About Rock Nation Inc.
Rock Nation Inc. is a faith-rooted, community-focused nonprofit in Broward County, Florida. At the heart of our mission is Trauma to Triumph, a signature program that uses the performing arts to help youth heal, grow, and transform. Through music, dance, and creative expression, young people learn to face challenges, release struggles in healthy ways, and discover the resilience to rise stronger. But our commitment goes further. Rock Nation weaves together the strengths of arts, sports, swimming, wellness, and education with caring mentorship built on faith and character. Whether it’s on the stage, in the classroom, at the pool, or on the playing field, we create spaces where youth are encouraged, supported, and challenged to step boldly into their purpose.
What We Believe
At Rock Nation, we live by the call to “Fix your crown. Find your purpose. Change your world.”
Fix your crown reminds every child that no matter their pain, mistakes, or setbacks, their worth and potential are never lost.
Find your purpose reflects our mission to guide youth toward their God-given gifts and equip them with skills to use them well.
Change your world is the outcome we strive for young people rising as confident leaders who impact their homes, schools, and communities.
This is more than a motto; it’s the heartbeat of our work.
Why It Matters
The opportunities we provide are not just activities—they are lifelines. They protect youth from harmful cycles, give them the courage to overcome adversity, and inspire them to believe in their ability to lead. We work to remove barriers—whether it’s the cost of lessons, the absence of mentors, or the lack of safe spaces—that hold young people back from their potential. We also know transformation doesn’t happen alone. That’s why we partner with schools, churches, businesses, and community organizations to build a strong network of support. Together, we open doors, meet practical needs, and create pathways of hope that last.
Our Vision for the Future
We believe in Broward County where every young person has the chance to thrive, live with purpose, and create lasting change. By empowering youth today, we are raising resilient leaders who will inspire their peers, strengthen their families, and shape stronger communities for generations to come.
Ashley Knight, Founder/Executive Director
Ashley Knight is the Founder and Executive Director of Rock Nation Inc. She holds a Master of Human Services degree with a specialization in Child Protection and the Juvenile Justice System from Nova Southeastern University. Her professional journey began as a Communications Officer with a local sheriff’s office, where she worked closely with Child Protective Services. Ashley brings over seven years of community engagement experience, including tutoring, legal advocacy, and building collaborative partnerships with local schools and law enforcement. These connections strengthen prevention efforts, provide resources to families, and create pathways for at-risk youth to thrive. Growing up in Fort Lauderdale, Ashley faced her own struggles—peer pressure, low self-esteem, bullying, and instability. She found refuge in reading, sports, and music, and through her academics and faith, built the resilience that shaped her into a leader and entrepreneur. Today, she is passionate about creating spaces where young men and women can find healing, discover their gifts, and believe in themselves again. Rock Nation is my attempt to empower young people to see that they can be someone within their community simply by having a heart for the city and a heart for the people. For me, dance has always been more than movement—it has been an outlet, a way to stay grounded, and a reminder that even in life’s hardest seasons, there is rhythm, resilience, and hope. It’s about more than success—it’s about restoring faith, love, and forgiveness so we can walk in our God-given purpose.”
Leadership Team
Lekesha Weems, Treasurer
Lekesha oversees the use and disbursements of all assets as it relates to the organization. She is also responsible for the leading and guiding development of long-term financial planning, preparing budgets, an interpreting and using financial statements, and serving as the Finance Committee Officer. Lekesha is a motivated and accomplished grad with an extensive business background. She is fluent in American Sign Language, English, German, and Spanish. She has a BAS degree in Organizational Management with experience in several positions to include, Director of Marketing, Personal Banker, and Indian River County Sports Ministry.
Shana Lorde, Aquatics Director
Shana Lorde leads Rock Nation’s aquatic programs, including swimming classes, recreational events, and pool safety initiatives. She ensures compliance with safety standards, oversees daily operations, and promotes a culture of water safety at every level. Shana’s passion for swimming began at the age of five, competing across Europe in countries like Germany, Spain, and Moscow before completing her competitive career at Broward College. Her journey later took her into the military, where she continued teaching swimming—not only to her children but also to soldiers and military families. While serving as a medical professional in a pediatric emergency department, Shana witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of childhood drownings. That experience became the driving force behind her calling to prevent water-related tragedies. She went on to establish Let Us Swim LLC, dedicated to teaching water safety and proving that everyone can learn how to swim.
Shana explains, “I wanted to save lives on a very real level. I wanted to prevent families from suffering the loss of a child to something 100% preventable.”
Brianna D. Lewis-Screen, Public Relations Officer
Brianna specializes in building and raising awareness on behalf of the organization. She is responsible for editing written correspondences, promotional material, and publications. Brianna is an Administrative Assistant with a local municipality and Executive Director of Management for Screen Transport LLC. She has 25 years of Administrative Service experience that allotted her to work within the State of Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, The Executive Office of the Mayor of Miami- Dade County, Miami-Dade County Office of Community and Economic Development, and the City Manager’s Office with the City of Miami Gardens. She is a published Feature Writer, Columnist and former Editor-in-Chief of Bold Favor Magazine and Bold Favor Plus Magazine. She is currently working on her Legacy of Love Forever My Sissy’s Keeper in honor of her late sister Ursula Y. Lewis; brining awareness to Sarcoidosis and blessing those in the community with random acts of kindness.
Partners & Sponsors
ROCK NATION INC is proud to partner with Diversified Swimming to expand opportunities for at-risk youth through aquatic programs. This collaboration enhances our mission by providing access to swimming lessons and water safety education, promoting physical activity, confidence, and overall well-being. Together, we aim to inspire healthy lifestyles and support mental health while fostering a positive community environment for the youth and families we serve.