Founder and President
Javon “Coby” James is a native of Columbia, South Carolina and a graduate of Coastal Carolina University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Sport Management. Javon took a year off and then went on to further his education at Strayer University where he obtained his Master’s in Business Administration. Being a first-generation college graduate was not so easy for Javon. Javon almost failed out of college due to grades but he has faced adversity all of his life and that was just another obstacle for him to overcome. At that moment is when Javon thought about the What If Foundation. Javon believes that everything in the world happens for a reason and that everything you do has a “What If” moment. Javon dedicates his time being active in the community and believes in “Paying it Forward” to the young adults that he coaches and mentors.
Vice President
Carlos DuBois is a Recreation Supervisor in Columbia, South Carolina, who collaborates with Richland County Recreation and Richland One School District to improve the lives of youth and small communities. After four years of undergraduate study at Claflin University, Carlos understands the importance of offering programs and support to those in need. It’s how well you connect with the heart-beating people you’re trying to help and communicate your understanding back to them. Carlos chose to obtain his Master's degree in Organization Leadership at Columbia International University. Carlos spends his spare time, in addition to his professional work, photographing.
Secretary
Marietta Wider is the Secretary for the What If Foundation and a graduate of Strayer University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She is currently pursuing herMasters of Education at Columbia College in Divergent Learning. Marietta is currently working for Richland County School District One and is the Head Girls’ Basketball Coach at W.G. Sanders Middle School. Marietta also has a Math tutoring business "Building for the Future" whereshe helps all grade levels and some college students achieve their goals in math. Growing up she knew she didn't want other children to go through what she went through so, she lives by the statement " I willmake a Difference" As, she has had several teachers, mentors that made a difference in her life. Marietta knew she was going to do the same for the upcoming generation!
“Great leaders are set out to make a Difference! It's never about the role, always about the GOAL!!”
Treasurer
Ne’Quan “Nate” Williams is the treasurer for the What If Foundation. He is originally from Bennettsville, SC and received his Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management degree from Coastal Carolina University in 2016. He states that his reason for joining this organization was because “he has had several “What If” moments and he knew he wanted to assist in providing mentorship, leadership, and services to the youth in his communities.” He continues his reasoning with: “What If” his family wasn’t so supportive, would he had even made it to college? “What If” he had not attended Coastal Carolina University, would he have met Javon “Coby” James who he calls a brother. “What If” the members in the organization were not like-minded individuals looking to impact society by giving back and really looking to see the youth grow and prosper?” These are all questions Nate has asked himself since joining the What If Foundation. He credits these questions as reasons he is in the position he is in today and he is loving every moment of it.
What is your “What If” moment?
Community Liaison
Kenny Jackson is a Columbia, SC native, graduating from Columbia High School in 2011.After leaving the area, he enrolled at Coastal Carolina University. While at CCU, Kenny obtained his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees in 2015 and 2017, respectively. Since, Kenny has worked in the education field working in schools in Georgetown and Dorchester counties. Now, he is in his fourth-year teaching at DuBose Middle School in Summerville, SC.