DaVena Jordan, MPA Community Activist

DaVena Jordan is a prominent figure in the nonprofit and government sectors with over 25 years of experience, specializing in grant writing, program design, and public health initiatives across federal, state, and local levels. She began her journey after earning her Health Science undergraduate degree, swiftly transforming her thesis on HIV/AIDS prevention into a groundbreaking grant program, securing $100,000 from the Pfizer Foundation. Co-founding AWOL All Walks of Life, Inc., DaVena secured over $90,000 in federal funds within its first two years, earning national recognition for innovative arts-based programming.

In 2009, DaVena established Social Architect, LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to empowering small to mid-size nonprofits. Armed with a Master's in Public Administration from Valdosta University, she developed a unique model to enhance organizational infrastructure. Through training, education, and executive coaching, DaVena and her husband Tony uplift the nonprofit community, ensuring sustainability and impact.
Throughout her career, DaVena's innovative approach to program design and evaluation has led to the development of award-winning arts-based prevention programs, earning national recognition and acclaim. Under her leadership, AWOL has been featured in Black Enterprise magazine and recognized by the Georgia Lucas Foundation's free K12 education resource, Edutopia, as a program that works for at-risk youth.

DaVena's commitment to making a difference and empowering communities underscores her legacy as a true leader in the nonprofit sector, setting her apart as a beacon of inspiration and impact. DaVena's life work extends beyond professional achievements; she enjoys downtime on her 2-acre farm in Douglassville, GA, with her husband, Tony, and their sons, Caleb and Daniel. There, amidst plants, chickens, barn cats, and her trusty white German shepherd, Roman, she finds solace and inspiration to continue her work as a true community activist.

LinkedIN Profile: DaVena Jordan

Learn more about our nonprofit journey by watching the featured video below “Saving Kids from the Social Landfill”.

Tony “Polo” Jordan, Founder

AWOL All Walks of Life, Inc.

Tony "Polo" Jordan is a dedicated leader in the nonprofit and government sectors, with a focus on youth empowerment through arts and education. With over two decades of experience, Tony began his career in 1997 while studying at Savannah State University. He founded AWOL All Walks of Life, Inc., a grassroots initiative inspired by hip-hop culture, which grew into one of Savannah's foremost spoken word and hip-hop arts organizations. Drawing from his own challenging upbringing, Tony saw the arts as a powerful tool for positively impacting at-risk youth.

For ten years, Tony worked with at-risk youth in mental health facilities and the juvenile justice system, before refocusing AWOL to provide arts and education opportunities for local youth. Under his leadership, AWOL became Savannah's first federally recognized spoken word and hip-hop-based youth development agency, offering arts and technology-based training during critical after-school and evening hours. These programs aimed not only to steer youth away from trouble but also to foster self-discovery and empowerment.

Tony's leadership has earned AWOL national recognition in publications such as Edutopia and Black Enterprise magazine. He has received several accolades, including the Comcast Leadership Award from the City Year National Service Learning program and a spot on Georgia Trend's Top 40 Under 40 list of rising professionals. These honors highlight Tony's commitment to youth empowerment and his significant impact in this field.

Currently, Tony serves as the Deputy Director for Parks & Recreation for the City of South Fulton, GA, where he continues to advocate for youth empowerment and community engagement. His extensive experience as a nonprofit executive enhances his ability to foster collaboration between municipal government and nonprofit organizations, ensuring positive change on both local and national levels.