Meet OUR TEAM
BENZEL JIMMERSON | chief Visionary officer & Founder
As Chief Visionary Officer and Founder of Metro DEEP, Benzel is committed to connecting people, organizations, and policies within the African descended community. Throughout his career, Benzel has been integral in facilitating and developing programs/curriculum to make this impact in roles targeted towards youth, higher education, and entrepreneurs. Within the organization, Benzel continues to further his mission through building space and developing resources to achieve economic mobility and sustainability for our community.
Simone Renee | Chief Operating Officer & Co Founder
Graduate of Johnson & Wales Denver, mother of three, and entrepreneur with a passion for community engagement and project management. Simone is committed to building and maintaining relationships and encouraging both internal and external growth. Partnering with many organizations, Simone works with professionals to provide project management support and aid in guiding entrepreneurs to the resources necessary to be successful in launching, developing, growing, and or scaling their businesses.
Lakisha Payton | Youth Economic Mobility Manager
A dedicated community advocate, entrepreneur, and leader in the Denver area. Lakisha is the proud owner of Chicks That Print, an apparel printing and custom craft company, as well as KP Cleaning, a trusted business specializing in professional Airbnb cleaning.
Lakisha plays an active role in several esteemed community organizations. From January 2021 to December 2023, demonstrating commitment to service as the Community Service Chair for The Urban League of Young Professionals Metro Denver. Currently Lakisha holds the esteemed position of Secretary at the National Action Network Colorado, and is honored to be a member of the Denver Foundation Advisory Committee for Community Impact, a role held since October 2022. Additionally, Lakisha serves as a Community Grant Program Reviewer for the Denver Foundation, contributing her expertise to ensure impactful funding decisions.
With a steadfast focus on advancing progress in minority communities, particularly within the black community, Lakisha is committed to creating opportunities and driving meaningful change.
Lynn wilson | Entrepreneur economic mobility manager
Coming Soon
Jamal Bowen | Entrepreneur Economic mobility manager
Dr. Jamal Bowen is not only a proud father but also a devoted community advocate. His passion for service led him to establish "Empowering Community Entrepreneurs" in 2016, envisioning a program that fosters events aimed at inspiring, teaching, and mentoring young adults to proactively develop business ideas and create actionable plans for success. The program's mission is to equip entrepreneurs with specific tools that foster forward-thinking to sustain progressive businesses.
Dr. Jamal Bowen deeply values his partnerships with various organizations, including SparqU, Metro Deep, YAASPA, Red Rocks Community College, CEC Early College, Colorado Futuretek, African Leadership Group, Montbello Organizing Committee, All That I AM, Kyngs & Queens LLC, and many others.
Ashlee Wedgeworth | Career & Workforce EMM
Coming SOON
Join our Board!!
Joining Metro DEEP's board of directors provides an opportunity to actively contribute to driving impactful change in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.