MEET OUR TEAM
Meet Our Team
MEET OUR TEAM Vallejo Late Night Basketball
Vallejo Late Night Basketball is a community-powered initiative led by a small, committed team and supported by trusted advisors and community partners.
Our structure is designed for clarity, accountability, and sustainability as the program grows.
Helen-Marie "Cookie" Gordon
Helen-Marie “Cookie” Gordon is recognized as the visionary behind Vallejo Late Night Basketball. Through her advocacy, leadership, and deep commitment to the community, she played a critical role in bringing people together to reimagine and restore late night basketball in Vallejo.
Her efforts helped spark the collective energy and collaboration that made this program possible. By organizing, uplifting community voices, and pushing for spaces that prioritize youth safety and connection, she laid the foundation for what Vallejo Late Night Basketball has become today.
Visionary
%20(2).jpg)
Louis Michael
Louis serves as the founder and Program Director of Vallejo Late Night Basketball. He oversees program design, partnerships, fundraising, safety coordination, youth leadership development, and long-term strategy.
His work focuses on building a safe, empowering, and community-centered space where Vallejo youth can gather, compete, connect, and grow.
Program Director
Vallejo Late Night Basketball operates with guidance from the Advisory Board.
This board helps ensure:
-
Alignment with mission, vision, and core values
-
Responsible financial stewardship
-
Accountability to funders and community
-
Long-term program sustainability
Advisory Board
Katie Burns
IHART (Felton Institute)
Pastor Bryan Harris
Emmanuel Temple Apostolic Church
Mark Lampkin
Mark Lampkin East Bay Basketball Officials Association
.webp)
Tausha Johnson
Elite Public Schools
Dr. Ramona Bishop
Elite Public Schools
YOUTH LEADERSHIP TEAM
Youth voice is central to Vallejo Late Night Basketball.
Beginning in 2026, the Youth Leadership Team will play an active role in shaping the program experience through:
-
Social media and storytelling
-
Peer outreach
-
On-site engagement
-
Feedback and co-design input
We believe young people are not just participants — they are leaders.
GROWING WITH INTENTION
As Vallejo Late Night Basketball expands, additional roles may include:
-
Site Leads
-
Safety & Operations Coordinators
-
Youth Engagement Specialists
-
Communications Support
-
Referee & Game Coordination Leads
New team members will be added as the program grows and funding allows.
Youth and young adults ages 12–25 are eligible to participate in basketball activities.
Yes. The program space is open to everyone. Families and community members are welcome to attend, spectate, and engage.
Yes. Vallejo Late Night Basketball is free to attend and participate. Participants and Volunteers are also provided with a free hot meal each program night.
Yes. Each night includes trained staff, volunteers, and clear safety protocols. We also partner with local law enforcement who are on site each night.
Yes. Each night includes food, activities, resources and additional programming in addition to basketball.