digital foundation that supports the organization’s mission of empowering youth, fostering leadership, and creating opportunities for growth and success.