mEET OUR LEADERS
MALI LANIER
CEO
Mali Nicole Lanier is the inspiration behind Finish First Academy. Raised in the urban community of Watts, California, her passion to work with at-risk and underprivileged youth has ignited early. As a talented singer/songwriter, Mali connected with youth audiences.
While still in her teens, she began using her dynamic stage performances as a platform to inspire youth. In high school, she authored the self-improvement journal, Finish First: An Interactive Guide To Finding And Following Your Dreams. Next, she developed the Finish First Curriculum, a series of workshops designed to help youth set goals and achieve their dreams.
Mali Nicole is a true humanitarian, with a passion for giving back and helping youth to overcome trauma. Now, with the Finish First Academy, her goal of educating and empowering the community of Los Angeles, one youth at a time, is being realized.
ROBERT NEAL
CFO/CO-FOUNDER
Robert Neal has 15 years of experience serving at-risk youth. As a community coordinator and activist at the historic Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC), Neal has focused on finding supportive services and essential resources for those who suffer from trauma and disabilities. Neal has extensive experience in facilities management and site supervision. In his free time, he serves as a youth basketball coach, training young men and women to excel on and off the court. He is inspired daily to utilize his experience and skills to service the community and Finish First Academy.
MISHA STONE
BOARD MEMBER
Therapeutic behavioral coach. whose mission to inspire change began in her youth. As a ward of the Los Angeles County foster system, she experienced first-hand the need for meaning and motivation in the lives of young people. Stone holds bachelor's degrees in criminal justice & sociology. She comes to the board of Finish First Academy with a strong commitment to delivering positivity and healing to the community.
LASHAY RIVERS
BOARD MEMBER
Healthcare professional with 10 years’ experience in community-based education and prevention programs. She is a certified nursing assistant, and holds a bachelor’s degree in child development. As a board member for Finish First Academy, Rivers will focus on outreach and engagement, helping young adults to get much needed access to shelter, food, counseling, and other vital resources.
JUJU WATKINS
AMBASSADOR
Juju Watkins is a high school student with dreams of changing the world. The opportunity to influence and motivate is what attracted her to the Finish First Academy. “I want to inspire people, no matter where they come from, to believe in yourself and always push to be great,” she says.