NFLF Team

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Welcome to the heart of the Nickerson Family Legacy Foundation. Here, you'll get to know our dedicated team—individuals committed to empowering communities through health, education, and financial wellness. Their passion and leadership guide every initiative we launch and every life we help change.

Amon J. Nickerson

Board President & NFLF CEO

Amon J. Nickerson is a visionary entrepreneur, real estate developer, and certified credit consultant with a deep commitment to building generational wealth and strengthening underserved communities. As Founder and CEO of MBE Financial Group, Amon has led over $10 million in real estate acquisitions and helped hundreds of clients reclaim their financial stability through customized credit repair and financial coaching.

With a degree in Statistics and Operations Research from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Amon brings strategic insight and data-driven precision to everything he does—whether restoring properties, mentoring youth, or educating families on the path to homeownership.

NFLF was born from personal tragedy and purpose. After experiencing the devastating loss of several close family members in a short period of time, Amon channeled his grief into action—creating the Nickerson Family Legacy Foundation to honor their memory. Today, NFLF exists to empower individuals and families through financial education, health awareness, and access to educational resources, creating stronger futures rooted in legacy and community.

RJ Dabney

Board Secretary

RJ Dabney brings over two decades of human resources leadership to his role as Board Secretary of the Nickerson Family Legacy Foundation. With a proven track record in strategic workforce development, diversity recruitment, and organizational effectiveness, RJ has held executive HR roles at leading healthcare institutions across Chicago, IL.

Currently serving as Associate Chief Human Resources Officer for Talent Management for a large organization in Cook County, RJ leads initiatives that enhance talent acquisition, equity, and workforce engagement across a system of more than 6,000 employees. His work is deeply rooted in evidence-based decision-making, community collaboration, and championing inclusive workplace cultures.

RJ’s professional values strongly align with NFLF’s mission to empower families through education, financial literacy, and health equity. As Board Secretary, he brings operational insight, governance excellence, and a passion for systems that uplift underserved communities.

Yaw Aygeman

Treasurer

Yaw Agyeman is a passionate educator, community builder, and organizational leader who brings a unique blend of financial oversight, cultural insight, and grassroots experience to his role as Board Treasurer of the Nickerson Family Legacy Foundation. With a career spanning education, transportation logistics, international youth programming, and nonprofit engagement, Yaw’s work is grounded in access, equity, and impact.

Currently serving as a Math Site Lead for a large educational organization within Chicago Public Schools, Yaw oversees the coordination and coaching of tutors to deliver high-impact academic support across multiple networks. His ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders—from school leaders to students—demonstrates his commitment to educational advancement for underserved youth.

Previously, Yaw directed Passport Carriers, an initiative that provided young Black men with both the literal and symbolic tools to access the global community, including leading international educational trips and cultivating cultural confidence.

As Treasurer, Yaw draws from years of program and operations management to help guide NFLF’s financial stewardship. His dedication to youth development, global exposure, and community uplift perfectly reflects the foundation’s mission to empower families through education, financial literacy, and wellness.

Antoine Butler

Board Member

Antoine Butler is a distinguished technology leader and innovator with over two decades of experience in software engineering, cybersecurity, and systems architecture. As the former Vice President of Software Engineering at Clarity Innovations, Antoine scaled an engineering team from just two employees to over 350, helping to drive company revenue from $600K to over $100 million. His leadership, deeply rooted in technical expertise and organizational vision, has shaped groundbreaking digital infrastructure in both private sector and national defense environments.

With a background in computer engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a top-secret security clearance, Antoine has overseen complex, high-impact projects at leading tech companies. Known for cultivating strong, mission-driven engineering cultures, he’s led talent development pipelines, launched leadership programs, and pioneered innovative systems that enhance operational efficiency and scalability.

As a Board Member of NFLF, Antoine brings strategic thinking, technical rigor, and a deep belief in community empowerment. His commitment to education, equity, and legacy aligns powerfully with NFLF’s mission to uplift families through financial literacy, educational access, and health awareness.

Maya Hightower

Director of Philanthropy

Maya Hightower is an award-winning leader in philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, and strategic community engagement with over 15 years of experience driving impact across nonprofit and corporate sectors. As Director of Philanthropy for the Nickerson Family Legacy Foundation (NFLF), Maya leads fundraising, donor relations, and mission-aligned initiatives that empower families through education, financial literacy, and wellness.

Her career spans national organizations and regional initiatives, where she has launched multi-market community programs, raised visibility for underserved causes, and managed millions in philanthropic investment. From building school-based food pantries to coordinating large-scale scholarship campaigns and cultural events, Maya’s work has consistently centered equity, access, and measurable change.

Maya has held leadership roles at various corporations and non-profits across the US, and serves on the boards of iHeart Media and Girls Inc. of Chicago. She also contributes her expertise to Governors State University’s Policy Council.

At NFLF, Maya brings her deep passion for purpose-driven work, her strategic acumen, and a track record of building powerful partnerships that move communities forward. Her leadership ensures that every dollar raised reflects the foundation’s commitment to legacy, empowerment, and long-term impact.