Our Team
Eddie Byrd
Executive Director
Eddie Byrd is dedicated to advancing mentorship, health and wellness, and economic development for Black men and boys across Oregon. His leadership focuses on empowerment, collaboration, and building strong community networks that uplift the next generation. With over a decade of experience in youth engagement, media production, and organizational leadership, he brings a creative and strategic approach to community development. As a former COBM Professional Mentor, he supported students through culturally responsive programming and family engagement, fostering academic and personal growth. He is also the Co-Creator and Executive Producer of Oregon Hidden Legacy, an oral history podcast preserving the stories of Oregon’s Black elders and pioneers. In addition, he serves on the boards of Historic Parkrose and The Shaunauqua Foundation, advocating for youth opportunity, economic vitality, and community preservation while connecting people and partnerships to create lasting impact.
Kaylon Sanders
Admin Assistant
Kaylon Sanders is a housing and property management professional based in Portland, Oregon. A proud Kansas City, Missouri native, he moved to Portland in September 2016 and brings a trademark Midwestern reliability to his work.
He serves as the Executive Assistant for COBM, providing organizational leadership and strategic support. Known for consistently following through no matter the complexity, Kaylon is defined by his credentials, consistency, and commitment to getting things done. Outside of work, he’s a dedicated cat parent and lifelong learner.
Calvin Curry is a Portland, Oregon native dedicated to uplifting and advocating for his community. Driven by a passion for service, he is committed to expanding equitable opportunities for youth and fostering environments where young people feel supported, empowered, and positioned for long-term success.
Throughout his career, Calvin has contributed to mission-driven work at nonprofits such as Brown Hope and the Black United Fund of Oregon, where he strengthened his expertise in community engagement, program support, and data management. His work has centered on building meaningful relationships, supporting high-impact initiatives, and helping organizations operate effectively to serve their communities.
Known for his collaborative spirit and solutions-focused mindset, Calvin approaches his work with authenticity, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to advocacy. He holds a degree from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication and remains dedicated to creating lasting, positive change within the communities he serves.
Mentor
Calvin Curry
Carlos Hicks is a professional mentor with the Coalition of Black Men (COBM) in Portland, Oregon, where he works with middle school students to support academic success, leadership development, and personal growth. He is a former college football player and Grant High School Coach who uses sports as a foundation for teaching discipline, accountability, and teamwork. Carlos earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming and a master’s degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Oregon. He is also the founder of Dolo Entertainment Collective LLC, a creative consulting and media company focused on storytelling, vacation rentals, and community impact. Outside of his professional work, Carlos enjoys camping, hands-on renovation projects, and bringing old ideas, spaces, and systems back to life with purpose.
Mentor
Carlos Hicks
Jon Wykoff
Mentor
Jon Wykoff is a Houston native who found his calling in the Pacific Northwest. Jon's journey is a testament to innovation and community impact. After relocating to pursue opportunities in the wine industry, he transitioned into the emerging legal cannabis sector, where his entrepreneurial spirit truly flourished. As founder of Tasty Therapy, a hemp edibles company, and PDX Suite Spot, a dynamic event space, Jon demonstrates his ability to identify market needs and create meaningful solutions.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Jon serves as Front of House Manager at Portland Playhouse, a small community performing arts theatre where he helps bring transformative cultural experiences to life. Most importantly, he serves as a community partner and mentor with the Coalition of Black Men (COBM), investing in the futures of BIPOC boys through relationship-based mentorship and educational programming.
Multifaceted, innovative, and resourceful, Jon brings a diverse perspective shaped by industries spanning wine, cannabis, performing arts, and youth development. His caring and sincere approach to both business and community work reflects a commitment to building bridges, creating opportunities, and empowering the next generation.