Our Team

Image

Jimmy Stewart

Executive Director

Jimmy Stewart is an accomplished executive and entrepreneur with deep expertise in workforce development, construction, and diversity & inclusion initiatives. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Project JumpStart, Inc., a newly registered 501(c)(3) organization and a renowned workforce development program in Baltimore. In this role, Jimmy leads large-scale programs that provide intensive job-readiness training and career placement for city residents. Under his leadership, Project JumpStart has expanded its reach, improved operational efficiency, increased staffing, and continues to strengthen the financial sustainability of the new non-profit following its spin-off from another organization.

Yvette Diamond

Chief Operations Officer

With 35+ years in leadership and consulting, Yvette Diamond empowers workforce leaders to drive impactful change. A longtime friend and advisor at Project JumpStart, Yvette brings her experience and skills to help PJSI meet its growth initiatives. As Executive Director of the Maryland Apprenticeship Connector (MAC), she promoted apprenticeships as critical pathways for Maryland’s workforce. In 2021, she led the Greater Baltimore Committee’s initiative to connect 350+ regional stakeholders, building sustainable strategies for industries like healthcare and tech.
Her career includes roles as COO of a logistics firm, VP in publishing, and founder of a health and beauty company, giving her unique insights into employer challenges. A recognized thought leader, she served on multiple boards and advocates for inclusive workforce solutions.
Image
Image

Lashea Webb

Student Services and Support Manager

Onesha Smith

Employment Support Coordinator

Onesha Smith is an Employment Coordinator at Project JumpStart, where she prepares students for successful careers in the construction and skilled trades. She supports participants in building the skills, confidence, and workplace readiness needed to secure and retain employment. Additionally, she works closely with employer partners to support job placement, strengthen hiring pipelines, and ensure participants are prepared for long-term success.
Onesha brings experience in youth engagement and career readiness programming. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate career pathways and achieve long-term success.
Onesha is completing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at McDaniel College in June, 2026.
Image
Image

Ruth (Ms. Ruth) Baker

Program Support Coordinator 

Our Instructors

Image

Bill Plantholt

Project JumpStart Head Instructor

Master Trainer for NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research); certified to teach in Maryland through MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education); current teacher for Baltimore County School System and Master Electrician. Bill has been a Project JumpStart trainer since 2017 providing the program strength through continuity and industry leading NCCER expertise.

Dave Tate

Project JumpStart Class Lead Instructor

Certified to teach in Maryland through MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education), current teacher for Baltimore County School System. Has been a Project JumpStart Instructor since 2019 lending his expertise in teaching young people skills for both construction and life. 

Image
Image

Antoine Boykins

PJSI Instructor

Certified to teacher First Aid/CPR; Supervisor at Scaffold Resources, LLC with over 8 years of experience; Project JumpStart graduate.

Steve Holloway

PJSI Instructor

Certified NCCER Instructor; was also a MSDE certified teacher with Baltimore City Schools (Mervo) for 40 years before retiring. Steve has been teaching the Project JumpStart program since 2008 and continues to invaluable contributor to the program and the organization wearing many hats on our small team.
Image
Image

Ian White

PJSI Instructor

Bill Stephenson

Project JumpStart and CAST Certification Instructor

Certified to teach in Maryland through the Maryland State Department of Education, he is a retired Baltimore County Public Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher with 22 years of experience teaching engineering courses. Throughout his life, he developed a strong interest and talent in building and creating and has found great fulfillment in sharing his knowledge and skills with students. 
Image
Image

Gene Cobb

Instructor

OSHA 10 Class CHST/Site Inspector/Authorized OSHA Training Director at Diversified Safety Services/Safety Dir at ABC Greater Baltimore

Image
Join The Team