About
Our Team
Kenn I. Hicks
using basketball as the medium. In 2007, his legendary knowledge was passed on to his son, Ryan Hicks.
For over 28 years, Kenn and the New Social Workers have been providing basketball tournaments and leagues throughout Los Angeles County. The Venice Beach Outdoor Basketball Championship Tournament was developed by the New Social Workers in 1981 and ran for over 20 years. It became one of the most popular outdoor summer basketball tournaments in the nation. Players from all over the United States and other countries participated in this annual event. Many NBA Players such as Kobe Bryant and Gilbert Arenas played in the tournament before playing in the NBA.
The NSW-Ballin’ For Peace tours has been successful in many venues. We have hosted Ballin’ For Peace events at Val Verde Park, Baldwin Park, Long Beach Jordan High School, Courson Park in Palmdale, Jackie Robinson Park in Little Rock, and others. Many of these venues are located in the inner cities.
Kenn has lectured subjects on domestic violence prevention throughout the United States. He continues to be a sought after speaker by many universities, high schools, agencies, churches and has become an orator in the LA community. He has been a requested speaker for Tennessee State University, Kansas Wesleyan University, and Cal State Northridge to name a few. Mr. Hicks has also been called to speak for the Los Angeles County Grand Jury.
Dr. Ryan Hicks
movement that bridges culture, athletics, and empowerment. Through events, youth programs, and partnerships with major organizations, he continues to champion opportunities that inspire hope, unity, and real change.
A graduate of Kansas Wesleyan University, he holds a BA in Communications & Doctorate in Humanitarianism. His desire is to catapult communities while having passion to create safe and fun activities for all ethnicities and ages. Dr. Hicks has received numerous awards from various organizations in the community. Dr. Hick has been promoting Ballin’ For Peace on many media markets such as Radio Newspapers as well as major news networks, such as CNN, ABC, NBC & Revolt.
Christina Brophy
specializes in building collaborative ecosystems that use sports as a platform for mentorship, leadership, and social impact.
With experience supporting youth development initiatives within the WNBA, NBA, and NHL spaces, Christina plays a key role in expanding Jr. league programming, organizing community tournaments and clinics, coordinating player and team engagement, and producing events that bridge professional athletes with the neighborhoods they serve.
Her work centers around the belief that sports are more than entertainment; they are a powerful vehicle for healing, confidence-building, and generational transformation. Christina is known for her heart-first leadership approach and her commitment to creating inclusive, uplifting opportunities that give young people a place to grow both on and off the court.