Swim Up Hill Companies & Foundation Announces New Board of Directors Appointments: Ambassador Michael Lawson, Representative Joseph Towns, and Investment Banker Ralph Mendy Henderson Jr.
Backed by a legacy of impact and a vision for generational change, Swim Up Hill strengthens its leadership with three national figures spanning diplomacy, policy, and finance.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — Swim Up Hill Companies & Foundation, one of America’s fastest-rising Black-led enterprises, proudly announces the formal appointment of three powerhouse leaders to its Board of Directors. The newly appointed members are:
Ambassador Michael Lawson, who will also serve as General Counsel to CEO Jamal Hill
U.S. Representative Joseph Towns, bringing strategic federal and public sector expertise
Ralph Mendy Henderson Jr., a nationally respected investment banker and institutional capital strategist
Ambassador Michael Lawson brings decades of legal and diplomatic experience to his new role as Swim Up Hill’s General Counsel and Board Member.
U.S. Representative Joseph Towns joins the board with a vision for policy-driven progress and equitable national impact
Investment banker Ralph Mendy Henderson Jr. brings financial stewardship and legacy capital strategy to the Swim Up Hill Board of Directors
This announcement marks a pivotal expansion of Swim Up Hill’s leadership, signaling a new era of national and global viability across policy, finance, and philanthropic legacy-building.
“This is not just a board—this is a generational shift,” said Jamal Hill, Founder and CEO. “With Ambassador Lawson, Representative Towns, and Ralph Henderson Jr. joining the table, Swim Up Hill isn’t just swimming toward impact—we’re engineering a tidal wave of opportunity for future generations. These are men who have moved millions, advised nations, and shaped systems. Now they’re building with us.”
Strategic Expansion: From Boardroom to Global Stage
These board appointments dramatically strengthen Swim Up Hill’s ability to access and activate the multibillion-dollar racial equity and social impact funding ecosystems pledged since 2020. With direct connections to legacy capital networks, international policymaking channels, and legal governance frameworks, this new board configuration ensures long-term sustainability, credibility, and growth.
Roles & Contributions Include:
Ambassador Michael Lawson: Former U.S. Ambassador and renowned legal strategist, now serving as General Counsel and senior board advisor
Rep. Joseph Towns: Federal policymaker and advocate for Black economic equity, public health, and education
Ralph Mendy Henderson Jr.: Influential financial advisor and connector to national and international endowments
Strategic Value to the Swim Up Hill Mission
Access to multibillion-dollar racial equity and social justice capital (e.g., MacKenzie Scott–aligned funds)
Expansion into national civic, legislative, and philanthropic networks
Enhanced positioning as a Fortune 500–ready enterprise rooted in public impact and private sector excellence
This announcement solidifies Swim Up Hill’s future as not only a nonprofit powerhouse but as a national model for minority-led innovation in education, entertainment, technology, and public health.
Broader Board Vision
These appointments are only the beginning. Swim Up Hill is currently in discussions to expand both its Board of Directors and Board of Advisors with additional global leaders. Targeted new members include:
Renata Simril, President of LA84 Foundation
Jayathma Wickramanayake, United Nations Youth Envoy
Additional leaders across tech, education, finance, and sport
To contribute or learn more, visit www.swimuphill.com/board
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