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.

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

G.C. Murray II, Esq.
President & CEO

Ashley Murray
First Lady

Logan McEwen, Esq.
Legal Counsel

Jennito Simon, Esq.
Director of Emeritus

Malik Haughton
Dir. of Finance
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Jean Polo, Esq.
Director of ICE South Florida
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Dr. Brandon Cooper
Director of ICE Jacksonville

Robert Blackwell
Director of ICE DMV

Merissa Blackwell​
Director of Community Engagement ICE DMV

Yessenia Mercedes
Director of ICE Tallahassee

Kenneth Ejene, Esq.​
Director of ICE Orlando

Alexis Barini
Director of ICE Houston
Our Advisory Council

Dean Nancy Benavides

Stefanie Bowden

Carolyn Cummings, Esq.

Keith Dean, CPA

Tony Quackenbush, Esq.

Stephen Knight, Esq.

Sen. Shevrin Jones

Hon. Gordon Murray

G.C. Murray II, Esq.​

Rep. Ed Narain​
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Kenneth Pratt, Esq.

Whitney Untiedt, Esq.​
Cadre Directors

Kristin Broner
Fundraising Director

Dr. John Ogunlade
Medical Director

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.
