ABOUT US
The
Network Connect Story
As its motto suggests, “We Are the Network Connecting Communities,” Network Connect is a nonprofit that takes a community connection, resource building, and information awareness approach to youth and family development with community at its center.
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What makes Network Connect unique is the people behind the organization. Network Connect’s leadership and staff look like the community they serve, have social capital, and train to provide 21st-century case management while also having the necessary experience with vulnerable populations to contribute to the organization's success.
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Most importantly, serving youth and their families is the Executive Director's passion and commitment. Cierra sees this work as a way to give back to the community that raised her.
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Network Connect promotes youth and family development through seven key programs: Community Well-being Ambassadors, Dual School, Future Culture Creators, Reverse the ACES, Wilmington Street Team, Safe Passage, and
Messaging Center.
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Since officially incorporating and receiving 501(c)3 status in 2019, Network Connect has proved its ability to provide a highly effective youth employment program, even with limited funding and staff, and during a global pandemic. The success of the Future Culture Creators program can be highlighted by the accomplishments of the participants, who excelled even during quarantine restrictions and were able to provide important services for their peers.
Cierra Hall-Hipkins
CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Founder Facts
Cierra Hall-Hipkins is a passionate advocate for youth and families, rooted in her hometown of Wilmington. As a devoted wife and mother, she understands the importance of community support and nurturing the next generation.
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With a strong foundation in mental health, Cierra began her career at Sheppard Pratt Psychiatric Hospital, where she honed her skills in managing programs for youth and adults. Over the past decade, she has held leadership positions in several nonprofit organizations, including her role as Director of the Northeast Region for Baltimore’s Humanim Inc., where she successfully expanded the organization’s reach.
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Cierra’s commitment to education and empowerment led her to Serviam Girls Academy in Wilmington, where, as Director of Student Affairs, she increased admissions and fostered a welcoming environment for students. In 2019, she co-founded Network Connect, driven by the mission to enhance community capacity by connecting grassroots organizations and local partners to provide vital social services, educational programs, workforce skills, and mental health support.
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Her dedication to personal and professional growth is evident through her recent accomplishments, including graduating from the Longwood Foundations Catalyst Together program in 2024, serving as a moderator for this program in 2025, receiving the Mill Summit Impact Award in 2024, and completing the Jumpstart Wilmington program in 2023. Additionally, Cierra serves on the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence board and was honored as Technical.ly’s 2022 Culture Builder of the Year.
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Cierra’s unwavering commitment to community, mental health advocacy, and family services inspires those around her, making a positive impact in the lives of many.
our leadership team
Brandie Watson
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM OPERATIONS
Brandie Watson is a Wilmington native and mother of 2 rambunctious boys who keep her on her toes. She loves spending time outdoors gardening and traveling to exotic places learning about regional ancestral cultures and practices. She is an avid crystal collector and comes to Network Connect with over 20 years of program implementation experience.
Jalyn Powell
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Jalyn is a community advocate and leader, who received her BA in Political Science at Delaware State University. She received her Master of Arts in Law degree with a concentration in Human Rights and Rule of Law from Regent University School of Law. Jalyn has traveled the country to speak to audiences about persevering through adversity, youth and women empowerment, finding and amplifying your voice and so much more! Jalyn was named as one of Delaware's Most Influential People of 2023.
Shanelle Warthen
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER
Shanelle received her undergraduate degree from Temple University in Human Resource Management. One of her personal goals is to help her children live a better life than she has lived by helping them become balanced spiritually, mentally, and emotionally and succeed financially. She believes the sky's the limit and everything is possible with God. Professionally, she is driven by helping people succeed at all levels within Network Connect in any way that she can help.
Kalena Hughes
ADULT PROGRAMS MANAGER
Kalena is a Delaware native passionate about helping others. Upon obtaining her degree from Hampton University, Kalena moved back to the Tri-State area determined to make a change in the community. Kalena is intentional about cultivating spaces that allow all people to feel seen, heard and valued. Network Connect has given Kalena the opportunity to put her purpose in to action. She is extremely grateful and excited to be a part of the organization's amazing team of community activist and leaders.
KiaMeisha Dean
YOUTH PROGRAMS MANAGER
KiaMeisha Dean is a proud alumna of Virginia State University with a strong background in education. Hailing from Wilmington, Delaware, she is the founder of Adore U Mentoring Services, a program dedicated to empowering and guiding youth. KiaMeisha has a deep passion for working with young people, driven by her desire to be part of the positive change she dreamed about when she was a teen. She is excited to be a part of the Network Connect team, where she can continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.
our board
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Victoria Floyd - Maryland School District HR
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Katrese Bonsu - DE&I Amazon
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Dr. Ivy Bonk - Over two decades in education
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Zach Jones - Dual School Founder
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Trevor Crest - Educator
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Sadé Truiett - Public Relations
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Shane Cannon - Community Champion
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Linda Schirmeister-Gess - Community Engagement
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Cierra Hall-Hipkins - Network Connect Founder
Media
Download Our Media Kit
Discover more about Network Connect and our impactful work in the community with our comprehensive media kit. Inside, you’ll find detailed information about our mission, programs, and the remarkable stories of transformation we've facilitated. This kit provides valuable insights for journalists, partners, and supporters interested in sharing and contributing to our journey of empowering youth and families. Get a closer look at our impact!
All Videos
All Videos
Future Culture Creators
Cierra, Executive Director of Network Connect
Aliyah - Community Well-Being Ambassador
