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Meet Our Leadership
The leadership at Gems to Jewels Inc. includes Sharrah Gardner (Founder & Executive Director), who brings years of advocacy and mentoring experience to empowering underserved and justice-involved youth through literacy, travel, and reintegration programs and several board members committed to our mission. Zereisha Culver, RN, LPN serves as Secretary, offering healthcare insight and a passion for youth wellness and equity. Dr. Timur Al’Basil Davis, whose expertise spans community development, cultural studies, and educational program design to support the organization’s mission. Mercedes Chambliss brings her expertise in finance, program development, and civic engagement. Josianne Payoute is a dedicated community advocate, philanthropist, and changemaker.
Sharrah Gardner
Founder & Executive Director
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Kean University
Sharrah Gardner is the Founder and President of Gems to Jewels Inc., a Newark-based nonprofit transforming the lives of underserved and justice-involved youth through literacy, mentorship, travel, and reintegration programs. A proud product of Newark Public Schools and graduate of Weequahic High School, Sharrah studied Liberal Arts at Essex County College and Criminal Justice at Kean University laying the foundation for her passion for service, education, and advocacy.
With over 15 years of experience as a Human Resources Specialist for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Sharrah has dedicated her life to empowering others especially youth facing barriers to opportunity. Her inspiration for Gems to Jewels is rooted in her personal journey as a mother, community advocate, and mentor. From supporting her son’s reentry after incarceration to ensuring her daughter received early literacy support, Sharrah turned her family’s challenges into a mission to uplift others.
Nicole Hampton
Educator, learning consultant, and child advocate
Good day lovey. Here is the bio and headshot.
Nicole Hampton is a dedicated educator, learning consultant, and child advocate with decades of experience championing the rights and education of all children, with a specialized focus on supporting students with special needs. Throughout a distinguished career in education, Nicole has worked tirelessly to ensure that every child receives the tailored support, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive academically and personally.
She owns EmpowerKidz Educational Consulting and she works with private and public schools to provide specialized education services and advocacy services for families to help navigate the Special Education process.
A firm believer that literacy is the ultimate gateway to opportunity, Nicole is passionate about cultivating a love for reading in every student, viewing it as an essential skill that unlocks new worlds and endless possibilities. Outside of advocacy work, Nicole can be found exploring the world through travel, curling up with a great book, or diving into creative crafting projects.
Let me know if this ok. ❤️
Mekhi Fields
Newark, youth advocate, mentor, and emerging community leader
My name is Mekhi Fields, a proud native of Newark, youth advocate, mentor, and emerging community leader dedicated to empowering the next generation. Having attended school in Newark throughout my upbringing, I developed a deep passion for leadership, service, and community impact. I graduated from Saint Elizabeth University in 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English after studying both English and Education.
Currently, I work at a care management organization serving youth and families throughout Hudson County, helping connect communities to free mental health resources and supportive services for youth ages 3–21. I also serve as a Youth Mentor with Brothers Building a Better Nation, where I mentor young men through leadership development and positive community engagement.
I am continuing my education in Justice Administration and Public Service to further expand my impact in youth advocacy, mental health awareness, and community empowerment.
Dr. Timur Al’Basil Davis
Sr., MSc.D, MS(ILS), MA, MAS, MSc,M
Specialty Areas & Official Websites
Specialty Areas
Urban Art, Graffiti, and Hip-Hop Studies – cultural history, aesthetics, ethics, global movements, and preservation
Metaphysics & Eschatology – spiritual philosophy, cosmology, and consciousness studies
Urban Group Dynamics & Community Counseling – art as mediation, healing, and social cohesion
Library & Information Science (Administration & Leadership) – governance, strategy, policy, budgeting, and community services.
Archival Studies & Cultural Preservation – oral history, special collections, and Black cultural heritage
Media, Film & Documentary Production – research-based storytelling and cultural documentation
Educational Program & Curriculum Development – arts-integrated learning, workforce and reentry programs
Nonprofit & Community Development – grants, partnerships, MOUs, and program evaluation
Research, Writing & Scholarly Communication – interdisciplinary scholarship and academic publishing
Zereisha Culver, RN, LPN
Secretary
Zereisha Culver is a passionate Registered Nurse with over a decade of experience spanning acute care, rehabilitation, addiction recovery, and community health. Known for her compassionate, patient-centered approach, she has served diverse populations in hospitals, clinics, and nonprofit settings—most recently at the Department of Veterans Affairs in East Orange, NJ.
Zereisha is deeply committed to health equity, youth empowerment, and holistic wellness. Her clinical expertise includes IV therapy, wound care, medication management, and chronic disease support. Beyond the bedside, she advocates for underserved communities and believes in the transformative power of education, mentorship, and access to care.
As a board member of Gems to Jewels, Zereisha brings both healthcare insight and a heart for service. She is proud to support the organization’s mission to inspire and uplift young women through leadership, wellness, and opportunity.
Josianne Josie
Program director
Josianne “Josie” Payoute is a dedicated community advocate, philanthropist, and changemaker committed to uplifting underserved populations and creating inclusive spaces. As a first-generation Haitian American, she proudly leads initiatives that celebrate culture, empower youth, and amplify diverse voices.
Josie is the founder and President of New Jersey Kids Fashion Week and serves on multiple boards, including the Hillside Library Board, Hillside Zone Planning Board, and the Zany Scientist Board. She is also the Ambassador of the Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony in Hillside and an active member of the Kentucky Derby Committee in East Orange.
Through every role, Josie works to connect communities, cultivate leadership, and drive impactful change from the ground up.