Meet the Team

At United Parks as One, our board of directors embodies a shared commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive spaces for the Newark community. Each member brings unique expertise, passion, and dedication to our mission of transforming parks, playgrounds, and gardens into hubs of connection and growth.

From educators and environmental advocates to community organizers and creative visionaries, our team represents a diverse array of talents united by a common goal: empowering communities through stewardship and collaboration. Together, they lead initiatives that inspire positive change and ensure a lasting impact on our neighborhoods.

Get to know the extraordinary individuals who make it all happen.

Hajjah Dena Corbin


  • Hajjah Dena Corbin is a retired Special Education Teacher with 32 years of dedicated service. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and best-selling author of Change Balance & Flow: An Essential Oil Journey. Her book highlights her transition from a lifetime of work to embracing a balanced and fulfilling retirement, supported by the use of Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils.

    Dena's passion for community, wellness, and gardening drives her continued efforts to inspire others through her work and advocacy.

    • Certified Horticultural Therapist

    • Certified in the Utilization of Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils for Holistic Transformation

    • Master Gardener

    • 2023 Graduate of the Rutgers Environmental Steward Program

    • 2021 Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology (CAPP)

    • 2022 Greater Newark Conservancy Nelson Mandela Freedom Award for service to the Greater Newark Conservancy and the Newark community

    • Selected speaker for TEDx Tara Blvd, presenting on Reframing the Idea of Gardening

  • Dena’s journey exemplifies a life of balance and transformation. Through her dedication to holistic wellness, environmental stewardship, and education, she encourages others to embrace personal growth and community engagement.

Co-President

Richard A. Whitten

  • Richard A. Whitten, Co-President of United Parks as One, was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. Guided by the values instilled by his working-class parents, he has dedicated his life to giving back to his community. Richard is the proud father of two children: his adult daughter, Krystle, and his school-aged son, Aaron.

    His leadership and advocacy work reflect his deep commitment to creating opportunities for Newark residents and fostering connections across the community.

    • Political adviser and campaign strategist specializing in Newark’s Central Ward.

    • Legislative aide for Cory Booker during his tenure on the Newark City Council.

    • Strategic roles in campaigns for:

      • Cory Booker (1998 Newark City Council campaign)

      • Dana Rone (2003 Newark School Board campaign and 2006 Newark City Council campaign)

    • Over 20 years of volunteer service distributing poultry to families in need.

    • Recognized for his work as a board member, adviser, and community ambassador through various roles, including:

      • Board member, Greater Newark Conservancy

      • Adviser, Eyes Like Mine

      • Community ambassador, Project Ready

  • Richard believes in the power of community service and giving back. Whether advocating for education, health, or political change, his work is driven by a desire to uplift Newark residents. He finds joy in mentoring young people and supporting seniors, alongside pursuing his personal hobbies of bowling, running, and cycling.

Co-President

Rhenotha Whitaker

Treasurer

  • Rhenotha Ophelia Whitaker was born and raised in Newark, NJ, with family roots in Scotland Neck, NC. An entertainer and media personality, she began singing at the age of 8, inspired by Whitney Houston’s The Greatest Love of All. She has since built a career making audiences smile through TV, radio, and print media.

    By day, Rhenotha serves as the Deputy Director of Clinton Hill Community Action and the Treasurer of United Parks As One. She is also a member of the Mildred Helms Park Resurrection Committee and the founder and lead writer of Full Figured Fabulous and On The Way To Fit, an online lifestyle publication.

    Her leadership and advocacy work reflect his deep commitment to creating opportunities for Newark residents and fostering connections across the community.

    • Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Drew University

    • Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Rutgers University

    • SAG-AFTRA and Equity actress

    • Professional print model with Funny Face Today Agency

    • Numerous accolades in entertainment and community service

  • Rhenotha attributes her successes to her faith and gives glory to God for guiding her life and blessings.

Elizabeth McGrady

Secretary

  • Elizabeth McGrady is a passionate community advocate dedicated to helping and informing others. Her work emphasizes the power of sharing knowledge and resources for collective growth.

    • Founding member of United Parks As One and The Friends of Nat Turner Park

    • Former Co-President of United Parks As One

    • Secretary roles in several organizations, including:

      • Friends of Nat Turner Park

      • Wynona Lipman Gardens Tenant Association

    • Immediate Past President, Newark University Area AARP 5398

    • Certified Data Collector for the South Ward Food Desert Survey

    • Newark Environmental Commission

    • Essex County Senior & Disabled representative

    • Design Team Member, Safety by Design Toolkit

Fallon Davis

Board Member

  • Fallon Davis is a non-binary visionary committed to dismantling systemic disparities faced by Black and queer people of color. As a radical educator and creative scientist, Fallon channels their passion into developing equitable S.T.E.A.M. programs and pioneering queer fashion initiatives.

    • Master’s in Education, focus on Curriculum and Instruction with dual concentrations in:

      • Equity, Equality, and Justice

      • S.T.E.A.M.

    • Founder and CEO of STEAM URBAN

    • Creator of over eight S.T.E.A.M programs for therapeutic rehabilitation and educational systems

    • Trailblazer in queer fashion: Creator of the first masculine-of-center fashion show and Queer Fashion Week

    • Advocate for systemic change through global pilot programming and mentorship

Evelyn Fuertes

Board Member

  • Evelyn Fuertes, NDTR, is a bilingual Community Cancer Control Specialist who transitioned from a corporate career to serving communities in need. Her focus is on empowering individuals, particularly within the Latino community, to advocate for their health.

    • Nutrition & Dietetic Technician Registered (NDTR), earned in 2014

    • Experienced in creating evidence-based nutrition curriculums

    • Roles at:

      • Community FoodBank of New Jersey

      • SNAP-Ed

      • Whole Cities Foundation

    • Recognized for impactful work in cancer prevention and health education

  • Evelyn enjoys relaxing with her husband and dogs, reading, and taking hikes in her free time.

Damon Rich

Board Member

  • Damon Rich is a designer, urban planner, and visual artist who has called Newark home for over 15 years. As a partner at HECTOR, an urban design practice, Damon works on innovative projects that combine community engagement and art.

    • Former Planning Director and Chief Urban Designer, City of Newark.

    • Partner at HECTOR, working on urban design and public space projects.

  • Projects include:

    • Rebuilding a historic park in Philadelphia

    • Educational exhibitions in San Francisco and Newark

    • Installation of Newark’s first city-scale model

  • Damon is committed to blending design and community advocacy to create meaningful public spaces.

Julia Somers

Board Member

  • Julia Somers is an environmental policy advocate and non-profit leader. Since 2006, she has served as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, transforming it into a leading voice for protecting natural and cultural resources.

    His leadership and advocacy work reflect his deep commitment to creating opportunities for Newark residents and fostering connections across the community.

    • Expertise in environmental policy development and non-profit management

    • Founding Executive Director of the Great Swamp Watershed Association

    • Spearheaded the growth of the Highlands Coalition from 25 organizations to over 100

    • Recognized for advocacy at state and national levels

  • Julia’s work is driven by a passion for sustainability and the belief that natural resources are critical to economic stability and quality of life.

Renee Williams

  • .Renee Williams is an Educational Leader with over 20 years of experience in public school education in Newark. She has a strong record of fostering academic growth through innovative partnerships and extended learning experiences.

    • Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision, Saint Peter’s University

    • Undergraduate degree in Writing and Television Production, Ramapo University

    • Developer of community-based ‘green projects’ and S.T.E.A.M. initiatives

    • Recipient of the 2020 United Parks As One Marion Bolden Education Award

    • Certified volunteer, Children’s Specialized Hospital

    • Author of Azure Angel Reigns, a collection of inspirational poetry

  • “Lead in a manner in which others will want to follow; have a work ethic that is authentic and fruitful.”

Board Member

Directors Emeriti

Doris Garrett

Donna Kirkland

Armstead Johnson

Executive Director

  • Armstead G. Johnson brings over 35 years of experience in the non-profit sector, with a strong focus on senior management roles. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of youth and families, particularly in urban areas of New Jersey. His leadership and innovative approach to program development have consistently addressed the diverse needs of communities, making a lasting impact.

    • Bachelor’s Degree, Howard University

    • Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Rutgers University - Newark

    • Executive Leadership Certificate, Fairleigh Dickinson University

    • Competent Toastmaster (CTM) designation, Toastmasters International

    • Extensive expertise in:

      • Program development and management

      • Special events coordination

      • Direct mail appeals

      • Grant writing and fundraising initiatives

    • Recognized for exemplary written and oral communication skills

  • Armstead is deeply passionate about community empowerment and sustainable development, striving to create opportunities that drive positive change and improve quality of life for underserved populations.