MENTORSHIP COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
Empowering communities across the East Coast by focusing on educational, professional, individual & community development.
Our Team
Gerald K Malcom
President & Director of Operations
Gerald K. Malcom is a distinguished author, community activist, educational consultant, speaker, and basketball enthusiast whose dedication to revitalizing his hometown of Albany, NY, is as profound as it is impactful. Malcom's passion for teaching the arts has taken him across the country, yet when Albany was ranked among the Deadliest Cities in the U.S., he felt a deep calling to return and help restore the community he once knew.
In 1994, Malcom played a pivotal role in the NYS Midnight Basketball League State Champions, a league created to offer sports, education, and job opportunities to youth ages 18-24. This experience shaped his belief that the power of sports extends far beyond the game, serving as a catalyst for education, community engagement, and personal development.
Nearly 30 years later, Malcom continues this mission as the founder of the GKNY Mentor Program, a non-profit organization that uses education, basketball, and the arts to bring together youth, young adults, and seniors in New York's Capital Region. "It's always bigger than the game," Malcom asserts, a philosophy that has guided his efforts to provide free basketball leagues and programming to over 1,200 participants since 2019.
Malcom’s work goes beyond the court, following the Midnight League’s successful outreach model by offering community-based workshops and creating job opportunities for young adults and seniors who face challenges in securing employment or pursuing higher education. His visionary leadership and commitment to community have earned him collaborations with a wide array of organizations across the Capital District, including Albany, Schenectady, and Troy City School Districts, as well as partnerships with local state and county governments and nonprofits.
Above all, Malcom’s deep-rooted love for Albany drives his tireless efforts to unite like-minded individuals in building a resilient, supportive community. His ability to inspire and mobilize others has made him a cornerstone in the ongoing movement to empower youth, young adults, and seniors, ensuring a brighter future for all.
David Van Wormer
Program/Project Coordinator
David is a pillar of the Capital Region basketball community, with an impressive 30-year legacy that has made him a cornerstone in Albany’s sports scene. His deep involvement in local basketball is highlighted by his role in leading Schenectady High School to victory in the 2001 NYSPHSAA Class A Boys Basketball State Championship. Over the years, David has brought his expertise to youth clubs, summer camps, and programs at prestigious institutions like Siena College and the College of Saint Rose. His influence extends beyond coaching and training; he has also organized high-level collegiate and professional basketball leagues and events, showcasing his dedication to every facet of the sport. As a certified Section 2 high school boys basketball official, David’s engagement with basketball is comprehensive, reflecting his passion and commitment to the game.
Beyond the court, David has devoted the past 15 years to working directly with disadvantaged youth as an aide at Northeast Parent & Child Society. His commitment to making a difference doesn’t stop there—David has also spent nearly a decade with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), particularly with the New York State Board of Parole. In this role, he has conducted over 1,500 parole board interviews, working closely with the New York State Office of Victim Services. Through these professional endeavors, David has developed a deep appreciation for the transformative power of providing opportunities and positive influences in people’s lives.
David’s dual dedication to sports and community service underscores his belief in the potential for positive change through constructive engagement. Whether on the basketball court or in his professional work, David is committed to uplifting individuals and creating pathways for success, making a lasting impact on the Capital Region and beyond.
Eddie Johnson
Referee Assigner