Founder & Executive Director

Hawa Peters is the visionary behind Utica Royalties, a community-based organization dedicated to youth empowerment, creativity, and holistic development. Driven by a deep passion for service and community advocacy, she founded Utica Royalties to create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can express themselves, build confidence, and develop leadership skills that prepare them for lifelong success.

Hawa’s leadership is grounded in lived experience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to equity, opportunity, and wellness for all youth. She brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership, community collaboration, and youth development, and is known for her ability to build meaningful partnerships across organizations, and community.

In addition to her role at Utica Royalties, Hawa has extensive experience in healthcare and education, which informs her holistic approach to youth and family support. Her work consistently centers dignity, empowerment, and sustainability, ensuring that programs not only meet immediate needs but also create long-term impact.

President of Utica Royalties

Instructors- Management Information System

Abdelshashakour Khamis supports the executive leadership of Utica Royalties and oversees strategic operations. As Vice President, he helps guide the organization’s direction. In addition to his leadership role, he also serves as an Instructor in Management Information Systems, helping youth build essential technology and digital skills. His work reflects a strong commitment to empowering young people through both leadership and education.

Secretary

Heather serves as the Secretary of Utica Royalties, supporting internal communications, organizing important documents, and assisting with meeting coordination and reporting. Her role ensures that administrative tasks run smoothly and that team communications are clear and organized

Assistant Director – IT & Digital Operations

Mohamed is part of the IT Department at Utica Royalties, where he supports the organization’s digital operations and technology needs. He helps manage the website, online forms, communication tools, and internal data systems. With a background in Computer Information Systems and a passion for technology and service,

Treasury

Kari Procopio brings over 20 years of experience in communications, public policy advocacy, and fund development to the Board of Utica Royalties. She currently serves as a Corporate Public Relations Specialist and is the founder of McKendrick Consulting, LLC, where she provides grant consulting and communications strategy services.

Kari holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a concentration in Political Science from Utica College of Syracuse University.

Contributor – Photography & Media

Brian Lazore is the founder of Lazore Photography, where he captures the spirit of Upstate New York through evocative nature, landscape, and event photography. As a proud contributor to the Utica Royalties Youth Program, Brian documents key moments from youth events, creating compelling visual stories and marketing materials that celebrate community pride and engagement.

His work blends artistry with purpose, turning everyday scenes into lasting impressions that uplift, educate, and connect.

Board Member

Kevin Maken is a pillar of wisdom, leadership, and heart within our community. As the Director at On Point for College – Utica, Kevin brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, board service, and fundraising, along with deep roots and connections throughout the region. A brilliant historian and a deeply thoughtful, highly educated leader, he has an extraordinary ability to see both the bigger picture and the human stories within it.

It is a true honor and blessing to have Kevin Mackin serve on the Utica Royalties Board. His insight, network, compassion, and unwavering commitment to community uplift strengthen our mission and help ensure our work continues to grow with purpose and excellence.

Board Member

Dawn Laguerre is a nonprofit and civic leader with extensive experience in public engagement, education advocacy, and community development. She is the Founder and Principal of Laguerre Media, advising nonprofit and civic boards on strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and public accountability. Laguerre has held leadership roles with education, housing, and civic organizations and is widely recognized for advancing initiatives that strengthen transparency, equity, and community trust across the Mohawk Valley and New York State