Our team of compassionate, experienced professionals works tirelessly to improve the well-being of children, families, and individuals throughout the community. Meet the dedicated leaders driving our mission forward:
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Leader
Co - Leader
Executive Director
Mia K. Hobdy is a seasoned social worker with over 30 years of experience advocating for child well-being, social justice, and community empowerment across the Southeast. A Jacksonville native, Mia returned home in 2019 to lead the New Town Success Zone, located at Edward Waters University, where she drives initiatives to uplift the Urban Core community.
Known for her strategic thinking, compassion, and collaborative spirit, Mia is committed to creating lasting change for marginalized populations. Outside of work, she enjoys college football (Go Noles!), cooking, outdoor activities, and diving into documentaries like PBS’s Frontline.
Safety and Justice Coordinator
Kelvin Lane, a Jacksonville native, serves as the Safety and Justice Coordinator for the New Town Success Zone, bringing over 35 years of experience and an unwavering commitment to community service.
Throughout his extensive career, Kelvin has held diverse roles in community engagement and social services, including case manager, mental health advocate, re-entry specialist, youth and adult mentor, resource specialist, program director, and fundraiser in both nonprofit and corporate sectors.
His deep knowledge of resources and extensive network of connections are invaluable to the community he serves. Driven by a passion for helping those in need, Kelvin is a steadfast advocate for fairness and equality across Jacksonville, working tirelessly to uplift and support individuals regardless of their circumstances.
Executive Administrative Specialist
Willetta Richardson brings over 15 years of expertise in executive-level office management and administrative support within higher education and community organizations. As the Program Office Manager for the New Town Success Zone at Edward Waters University, she excels in project coordination, event planning, and community outreach.
Willetta holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Edward Waters College and is passionate about supporting her community through volunteer work and literacy programs.
We believe in the power of collaboration and the resilience of our neighbors, and we work every day to make meaningful, lasting change.
