Who We Are

Rooted in Philadelphia and powered by community, ADI brings together dedicated leaders, coaches, mentors, and community members who share a commitment to helping every young person see themselves as a contender—building confidence, discipline, and resilience inside and outside the ring.

An award-winning community leader, Maleek spent 10 years in prison for a non-violent offense committed when he was just 16. While incarcerated, he discovered a love for boxing and all it teaches about balance, discipline, and life.

After returning home, Maleek coached at Joe Hand’s historic gym before opening his own gym in 2018 on N. 2nd Street in the heart of Northern Liberties. He is a certified USA Boxing Coach and also works as a public speaker and boxing consultant, having trained the cast of "Rocky, the Musical." His memoir is titled "From Incarceration to Inspiration."

Maleek credits his large family and his upbringing in South Philadelphia for instilling in him self-love and the confidence to chart his own path. Having lost three brothers to gun violence, including Azzim, he is determined to help kids develop empowering identities, cultivate creative pursuits, and achieve positive community ties.

Black and white portrait of Philadelphia community leader Maleek Jackson, sitting and resting his chin on his hand, looking at the camera with a slight smile.

Founder, Maleek Jackson

Our Leadership Team

  • Timothy McDonald Jr, LSW, CCTP, Program Director

    Licensed social worker, certified trauma professional, and boxing coach with experience in youth development, behavioral health, education, and community-based services.

  • Anna Marchini

    Anna Marchini, CFRE, Board Co-President

    Nonprofit executive and fundraising strategist with 25 years of experience leading development, major gifts, grant strategy, donor engagement, and organizational growth.

  • Brianna Downing, M.Ed., Board Co-President

    Marketing communications strategist and entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in strategic communications, brand strategy, sports and entertainment marketing, youth development, and e-commerce.

  • B/W photo of Chris McDonald

    Chris McDonald, Esq., Board Secretary

    Corporate litigation attorney with significant experience in governance, record-keeping, shareholder disputes, fiduciary obligations, and compliance.

  • Jiselle Rouet, PHD, Board Treasurer

    Financial professional and researcher with expertise in financial planning, consumer behavior, and strategies that support financial security and generational wealth.

  • Philadelphia entrepreneur James Pachucki smiling in a suit and dress shirt.

    James Pachucki, MBA, Member at Large

    President of M5 Supply, with experience in global industrial companies ranging from $70M to $14B in 20+ countries

  • Award winning chef and restaurant owner, Mike Solomonov, wearing chef whites.

    Mike Solomonov, Member at Large

    Award winning chef and restaurant owner, co-owner of Philadelphia's CookNSolo restaurant group

  • Maleek Jackson, Founder

    Entrepreneur, community leader, USA Boxing Coach and Boxing & Consultant