Frankie Miamen

Frankie's life journey began in Liberia, West Africa, amidst the turmoil of a civil war. Born during a time of hostility, Frankie and his siblings were forced to flee their home country in search of safety. The senseless war, lasting 14 years, tragically claimed the lives of over 250,000 people. In the year of his birth, Frankie's father was able to secure a visa to move to the United States, leaving the rest of the family behind. It took over 7 years for Frankie and his family to finally reunite in the US, a journey made possible by the grace of God.

The realization of how fortunate he was to escape the war-torn country and start a new life in the US has always motivated Frankie to make a lasting impact. His dream has been to give back to the youth of Liberia and beyond. Despite not knowing exactly what form this vision would take, Frankie eventually discovered his calling. He observed how society often overlooks the needs of youth and young adults as it progresses, leading him to a mission to make a difference in their lives.

Growing up as the youngest of five siblings, with hardworking parents, Frankie had to learn to stay productive and focused in the inner city environment. Recognizing his competitive nature and talent at a young age, he channeled his drive into academics and athletics. Representing the US overseas as a People to People Sports Ambassador in 7th grade, Frankie realized his potential to achieve anything he set his mind to.

His passion for sports grew as he found success both on and off the court. Playing multiple sports in high school, including basketball, football, and track, Frankie excelled academically and earned a spot on the Track Team at Oral Roberts University. Through sports, he learned valuable lessons in trust, transformation, leadership, courage, respect, and teamwork with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

With over two decades of experience in professional sports and youth development, Frankie has dedicated his life to empowering young people through sports and leadership. Joining the Sports and Leadership Academy family, he considers it an honor and blessing to be on this transformative journey with everyone involved.

Gabriel Sekou Kromah Jr.

Gabriel had a tough childhood. His parents slipped in 1999 because of the hardships of the civil war that took place in Liberia. His father Gabriel Sekou Kromah Sr. was given an opportunity through his grandfather David M. Kromah to bring his family to America. So, his father took him, and his two sisters Gabrieline and Mayella Kromah from Liberia to bring them to the United States of America for a better life while temporarily leaving behind his mother Gail Mitchell Kromah, and younger brother David Kromah. For 9 years Gabriel was separated from his mother and tried to find something to fill the void. He came across the game of football at an early age, and that game changed his life forever. 

Football allowed Gabriel to further his education from Robbinsdale Cooper High School to Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN, playing two years and graduating with an Associate’s Degree. Graduating from Ridgewater College brought Gabriel another opportunity to take his talent to North Carolina playing at Wingate University in Wingate, NC. Where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree making him the first sibling to graduate from a university.

During his years at Wingate University Gabriel was tested both physically and mentally but holding on to God's words kept him going when things were shaky. When he got baptized, he decided to give his life to Jesus Christ and began to formulate a bible study on campus where he would teach students that were willing to learn about God. His passion for God was growing, and he moved back to Minnesota in 2017 and married his then-girlfriend Karina Onumah of four years in January 2018 on his birthday. 

Recently, as a young pastor in the church Gabriel was allowed to travel to Liberia in December 2020 for the first time since 1999 when he left as a young boy. His eyes were open to the hardships, the poverty, and the pain that many people were going through day after day. This experience and many other experiences in his life invoked him to work hard with his friend, his brother, and partner Frankie Miamen.