Board Members
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Jeff Similien
Founder & Director of Strategy
As a founding member of the community-based organization Kings Amongst Kings, he's dedicated to uplifting underrepresented individuals. Jeff's career spans commercial and residential real estate, cannabis equity, and community elevation, where he cultivates opportunities and revenue while shedding light on marginalized communities. His endeavors reflect a unique blend of entrepreneurship and social responsibility, leaving a lasting impact on both business and society.
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, a skilled communicator, began his career in banking before transitioning to real estate in 2009. He's pursuing his Brokers license and launching his own Brokerage, driven by a commitment to excellence and a passion for serving his community.
Alex Edwards
Vice President
Omar Reid
Program Director
Omar Reid is a mission-driven real estate development professional with over 15 years of experience advancing community-focused residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. With a proven track record of aligning development initiatives with social and environmental goals, Omar specializes in leveraging sustainable building practices and collaborative partnerships to foster long-lasting, positive community impact.
Omar’s work includes leading a $5M urban revitalization project in Cambridge, MA, transforming an industrial site into a vibrant residential and commercial hub that boosted local economic opportunities. He has also spearheaded initiatives that secured over $50M in financing from public and private sources, ensuring that projects not only meet financial benchmarks but also serve the greater good. His integration of green building practices has led to 80% of his developments achieving LEED certification, reducing environmental impact while enhancing community resilience.
As the founder of the Greater Consultant Group, Omar has guided the development of over 20,000 square feet of mixed-use space, working closely with local stakeholders, government officials, and nonprofit organizations to address housing affordability and urban infrastructure challenges. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Omar has built and managed multidisciplinary teams, fostering inclusive environments that prioritize transparency, innovation, and equity.
Omar holds numerous certifications, including Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), LEED accreditation, and Real Property Administrator (RPA), and has served as a featured speaker for the Georgia Real Estate Investors Association (GRIA). His passion for community development and advocacy is at the core of his work, ensuring every project he leads contributes to sustainable growth and enhanced quality of life for underserved populations.
