Board Members
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Jeff Similien
Founder & Executive Director | Commercial Real Estate Professional | Community Builder
Jeff Similien is a seasoned commercial real estate professional and the Founder & Executive Director of Kings Amongst Kings, a Boston-based leadership and empowerment organization dedicated to advancing the mental, financial, and professional well-being of Black men. With over a decade of experience spanning commercial and residential real estate, cannabis equity, and community development, Jeff brings a rare combination of transactional expertise and mission-driven leadership.
In real estate, Jeff has advised landlords, developers, investors, and small business owners on acquisitions, leasing, development strategy, and portfolio growth—helping clients unlock value while navigating complex regulatory and market environments. His work includes guiding entrepreneurs through site selection, financing, lease negotiations, and asset positioning, with a strong track record in mixed-use, retail, and community-centered projects.
As the founder of Kings Amongst Kings, Jeff has built and scaled an impact-driven organization that delivers measurable outcomes—supporting homeownership, business creation, workforce advancement, mental health access, and wealth-building for underserved communities. Under his leadership, the organization has secured grant funding, cultivated corporate partnerships, grown a 3,000+ subscriber network, and created a trusted ecosystem where men gain access to education, mentorship, and capital.
Jeff’s career is defined by his ability to bridge business and social impact—creating sustainable economic opportunities while strengthening communities. He is recognized for his strategic vision, relationship-building, and commitment to long-term, community-rooted solutions that drive both financial performance and social progress.
Laura Similien
President & Managing Director
Laura Similien is a business strategist, grant expert, and advocate for economic empowerment, serving as the President and Managing Director of Kings Amongst Kings (KAK). With over a decade of experience in research administration, business consulting, and nonprofit leadership, she is committed to breaking systemic barriers and creating wealth-building opportunities for Black and Brown communities.
She is currently a Science Operations Manager at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), where she oversees financial management, research administration, and funding strategy for large-scale scientific programs. Her expertise in grant writing and funding acquisition has helped secure and manage multi-million-dollar portfolios, extending beyond research to support nonprofits, small businesses, and community initiatives.
She and her husband, Jeff Similien, co-own Lowkey Dispensary, a Boston-based cannabis business, and run Bridge Funding Consulting (BFC), helping businesses and organizations secure funding and scale operations. Through KAK, they provide mentorship, career development, and economic education for Black and Brown men, hosting monthly meetups, workshops, and networking events to connect professionals and entrepreneurs. KAK also supports interview preparation, AI training, and financial literacy, equipping participants with tools for long-term success.
Balancing business, nonprofit leadership, and family, she is dedicated to building generational wealth and creating opportunities for Black and Brown communities through strategic mentorship, funding access, and leadership development.
Alex E. Edwards
Author | Business Owner | Philanthropist | Vice President, Kings Amongst Kings
Alex is a purpose-driven leader, author, and entrepreneur whose work centers on empowerment, education, and economic opportunity within underserved communities. As Vice President of Kings Amongst Kings, Alex plays a critical leadership role in shaping organizational strategy, expanding partnerships, and ensuring that programming delivers meaningful, measurable impact for the men and families the organization serves.
As an author, Alex uses storytelling and lived experience to challenge limiting narratives, inspire personal growth, and promote accountability, resilience, and self-determination. His written work reflects a deep commitment to uplifting others through knowledge, perspective, and practical insight, serving as both motivation and a blueprint for transformation.
In his role as a business owner, Alex has built and operated ventures rooted in discipline, integrity, and community responsibility. He brings a strong entrepreneurial mindset to Kings Amongst Kings—supporting business development initiatives, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, and helping participants navigate the realities of ownership, leadership, and sustainable growth.
Alex is equally committed to philanthropy and service. Through hands-on involvement and strategic giving, he invests time, resources, and leadership into initiatives that promote mental wellness, economic stability, and long-term community empowerment. His approach to philanthropy goes beyond charity, focusing on building systems, networks, and access that create lasting change.
As Vice President of Kings Amongst Kings, Alex is a trusted advisor and operational leader, helping guide organizational direction, support executive leadership, and strengthen the ecosystem that allows Black men to thrive personally, professionally, and financially. His work reflects a steadfast belief that collective progress is achieved through collaboration, accountability, and intentional leadership.
