Meet The Team

Ubuntu Food Security is led by community-rooted leaders who believe in equity, access, and the power of shared meals. Together, we plant seeds of change across our neighborhoods.

Founder


Deborah Johnson, MS

Founder & Executive Director

Chairperson/Board President

Deborah Johnson is a trauma-informed Community Nutritionist, author, and nonprofit leader dedicated to advancing food access, nutrition equity, and community resilience. She holds a Master of Science in Nutrition and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Management, combining scientific expertise with strategic leadership.As Founder and Executive Director of Ubuntu Food Security (UFS), Deborah leads initiatives that expand access to fresh, culturally relevant foods while integrating evidence-based nutrition education across community settings. Rooted in the philosophy “I am because we are,” UFS develops dignity-centered solutions that address food insecurity and strengthen long-term community health outcomes.Deborah is certified in Nutritional Psychology and as a Trauma-Support Specialist, allowing her to integrate the science of nutrition, behavior, and resilience into her work. She is the author of two children’s books in the “Adventures with Little Chef Debbie” series, including My Neighborhood, Your Neighborhood, which explores food access, community resources, and nutrition literacy through storytelling.She is also the founder of My Temple Wellness Inc., a holistic wellness initiative focused on reducing preventable health risks through education and empowerment.Through Ubuntu Food Security and her broader work, Deborah is committed to building sustainable systems that increase access, strengthen partnerships, and create healthier communities.

Kerrick Johnson

Director of Food Operations

 Kerrick Johnson serves as Director of Food Operations at Ubuntu Food Security, bringing over 20 years of experience in food access and community-based food distribution across New York. His work is grounded in service, with a long history of supporting food pantries, meal programs, and emergency distribution efforts that prioritize dignity and respect.

In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Kerrick brings strong operational expertise from his professional background in facilities and systems management at Columbia University, where he oversees complex, compliant, and safety-focused environments.

At Ubuntu Food Security, he leads food logistics, safety protocols, equipment coordination, and operational planning to ensure reliable, efficient, and sustainable food access initiatives. His steady leadership and technical precision strengthen UFS’s ability to deliver dignified food access while building resilient community systems.


Joseline Pulido

Volunteer Coordinator & Assistant to Executive Director

 

 

Board of Directors

Dr. Roger Ball

Advocacy & Social Justice Liaison 

Dr. Ball has been a social work administrator serving children and families within NYC and beyond for over 20 years. He currently works within the New York City Public School system (NYCPS) as the Supervisor of Social Workers for the Borough of the Bronx within the Office of Safety and Youth Development.  

In this role, he and his borough-wide team provide a variety of support and resources to schools across the city including: crisis intervention, training and development, community resources, and building internal capacity. 

Prior to his current role, he served as an assistant principal and social worker for NYCPS. Other positions he has held include Program Director for the African-American Male Initiative of the Children’s Aid Society and Program Director of Project LEAP, a Drug Abuse Prevention Program within the Archdiocese of NY.  

Dr. Ball has been an adjunct instructor at New York Theological Seminary, Concordia, Mercy, and Monroe Colleges. He currently teaches at Lehman College as well as Fordham University where he has taught for the last 16 years. 

He earned a doctorate from Fordham University’s graduate school of religion and religious education with a concentration in marriage and family life. He holds two master’s degrees (one in Religious Education and the other in Social Work) also from Fordham University.

His primary vocation is to be a husband to his wife Senikha for the past 28 years and father to their four children, Jon, Vanessa, Michael and Addison. 

Yemi Oluwole

Finance Chair & Treasurer

Yemi Oluwole is a senior risk and control management leader with a strong background in auditing processes and financial reporting for large and mid-sized financial institutions. In his current role as Vice President, Control Management Lead at a Fortune 100 company, he is responsible for identifying business risks and ensuring effective controls are in place to mitigate those risks, playing a key role in maintaining a strong and robust control environment.

Previously, Yemi held roles at Arthur Andersen LLP and KPMG LLP, where he developed deep expertise in auditing and analyzing corporate financial statements. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Pace University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Beyond his professional career, Yemi is actively engaged in mentoring married couples and young adults, is deeply involved in his church, and is passionate about supporting children facing poverty and severe health challenges. He brings a thoughtful, mission-driven approach to leadership, grounded in integrity, collaboration, and stewardship.

Sheryl Hatwood

Fundraising & Development Chair

Sheryl Hatwood a Law Clerk who  possesses a Master's in Public Administration, B.Sc in Legal Studies and a certified Wellness Coach. Bringing a wealth of experience from the corporate world, including her tenure at Deloitte where she manages global contract negotiations and ensures compliance with regulatory agencies, Sheryl is a versatile professional. Beyond her corporate role, she is an entrepreneur, accomplished author, and speaker who has been featured in across many media outlets. She was the first Black President of the Pelham Manor Club’s 130 year-old institution.

Sheryl has been recognized as an accomplished leader in the community, and was honored with 2025 Innovators Award, the 2019 WEI Trailblazer Award, receiving a Proclamation from the Westchester County Governor, and recognized as a Trailblazer in for Deloitte’s Impact Award (across 23 countries)– all acknowledging her exceptional achievements and the positive example she sets through her unique personal accomplishments.  Her greatest accomplishment is being a wife and a mother to two beautiful children that gave her 6 amazing grandchildren.   Sheryl’s passion is serving the community in any capacity that helps the overlooked, and the overwhelmed find hope, strength, and a path forward to a sustainable future.


Mary-Ann Nikel

Communications & Media Chair: Oversees storytelling, branding, and public relations.

Mary Ann Nikel, the founder of The Artisan & Company, a lifestyle and interior brand working hand-in-hand with artisans in Indonesia to create sustainable, handcrafted goods. With a gift for business development and a heart rooted in faith, love, and service, she is deeply passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in the world. Through creativity, compassion, and purpose, she strives to use her talents to uplift communities and contribute to a better future for all.

Susan Johnson 

Board Secretary & Assistant Finance Chair

Susan Johnson is an accounting-focused professional with a strong interest in financial analysis, accuracy, and ethical business practices. Detail-oriented and disciplined, with over 15 years of experience she’s committed to maintaining precise financial records and supporting sound decision-making through reliable data. With  a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Lehman College Susan has a solid foundation in accounting principles and a dedication to continuous learning, she strives to grow within the field and contribute value through integrity, organization, and analytical thinking.

 Outside of the office Susan is an artist at heart. She enjoys painting, creating and capturing memories with her family and friends.