ADI Names Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab as Inaugural Executive Director

Nationally recognized nonprofit leader steps into executive leadership role after serving as board chair

Philadelphia, PA (April 1, 2026) —The Azzim Dukes Initiative (ADI) today announced that Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab, a nationally recognized sociologist, researcher, and nonprofit leader, has been named the organization’s first executive director.

Goldrick-Rab previously served as board chair of ADI, where she played a key role in strengthening programs, building community partnerships, and helping secure resources to support the organization’s work with youth and families across Philadelphia.

Founded by South Philadelphia native Maleek Jackson—an award-winning community leader, boxer, and certified USA Boxing coach—the Azzim Dukes Initiative, named in honor of Maleek’s younger brother, is an out-of-school-time (OST) and violence prevention program that uses boxing as a vehicle for youth development, mentorship, and emotional growth. ADI currently serves more than 400 youth ages 4–20, providing mentorship, structured programming, meals, and community at no cost to families.

“I started ADI because I knew what it meant to have somebody believe in you when you didn't believe in yourself," said Jackson. "Sara gets that—not just in her head, but in her heart. Every kid who walks through our doors deserves someone in their corner, and I built ADI on that belief. She's been guiding this organization well as board chair, so this wasn't a hard decision. It was the right one. She knows the kids, she knows the mission, and she knows me. That matters. I trust Sara to help carry this forward. She already is."

“Taking on the role of the inaugural executive director of the Azzim Dukes Initiative is a profound honor because it aligns closely with the work I’ve done throughout my career,” said Goldrick-Rab. “Maleek is a remarkable advocate for equity and dignity in Philadelphia. I’m proud to help lead this work alongside him.”

Goldrick-Rab brings decades of experience advancing equity through research, policy, and nonprofit leadership. She founded two national organizations—Believe in Students and The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice—that helped reshape national conversations about poverty and opportunity in higher education.

While her influence is national, Goldrick-Rab’s roots are deeply connected to Philadelphia. She has lived in the city most of her adult life, raised two children who attended Philadelphia public schools, and taught at both Temple University and the Community College of Philadelphia. She has also been a longtime member of Maleek Jackson’s Boxing Gym, where the seeds of ADI were first planted.

As Goldrick-Rab steps into the executive director role, she will transition off the board. Anna Marchini and Brianna Downing will assume leadership as co-chairs. Marchini brings more than 25 years in nonprofit program development and fundraising, while Downing brings a background in nonprofit marketing communications and business. Both have been active board members and will help guide ADI through this next chapter.