top of page

Our Story

Our Mission

The Innovative Community Engagement Foundation exists to empower families and students by providing school supplies, food, clothing, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. We believe that every child deserves the tools to thrive, every family deserves dignity, and every community deserves to see its members succeed.

Our Vision

Our vision is to build stronger, more resilient communities where service, mentorship, and opportunity open doors for every generation.

Screenshot 2025-12-17 at 15.53.20.png

Our History

Founded in 2014, the Innovative Community Engagement Foundation began with a simple service project, Treat or Treat, which combined books, candy, and mentorship for children. Since then, the Innovative Community Engagement Foundation has grown into a multi-chapter organization with a portfolio of impactful initiatives, including Backpack Bash, Share the Warmth, Turkey Drive, JD Career Day, and more. From our beginnings in Tallahassee, we have expanded to chapters in South Florida, Jacksonville, and Washington, D.C., reaching thousands of families and students across the country.

Impact at a Glance

Through the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors, the Innovative Community Engagement Foundation has made a measurable impact in communities across the nation. Together, we have equipped over 2,200 students with backpacks and supplies, provided more than 2,200 families with Thanksgiving meals, delivered 500+ warmth kits to children in need, and engaged over 1,600 students through mentorship, civic education, and career readiness programs. These numbers represent more than services they represent lives changed by opportunity.

Leadership

The Innovative Community Engagement Foundation is guided by a diverse Board of Directors and community leaders committed to service, education, and equity. Our leadership team works alongside volunteers and partners to ensure every program is delivered with excellence and impact.

Innovative Community Engagement Foundation Board of Directors

DSC00476 Touched Up.jpg

G.C. Murray II, Esq.

President & CEO

img-0520_orig.jpg

Ashley Murray

First Lady

Image.jpeg

Logan McEwen, Esq.

Legal Counsel

0103165p.jpg

Jennito Simon, Esq.

Director of Emeritus

1737057134379.jpeg

Malik Haughton

Dir. of Finance

Image (1).jpeg

Jean Polo, Esq.

Director of ICE South Florida

Image (2).jpeg

Dr. Brandon Cooper

Director of ICE Jacksonville

1658511645656.jpeg

Robert Blackwell

Director of ICE DMV

1749168288986.jpeg

Merissa Blackwell​

Director of Community Engagement ICE DMV

370514683_853054149774511_6293064612272731992_n.jpg

Yessenia Mercedes

Director of ICE Tallahassee

Kenneth Ejene.jpeg

Kenneth Ejene, Esq.​

Director of ICE Orlando

1763683197925.jpeg

Alexis Barini

Director of ICE Houston

Our Advisory Council

1778370292629.png

Dean Nancy Benavides

1652705221638.jpeg

Stefanie Bowden

Screenshot 2026-09-04 at 14.13.44.png

Carolyn Cummings, Esq.

Screenshot 2026-09-04 at 14.16.04.png

Keith Dean, CPA

images.jpeg

Tony Quackenbush, Esq.

Screenshot 2026-09-04 at 14.21.15.png

Stephen Knight, Esq.

media2.jpg

Sen. Shevrin Jones

TCJ Portrait - Suit.jpeg

Hon. Gordon Murray

DSC00476 Touched Up.jpg

G.C. Murray II, Esq.​

Ed-Narain-copy.jpg

Rep. Ed Narain​

images (1).jpeg

Kenneth Pratt, Esq.

Screenshot 2026-09-04 at 14.23.16.png

Whitney Untiedt, Esq.​

Cadre Directors

1587395168678.jpeg

Kristin Broner

Fundraising Director

a45b87_cbbd64537c45483782ba2de933c26215~mv2.avif

Dr. John Ogunlade

Medical Director

193035726-10223187098759286-1951_orig.jpg

Alivia Murphy

Volunteering Director

Chapters Overview

The Innovative Community Engagement Foundation operates through local chapters that bring our mission to life in their communities.

Tallahassee (TLH)

Home of Innovative Community Engagement Foundation's first programs, leading Backpack Bash, JD Career Day, and Turkey Drive initiatives.

South Florida (SFL)

Hosts Bridge the Gap and mentorship programs connecting students to professional opportunities.

Jacksonville (JAX):

Engages youth through mentoring, Mock Trial, and school supply initiatives.​

Washington, D.C. (DMV):

Newer chapter supporting Share the Warmth and civic engagement programs.

bottom of page