Paul McKinley Gaines Sr

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Like many others, I have made many mistakes, in fact my life has been filled with many regrets. It's been said that hindsight is twenty - twenty, and that certainly has proven true in my case. Fortunately for me, those mistakes did not result in incarceration. Unfortunately, however, that cannot be said of my two sons. Both of my sons have at times lost their freedom to the penal system. One of my sons has regained his freedom, the other unfortunately is yet to regain his physical freedom. This has resulted in me seeing firsthand the consequences that has resulted not just with them, but also the sad effects of those who love them, including their children. Even after release from incarceration, there are challenges that need to be overcome. Witnessing these things firsthand was the motivation for this organization. I encourage you to join us in assisting others who have been incarcerated to gain their freedom!

I am a military child born in Bamburg, Germany raised all over the world. We ended up settling down in Akron, Ohio where my mother is from.  From there I graduated high school, going on to graduate with my bachelors from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH; International Affairs minoring in Gender and Diversity Studies.  From there I moved to the DMV to work in higher education with a growing startup company called 2U Inc.  For the next 15 years I've worked with an array of prestigious higher institutions including Berkeley University, Fordham University, Syracuse University, Northwestern University, and UNC Chapel Hill in education policy, admissions, and various administrative collaborative work. While doing so I also earned my Masters in Human Resource Management from the University of Baltimore College and Masters in Public Administration from UNC Chapel Hill.  

In my spare time I am also a Peer Connection Specialist with the Multiple Sclerosis Society.  Here I am able to connect with people who are dealing with the illness of MS and give help, encouragement, and over all support on how to do navigate this change in their life on a daily basis.

My passion has always been to help those less fortunate gain access to help them get to a better position in life. I remember every single person that has helped me to get to where I am today, and I have always intended to be that person to someone else however I can.  Feel free to reach out to me via email at jewelhopson@gainingfreedominc.org.

Nathaniel Cassell is a dedicated entrepreneur and community leader passionate about second chances and uplifting others. As the owner and founder of Cassell’s Concrete Service, Nathaniel leads a thriving concrete finishing company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Known for its slogan, “Finished with pride and excellence,” his business reflects his commitment to quality, integrity, and hard work.

Nathaniel’s journey began as a troubled youth, navigating difficult circumstances that eventually led to incarceration. After his release on January 1, 2011, he made a life-changing decision to turn his struggles into triumphs. Through perseverance and determination, Nathaniel reentered society successfully, gaining steady employment, earning a CDL license, and eventually retiring from city employment in 2023.

In 2022, Nathaniel transitioned into entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for himself and others through Cassell’s Concrete Service. His passion for helping individuals make positive decisions stems from his personal experiences and a strong belief in second chances. Nathaniel actively supports initiatives that assist both youth and adults facing life’s challenges, using his story to inspire others to rewrite theirs.

Nathaniel’s life embodies resilience, leadership, and the power of hard work. His journey is a testament, that regardless of troubled circumstances we can succeed with the right heart and determination, mindset, and support system. Feel free to reach out to Nathaniel Cassell directly via email at nateyoungdeezc@gmail.com. If you would like suggestions on how to start your own business, or if you have any concrete needs please select the "Learn More" button.

Mimie Mutombo, also known as Myriam, is a dedicated social worker and compassionate mother of four. With roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mimie has a rich background of international experiences, having lived in Senegal, Canada, and the United States. These diverse cultural influences have greatly shaped her perspective and approach to social work.

With a thesis focused on child welfare protection programs in Canada and the United States, Mimie has built her career around supporting families and advocating for child development. Her work includes a strong foundation in early childhood education, enhanced by her roles in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, where she worked both as a substitute teacher and a preschool assistant teacher. In these roles, she provided guidance and care to young learners, supporting their growth and development during formative years.

In addition to her professional experience, Mimie has a passion for travel and exploring new cities, which brings a global perspective to her interactions and community work. She values mentorship and meaningful connections, which align closely with her current volunteer role at Gaining Freedom. Here, she is committed to serving as a bridge for young people facing challenges in family relationships, particularly those affected by complex parental situations. Her goal is to use her skills and understanding to provide these youth with the support they need to navigate difficult times and build brighter futures.

Through her work and volunteerism, Mimie exemplifies her deep commitment to her community, drawing on her wealth of experience, empathy, and dedication to empower those around her.

 As an experienced real estate professional, I can offer valuable insights and assistance to program participants seeking stable housing. I have a comprehensive understanding of the housing market, rental agreements, and homeownership processes. I am well-versed in helping clients navigate financial planning for housing and can offer guidance on affordable housing options, rental applications, and understanding tenant rights. Furthermore, I am familiar with housing challenges faced by individuals with criminal records and can provide support in overcoming barriers to securing housing. My goal is to empower participants to find and maintain stable living environments, a key factor in successful reentry and long-term stability. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to this organization and support its mission in helping individuals build a brighter future. If you have any home ownership questions, even if you feel that you may have challenges qualifying, we can discuss what we need to do to get you on the home ownership path, which is a goal of Gaining Freedom Incorporated. Please feel free to call me directly at 

(704) 369-1494, or you can email me at christyldavis@kw.com. 

Tishawna "Shaun" Steele
Founder & CEO, Roman Empire Media Group

Tishawna Steele is a dynamic entrepreneur, digital marketing expert, and the visionary founder and CEO of Roman Empire Media Group, a premier social media marketing agency. With a passion for empowering businesses to scale and succeed, Tishawna brings innovative strategies, cutting-edge solutions, and a results-driven mindset to every project.

A seasoned leader in the marketing industry, Tishawna has collaborated with diverse brands, leveraging her expertise in campaign creation, social media management, email marketing, and brand strategy. Her commitment to excellence and creativity has made Roman Empire Media Group a trusted partner for businesses seeking to amplify their online presence and engage their audiences meaningfully.

In addition to leading her agency, Tishawna is deeply involved in her community, spearheading initiatives like SheConnects, a thriving network for businesswomen and entrepreneurs. She also serves as a mentor and educator, hosting workshops such as the Sail and Scale Marketing Workshop, where she equips professionals with tools and insights to achieve marketing success.

Outside of her work, Tishawna is a proud advocate for collaboration and growth, consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the digital space.