About Us - Meet the Founders
Ervin Darnel Worthy is Founder & President of Worthy 2 Be Heard, Inc. (W2BH), a 501C non-profit organization and Owner of Worthy Construction Group 2G, LLC. (He is also a partner in Worthy 2 Be Heard Investment Group). He advocates and takes a hands-on approach to community involvement. Worthy 2 Be Heard, Inc. was created to empower especially at-risk youth and young adults to avoid negative behavior and to make more-informed life-changing decisions. Mr. Worthy shares the dynamic impact of his life experiences (from gaining major accomplishments, to imprisonment then clemency, to restructure and giving back.). He gives and welcomes interviews, “one-on-one” and seminar opportunities. He has led multiple interactive sessions on morals and ethics. Mr. Worthy has spoken to groups at Trumbull County Correctional Institute and taught many small-group classes throughout the years.
He successfully completed a multitude of courses from Newport Career Institute in business subjects, and received a Paralegal Law Certificate from Blackstone Career Institute. He has completed the course based on S. Covey’s book: “The 7 Habits of Effective People...Paradigm Shifts, the courses “Self-Improvement - Bases of Community Development'' by HML and G. Graham L.I.F.E. Group’s “Breaking Barriers Program” (for cognitive positive-thinking and rational behavior techniques).
As owner of Worthy Construction Group 2G, LLC, Mr. Worthy uses his leadership, construction and carpentry skills initially learned while working in the family’s business: Worthy & Sons’ Construction Company. The company was minority-owned and locally-renowned for 40+ years of service.
For those interested, Mr. Worthy mentors using Worthy 2 Be Heard’s concepts and offers the chance to benefit financially by learning carpentry skills. to possibly benefiting financially. Clients are encouraged to use good work ethics, e.g., time-management, priority and goal-setting.
He has volunteered with youth basketball coaches at the Lawton, Ed Davis, Summit Lake and Urban League Community Centers for more than five years and mentor’s youth on the city basketball courts.
Mr. Worthy resides in Akron, OH and offers his life experience to share with anyone who might be heading down the wrong “path” and making life-threatening decisions.
Principles to live by: “We make life what we want it to be by the choices we make.”
Words to live by: Trust in the lord and lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge God and he shall direct your path. ~Proverbs 3:5-6
Darin is a founding member of Worthy 2 Be Heard (W2BH) and serves as a working board member and vice president. He is employed by Sheetmetal local #33 of Akron, Ohio with 26 years of service, and owner of M&D Design LLC, a computer aid drafting company that coordinates mechanical Sheetmetal HVAC systems against other mechanical systems for installation and fabrication.
Darin was also the owner and operator of Philippians properties.
For 9 years, Darin coached Ohio Venom AAU boys' basketball coupled with mentoring young men in the 3rd grade through high school graduation, most of which he remains in close contact with until this day. Darin and his wife of 33 years share two children.
Words to live by: If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself. ~D.L. Moody
Words to live by: Make it stand out! Whatever it is, telling your story can make all the difference.
Diana is a founding member of Worthy 2 Be Heard (W2BH) and serves as a working board member and secretary. She is employed by Synchrony Bank, holds a degree in Computer Programming from University of Akron and graduate of Leadership Stark County program.
Her passion for adding value to the lives of others also extends to other organizations. Diana serves as the Board Treasurer for Goshen House Interdenominational Church and Executive Board with South Akron Youth Mentorship (SAYM).
She embraces diversity and has led initiatives focused on African Americans, Women, Women of Color and facilitated programming at the Urban League of Stark County. Diana and her husband of 35 years reside in North Canton, OH and share 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren.
John is uniquely qualified to address the dilemmas young African-American men face on a day-to-day basis through his program, “The Mentoring Blueprint.”
With 17 years in the juvenile justice field, preceded by 10 years of ‘inappropriate behavior’ in the community, John works now to engage young males and educate them on the elements of manhood and cultural awareness so they can avoid falling into the same pitfalls that have plagued others in their communities. The youth participate in group mentoring and workshops that include interactive PowerPoint presentations. There is also a component for online mentoring via video chat groups. His ultimate goal is to instill in young men a positive attitude and build character so they will aspire to reach their fullest potential and not become another statistic living a challenged life in their neighborhood.