Why We Do It

Imagine living in a city surrounded by people yearning for real opportunities people who want assistance from mentors who understand their struggles, who resemble their journeys. You don’t have to imagine; this is the reality in many of our urban communities.

In neighborhoods filled with untapped potential, thousands of talented individuals face barriers to accessing meaningful careers. They desire more than just survival they want the resources and guidance to build fruitful experiences and lives they can proudly call their own.

The Hard Facts

The numbers speak for themselves:

• Household Income Disparity: The average household income in New York City’s urban communities ranges from $45,516 to $48,497, with a per capita income of just $28,845.

• Earning Potential in CDL Careers: Compare this to CDL careers, where Class B drivers earn an average of $74,535 annually, and Class A drivers can make upwards of $90,278.

$74,535

$90,278

Class A average

Class B average

Now factor in the cost of living in NYC, where $100 is worth just $92.40. Imagine trying to stretch $28,845 to cover rent, groceries, and essentials in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

DFA is here to bridge this gap. We understand the value of teaching resourcefulness, financial literacy, and career skills that don’t just sustain families but empower them to thrive.

What We Offer

At DFA, we focus on more than technical training we invest in people. By instilling values and practical skills, we empower individuals to build equitable, sustainable lives far beyond the bare minimum. We believe in creating men and women who are not just employable but impactful within their families and communities.

Our programs are designed to serve:

• The underserved, providing access to quality training and mentorship.

• The underemployed, helping individuals level up their skills and earning potential.

• The formerly incarcerated, offering a second chance through structured pathways to financial stability and professional growth.

Haleem Saddiq Livingston Jr.

Haleem Saddiq Livingston Jr. is an accomplished entrepreneur and visionary leader with over a decade of experience building successful ventures across multiple industries. Growing up as an inner-city youth determined to unlock the secrets of financial literacy and business ownership, Haleem’s journey is one of resilience, relentless self-improvement, and unwavering commitment to empowering others.

He began his career in the health and wellness industry, helping hundreds of clients transform their lives. From there, he co-founded and sold his stake in one of the city's few minority-owned security firms, proving his ability to succeed in competitive spaces. Pivoting to logistics, Haleem thrived in the fast-paced, volatile trucking industry, growing a flourishing business. Yet, he recognized a deeper purpose: the need to mentor others and provide pathways to better lives.

Driven by this mission, Haleem launched Drive Forward Academy to equip inner-city men and women with the skills, mentorship, and entrepreneurial mindset to succeed. With a goal to impact 10,000 lives, the academy offers comprehensive CDL training paired with professional development and entrepreneurship education. Haleem’s vision is to create well-rounded individuals who are not just skilled workers but empowered leaders in their communities.

Through Drive Forward Academy, Haleem has combined his passion for people, his proven business expertise, and his commitment to bridging gaps in opportunity. His work continues to inspire and transform, proving that success is not just about personal growth but about lifting others along the way.

Founder & CEO,

Drive Forward Academy

Shannon Miller

Shannon is a NJ native and daughter of Howard University.

With a myriad of experience rooted in the retail industry, Shannon's expertise ranges across management, business strategy, marketing, omnichannel, digital initiatives, and organizational design

Shannon has led complex retail transformations, navigated business turnaround, and, developed digital upskilling programs to support organizational growth.

Committed to the advancement of historically marginalized communities, Shannon works to broaden access to professional development, skills training, mentorship, and technology.

Chief Strategist Officer

Drive Forward Academy

Nijah LaCourt

Nijah is a Bronx, NY native, former collegiate athlete, and dedicated healthcare leader with a passion for mentorship and community impact. She holds dual degrees in Psychology and Nursing, bringing over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector and five years in clinical practice across diverse healthcare settings.

She has successfully led mid- to large-size teams, demonstrating operational excellence, organizational development, and a deep understanding of enterprise-wide systems. Her expertise spans policy implementation, regulatory compliance, and cross-sector coordination. Making her a strategic force in driving institutional effectiveness and sustainable growth.

Nijah is committed to empowerment, mentorship, innovation, and collaboration. Through her leadership at Drive Forward Academy, she strives to foster resilience, build systems of support, and create a lasting impact within underserved communities.

Chief Operating Officer,

Drive Forward Academy

Our Promise

At Drive Forward Academy, we don’t just teach skills we transform lives. One person at a time, we are creating healthier family dynamics, resilient communities, and opportunities that ripple outward to foster lasting change.

Join us on the journey to redefine what’s possible for inner-city communities. Together, we’ll build a future where success is accessible to all.