Ballin' For Peace

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Changing communities one youth at a time.

Our Team

To contact our team, call the organization at 818-256-9306 to speak with any team member. You may also click the bio button to learn more about each team member. We are here to serve the at-risk youth and adults. So please let us know if there is anything you need.
Kenn Hicks | Ballin' For Peace

Kenn I. Hicks

Founder, License Clinical Social Worker
Founder Kenn I. Hicks, known as the ‘Godfather of Street Ball’, is behind the vision for Ballin’ For Peace. It was established to unite people in the community, provide health service information, employment and educational resources. The entertainment side brings together people in various…

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

Dr. Ryan Hicks

Co-Founder, Program Director
Dr. Ryan Hicks is the Co-Founder of Ballin’ for Peace, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to uplifting youth and communities through sports, entertainment, and positive outreach. A passionate leader, mentor, and community builder, Dr. Hicks has helped transform Ballin’ for Peace into a…

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

Christina Brophy

Chief Strategy Officer
Christina Marie Brophy is a strategist devoted to building platforms, spaces, and strategies that elevate generational change. She produces red carpet events, empowerment retreats, brand campaigns, and content for partnerships with some of the world’s largest media outlets, sports organizations, and professional…

athletes. She is the founder of Women of Impact and Coffee For A Cause. Both two organizations empowers thousands of female entrepreneurs through curated campaigns, large-scale events, and high-impact partnerships. Brophy has been recognized for her commitment to purpose-led leadership.

In fact, she has received numerous honors including Mayor’s Awards, Women Empowerment Honors, and the Global Woman Award. Her story and work has been featured in outlets like LA Style Magazine – Woman of Power, Alegría Magazine, and Latinas Who Give Back.