Meet Four Community Volunteers

Each month, we highlight a United Way of Broward County volunteer. In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting not just one, but four volunteers who are making a difference in our community and inspiring many along the way.  

Willie Brown is a native of Pompano Beach, who is committed to making a positive change in the lives of others – a personal mission that aligns with the mission of United Way of Broward County. This long-time community activist is an active member of the Pompano Beach Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and is a Board member of the Kappa Foundation of Pompano Beach and Vice Chairman of Rock Road Historical Society of Pompano.

United Way is excited to be co-sponsoring an event with the Kappa Foundation, a youth mentoring program for over 50 students.

Jason Cole and Mario Lawson are entrepreneurs and philanthropic owners of an upscale hair studio in North Lauderdale, and graciously let United Way of Broward County screen Faded Conversations, a documentary which brings black mental health to the forefront produced by Elkin Alfred, in their studio.

During their six years of ownership, the pair has created and executed several Broward County initiatives benefiting members of the community. Their annual “Christmas In July” event provides a day of fun, free haircuts and back-to-school supplies for local children, while their partnership with Shears for Careers and Workforce One provides free haircuts to agency-appointed jobseekers who have scheduled interviews. Jason and Mario’s commitment to service also includes organizing fundraising campaigns for several Broward County organizations and international charities. In summer 2019, Lawson helped build a school with his family and corporate support in his parents’ hometown of Spanish Town, Jamaica.

Kristoffer Doura is living his second best life. As a former professional football player who faced a near-death experience, he transitioned out of the game and dove headfirst into financial services, where he became a personal financial planner. His key areas of expertise are charitable planning and strategic legacy preparation, as well as a business exit strategy and business succession planning.

He also gives back philanthropically in the community through involvement in a number of nonprofits benefiting youth and families up and down the coast of South Florida. We are proud to have Kristoffer as a motivational and inspirational guest speaker for more than 50 high school students at an upcoming screening of Faded Conversations.

United Way of Broward County applauds the work of these four outstanding community leaders and thanks them for their commitment to making Broward County a better place for all of us.