Mission
WE Lead Sports uses sports, leadership, and college readiness to build character and equip youth to rise above adversity and soar in every area of their lives.
The organization serves youth ages 4 to 17 living in Mercer County, specifically the cities of Trenton, Ewing, Lawrence. We are committed to providing access and high-quality programming, with a strong focus on supporting under-resourced communities throughout Mercer County.
Vision
To create a world where every child regardless of their zip code has the opportunity to thrive.
We envision communities where youth in under-resourced areas are empowered to reach their full potential through access to free or low-cost programs that support their:
- Academic achievement
- Athletic excellence
- Personal development
Our Core Values
Equity & Access
We are dedicated to ensuring that every child regardless of background or circumstance has the opportunity to grow and thrive through our tennis, soccer, leadership, and college readiness programs. By offering free or low-cost access, we remove barriers and open doors for all youth to succeed.
Character & Leadership
We cultivate strong character and leadership by empowering young people to rise above challenges with resilience, integrity, and confidence. Our programs teach life lessons that extend beyond the court or field, shaping leaders both in sports and in life.
Growth & Higher Learning
We inspire youth to pursue excellence in every area of life academically, athletically, and personally. Through a supportive and enriching environment, we encourage continuous learning, curiosity, and a commitment to pursuing higher education after high school.
Our Impact
We serve youth ages 4–17 in Mercer County, specifically Trenton, Ewing, and Lawrence.
At WE Lead Sports, we transform lives by providing sports, leadership, and college readiness programs that equip youth to reach their full potential. Our programs address academic, social, and developmental gaps in under-resourced communities, where household incomes and college enrollment rates are low, and student-to-mentor ratios are limited.
We focus on three key areas:
- Social, Physical & Mental Development: Using sports and structured programs to promote physical health, mental well-being, character building, and essential life skills.
- Leadership Development: Providing role models and mentorship that foster confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.
- Academic & College Readiness: Preparing students for college, careers, and life beyond high school.
Through partnerships with schools and community organizations, we ensure youth have access to age-appropriate, high-quality programs designed to produce meaningful and lasting results.
Meet Michelle Gbelama Okore
Michelle is a Youth Development Specialist and Professional Tennis Coach with over 19 years of experience, having worked with more than 5,000 young people across the NJ/NY area.
She graduated from Drew University with a B.A. in Economics and a master’s degree in Creative Writing.
While at Drew, Michelle played number-one singles and doubles, served as team captain, earned two MVP awards, and became the first woman in the university’s history to win the NJAIAW tournament. She later returned to Drew as an assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams, further deepening her impact on collegiate athletics.
In 2022, Michelle founded WE Lead Sports Inc. to expand youth access to developmental opportunities and to prepare young people for life beyond high school. Through this organization, she blends sports, leadership development, and college readiness to ensure youth are equipped for long-term success.
Michelle’s passion for youth-centered programs is driven by her belief that all young people deserve the chance to reach their highest potential. She understands the power of sports as a transformative tool, one that builds discipline, confidence, and essential life skills that help youth excel academically, socially, and personally. Guided by this conviction, she has dedicated her career to creating pathways that empower young people to discover their purpose and fulfill their potential.
In addition to her leadership with WE Lead Sports Inc., Michelle has served on several boards over the years, including the United States Tennis Association New Jersey District Board, the USTA Middle States Board, and the Capital Harmony Board. She is also an active leader at Transformation Church in Trenton, NJ.
Get to know the people who lead with heart, inspire through action, and show up for our young athletes every single day.
