Meet The Founder

Wilner Popie Joseph

Wilner is an active community advocate and positive change agent for the city of Stamford, Connecticut. His history can be measured by over fifteen years of coordination and leadership for organized youth programming. This work is coupled with his citywide impact as a basketball coach and mentor for thousands of young people - specifically youth who experience developmental, cognitive or emotional challenges.

In 2017, his greatest project to date, Hoops 4 All, transformed into young athletes 4 change, a fully thriving non-profit organization that facilitates programs and events where social justice, activism and awareness streamline with basketball skill training and performance.

Wilner believes that through empowering the connection between sports and civic engagement, we can collectively support our future generations. This work fuels the opportunities needed lasting change. His current participation in neighborhood planning events and panels focused on gun violence awareness has further amplified his influential voice. Wilner’s community network is truly his greatest asset and he is motivated to proudly represent the voice of the youth of his city.