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M
URIEL BOWSER
MAYOR
March 31, 2026
The Honorable Phil Mendelson
Chairman
Council of the District of Columbia
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 504
Washington, DC 20004
Dear Chairman Mendelson:
In accordance with section
2 of the Confirmation Act of 1978, effective March 3, 1979 (D.C. Law 2-
142; D.C. Official Code § 1- 523.01), and pursuant to section 2 of the Commission on African-
American Affairs Establishment Act of 2012, effective March 14, 2012 (D.C. Law 19 -106; D.C.
Official Code § 3-1441), I am pleased to nominate the following individual:
Mr. Dwayne Falwell
Holbrook Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
(Ward 5)
for appointment as a public member of the Commission on African-American Affairs, filling a vacant
seat formerly held by Rashida Taylor, for the remainder of an unexpired term to end July 8, 2028.
Enclosed, you will find biographical information detailing the experience of the above-m entioned
nominee, together with a proposed resolution to assist the Council during the confirmation process.
I would appreciate the Council’s earliest consideration of this nomination for confirmation. Please
do not hesitate to contact me, or Steven Walker, Director, Mayor’s Office of Talent and
Appointments, should the Council require additional information.
Sincerely,
Muriel B owser
Mayor
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at the request of the Mayor
A PROPOSED RESOLUTION
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
To confirm the appointment of Dwayne Falwell to the Commission on African-American
Affairs.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the "Commission on African-American Affairs Dwayne Falwell
Confirmation Resolution of 2026".
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia confirms the appointment of:
Dwayne Falwell
Holbrook Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
(Ward 5)
as a public member of the Commission on African-American Affairs, established pursuant to
section 2 of the Commission on African-American Affairs Establishment Act of 2012, effective
March 14, 2012 (D.C. Law 19-106; D.C. Official Code§ 3-1441), filling a vacant seat formerly
held by Rashida Taylor, for the remainder of an unexpired term to end July 8, 2028.
Sec. 3. The Council of the District of Columbia shall transmit a copy of this resolution,
upon its adoption, to the nominee and to the Mayor.
Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
DWAYNE FALWELL
CEO | Founder | Program Manager | Community Leader
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dynamic entrepreneur, program manager, and community leader with over 20 years of experience managing
businesses, developing community programs, and building strategic partnerships. Proven success in violence
prevention initiatives, small business operations, event management, and program development. Skilled in leading
teams, managing budgets, strengthening community relationships, and implementing impactful programs that
improve outcomes for individuals and communities.
CORE SKILLS
• Business & Program Management
• Community Outreach & Violence Prevention
• Partnership Development
• Budget Management & Financial Planning
• Staff Hiring & Team Leadership
• Event Planning & Production
• Strategic Planning
• Customer Relations
• Inventory & Operations Management
• Motivational Speaking & Life Coaching
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Owner
The Rivah – Cobbs Island, MD
March 2024 – Present
• Manage all daily business operations including customer service, inventory management, staffing, and
marketing.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors, suppliers, and service providers.
• Analyze financial reports and sales data to improve profitability and operational performance.
• Develop menu offerings that balance customer demand with revenue goals.
• Oversee vendor deliveries, scheduling, and supply chain coordination.
• Recruit and supervise staff to ensure quality service and operational efficiency.
Founder / Program Manager
Together We Rise LLC – Washington, DC
October 2022 – Present
• Developed the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term strategic plan.
• Manage program budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Lead violence prevention and community engagement initiatives across Washington, DC communities.
• Establish partnerships with local organizations, agencies, and community stakeholders to expand program
impact.
• Coordinate program implementation and monitor performance outcomes.
• Facilitate communication between internal staff and external partners to strengthen collaboration.
Owner
Phat Cat Entertainment LLC – Washington, DC
August 1995 – Present
• Operate an entertainment and event production company providing live event services and promotions.
• Maintain strong professional relationships with artists, clients, venues, and industry partners.
• Manage stage production including lighting, sound equipment, and technical logistics.
• Negotiate performance agreements and service contracts with vendors and performers.
• Develop marketing and promotional campaigns to drive event attendance and ticket sales.
• Manage event budgets while ensuring client satisfaction and quality execution.
Program Manager
Training Grounds Inc. – Washington, DC
October 2018 – September 2022
• Led community violence prevention initiatives in collaboration with government agencies and nonprofits.
• Built partnerships with churches, businesses, and service providers to expand resources for at -risk
individuals.
• Monitored crime trends and implemented intervention strategies in high -priority communities.
• Organized community outreach events including forums, street outreach efforts, and victim support
initiatives.
• Responded to shooting incidents in coordination with the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement.
• Facilitated group discussions addressing trauma, violence prevention, and community healing.
Owner
Half Time Sports Bar – Washington, DC
October 2015 – February 2019
• Managed daily bar and restaurant operations including staffing, inventory control, and marketing.
• Maintained high customer service standards through quality assurance and staff training.
• Managed budgets, revenue forecasting, and operational expenses.
• Negotiated vendor contracts and maintained supplier relationships.
• Developed long-term growth strategies for the business.
Owner
K & D Grocery & Deli – Washington, DC
August 1999 – January 2010
• Managed all store operations including staffing, scheduling, and vendor management.
• Oversaw inventory control and supplier coordination to ensure consistent product availability.
• Conducted store audits to improve efficiency and stock rotation processes.
• Enforced company policies for payment processing, returns, and exchanges.
• Implemented safety protocols for staff and store operations.
EDUCATION
Associate of Arts (A.A.) – Culinary Arts
Stratford University
Baltimore, MD
May 1999
CERTIFICATIONS
• CPR Certified (Valid through 2026)
• TIPS – Food & Alcohol Awareness Certification (1998 – Present)
REFERENCES
Available upon request.
E
xecutive Office of the Mayor – Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments
John A. Wilson Building | 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 600 | Washington, DC 20004
Dwa
yne Falwell
M
r. Dwayne Falwell is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of
Together We Rise (TWR ), a nonprofit organization committed to
empowering high-risk individuals and families through evidence -based,
community-centered violence prevention and intervention. Guided by
lived experience and a deep commitment to social justice, Mr. Falwell has
dedicated his career to transforming lives and addressing the root causes
of violence, trauma, and systemic inequities.
Mr. Falwell brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership,
youth development, and community engagement. Under his leadership,
TWR has expanded its reach and impact by delivering trauma-informed
programming, violence interruption, mentorship, and community healing
initiatives that address the educational, emotional, and social needs of high-risk individuals while
strengthening families and neighborhoods.
Prior to founding Together We Rise, Mr. Falwell held leadership roles at Training Grounds
Washington, D.C., where he led initiatives focused on youth mentorship, violence prevention, and
community building. Known for his collaborative leadership style, he has cultivated strong
partnerships with schools, local businesses, the Mayor’s Office, and nonprofit organizations to
build coordinated, community-based solutions.
A Ward 5 resident, Mr. Falwell earned his Associate of Arts in Culinary Arts from Stratford
University.
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser
Office of the General Counsel to the Mayor
______________________________________________________________________________
The John A. Wilson Building • 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW • Suite 300 • Washington, D.C. 20004 • Office (202) 724-7681
To: Kimberly A. Bassett, Steven Walker
From: Betsy Cavendish
Date: March 25, 2026
Subject: Legal sufficiency review of a resolution appointing public members to the
Commission on African-American Affairs
This is to Certify that this office has reviewed the above-referenced Resolutions and
found them to be legally unobjectionable. If you have any questions in this regard, please do not
hesitate to call Kimberly Ulan, Associate General Counsel, Executive Office of the Mayor, at
202-727-2292, or me at 202-724-7681.
______________________________
Elizabeth Cavendish