Beatrice Carter Founder & CEO

Margo Green is a devoted community advocate, survivor, and the visionary founder of In My Father’s House, an outreach ministry devoted to restoring the lives of women, men, and children affected by domestic violence. As Secretary of the Board for Kicks for Kids, Margo brings both her administrative strength and her deep compassion to the heart of our mission.

A survivor herself, Margo’s journey from brokenness to boldness has fueled her lifelong commitment to helping others heal from the trauma of abuse. She is a certified counselor in mental health, marriage, and bereavement, and holds a Seminary School Certificate where she was trained in faith-based care for emotional and psychological restoration. Her experience and expertise provide critical insight into the intersection of trauma, faith, and practical support, especially for the most vulnerable among us.

Margo's role at Kicks for Kids extends far beyond recordkeeping and governance. She serves as a voice for the voiceless, helping ensure that the needs of at-risk youth and families are not only heard but met with integrity and empathy. Her background in nonprofit leadership and trauma-informed ministry uniquely positions her to advocate for children facing instability, offering them hope and encouragement through every pair of sneakers we give.

Whether she’s supporting a mother in crisis, mentoring a teenager, or guiding organizational decisions, Margo leads with grace, wisdom, and unwavering faith. She believes that healing begins when people feel seen and her life is a powerful testament to that truth.

Samuel “Sam” Inalegwu is a world-class athlete, transformational coach, and tireless youth advocate. As Co-Chair and Sports Director of Kicks for Kids, Sam brings decades of international sports experience, nonprofit leadership, and a deep personal understanding of the power of opportunity to transform lives.

Born in Kaduna, Nigeria, Sam’s story began as a ball boy at a local tennis club. Through the generosity of mentors who provided him with tennis gear and funded his education, he rose to become one of Nigeria’s top junior and later senior tennis champions. His talent and determination earned him the chance to compete in international tournaments across Yugoslavia and Hungary, where he also played professionally and started a family.

Sam's influence expanded from the court to the classroom as he began coaching in England and eventually moved to the United States in 2008. There, he served as Director of Norwalk/Stamford Grassroots Tennis & Education, helping underprivileged youth build discipline, character, and purpose through tennis and mentoring.

Now based in New Jersey, Sam is the founder of Essex Grassroots Tennis & Education, where he continues to impact hundreds of young lives by using tennis as a bridge to educational access, leadership skills, and emotional resilience. His commitment to youth empowerment has made him a respected voice in the field of sports-based community development.

For the past 8 years, Sam has partnered with Kicks for Kids to co-host a completely free 6-week Summer Tennis Program that provides athletic training, mentorship, meals, and life skills to children and teens from underserved neighborhoods. This long-standing collaboration has become a cornerstone of our community engagement efforts, offering youth a safe, supportive space to grow on and off the court.

As Co-Chair of Kicks for Kids, Sam plays a pivotal role in ensuring that children not only receive the sneakers and gear they need, but also the vision, mentorship, and encouragement that every child deserves. His life is living proof of what’s possible when someone believes in you early and consistently.

Sam’s legacy is rooted in resilience, generosity, and the firm belief that every child deserves a fighting chance, on the court, in the classroom, and in life.

Richard Whitten has been a vital force in the mission of Kicks for Kids since 2016, serving as our dedicated Community Ambassador. With a heart for service and a commitment to equity, Richard works directly with schools, agencies, and grassroots partners to ensure that the most underserved children in our community are not overlooked. His focus is on making sure that every child identified receives not only brand-new sneakers—but also the additional resources and support their families may need.

Richard is also a respected team member at the Essex County Council for Young Children, a collaborative initiative designed to bring families, service providers, and community leaders together to address the health, safety, and developmental needs of children from pregnancy through age 8. Through this role, he helps elevate the voices of parents and guardians, ensuring that the concerns, dreams, and successes of families are heard and acted upon at the local level.

His work with the Council emphasizes inclusion, community empowerment, and early intervention—creating environments where families are supported, children can thrive, and change is driven by those who are most affected. He helps engage community leaders, facilitates access to training and advocacy tools, and promotes family-strengthening solutions that align perfectly with the mission of Kicks for Kids.

With nearly a decade of dedication to our cause, Richard is more than an ambassador—he’s a trusted bridge between our organization and the communities we serve. His tireless outreach helps us fulfill our mission with compassion, accuracy, and accountability—ensuring that every child walks into the school year with confidence, dignity, and a renewed sense of hope.