Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives.
Who we are
At The Urban Pinnacle, we’re more than just an organization — we’re a catalyst for change.
Our Mission
Our mission is to be the catalyst for the transformation of underserved communities by facilitating the internal growth and self-sustainability of their members. Through innovative programs and targeted initiatives, we focus on individual progress as the spark for community-wide change, ensuring that the pursuit of resilience and self-reliance comes from within.
Our Partners
Magnolia Bakery
Employment Partner
VPHSolutions360
Career/HR Partner
Our Vision
Our vision is to create thriving communities where individuals take ownership and actively contribute to their community’s growth and self-sustainability. We believe that collaboration, innovation, and resilience, anchored by purpose and accountability, are essential for true empowerment and lasting change in underserved areas.
We’re dedicated to helping underserved communities realize their full potential. Beyond our Urban Empowerment Protocol (UEP) and PACE Programs, we offer a variety of initiatives, like mentorship, career development, and job placement, all aimed at building self-sustaining futures. We work closely with businesses, organizations, and a supportive network to create a strong foundation for growth and opportunity. Our mission is to empower individuals to turn challenges into opportunities for success, helping communities thrive and grow stronger together.
Why us.
Our Values
Empowerment
We empower individuals by providing the tools and opportunities they need to shape their own futures, fostering growth and self-confidence.
Inclusion
Our commitment to inclusion ensures everyone has access to our programs, removing barriers to participation and valuing the diversity of all community members.
Collaboration
We believe in the strength of partnerships, uniting with organizations and individuals to build a supportive ecosystem that amplifies our collective impact.
Self-Sufficiency
Our focus on self-sufficiency aims to equip communities with the means to achieve economic independence and long-term prosperity.
Advocacy
We champion advocacy, empowering our participants and communities to become influential voices for change, promoting equity and justice in the political landscape.
Meet the team
Co-founder
Jamal Hermitt
Jamal Hermitt is an entrepreneur and workforce development professional, a visionary who is committed to bridging gaps within organizations by implementing effective people operations. His focus is on understanding and addressing the disconnect between the available talent and organizational needs. His overarching goal is not only to fill immediate gaps but also to establish future talent pipelines.
Growing up in the Edenwald NYCHA houses, Jamal has personally experienced the impacts of justice issues. Therefore, he has become a committed advocate for addressing these challenges in underserved communities. As the CEO of The Urban Pinnacle, Jamal is dedicated to fostering self-sustainability in these communities. His vision and innovative approach are aimed at uniting professionals and organizations to realize this goal.
With the strong belief that every community has immense potential to prosper with the right resources and understanding that underserved communities often lack these resources, Jamal is committed to being a catalyst for community upliftment and advocating for solutions that empower communities from within. His commitment extends beyond professional boundaries.
Co-founder
Sharleen Smith
Sharleen Smith, a co-founder of The Urban Pinnacle, brings an impressive 27-year track record of dedicated service in the Human Services sector. Her journey began with a meaningful decade-long tenure at the Administration for Children Services, where she played a pivotal role as a case manager, fiercely advocating for the well-being and safety of children and young adults. Currently, Sharleen lends her profound expertise to Adult Protection Services, crafting comprehensive service plans that champion the independence and security of vulnerable adults in their own communities.
At the heart of Sharleen’s work is a deep-seated commitment to uplifting individuals from underserved communities. Through The Urban Pinnacle, she leverages her extensive professional network and her wealth of experience to unlock opportunities in skill development, mentorship, and meaningful career paths for those most in need. Sharleen’s dedication to empowerment is matched by her strategic acumen in program implementation, making her an invaluable asset not just to our organization but to the communities we serve. Her efforts are instrumental in bridging gaps and creating pathways to success, embodying The Urban Pinnacle’s mission of fostering inclusion and advancement at every turn.
Co-founder
Jeriel Slay
Jeriel Slay, co-founder of The Urban Pinnacle, is a testament to resilience and transformative leadership. Hailing from East New York, Brooklyn, Jeriel turned the challenges of his upbringing and justice-impacted past into a force for societal good. His deep understanding of the hurdles faced by underserved communities fueled his drive to co-create The Urban Pinnacle.
A first-generation college graduate with a successful career in cybersecurity and software engineering, Jeriel brings both his life’s lessons and professional acumen to The Urban Pinnacle. His vision: to ensure that the organization not only guides individuals towards personal and professional success but also stays at the forefront of technological relevance and innovation. Through The Urban Pinnacle, Jeriel’s journey inspires action, demonstrating how adversity can be transformed into empowerment for oneself and one’s community.