Who We Are & Why We Exist
The Urban Pinnacle (TUP) is a mission-driven nonprofit organization committed to empowering underserved communities through connection, opportunity, and collaboration. We exist to help individuals and organizations build pathways toward long-term self-sustainability through engagement, mentorship, resource accessibility, and community-driven growth.
Empowering Communities Through Connection
The Urban Pinnacle exists to empower underserved communities by creating pathways to self-sustainability through engagement, mentorship, collaboration, and opportunity.
Through community-centered programs, strategic partnerships, and accessible resources, we connect individuals and organizations to the tools, relationships, and support systems needed to foster long-term personal, professional, and economic growth.
A Future Built on Purpose & Progress
We envision communities where every individual has the access, connections, and support needed to build a self-sustaining future. Our vision is rooted in the belief that empowerment comes through engagement — and that lasting change happens when people, organizations, and resources are connected through shared purpose.
Our Core Values
These are the principles that guide every program, partnership, and decision we make at TUP.
Community-Centered
Every decision and partnership is guided by what best serves the communities we exist to uplift. Community voices lead the way.
Purpose-Driven
We create pathways, not just programs. Every initiative is designed with clear, measurable outcomes that drive real progress.
Collaboration Over Competition
Impact multiplies when we work together. TUP connects people, organizations, and resources through shared purpose.
Long-Term Self-Sustainability
We build lasting capacity within communities — empowering individuals and organizations to thrive independently.
Access & Equity
We dismantle barriers to opportunity by creating accessible pathways to mentorship, careers, and economic mobility.
Engagement-First
Empowerment starts with engagement. Our ecosystem connects participants, mentors, partners, and opportunities.
TUP's Growth Over Time
TUP Founded
The Urban Pinnacle was established with a mission to create self-sustaining communities through empowerment.
First Programs Launched
The Urban Empowerment Program (UEP) launched its first cohort, serving community members in the Bronx.
PoP App Developed
The Points of Purpose (PoP) digital platform launched as a new tool for tracking and quantifying social impact.
Growing Impact
TUP reaches 150+ participants served, 7+ community engagements, and expanding employment partnerships.
See TUP in Action
Meet Our Leadership Team
Jamal Hermitt
Jamal Hermitt is the Founder and CEO of The Urban Pinnacle (TUP), a purpose-driven nonprofit focused on advancing self-sustainability, community empowerment, workforce development, and personal growth within underserved communities. As the visionary behind the PoP (Points of Purpose) ecosystem, Jamal leads TUP's mission to bridge engagement, mentorship, education, wellness, entrepreneurship, and community support into one connected ecosystem designed to promote long-term self-sustainability and measurable impact.
Sharleen Smith
Sharleen Smith is the Co-Founder of The Urban Pinnacle and brings more than two decades of experience in human services, family support systems, and community advocacy throughout New York City. At TUP, Sharleen plays a critical role in ensuring the organization remains grounded in real-world community needs while helping shape programming focused on empowerment, support access, stability, and long-term sustainability.
Jeriel Slay
Jeriel Slay is a Co-Founder of The Urban Pinnacle whose work focuses on technology, community empowerment, and social justice reform. As a returning citizen with a passion for cybersecurity and systems innovation, Jeriel brings both lived experience and forward-thinking leadership to TUP's mission and ecosystem development. He plays an active role in helping shape initiatives centered around engagement, opportunity, mentorship, and long-term self-sustainability, while supporting the continued growth of the PoP App as a platform designed to connect communities through purpose and impact.
Patrick Sanders
Patrick Sanders serves as the Director of Programs for The Urban Pinnacle, leading the development, coordination, and execution of community-centered programming. With a strong background in youth development, education, and community engagement, Patrick focuses on connecting individuals to mentorship, leadership development, civic engagement, workforce readiness, and personal growth opportunities.
Lacells Hermitt
Lacells Hermitt serves as the Director of Development for The Urban Pinnacle, supporting the organization's growth through strategic partnerships, community relationship-building, fundraising support, and organizational development initiatives. His work contributes to building the infrastructure and relationships necessary to support the continued expansion of TUP's programs, partnerships, and ecosystem initiatives.
TUP, the PoP App & Community Impact
The TUP ecosystem is built around the belief that purpose and progress are measurable. The Points of Purpose (PoP) app sits at the heart of this ecosystem — connecting participants, organizations, and partners through a shared platform for social and economic impact tracking.
This interconnected approach means that every workshop attended, every mentorship completed, and every job placed contributes to a growing, visible record of community transformation.