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"ThriveSphere is built on the belief that every athlete deserves the opportunity to grow, succeed, and give back. Through mentorship, opportunity, and a commitment to excellence, we are creating a community where young athletes can thrive both on and off the court." – Simo, Founder and Executive Director, ThriveSphere Athletics Foundation
Simo Taoufik
Founder & Chairman of the Board
Simo’s journey in the world of sports spans over three decades, and his passion for youth development and mentorship runs deep. After achieving success as a professional athlete and later as a coach, Simo realized that the true power of sports lies not just in competition, but in the personal growth it fosters. This realization drove him to create ThriveSphere Athletics Foundation—a platform dedicated to providing youth, particularly from underserved communities, with the tools they need to excel both on and off the field. Simo founded ThriveSphere to bridge the gap for young athletes who face barriers to participation, believing that every child, regardless of background, deserves an opportunity to reach their full potential.
Through ThriveSphere, Simo is committed to empowering young people through sports, mentorship, and leadership development. He has seen firsthand how sports can teach invaluable life lessons, such as perseverance, discipline, and teamwork, while helping young individuals build confidence and resilience. His dedication to ensuring equitable access to these opportunities stems from his own experiences and the impact that mentorship and support can have on a young person’s life trajectory. Simo founded the organization to create pathways for youth to access not just high-quality athletic programs, but also the mentorship and resources they need to succeed in life.
The foundation’s mission is grounded in the belief that sports can be a transformative tool for personal development. By providing scholarships, mentorship, and access to top-tier programs, ThriveSphere aims to create opportunities for young people to thrive—empowering them to become leaders, not just in their sport, but in their communities and in their futures. Simo’s vision for ThriveSphere is to ensure that every young athlete, regardless of their background, has the chance to grow, develop, and succeed in every aspect of their life.
Denecia Jacobs
CEO & Board Member
Driven by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities, Denecia brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role as CEO and board member of ThriveSphere Athletics Foundation. With a background in business management and master degrees in Business Psychology and International Marketing, Denecia brings a unique skill set to ThriveSphere Athletics Foundation. Her leadership is further supported by certifications in nonprofit leadership and management, helping her navigate the complexities of running a successful nonprofit. Denecia also served as Executive Director on the Board of a prominent investment management firm, where she gained valuable experience in organizational governance, financial oversight, and long-term strategic decision-making.
Her personal journey, growing up in an underserved community, shaped her belief in the power of sports to provide opportunities and foster growth in young people. This passion motivates her to ensure that ThriveSphere’s initiatives reach those who need them most, empowering athletes to thrive both in their sport and in life. Denecia is committed to using her skills to guide the foundation in making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people through sports.
At ThriveSphere, Denecia’s leadership focuses on creating long-term impact and equitable access to sports and mentorship for all youth. She believes in the transformative power of sports to foster resilience, teamwork, and confidence. Through her work with ThriveSphere, Denecia is dedicated to empowering young athletes to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.
Stuart Heminway
Strategic Advisor & Board Member
Stuart's passion for ThriveSphere Athletics Foundation is deeply personal. As the father of a daughter who plays sports in college, Stuart has seen firsthand how athletics can shape young people’s lives, teaching them valuable life skills such as resilience, teamwork, and leadership. This experience has inspired him to support ThriveSphere’s mission of providing opportunities for all young athletes, especially those from underserved communities, to thrive both on and off the field.
With over 20 years of experience in regulatory affairs within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, Stuart brings a wealth of strategic and operational expertise to his role as Strategic Advisor and Board Director. His background equips him to navigate complex challenges and ensure ThriveSphere’s operations are efficient, impactful, and aligned with its mission.
Stuart is committed to leveraging his skills and resources to create pathways for young athletes to succeed, recognizing the profound impact that sports can have in shaping their futures. He believes that access to quality athletic programs and mentorship is essential for fostering growth and opportunity, and he is dedicated to helping ThriveSphere provide these life-changing experiences to every athlete.
Ismail Jorio
Treasurer & Board Member
Ismail’s passion for sports and youth development is deeply rooted in his personal journey as an international triathlete. Having competed at the international level, Ismail understands the dedication, discipline, and resilience required to succeed in athletics. His experiences in triathlon have shaped his belief in the power of sports to teach valuable life skills, such as perseverance and goal-setting. This understanding drives his commitment to empowering young athletes, particularly those in underserved communities, by providing them with access to opportunities that can help them thrive both on and off the field. Through ThriveSphere Athletics Foundation, Ismail is dedicated to creating pathways for youth to succeed in sports and life.
Beyond his work with ThriveSphere, Ismail runs his own nonprofit organization focused on early childhood development. His nonprofit provides essential resources and support to young children, nurturing their growth and helping to instill the foundational skills they need for a successful future. Ismail’s experience in both engineering and nonprofit leadership allows him to approach challenges in a strategic and thoughtful way, ensuring that the children he serves receive the best possible care and guidance as they develop.
Ismail’s dedication to supporting youth is also reflected in his work with ThriveSphere, where he uses his background in both sports and community development to make a lasting impact. He believes that sports are more than just physical activity; they are a powerful tool for shaping young people’s lives and preparing them for success in all areas of life. Through his work with ThriveSphere, Ismail continues to support the mission of providing equitable access to sports and mentorship, empowering all young athletes to reach their full potential.
Jessica Lee
Secretary & Board Member
Jessica’s passion for empowering young athletes is deeply rooted in her own experience as a former gymnast and athlete. With over 15 years of training and competing at a high level, she developed a profound understanding of the discipline, resilience, and mental toughness required to succeed in sports. This foundation of personal growth and perseverance naturally guided her into coaching, where she now strives to pass on those same lessons to the next generation of athletes.
As a coach for the past five years, Jessica has worked with athletes aged 8-18, helping them reach their full potential. However, Jessica’s passion for youth development started long before her coaching career. As a child advocate mentor since 2008, she worked with children through a nonprofit organization focused on supporting vulnerable youth. This experience deepened her understanding of the challenges young people face and motivated her to create spaces where all children, especially those from underserved communities, can thrive. Her work with neurodiverse learners further highlights her commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive environments for all athletes, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed, both in sports and in life.
As a board member and Secretary at ThriveSphere, Jessica has played an integral role in helping shape the organization’s vision and mission. She is deeply committed to creating pathways for young athletes, particularly those from underserved communities, to reach their full potential. Through her leadership, she advocates for accessible, inclusive programs that empower youth to excel in sports and build the confidence to succeed in all aspects of their lives. Jessica’s unwavering belief in the transformative power of sports fuels her ongoing dedication to ThriveSphere’s mission, ensuring that every young athlete has the chance to thrive—both in sports and in life.
Contact
Thank you for learning more about ThriveSphere Athletics Foundation; feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to connect!