Road 2 Manhood: We believe every young individual has the potential to thrive and succeed in life.
Road 2 Manhood Inc. is a 501c-3-non-profit organization located in Hillsborough County, Tampa, Florida. We are an established and leading community service organization, dedicated to making a significant impact in the lives of youth within the city, its surrounding areas, and beyond.
Who We Are
Vision:
The overarching vision of Road 2 Mandhood (R2M) is to equip young men with the necessary tools and capabilities to navigate the transitional period of adolescence and emerge as constructive and productive members of society. By emphasizing life skills and positive values, R2M aims to instill a strong foundation for these individuals to thrive as they mature into adulthood.
Purpose:
Through our mentorship programs and engaging activities, R2M fosters a supportive environment where young men can learn, grow, and develop essential life competencies. By focusing on character building and personal development, R2M strives to empower its participants to overcome challenges and make positive contributions to their communities.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower youth by equipping them with essential life skills, nurturing a positive outlook on the future, fostering meaningful relationships, and guiding boys on theirjourney to becoming responsible, confident men.
Founder & President
Reginald L. Strother Sr.
Reginald L. Strother Sr. is the visionary founder of Road 2 Manhood Inc. With a passion for serving his community and a commitment to uplifting young men, Mr. Strother has dedicated his life to making a positive impact. His leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the mission and values of our organization. Reginald L. Strother's dedication to making a positive change in his community led him to establish Road 2 Manhood Inc., a non-profit organization, in January 2015. Recognizing the need for guidance and support for male youth in the community, Road 2 Manhood provides life skill instruction aimed at enacting foundational lifestyle changes.
Mr. Strother authored a comprehensive program titled Communication, Health, Education, and Fiscal Management (C.H.E.F.), which serves as the cornerstone of Road 2 Manhood's offerings. This engaging and informative program covers essential life skills vital for personal and professional success. Attendees of the C.H.E.F. programs receive instruction in key areas such as communication, health, education, and fiscal management. By focusing on these fundamental aspects of development, Road 2 Manhood aims to empower male youth to navigate life's challenges confidently and successfully
Through Mr. Strother's leadership and the implementation of the C.H.E.F. program, Road 2 Manhood Inc. continues to make a positive impact on the lives of male youth within the local community, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in adulthood.Reginald L. Strother, a native of Columbia, SC, developed a passion for mentoring during his time as a member of the local Boys and Girls Club. Witnessing the need for positive guidance in the community ignited his desire to make a difference.
Our History
Founded in January 2015, Road 2 Manhood Inc. (R2M) quickly established itself as a leading community service organization dedicated to making a significant impact in Hillsborough County, its surrounding areas, and beyond. The organization emerged from a vision to support and empower male youth, guiding them towards responsible and confident adulthood.
R2M focuses on mentorship, engagement, and life skills management, recognizing that young men benefit from strong role models and structured guidance. The organization's programs are designed to nurture positive development, addressing the various challenges young men face in their journey to adulthood.
One of the defining features of R2M is its commitment to biblically inspired classroom instruction. This approach provides a moral and ethical framework that helps shape the character and principles of the young men it serves. By grounding its teachings in biblical principles, R2M instills values such as integrity, respect, and responsibility, which are essential for personal and community success.
Over the years, R2M has become a beacon of hope and support for male youth in the community. Its efforts extend beyond mere mentorship, aiming to create a lasting impact by fostering meaningful relationships and promoting a positive outlook on life. The organization's dedication to its mission has not only benefited individual participants but also contributed to the overall betterment of the community.
As R2M continues to grow and evolve, its unwavering commitment to empowering youth remains at the heart of its operations. Through its comprehensive programs and biblically inspired guidance, Road 2 Manhood Inc. is making a lasting difference in the lives of young men, paving the way for a brighter, more responsible future.
Meet the Members of Road 2 Manhood
Amy N. Strother
Vice President, CEO of PHX Inc., Civil Servant, USAF Veteran | Member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Amy Strother holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Northwest Florida State College and brings over 20 years of experience in leadership and management. As a U.S. Air Force veteran, CEO of PHX Inc., and civil servant, Amy's distinguished career reflects her unwavering commitment to service and excellence.
In her role as Vice President, CEO of PHX Inc., Civil Servant, USAF Veteran of Road 2 Manhood, Amy plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the organization. Her expertise in organizational development, project management, and community engagement ensures that our programs run smoothly and effectively.
Amy's passion for youth empowerment drives her efforts to provide comprehensive life skills training and mentorship. Her leadership fosters an environment where young men are inspired to build confidence, responsibility, and resilience, aligning perfectly with the mission of Road 2 Manhood.
Amy is also a dedicated advocate for education and personal growth, using her extensive experience to mentor and guide others toward success. Her contributions make her an invaluable asset to our organization and the community we serve.
Arion Strother
Secretary, CEO & Operator of ARIYA Beauty
Arion Strother is the CEO and Operator of ARIYA Beauty and holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of North Carolina. With over 5 years of experience in administrative support, organizational communications, and business management, Arion brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Secretary of Road 2 Manhood.
She is responsible for maintaining accurate records, coordinating meetings, and ensuring seamless communication within the organization. Arion’s strong business management skills enable her to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and contribute to the overall success of Road 2 Manhood’s programs and events.
Her attention to detail, organizational excellence, and strategic insight make her an invaluable asset in keeping the team connected and informed. Arion’s contributions are key to enabling Road 2 Manhood to effectively serve and empower the community.
Meet the Team
Delawrence Shepherd
Marketing & Social Media Director Doctoral Candidate | Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Delawrence Shepherd brings extensive expertise to the Road 2 Manhood Board with a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership, emphasizing Human Resources, from the University of South Florida. With over 15 years of experience as a Marketing & Social Media Director, Delawrence has been instrumental in designing impactful initiatives that amplify our online presence and strengthen community engagement.
Delawrence's leadership has driven the development of strategic campaigns that inspire and connect with diverse audiences, ensuring Road 2 Manhood remains a pillar of empowerment and mentorship. His ability to integrate innovative marketing tools and social media strategies has expanded our outreach, enabling us to support and uplift young men effectively.
doctoral candidate and proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delawrence embodies dedication, excellence, and service. He is committed to leveraging his expertise to create meaningful opportunities for growth, education, and personal development within our programs.
Christopher Barbour
Education and Training Coordinator | Chief Master Sergeant, USAF Reserves | Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Christopher Barbour holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems from Florida A&M University and currently serves as Cyberspace Chief Master Sergeant in the USAF Reserves. With over a decade of experience in curriculum development and educational training, Christopher is a key architect behind Road 2 Manhood’s educational programs.
His expertise in designing and implementing impactful training modules focuses on life skills, leadership, and personal development. Christopher’s strategic approach ensures that participants are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in both personal and professional spheres.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Christopher’s commitment to fostering growth and learning makes him an invaluable asset to our mission of empowering youth.
Amour Savage
Fitness and Wellness Coordinator
Amour Savage holds a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Florida A&M University and is a certified Personal Trainer. With over 12 years of experience in fitness and wellness coaching, Amour has been a driving force in integrating physical health and strength training into Road 2 Manhood's curriculum. His expertise helps ensure that our programs promote not only mental and emotional growth but also physical well-being. Amour is dedicated to inspiring youth to lead active, healthy lifestyles through engaging and practical fitness initiatives.
Benjamin Lytle
Mental Wellness and Support Advisor
Benjamin Lytle holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the Walden University and has over 10 years of experience in mental health and wellness. As the Mental Wellness and Support Advisor for Road 2 Manhood, Benjamin is dedicated to promoting the mental and emotional well-being of our participants. His expertise in counseling, therapy, and mental health education helps guide our programs to address the unique challenges faced by young men. Benjamin's commitment to fostering a supportive and resilient community ensures that our youth have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Damarces Sharkey
Youth Finance Advisor
Damarces Sharkey, graduated from Thomas Edison State University with a Bachelor's degree in Arts. With over 20 years of experience in education and youth advocacy. Damarces,serves as the Youth Advisor for Road 2 Manhood. His passion for empowering youth through financial literacy drives him to create and implement effective programs that teach essential money management skills. Damarces is committed to ensuring our participants gain the knowledge and confidence to make sound financial decisions for their future.
Stanley Robinson
Community Engagement Specialist
Stanley Robinson earned his PHD in Religion Philosophy from Tabernacle Bible College and Seminar. With a career spanning over 30 years in community outreach and engagement, Stanley excels in building meaningful relationships within the community to support Road 2 Manhood's mission. His strategic approach to partnership development and volunteer coordination has significantly expanded our reach and impact. Stanley is committed to fostering a supportive network that empowers young men through community involvement.