Zack is one of eleven siblings. Growing up in a large family made haircut time very expensive. Hence, Zack began to learn how to do haircuts by giving them to his family members. This then led to giving out haircuts to friends around the neighborhood. That's when he discovered this was passion of his. Later on, he started to receive a lot of people's negative comments and doubt telling him barbering wasn't a good career choice. Being young and looking up to his peers, while receiving their doubts, he then started to believe them, so he gave up cutting hair for a while. A few years later, Zack was asked by a friend who learned that he used to do it, if he would be willing to cut his hair. While cutting his hair on the front porch, people walked by and complemented Zack's work. Immediately his passion for cutting hair came back. This realization turned into determination which remains with him today.

In 2018, Zack decided to attend Pittsburgh Barber School and go all the way by becoming a licensed professional. He completed the required one year and 1,250 hours thereby receiving his certificate of completion in 2019. He then went to take his State Boards test and passed and received his barber license later that year. Upon graduating, Zack was granted the opportunity to work alongside his barber instructor, Ms. Jackee for two years at her barbershop in McKees Rocks, PA. Zack then applied to take his Barber Manager test and was granted a Barber Manager License in 2021.

In September 2026, Zack opened his own barber shop in Carrick with a full ribbon-cutting complete with clients, friends, supporters and elected officials attending to celebrate his beautiful new space. Today Zack is proud to serve as Chairperson of BreakIT leading by example and Making Difference in our community.

Ben's professional background is in interior design, where his work is guided by the principle of intentional design; the belief that systems, like spaces, must be created with purpose, clarity, and human dignity at their core. He approaches environments not as isolated aesthetic exercises, but as structures that shape behavior, experience, and long-term outcomes. That same systems-oriented mindset informs his interest in criminal justice reform and business incubation.

Ben believes strongly in quality over quantity. In design, this means resisting trends in favor of work that is thoughtful, durable, and grounded. In the nonprofit and policy context, it translates into advocating for reforms and programs that prioritize depth over scale, investing deeply in people, institutions, and ideas that are built to last, rather than pursuing rapid expansion or symbolic wins.

His perspective is shaped by a commitment to historical and social context. Just as no building exists outside of its past, no system of justice or economy can be understood without acknowledging the cultural, legal, and economic forces that produced it. In both fields, meaningful progress requires working with what already exists, by honoring lived experience, institutional memory, and complexity rather than attempting to erase or oversimplify it.

Ben is particularly concerned with the ways in which modern discourse, including aspects of cancel culture, can unintentionally undermine progress by replacing engagement with avoidance and discomfort with silence. In design, avoiding difficult constraints leads to superficial results; in social systems, avoiding difficult people and conversations leads to exclusion and stagnation. Durable change requires the willingness to remain present with complexity, disagreement, and imperfection.

At the core of both his professional and civic work is a belief in human potential and earned redemption. Ben is committed to supporting organizations that invest in second chances, skill-building, and economic participation, especially for those historically marginalized by the justice system. Whether designing a space or helping shape an institution, Ben believes the goal is the same: to build structures that allow people not just to function, but to grow, contribute, and belong.

Cindy Underwood serves as a dedicated and visionary board member, bringing more than three decades of expertise in financial systems, audit, and strategic operations to organizations committed to community growth and economic empowerment. A native of Rankin, PA and graduate of Woodland Hills High School, Cindy earned her bachelor's degree from Thiel College with a dual major in Accounting and Business and a minor in Economics.

Cindy’s distinguished 30-year career with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) included roles as both a Revenue Agent and a Special Agent, where she developed deep expertise in financial audit, forensic accounting, and criminal investigation. Her broad background also includes experience in contracting and residential property rehabilitation.

In 2020, Cindy transitioned into entrepreneurship and now serves as the co-founder and partner of C & J Financial Foundations. Alongside her business partner James Carter, she provides strategic financial consulting, business planning, operational structure, audit readiness, bookkeeping support, and grant development to small businesses and nonprofits. Their partnership is built upon more than 50 years of combined experience across construction, engineering, healthcare, investigative accounting, and audit.

As a board member, Cindy is committed to strengthening organizational capacity, increasing financial transparency, and helping mission-driven organizations secure the resources needed to grow. She is currently preparing to launch a new initiative focused on helping small and mid-sized nonprofits gain access to capital through improved financial readiness.

Beyond her professional expertise, Cindy is expanding her platform as a public speaker, offering workshops, webinars, and community events designed to inspire and empower women in business. Her approach is grounded in collaboration, clarity, and practical strategy, always with the goal of lifting others to their next level.

Cindy considers her greatest accomplishment to be raising her two daughters as a single mother. She finds joy in family time, volunteer service, and playing golf whenever she can.

RoBear is committed to working for equity and justice.  Social activism and standing alongside the marginalized is his calling.  Thus, he is deeply committed to the mission and vision of BreakIT.  Currently he facilitates classes at the Allegheny County Jail that teach skills enabling reentering citizens to have a successful reentry.  He facilitates 'Mind Training for Successful Reentry' under the auspices of Awaken Pittsburgh.  He also facilitates 'Path of Freedom: Mindfulness Based Emotional Intelligence in the HOPE pod of the Allegheny County Jail.  He celebrates being married to Glenna for 54 years and the gift of two wonderful daughters. 

Taylor Kirkland-Harvey is a creative leader and community advocate who is passionate about design, communication, and service to strengthen the organizations and communities he works with. He earned his associate's degree in graphic design with Honors and is a proud member of Psi Beta, the national honors society in psychology for community and junior colleges. Taylor is currently continuing his education while expanding his work in creative leadership and community engagement.

With a background in visual communication, branding, photography, and digital media, Taylor has worked with nonprofit organizations and community initiatives to develop marketing materials, brand identities, and outreach strategies that help organizations better communicate their mission and connect with the people they serve. His work blends creativity with purpose, focusing on thoughtful storytelling and impactful design that supports community growth.

Beyond his creative work, Taylor is deeply committed to leadership through service. I believe that strong communities are built through collaboration, mentorship, and access to opportunity. Throughout his involvement with community organizations, he has supported programs that uplift youth, strengthen local initiatives, and create spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered.

As a board member, Taylor brings a strategic mindset, a creative perspective, and a genuine commitment to advancing the mission of the organization. He approaches leadership with the belief that meaningful change happens when people combine their skills, voices, and dedication to serve something larger than themselves. Through his work in design, advocacy, and community engagement, Taylor continues to use his talents to help organizations grow, communicate effectively, and create lasting impact.