Brother Will
Founder of BMIT
Founder of Black Men In Training, a motivational speaker, trainer, certified boxing coach, father, and mentor who has dedicated more than 31 years to developing youth and strengthening families.
Founded with purpose.
Committed to youth.
Since 1995, BMIT has brought mentorship and community to Portland youth. Today, four programs give Black youth ways to build confidence and practical skills.
Showing up since 1995.
Brother Will founded Black Men In Training in Portland in 1995 after losing his younger brother to gang violence. BMIT grew from a commitment to give young people guidance, support, and a community.
Today, BE, BFIT, STEAM, and BWIT connect mentorship with identity, fitness, creative learning, job readiness, and sisterhood. The work centers Black youth and welcomes the broader community.
Conflict resolution is embedded in all four programs. Youth practice expressing themselves, listening to others, and handling disagreement without giving up their self-respect.
Our founding mission
“Let Us Make MAN”
We help Black youth know their worth and prepare for life. Mentorship, education, job readiness, and conflict resolution give young people practical ways to build confidence and healthy relationships.
Watch the BMIT storyB.L.A.C.K.
A framework for how we grow.
- Bravery
- Face challenges with courage. Break cycles. Live your truth.
- Leadership
- Lead yourself. Show up for your family and community.
- Alignment
- Connect with the Creator, your purpose, and discipline.
- Character
- Act with integrity. Take responsibility for your choices.
- Knowledge
- Keep learning. Apply wisdom. Share what you know.
Black Men In Training · Portland, Oregon
People you can
count on.
Meet the leaders, facilitators, and intensive case managers who support young people and families.
Black Men In Training
BMIT
Guidance, opportunity, and a community to grow with.
Management
Brother Nolan
Executive Director & Co-Founder
A certified mediator and conflict resolution specialist, mentor, entrepreneur, and father. Born and raised in NE Portland, his journey includes living in the House of Umoja and later living and completing high school in Italy, experiences that helped shape his perspective on life, leadership, and community.
Brother Ja’Marian
Program Director
Brings a background in exercise science and personal training to youth development.
Brother Sion
BMIT STEAM Manager
Brother Sion brings experience across technology industries to youth mentorship. As founder of BMIT’s STEAM program, he supports young people already interested in science and technology while introducing others to applied technology and continual learning.
John Paschal
BE Manager
A mentor, HR leader, and founder of Reliable Recruitment Services with more than 24 years of experience. John pours that experience into young men, helping them find direction, build confidence, and prepare to lead.
Administration & Community
Kimonti
Executive Administrator
Brother Ryan
Community Affairs
Brother Ryan is a Portland native, entrepreneur, and community advocate who creates opportunities and builds connections. His leadership supports positive community change and motivates the people around him.
Intensive Case Managers
Brother Nick
Intensive Case Manager
A mentor who keeps it real with young men, and keep their haircuts lined up. Sharing life game, having a few laughs, and helping the next generation level up without losing who they are.
Brother Tae
Intensive Case Manager
A Portland-born entrepreneur and visionary building with purpose. Through hard work and determination, he’s creating opportunities, building a legacy, and showing the next generation what’s possible
Black Women In Training
BWIT
Confidence, connection, and the strength of sisterhood.
Management
Sister Michelle
BWIT Manager
Manager of Black Women in Training (BWIT), an advocate, author, and speaker leading the charge for young Black women—helping them build confidence, embrace discipline, know their worth, and step boldly into their future.
Facilitators
Sister Sharita
BWIT Facilitator
A public servant, full-spectrum doula, community leader, and BWIT mentor dedicated to pouring into young Black women—helping them know their worth, build confidence, and step into their power.
Jenaya
BWIT Facilitator
Intensive Case Managers
Sister Tanarra
Intensive Case Manager
She truly loves pouring into the next generation. Through BMIT/BWIT, she helps youth know their worth, build confidence, embrace discipline, and believe they can become everything they’re meant to be.
Sister Lydia
Intensive Case Manager
Our board.
Steve Rallison
Board Chair
A shared experience of tragic loss deepens Steve’s connection to BMIT’s mission. Inspired by Brother Will and Brother Nolan’s dedication, he supports the work of making a lasting difference for young people.
John Paschal
Vice Chair
A mentor, HR leader, and founder of Reliable Recruitment Services with more than 24 years of experience. John pours that experience into young men, helping them find direction, build confidence, and prepare to lead.
Jerome Smith
Treasurer
Ticole Waller
Secretary
Dustin A. Brown
Member at Large
Dr. Audrey Terrell
Member at Large