Get to know us better

About Us.

Choose to DO, Inc. is a non-profit organization that builds confidence and esteem for underserved black youth 12-17 years old, to embrace healthy mental development by introducing them to applicable skills and resources that foster socio-emotional well-being.

Together we can break the cycle of negative outcomes and underperformance for black youth.

Founded in 2016 with the belief that all black youth have a value worth celebrating, Choose to DO, Inc. has created programs that center around confidence, courage, compassion, and fun. We employ methods of social-emotional development for black teens, both locally and virtually. With your help, our goal is to reach 10,000 teens by the year 2028 across the state of Texas.

what we believe

Our Core Values

CONFIDENCE

We encourage thought and self-reflection in young adults.

COURAGE

We empower youth to make good choices when they encounter obstacles.

COMPASSION

We support our children in their abilities, strengths, and values.

FUN

A smiling child is more willing to deal with the daily stresses of life.

CONFIDENCE

We encourage thought and self-reflection in young adults.

COURAGE

We empower youth to make good choices when they encounter obstacles.

COMPASSION

We support our children in their abilities, strengths, and values.

FUN

A smiling child is more willing to deal with the daily stresses of life.

OUR FOUNDER & CEO

Dozie Oheri

Hi! My name is Dozie Oheri and I am the Founder/CEO of Choose to DO, Inc. I started Choose to DO, Inc. because of my experience as an educator, as a caregiver, and from personal growth and development. Through my experiences, I have made it my job to empower our youth.

I am a member of The Race Equity Leadership Collective that is reshaping research, advocacy, and policy landscapes to equitably center BIPOC voices often marginalized by systemic racism, appropriated, exploited, and silenced.

read full bio

OUR Team

Our Board

Chakema Carmack

Vice President

Learn More

Crystal Donatto Brown

Secretary

Learn More

Franka Baly

Member

Learn More

We Need You On Our Team!

We’re on a mission to build self-esteem in our youth.

Join us, we’re looking to expand our team of interns.

Become an intern

11807 Westheimer Rd, Suite 550 #1033, Houston, TX 77077

713 - 291 - 6141 | Email Us

Quicklinks

More Info

Stay In Touch!

Get inspiring stories about the impact we’re making, stay up-to-date on the latest news, and find out about ways you can help us achieve our mission.

Dozie Oheri

My name is Dozie Oheri and I am the Founder/CEO of Choose to DO, Inc. My role as the Chief Executive Officer includes the administration/supervision of the administrative office and the programs or services provided to the community and accountable directly to the organization’s Board of Directors. I have a minor in Entrepreneurship and a bachelor's degree in Health Science from Texas A & M University Corpus Christi and a Masters in Public Administration from The University of Phoenix. I am a board member of the Westchase District Community Fund that exists to organize and provide resources to produce or support local projects, programs and events which create a positive impact on the quality of life in Westchase. I am a member of The Race Equity Leadership Collective that is reshaping research, advocacy and policy landscapes to equitably center BIPOC voices often marginalized by systemic racism, appropriated, exploited and silenced.

Chakema Carmack

Dr. Chakema Carmack serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Choose to DO, Inc. Her responsibilities as Vice President include supporting the President in all Choose to DO, Inc. strategies and initiatives, as well as spearheading the organization's annual retreat. Dr. Carmack serves Choose to DO, Inc. with skills and interests that include federal and foundation grant writing, program effectiveness analytics, and a passion for healthy adolescent development, particularly regarding youth of color. Dr. Carmack is a community psychologist by-training and an Associate Research Professor at the University of Houston within the Psychological Health & Learning Sciences Department, where she oversees a social sciences research lab and teaches graduate and undergraduate courses.

Crystal Donatto Brown

Crystal Donatto Brown is an educational consultant specializing in providing individualized support to school leaders and teachers in the form of mentorship, coaching, professional development, and strategic planning. She also facilitates leadership development to middle and high school students from across the world. Previously Crystal served as an educational leader in both nonprofit organizations and public school systems. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Southern University and A&M College and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston. Presently, Crystal serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for Choose to DO, Inc. where she is responsible for recording and maintaining all official records of the organization. She is also active and holds leadership positions in the following community service organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated - Alpha Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter (Charter Member); The Links, Incorporated - Gulf Coast Apollo (TX) Chapter (Vice President of Programs); Pearls of Lake Houston Educational and Charitable Foundation (President of the Board of Directors), and Southern University and A&M College Alumni Federation.

Franka Baly

Franka Baly is the Owner of Franka Baly Media, LLC, a branding, web development, and user experience consulting firm located in Houston, TX. She serves as the Creative Director for the company. She has spent the majority of her 25+ career improving the digital experience for an array of different users. She was formerly the Operational Director at the Prince Complex where she oversaw the funding and development of their after-school and summer school programs that impacted the lives of hundreds of youth in Fifth Ward. Franka holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Houston and a Master's degree in Counseling from Prairie View. She is passionate about mentoring and exposing black youth to Tech so they can impact the next generation of innovative solutions.

Michael Yawson

Michael Assibu Yawson is an Operations person with more than 10 years of working experience within the microfinance industry. Mr. Assibu has an MSc in Accounting and Finance from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST, 2018), an Accounting Degree from Methodist University College (2010), and an HND from Accra Polytechnic (2006). He worked as the Administrator and Operations Team Member and worked as the Accountant of ASA Ghana from September 2007 exactly a year after school to January 2013. Before Joining ASA Ghana he worked in Ghana Revenue Authority (VAT Services, National Service) and the accounting department of different organizations. He was the first and pioneer Ghanaian staff of ASA Ghana now ASA Savings and Loans Company Limited (ASA S&L). Michael helped establish the company with 54 branches and over GHS 40 million in Loan Portfolio, GHS 14 million in Deposits, and over 75, 000 borrowers across 4 regions of Ghana. He has helped established about 4 different microfinance companies with a total loan portfolio of about GHS 10 million, GHS 5 million in Deposits and 10,000 borrowers. Business Projections and Development, Management Reports, Microfinance Implementation, Supervision of Operational level staff – Branch Managers & Credit Officers (Loan Officers), report writing and analytical abilities forms his major skills and abilities and he is also a team player, hard worker and a good communicator.

Johnique Lang

Johnique Lang is an active board member of Choose to Do, Inc and serves as the Chair of the Nominating Committee. Her duties as a board member include but are not limited to providing oversight in the areas of board governance, program development, operational funding, and seeing that Choose to DO, Inc fulfills its obligations to its vision and mission. In addition, as chair of Nominating Committee, Johnique is also responsible for identifying potential candidates for current or upcoming vacancies and works diligently toward attracting and securing top talent, by overseeing and participating in the committee's role in identifying, recruiting, screening, and interviewing candidates for boardman leadership positions.

Tolupe Lawani

Tolulope is Product Manager leading Gaming & Sustainability Services product development and innovation efforts within the Consumer Services and Subscriptions team for the PS Services Organization at HP Inc,

Tolulope joined HP in May 2011 from Etisalat & over his 12-year+ career, Tolulope has held a variety of consumer-focused roles across spanning marketing, trade marketing, finance, retail & digital sales, and most recently product management.

Tolulope is not only passionate about his career, but he is also enthusiastic about giving back to the community. He is the former regional lead for sustainability initiatives in Central Africa where he collaborated with local and global NGO’s to reduce the digital divide in the region by connecting individuals & professionals in underserved communities to tech skills they required to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. Tolulope is also active on social media and focused on sharing content that inspires people in his community to do good and be the best versions of themselves daily.

Tolulope is an alumnus of the prestigious University of Benin, Nigeria with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Executive Education Certificates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology & Harvard Business School.

Brooke Eben

Brooke Eben serves as the Board Chair for Choose to DO, Inc., and works to ensure that we are meeting our annual fundraising and outreach goals and supports the organization by providing insight, resources, and key stakeholders for the organization. She focuses on leading the board and serving as the POC on board-related issues. In addition, she works as an HR Technology Leader in the Energy industry focused on implementing technology solutions that will upskill our workforce. Brooke enjoys helping the youth and providing them with support to live out their purpose.

Get to know us better

About Us.

Together we can break the cycle of negative outcomes and underperformance for black youth.

what we believe

Our Core Values

CONFIDENCE

COURAGE

COMPASSION

FUN

CONFIDENCE

COURAGE

COMPASSION

FUN

OUR FOUNDER & CEO

Dozie Oheri

OUR Team

Our Board

Chakema Carmack

Vice President

Crystal Donatto Brown

Secretary

Franka Baly

Member

We Need You On Our Team!

Stay In Touch!

Thank you for subscribing! Your message is very important to us and we take time to read each one. Someone from our dedicated team will respond to you shortly.

Dozie Oheri

Chakema Carmack

Crystal Donatto Brown

Franka Baly

Michael Yawson

Johnique Lang

Tolupe Lawani

Brooke Eben