OUR TEAM
Laighton Scott
Program Coordinator
Responsibilities: The Program Coordinator brings 33 years of experience in the Fire Service, including 16 years as a Fire Captain. He is an Illinois State Certified Firefighter, certified by the Illinois State Fire Marshal, and serves as a Co-Lead Instructor and Mentor. Responsibilities include leading vocational training sessions and life skills workshops designed to equip youth with practical, career-ready skills. He mentors participants in developing vocational competencies, workplace discipline, and leadership abilities while promoting personal growth and resilience. His work focuses on violence reduction and positive youth engagement across Cook County communities, providing hands-on learning experiences that build confidence and inspire career exploration in public service, safety, and technical trades. Through structured guidance and mentorship, he helps youth envision pathways toward employment, education, and community leadership, fostering safer, stronger, and more empowered neighborhoods throughout the region.
Demetrius Wade
First Responder Awareness Instructor / Youth Mentor
Responsibilities:The First Responder Awareness Instructor and Youth Mentor provides hands-on training to youth, introducing them to emergency response skills, safety awareness, and teamwork. Responsibilities include teaching first responder techniques, mentoring youth on how to stay calm and take action during emergencies, and engaging with curious young teens to build confidence and leadership. With certifications as a Nationally Registered EMT (NREMT) and Illinois State Certified EMT, the instructor brings real-world experience to every session, helping participants understand the vital role of first responders in their communities. Through mentorship, interactive demonstrations, and scenario-based learning, youth gain exposure to CPR, first aid, and emergency preparedness. The goal is to inspire interest in public safety careers, develop a sense of civic responsibility, and empower youth to make positive contributions in crisis situations while fostering trust, empathy, and community readiness across Cook County neighborhoods.
Denard Wade II
Financial Literacy Instructor/CFO
Responsibilities:The Financial Literacy Instructor and CFO is responsible for teaching youth essential money management skills, including budgeting, saving, credit awareness, and entrepreneurship. Duties include developing and delivering engaging financial education workshops, managing financial education materials, and guiding participants toward financial independence and informed decision-making. As the program’s financial leader, the CFO ensures fiscal sustainability by overseeing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and maintaining compliance with funding requirements. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and an Associate Degree in Business Administration, they bring strong analytical and instructional expertise. Their work empowers youth to understand real-world finance, build long-term economic stability, and develop responsible habits that support personal and community growth. Through interactive lessons and mentorship, they help participants connect financial literacy to career readiness and life success, promoting financial empowerment across all program activities.
Lajuan Wade
Co-Founder / CFO / Executive Director
Responsibilities:The Co-Founder and Executive Director oversees the organization’s finances, operations, and strategic growth. Responsibilities include managing daily operations, supervising budget reviews, developing financial models, and ensuring compliance with fiscal policies and funding requirements. The Executive Director also oversees human resource functions such as staff recruitment, onboarding, payroll oversight, and performance management, fostering a professional and supportive workplace culture. With 26 years of experience in Human Resources and 31 years in Accounting, they bring extensive expertise in organizational leadership, fiscal accountability, and administrative management. Their leadership ensures effective resource allocation, transparent financial reporting, and alignment of program goals with the organization’s mission. By integrating financial stewardship with strategic planning, the Executive Director strengthens operational efficiency, supports staff capacity, and ensures long-term organizational sustainability while promoting excellence, integrity, and community impact.
Business Model Group
Grant Project Manager
Responsibilities:
The Grant Project Manager oversees all grant-funded activities to ensure compliance, accountability, and sustainability. Responsibilities include tracking expenses, managing audits, site visits, and maintaining GATA and SAM.gov status. Oversees fund allocation, prepares reports, ensures compliance with 2 CFR 200 and grantor requirements, and coordinates communication with agencies. Leads policy updates, staff compliance training, and capacity-building initiatives. Conducts feasibility assessments, strategic planning, and research to identify new funding opportunities. Manages grant writing, reporting, and program data collection to support measurable outcomes and performance goals. With 26 years of experience in grant writing and management, ensures effective use of funds, accurate documentation, and continuous improvement of organizational systems. Builds staff skills, strengthens partnerships, and maintains strong fiscal and operational controls to meet funder standards and enhance organizational growth.
Darius Wade
Youth Mentor
Responsibilities:The Youth Mentor for Anti-Bullying Initiatives leads interactive sessions focused on building empathy, respect, and positive peer relationships among youth. Responsibilities include conducting role-playing activities, group discussions, and reflective exercises that teach conflict resolution, emotional awareness, and bystander intervention. Through creative, scenario-based learning, participants gain tools to recognize, prevent, and respond to bullying behaviors in school and community settings. With experience in youth mentoring and expertise in anti-bullying prevention education, the mentor creates a safe and supportive environment that encourages open dialogue and self-expression. Their guidance helps youth develop confidence, strengthen social skills, and foster inclusive communities built on kindness and understanding. By modeling compassion and accountability, the mentor empowers young people to become advocates for change and leaders in promoting respect and safety in their schools and neighborhoods.
Admin Team
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Logistical Coordinators: Kassandra Reyes, Ashley Wade, Corin Wade
The Administrative Team ensures smooth program operations by coordinating scheduling, communications, event logistics, and reporting. They manage day-to-day administrative functions, support program planning, and maintain compliance with organizational policies and grant requirements.
Support Team
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Youth Trauma-Based Coordinator: Natalie Pettigrew
Provides trauma-informed care and emotional support to youth, fostering safe spaces for healing and growth. -
Youth Mentors: Monique Hudson, Stacy Couch (Lead Youth Instructor)
Guide youth through personal development, leadership building, and positive behavior reinforcement. -
Program Nutrition Volunteer: June Scott
Oversees nutritional programming, ensuring healthy meals and teaching wellness education. -
Youth Case Manager: Nova Mines
Coordinates individualized support plans, connecting participants with needed resources and services. -
Peer-Peer Mentor: Brandon Pettigrew
Encourages peer leadership, providing relatable guidance and promoting teamwork among participants.
Together, this team delivers holistic support—bridging mentorship, wellness, and operational excellence to ensure every youth thrives.
Our Staff and Partners Mission
At DLD for Youth, our staff and partners believe that true success is achieved not only through personal growth but by inspiring and uplifting others. We are dedicated to being catalysts for change—sowing seeds that nurture the next generation of professional, compassionate, and purpose-driven leaders. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where young people can freely express themselves, explore their potential, and make healthy, positive life decisions.
Through mentorship, education, and collaboration, our team strives to model integrity, empathy, and accountability. We work together to build pathways that lead youth toward independence, leadership, and success—ensuring that every young person we serve gains the confidence and tools needed to thrive in their communities and beyond.
