Prevention Application Community of Practice
Finding the Threads: Mapping a Shared Risk and Protective Factor Approach in Community Centered Substance Use Prevention Efforts

A passionate, results-driven leader with over 20 years of experience in youth development, Dr. Carroll Brown III has dedicated his career to empowering at-risk and system-impacted communities across Los Angeles. His work focuses on foster youth, addiction recovery, and culturally responsive mentorship for BIPOC youth.

Board-certified and deeply committed to service, Dr. Brown is a professor at Tarzana Treatment Center College and California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where he prepares future mental health professionals and leads students in conversations around leadership, equity, and social change.

An experienced facilitator and trainer, he partners with organizations to build trauma-informed teams and develop trainings focused on addiction, mental health, and the needs of system-involved youth. His approach blends analytical problem-solving, strategic management, and deep community engagement to create impactful, sustainable programs.

Dr. Brown is the visionary behind several mentorship initiatives, including The Fostering Resiliency Project, which provides healing-centered support to Black foster youth. His leadership has helped young people navigate critical life transitions, develop resilience, and thrive in adulthood.

Rooted in his personal motto, “If it is to be, it’s up to me,” Dr. Brown leads with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to transformation. He specializes in building high-performing teams, nurturing community partnerships, and creating safe spaces where youth and families are affirmed, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Jaumal T. Cade, professionally known as YNB JC, is a Los Angeles–based artist, youth advocate, and community consultant raised in South Central LA. His lived experience navigating adversity has shaped both his creative voice and his commitment to prevention, healing, and empowerment.

YNB JC began his music journey in 2015, using storytelling and rap as tools for expression, resilience, and inspiration. Deeply influenced by the legacy of Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom, he later worked at The Marathon Clothing, the world’s first smart retail store—an experience that reinforced the power of ownership, purpose, and community investment.

Beyond music, Jaumal has dedicated years to youth engagement, mentorship, and creative programming, supporting young people through arts-based prevention, mental wellness check-ins, and skill-building initiatives. His work bridges culture, lived experience, and systems-level prevention, emphasizing upstream solutions rooted in identity, opportunity, and self-belief.

As a speaker and consultant, YNB JC brings authenticity, cultural relevance, and a prevention-first mindset, inspiring participants to recognize everyday heroes and build pathways toward sustainable community wellness.

“The highest human act is to inspire,” -Nipsey Hussle

Kenzo Sohoue. Passionate and dedicated advocate with over four years of experience elevating mission-driven organizations, with a focus on reducing recidivism and promoting restorative justice practices. Proven track record of leadership in youth care environments, community-based initiatives, and trauma-informed healing practices. Committed to being a positive role model and fostering safe, inclusive spaces for justice-involved youth. Highly organized, attentive to detail, and consistently meets program goals and deadlines. Known for open-mindedness, strong communication skills, and an optimistic, solution-oriented approach to challenges.