Mizzen Meets

Mizzen Meets is a virtual gathering space to explore bold ideas and real solutions with changemakers across our community.

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Why Mizzen Meets?

Are you passionate about creating life-changing learning experiences for youth? Mizzen Meets is for you! 

Join us to explore powerful conversations, pioneering ideas,  and joyful "aha moments." In this ongoing series, you'll meet scholars, authors, content creators, and changemakers—and come away fueled and inspired. Bring your burning questions and big ideas. This space is built for you!

"Mizzen creates spaces not only to work in collaboration, but really to become innovators of the work and ideas.” — Troy Selvey, California AfterSchool Network

Meet the Speakers

Emanuel “Dupree” Jackson, Jr.

I’m Emanuel “Dupree” Jackson, Jr.—a purpose-driven founder, community builder, and national advocate for youth empowerment and equity. As Executive Director of the EJS Project, I lead one of South Florida’s most impactful nonprofit organizations, focused on equipping high-risk, high-potential youth with the tools, opportunities, and mentorship they need to thrive.

My journey began in Delray Beach and the rural town of Sneads, Florida. I didn’t come up through the traditional nonprofit pipeline. I came up through lived experience—the kind that fuels deep empathy and a relentless commitment to breaking cycles and building access where there was none. In 2014, with no money and no formal nonprofit training, I founded the EJS Project in honor of my late father. Since then, we've helped thousands of teenagers graduate, find their voice, and prepare for life, not just college. What sets me apart is the grassroots foundation of my leadership. I’ve built partnerships with... Read Dupree's full bio here.

Joeniseley "Jojo" Mathurin

Hello, I’m Joeniseley Mathurin, but most people know me as Jojo. My journey in child advocacy began in 2015 as an After School Counselor, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of growing through several roles within the nonprofit sector — from Curriculum Specialist to Site Director, and ultimately Director of Out-of-School Programs. Throughout every position, my commitment to empowering and uplifting children has remained at the heart of my work.

In May 2023, I proudly earned my Master’s degree, marking a major milestone in my professional and personal growth. Since beginning my role as Director of Operations at the EJS Project, I have been honored with a nomination for Nonprofit Professional of the Year, launched EmpowerHer Circle, a leadership and self-development group for young girls, and continued to make a lasting impact through building meaningful relationships with students and families.

Born and raised in Delray Beach, Florida... Read Jojo's full bio here.

Myles Blackmon

My name is Myles Blackmon. I am from Delray Beach, Florida. I am 14 years old and attend Atlantic Community High School as a freshman. In my free time, I enjoy praise dancing and honoring my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through this experience, I hope to learn and connect with others. In the future, I would like to become an accountant or a real estate agent.

Ja’Miya Johnson

Hi, my name is Ja’Miya Johnson. I’m an 11th grader at Santaluces Community High School. Some things I enjoy doing are dancing, stepping, and watching movies. As part of the student panel, I hope to learn more about others and their stories while sharing ideas to help make a difference in the world. My dream for the future is to see the world become a better place—one without racism, discrimination, or violence causing division. A fun fact about me is that when I was 10 years old, I broke my ankle, had surgery, and had to wear a cast.

Patrick Madison

Hello, my name is Patrick Madison. I'm in 11th grade, I attend Dreyfoos School of the Arts, and I'm from Delray Beach, Florida. In a few words, I am kind, charismatic, and I consider myself comedic. I'm passionate about acting and have been doing it since I was 5 years old. My dad has always inspired me to do my best and to stay true to myself and my passion. My goals for the future are to earn a degree in fine arts, be on stage and in front of the camera, and one day create my own show or movie.

Angelina Garner

Angelina Garner, the Vice President of Strategic Innovation + Partnerships at Mizzen, enjoys creating opportunities that build bridges and expand horizons for young people and out-of-school time professionals and educators. 

Angelina has over 30 years of experience developing enriching and research-based environments within the youth development field. Before joining Team Mizzen in 2022, Angelina served as a program officer with Charles Stewart Mott Foundation's Education Program. At the Foundation, she managed partnerships and initiatives with an emphasis in out-of-school-time and college & career exploration. Prior to that, she was Senior Manager of National Advancement Initiatives at the Forum of Youth Investment where she designed and implemented quality improvement systems for national youth-serving organizations across the country.  She's an alumna of... Read Angelina's full bio here.