KOBI DENNIS

 

KOBI JASON DENNIS was born and raised on the South Side of Providence, RI. Often referred to as the “Community Guy''. Kobi has extensive passion and expertise in advocating and addressing issues pertaining to the urban core.

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In 2009, in partnership with state/ local law enforcement, community members, and local businesses, he founded Project Night Vision, 2011, in partnership with the Rhode Island State Police, Kobi co-launched the “Building Bridges'' Initiative to help improve police and community relations, 2014 Kobi was chosen to lead Princes 2 Kings, a black youth-centered mentorship program that was instrumental in changing the lives of 50 inner-city boys of color ages 12yrs - 17yrs. P2K was awarded 1 million dollars to ensure each participant was actively supported and nurtured through the true lens of black male leadership, 2015, Kobi founded Unified Solutions, a community-based nonprofit collaborative focused on providing empowerment programs led by the community and in 2017 after an almost 20-year hiatus, Kobi independently relaunched the RI Midnight Basketball League as a vehicle to provide athletic alternatives to inner-city adult men and women during the city’s most critical times, at night.

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Kobi is currently the Chief Operating Officer at the YMCA of Greater Providence. He oversees an 18 million dollar operation which includes (485) employees, (6) statewide branch locations, and a 50-acre residential camp in Southern RI.

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Kobi is happily married to Tanisha Dennis, the woman of his dreams and they have (3) amazing children together. Vaughn 25 yrs., Kobii Senyla 20yrs., and Saige 13 yrs.

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Kobi facilitates anti-bullying, violence prevention, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training as a consultant and the proud founder of the K.F.M Leadership Group based in Providence, RI.

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Kobi is a United States Military Veteran who served (4) years before being honorably discharged from the United States Navy. In 2018 Kobi ran a clever, innovative political grass-roots campaign for the prestigious position of Mayor of the City of Providence. After proudly finishing 2nd overall in a (5) candidate race, Kobi returned to the nonprofit world. 

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Kobi is the proud owner of (2) new statewide for-profit community collaborations and is the Co-founder of (4) additional Statewide initiatives: Black Pilots Association Youth Aviation Group, The State of Black RI Research/Policy Group, Transformative Solutions Consulting Firm and Turn Up RI Youth Conferences.

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Kobi has been honored with multiple service awards for his efforts in the RI community including; The Providence Monthly’s 10 People to Watch in 2012, The Jefferson Award, The RI State Police Colonel Chaffee Award, Lifespan Community Service Award, The Harriet Tillman Award, NAACP Community Service Award, The City of Providence Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame Award, and The Justice Assistance Community Leader Award to name just a few of his recognitions.

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Kobi is a trailblazer and trendsetter, unafraid to be the 1st in his community to represent Black Americans in the most positive light well beyond the month of February,

-1st African American to run a full Mayoral Campaign in the City of Providence.

-1st African American to become Chief Operations Officer of the YMCA of Greater Providence. 

-1st African American to independently host an event at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence.

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Alongside his supportive wife and family are countless teams and committees that support Kobi’s every community-driven venture and initiative, as he continues to help improve the lives of youth and families within the RI communities and beyond. 

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