Spokesman
Jerome “Junkyard Dog (JYD)” Williams
Global Ambassador ∙ Prominent Athlete ∙ Respected Businessman ∙ Family Man ∙ Philanthropist
Jerome Williams is a Georgetown University graduate, renowned athlete, television producer, head coach and popular businessman with an impeccable reputation and mega heart. He is known for his professionalism and the willingness to readily give back to those less fortunate.
Among his many accomplishments is his General Manager Certification by Sports Management Worldwide, the official certification to operate an NBA team. Williams led the league in rebounding percentage in 2000 and was ranked 3 rd overall in offense.
He also collected three NBA Community Awards throughout his career for his community engagement, philanthropic activity, and charity work. Whether on the court, in the home, in the community, or in the classroom, he provides 110% effort, and now inspires students, athletes, and executives to do the same.
During his 9-year career he effectively engaged in a broad spectrum of roles and responsibilities: an NBA starter; and NBA rebounder; a communication advocate; and a NBA Player’s Union representative. In 2000, other NBA players recognized his passion and his leadership traits and Jerome was selected serve an executive role as their union vice president.
Jerome cultivated a starring role as NBA Cares Ambassador, NBA TV correspondent, NBA Fit spokesman, and NBA Global Ambassador to South America, Shanghai, Philippines, Israel, Africa, Belarus, India, Canada and Bahrain.
In addition to his NBA Community Awards, his community efforts gained him national media exposure, humanitarian/community service awards, and two special invitations to dine at the White House during the George W. Bush administration. For Williams’ efforts in 2011 to prepare high school students with life skills for independent living he was named “Sports Ambassador” to the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). The Fannie Mae Foundation also awarded him with their national Home Team Community Service Award for his work helping rehabilitate inner city neighborhoods.
Today Jerome continues to direct his attention to helping others through his JYD Project 501(c)(3) youth enrichment organization, youth basketball programs, corporate speaking engagements, his Shooting for Peace initiative with NBA Legends and launching his VOD basketball broadcast network.
A well-respected keynote speaker, business advisor, and author, Jerome Williams delivers a powerful message of personal transformation and reinvigoration to audiences around the world. Jerome’s presentations bring his listeners vitally important lessons and insights about their professional and personal choices and possibilities. Jerome prides himself on preparation and research. He tailors every presentation to the particular topics, concerns and challenges that impact the audience, delivering passionate and inspiring messages for each. As a result he makes deep connections with all audiences wherever he goes.
Johnnie Williams III
Midwest Regional Director | Encouragement Specialist | Youth Development Strategist
Johnnie Williams III is a nationally recognized Encouragement Specialist and youth development leader with more than 20 years of experience empowering K–12 students across North America. As Midwest Regional Director for Shooting For Peace, Johnnie brings a structured, mentorship-driven approach that combines motivation, education, and measurable outcomes.
Johnnie has delivered more than 1,800 presentations and workshops, collaborating with schools, districts, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to produce tangible student success outcomes. His ability to connect with youth at scale has uniquely positioned him as a trusted advisor to parents, educators, and youth-serving organizations.
As an author and curriculum developer, Johnnie has co-authored three children’s books, two financial literacy workbooks, and structured behavior tracking programs that reinforce personal accountability and academic growth.
In addition to his speaking and publishing work, Johnnie collaborates with an international network of consultants supporting community projects, youth products, and small business initiatives. His philanthropic efforts have generated nearly $1 million in government match funding benefiting Nevada students.
Through Shooting For Peace, Johnnie continues to expand access to mentorship, financial literacy education, AI and digital skill-building pathways, and leadership development opportunities across the Midwest region and beyond.
Johnnie Williams III has been recognized for his contributions to youth empowerment, education, and community impact. His achievements include:
Over 1,800 professional speaking engagements across North America
Engagement with more than 1 million students
Two-time award-winning children’s book author
Co-author of financial literacy and behavioral development programs
Generated nearly $1 million in government-matched funding supporting student advancement
Collaborator on national and international youth development initiatives
His work continues to position Shooting For Peace as a trusted partner for schools, districts, and community leaders seeking sustainable youth development programming.
Today, Johnnie serves as the Midwest Regional Director for Shooting For Peace, advancing initiatives that integrate mentorship, financial literacy, leadership development, and emerging technology education into youth programming.
Through keynote presentations, community engagement, curriculum development, and strategic partnerships, Johnnie works to ensure that students not only receive encouragement — but also structured tools, resources, and pathways that produce measurable outcomes.
His mission remains simple and consistent: equip young people with the mindset, discipline, and support systems necessary to lead with confidence and succeed beyond the classroom.
Johnnie’s approach centers on structured encouragement.
As an E.N.C.O.U.R.A.G.E.M.E.N.T. Specialist, he focuses on:
Empowering youth to become their own solution
Netweaving students with positive mentors and peer networks
Consulting on big ideas and long-term goals
Organizing actionable first steps
Undoing unproductive habits
Restructuring limiting belief systems
Assessing and measuring progress
Growing confidence through accountability
Navigating setbacks with resilience
Rather than simply motivating, Johnnie equips students with systems that help them sustain growth long after the presentation ends.
Through Shooting For Peace, this structured model integrates seamlessly with mentorship programs, financial literacy training, AI certification pathways, and community engagement initiatives.
Board of Advisors
Gail Perry Mason
Gail Perry-Mason is well known in the securities industry where she has climbed the corporate ladder from receptionist to First Vice President of Investments of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. The Women’s Informal Network elected her as one of Detroit’s Most Influential Women in the Financial Industry in 1999. She founded and directed the original “Money Camp for Teens” as well as the first youth investment fund incorporated in the United States. Today, her organization, Money Matters for Youth, has instructed young people and has mentored young women who are now professionals in the financial industry. Gail’s book, Girl, Make Your Money, became a number one seller.
Obie McKenzie
Prior to his retirement in 2018, Obie was Managing Director at BlackRock Financial, the largest institutional asset management firm in the United States. He has experienced significant success over the last 30 years as an institutional asset management marketing executive where he has been instrumental in gathering institutional assets for several firms. In 2010 Mr. McKenzie received the AIMSE Richard A. Lothrop Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the investment management industry and his community. In 2011 he was named by Black Enterprise Magazine as one of the 75 Most Powerful Blacks on Wall Street.
Robert Smith
Robert is a former athlete turned impact investor. He created a proprietary algorithmic formula known as the “Influencer Model” centered around the macroeconomic effects influencers have in TET (Technology, Entertainment, and Trends) to support his work in the field. As the Founder & Managing Partner of IECP, he was the lead investor and fund manager playing an integral role in building a portfolio of over 80 digital media companies with notable exits including: InDMusic acquired by LiveNation, FameBit acquired by Google, Vessel acquired by Verizon, StarMaker acquired by Everyone Happy, HelloGiggles acquired by Time Inc., and Overdog acquired by Odd Networks.
Robert previously served as a Director at Lido Advisors an $18B+ RIA where he led the firm’s Sports & Entertainment division. With extensive relationships in the world of private equity, technology, sports, and entertainment Robert has become a successful negotiation and brokerage liaison of key financial deals for numerous clients and currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Shooting For Peace Program.
Partners
