Get to know us

Akewi Barnes

As the Founder and CEO of Northwest Wellness Project, Akewi leads initiatives focused on youth development, mental health awareness, urban agriculture, community beautification, mindfulness, and violence prevention. Through free programming, wellness events, summer camps, yoga classes, and neighborhood engagement efforts, he works to create safer, healthier, and more connected communities.

Akewi is also the Founder and President of Bmore Wrap Review (BWR), a media platform dedicated to highlighting Baltimore’s culture, music, entrepreneurship, community initiatives, and positive stories that often go untold. Through interviews, event coverage, and digital storytelling, BWR amplifies local voices and celebrates the city's talent and resilience.

A certified 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), Akewi integrates mindfulness, movement, and trauma-informed wellness practices into his work with youth, adults, and community organizations. His passion for holistic healing has led him to facilitate workshops, support groups, and wellness programming across Baltimore.

In addition to his community leadership, Akewi is a published author and poet, using his writing to inspire personal growth, resilience, and self-reflection. His book, Going Against The Grain, reflects his commitment to challenging limitations, embracing purpose, and encouraging others to create positive change in their lives and communities.

Known for his personal motto, "Make Positive Cool Again," Akewi continues to build bridges between mental health, community engagement, youth empowerment, and social impact. His work is driven by a belief that every person deserves access to opportunity, support, and a pathway toward wellness.

Professional Roles & Affiliations

• Community Outreach Manager, Divine Counseling, LLC

• Founder & CEO, Northwest Wellness Project

• Founder & President, Bmore Wrap Review

• Certified Yoga Instructor (RYT-200)

• Community Organizer & Mental Health Advocate

• Author & Poet

• Youth Development Leader

• Urban Agriculture & Community Beautification Advocate

• Public Speaker & Wellness Facilitator

• Partnership Development & Community Engagement Specialist

Akewi Barnes is a community leader, entrepreneur, author, yoga instructor, and advocate dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families throughout Baltimore. He serves as the Community Outreach Manager for Divine Counseling, LLC, where he develops strategic partnerships, coordinates community events, and connects residents to critical mental health and supportive services.

Calvin Croxton

When not working in the community Calvin enjoys spending his time as an artist, gardening, reading, serving the church community, and celebrating hip hop culture and creativity within the Closed Circuit.

In 2022, Calvin piloted his youth curriculum through a grassroots initiative in Harlem Park. The program's success underscored the importance of holistic community engagement and inspired Calvin to deepen his impact by spending two years with Baltimore corps Community Health Pathways Program.

In 2024, he expanded his work through a partnership with the Northwest Wellness Project, where he contributed to enhancing youth programming and refining his curriculum for broader community application.

Building on this momentum, Calvin officially joined the Northwest Wellness Project as Executive Director, where we lead an innovative summer program based in Park Heights. This initiative focuses on youth wellness, beautification projects, life skills development, and urban gardening, offering a hands-on, healing-centered approach to community transformation.

In addition to his youth work, Calvin supports small businesses and grassroots organizations as a community consultant. With a modular, scalable curriculum and a strong foundation in project management and operations, he helps organizations build sustainable programs, streamline processes, and expand their impact with limited resources. His adaptable, collaborative approach has made him a vital asset to community-based efforts throughout Baltimore and beyond.

Calvin Croxton is the Executive Director of NorthWest Wellness Project, a Baltimore-based initiative dedicated to helping young people successfully transition from school to adulthood. A proud graduate of the prestigious Ingenuity Project at Roland Park Middle School and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Calvin experienced firsthand the challenges many youth face when navigating the "real world." Recognizing the gap in practical life skills, emotional readiness, and workforce preparation, he spent years developing a dynamic, real-world curriculum that draws from his expertise in business operations, community organizing, mental health, and entrepreneurship.

In addition to his youth work, Calvin supports small businesses and grassroots organizations as a community consultant. With a modular, scalable curriculum and a strong foundation in project management and operations, he helps organizations build sustainable programs, streamline processes, and expand their impact with limited resources. His adaptable, collaborative approach has made him a vital asset to community-based efforts throughout Baltimore and beyond.

Wellness

Empowering communities through positive coping strategies.

Connect

Thrive

northwestwellnessproject@gmail.com

443-688-3396

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