Gina Bowser (L) and Lana Whitehead (R)
There are so many groups and organizations who are recognized every year who help the poor and needy year-round. We’ve highlighted these organizations in the past, but sometimes there are organizations that fly under our radar that we felt should be recognized this year.
Junel Hutchinson
In early October of this year, we were invited to an event by Junel Hutchinson called, “A Night of Empowerment”. We were introduced to two special individuals: Lana Whitehead of Perth Amboy who has a company called: “Sharpened Mindz Certified Professional Coaching Practice,” and Gina Bowser who is the founder of “Zakee Bowser Enrichment Foundation (ZBEF),” in honor of her son, Zakee Farah Bowser, who died tragically when he was shot and killed innocently in a random shooting in their community.
Through Gina’s heartache, she turned the tragedy of losing her son into something positive to stop the senseless violence in their community. Her son was a shining example of a young Christian young man who was a shining light to anyone who met him and had a successful future ahead of him that was cut short. She vowed that his legacy would never be forgotten by naming the foundation after her son. This was to bring hope, positivity, love, leadership, and mentorship to all and to always spread love and hope wherever she went in memory of her son.
Lana Whitehead was neighbors with Gina in New Brunswick. Lana has been living in Perth Amboy for the last eight years. Sharpened Mindz is about empowering and encouraging those in underserved communities to recognize their full potential. Lana also worked at DYFAS (Department of Youth and Family Services).
Gina and Lana, along with others on her team that belong to both organizations have decided to gift many communities in Middlesex County with toy drives, block parties, back to school drives, distribution of food and other items that communities are in need of.
Junel Hutchinson first met Lana a few years ago at an event that NJ Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver hosted at the Raritan Yacht Club in Perth Amboy. Lana is the one who introduced Junel to Gina. All three had a common goal of empowering underserved communities and just helping the community as a whole in any way they could and made sure they partnered with organizations who can also make valuable contributions. What those ladies have achieved separately and together are astonishing.
Nationwide corporations have also recognized the hard work that Gina, Lana, and Junel have done and have given them many supplies to distribute to communities in need. I encourage all to look up Gina Bowser and Lana Whitehead’s organizations to see the contributions they have made to different communities over the years which are too numerous to list in this editorial. We are so impressed how two individuals can move mountains when they have the desire to do so and they and their team deserve all the recognition they have received in the past, present, and the future.
We honor all who are recognized on that night on October 9th at Pepino’s Social Club. Pepino’s Social Club was also recognized that night for their contributions that they have made to the city of Perth Amboy.
In my opinion, it has been God’s guidance that has given them the power and those who work with them the means and the strength to help those who need the help the most. This is only the beginning for them, and they will get stronger as time goes by and empower others and be an example along the way. C.M.
