OUR MISSION
Create U Network’s mission is to create a safe place for the resource-limited residents
of West Baltimore to confidently embrace their capacity to change lives, legacies, and communities as they learn to become entrepreneurs that support one another to employ best practices and processes to create and maintain sustainable businesses.
Create U Network 3 Pillars
Who We Serve
Marginalized Individuals
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At Create U Network, we believe that the voices and talents of marginalized individuals are essential for fostering innovation and driving cultural change. Our Entrepreneur Program is dedicated to empowering these individuals by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to transform their ideas into successful ventures. By creating an inclusive environment that champions diversity and equity, we aim to uplift underrepresented voices and harness their unique perspectives, ensuring that entrepreneurship becomes a pathway for all. Together, we can cultivate a community where every entrepreneur has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a more equitable economy.
Unconventional Entrepreneurs
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Unconventional entrepreneurs are the trailblazers of the modern workforce, skillfully balancing a full-time job while nurturing their side businesses to pursue their passions and achieve financial independence. With creativity, resilience, and a unique blend of skills, these individuals embody the spirit of innovation within the Create U Entrepreneur program, proving that entrepreneurial dreams can flourish alongside traditional career paths. They are not just building businesses; they are redefining the future of work, demonstrating that with determination and the right support, anyone can create their own opportunities and make a meaningful impact in their communities."
Conventional Entrepreneurs
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Conventional entrepreneurs are individuals who leverage traditional business models and established practices to identify opportunities, create value, and drive economic growth. Through the Create U Entrepreneur program, we aim to empower these entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to refine their business strategies, adapt to evolving market dynamics, and achieve sustainable success in their ventures. By fostering a supportive community and providing access to innovative learning experiences, we seek to cultivate a new generation of conventional entrepreneurs who are not only skilled in their craft but also committed to making a positive impact in their communities."
LEADERSHIP
PRESIDENT,
Dr. Louis (“Doc”) Wilson
SECRETARY,
Wendy Merrick
Dr. Louis H. (“Doc”) Wilson is the visionary, President, and co-founder of Create U Network, the Senior Pastor of New Song Community Church in Sand town-Winchester, Baltimore, and the President of New Creation Urban Ministries. He founded what became the largest African American church in the Presbyterian Church of America(PCA), and subsequently was the founding visionary of the African American Network, PCA. Doc’s passion for serving under resourced communities was nurtured in Dallas, Texas. Serving under Dr. Ruben and Geneva Conner, Doc became Executive Director of the Urban Evangelical Mission and Operation Relief Center (ORC). Founded in 1991, ORC is still going strong with a multimillion-dollar budget focusing on affordable housing. Doc’s roots trace back to the streets of Chicago. By the strength of the Lord and the support of his loving wife Ella, he survived many hills and valleys on his journey to Baltimore. His desire - nurtured by life’s lessons learned - is to assist others in seeing a better version of themselves.
Doc has two masters’ degrees and two doctorates: Master of Theology, Dallas Theological Seminary; Urban Sociology, University of North Texas; Doctor of Management in Organization Leadership, University of Phoenix; and a PhD. in Religion and Society, Oxford Graduate School.
Doc and his wife Ella have nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He shares one sad note. “Ella, who taught school for 41 years and is a semi-professional gospel singer, beat me at chess once and felt it necessary to make a song. She titled it
‘I beat Louis playing chess’”.
Wendy M. Merrick has worked in the health care and human services field for over forty years. Primarily in leadership roles, she has managed mental health, substance abuse, primary care and
HIV medical and supportive services programs throughout her career. Ms. Merrick has had over 35 years of experience managing and developing grants and program models. Her professional
services include program development, HIV services, board development, leadership coaching, and grant writing.
Ms. Merrick is a native of Baltimore City and is a graduate of Western Maryland College (now known as McDaniel College). She also earned a Master’s Degree in Human Services Administration - Health Systems Management from Coppin State University and the Universityof Baltimore. She attends New Song Community Church where she serves as a Trustee andmember of the Board of Directors for Create U Network.
DIRECTOR,
Dr. Willie L Thompson II
Dr. Willie L Thompson II, a native of Fort Washington, Maryland, is an esteemed academic and professional engineer with over two decades of experience in RF/microwave engineering and communication systems. He currently holds the position of Associate Professor at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of Morgan State University’s Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. School of Engineering. In addition to his teaching role, Dr. Thompson serves as the Director of the University’s Center of Microwave, Satellite, and RF Engineering (COMSARE). His achievements include
securing the first DoD prime contract for the development of a multi-band, multi-mode software-defined radio (SDR) for next-generation DoD telemetry applications. Throughout his tenure, he has successfully secured over $5 million in research funding and was awarded two US patents. Dr. Thompson’s commitment to fostering the next generation of engineers is evident in his role as an academic advisor, having guided 4 doctoral and 8 master students.
Dr. Thompson’s expertise extends beyond academia into government and industry. From 2019 to 2023, he contributed his skills as a DoD contractor, supporting EW, PNT, and the Cyber domain. His tenure at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland, further underscores his professional accomplishments. As the Principal Investigator for the GSFC’s SDR Technology Program from 2005 to 2009, he made significant contributions to space technology. Notably, he designed an RF front end for a GPS receiver for the Hubble Servicing Mission 2 in 2008. Dr. Thompson’s academic journey saw him earn his D.Eng. and B.S.E.E. from Morgan State University in 2003 and 1997, respectively.
TREASURER,
Eric Sevy
Mr. Sevy is a co-founder and serves as Create U Network’s Executive Director and
Treasurer. He retired from the Federal Government in 2021, where he served for 37
years in a variety of roles including software developer, Technical Lead, and mid-level
organizational management. A graduate of Georgia Tech (BSEE) and The Johns
Hopkins University (Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering), he is married to his
wife Arlene since 1991, has two children, and is a longtime member of Chapelgate
Presbyterian Church - one of Create U Network’s founding partners. In retirement,
he enjoys hiking in national parks with his family and volunteering for several
nonprofit organizations.
Mr. Sevy met Dr. Wilson in 2015 and was inspired by his heart and vision for the
residents of the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood and surrounding communities in
west Baltimore City. As a recipient of God’s overwhelming grace throughout his life and
career, Mr. Sevy enjoys sharing his experience in building and running organizations
with Create U’s cohort members and learning from their insights and experience, too.
He is continually blessed and inspired by their creativity, enthusiasm, and resilience in
the face of many challenges, and is grateful for this opportunity to serve Baltimore at
Create U Network.
CLIENT REPRESENTATIVE,
Arika Davenport
Arika Davenport is the founder & CEO of Impactful Changes Inc. Born and raised in Baltimore City, Ms. Davenport graduated from Lake Clifton Senior High in 1985 before pursuing further education at Harford Institute for business. Her career spans over 25 years with Amtrak Passenger Rail Services, where she distinguished herself through dedication and excellence in customer service. She served as a Union Officer for TCU local 570 at Amtrak, passionately advocating for workers' rights and interests. Beyond her career at Amtrak, she is the Founder & CEO of Impactful Changes Inc., a residential treatment facility for women aimed at providing essential support and resources to those battling substance abuse. Arika is deeply committed to community service, actively supporting Baltimore's homeless population and consistently striving to make a positive impact. Her leadership and commitment to service were prominently featured in VISIT BALTIMORE magazine on behalf of Amtrak, highlighting her exemplary contributions to both her profession and community.
Ms. Davenport found Create U Network’s Business Ownership Academy through a recommendation of one of the trusted Board members. Before attending the Business Ownership Academy, she did not have the confidence or enough knowledge to represent Impactful Changes. She works a full time job - sixteen hours a day, five-to-six days a week. In her downtime, she is building her business. "Create U created a trusted space for me to educate myself, to connect with some resources, and to grow my business. I have shared this program with everyone I know!”
DIRECTOR,
Marcus Cato
Marcus Cato has worked as a Policy Analyst within the U.S. Government for more than 15 years. Mr. Cato works in medicine safety policy, protecting and promoting public health. He has served in various roles including Project Management, Management, Process Improvement, and Health Policy. Mr. Cato is a graduate of the University of Maryland College Park and the University of Maryland University College. He holds an undergraduate degree in the biological sciences and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Mr. Cato has also worked in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry in Virus Production, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance. Mr. Cato has also supported several nonprofit organizations serving as both a volunteer and a board member.
Mr. Cato met Dr. Wilson in 2021 and shared his love for west Baltimore City and the surrounding communities. Mr. Cato shares the belief that ‘God ignites and inspires in every individual the unique capabilities to make vital contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy and stability of the communities in which they live.’ As a resident of west Baltimore, Mr. Cato is inspired by and grateful for the opportunity to serve his community at Create U Network.
BUSINESS OWNERSHIP ACADEMY COORDINATOR,
Chester France
Chester A. France, Jr. is a Certified Life Coach (CLC), Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master Social Work (MSW), and Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS).
Mr. France has more than 35 years of professional experience in sales, sales training, and management in the for-profit sector. For more than 15 years, Mr. France has provided management and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations, particularly in the faith-based community, to include establishing several nonprofit 501(c) (3) corporations.
Mr. France is a graduate of Morgan State University with a degree in Business and Marketing. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Howard University School of Divinity and is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Social Work with a Management and Community Organization concentration.
Currently, Mr. France is the Lead Facilitator for Create U Network, an Entrepreneurial Training initiative located in West Baltimore, in partnership with New Song Community Church.
Mr. France is also the Founder of The Chill Station, Inc. (dba) Lifting Labels. TCS is 501©(3) nonprofit organization established to reduce poverty by creating careers for Baltimore’ Returning Citizens. Lifting Labels hires formerly incarcerated men and women to manufacture clergy and choir robes, stoles, graduation regalia, garment and tote bags, and culinary aprons.
