The NAAAA Orlando Chapter exists to prepare student-athletes for success beyond the game. Through leadership development, academic excellence, mentorship, technology, recognition programs, and community partnerships, we are helping shape the next generation of leaders throughout Central Florida.
Preparing Central Florida student-athletes through leadership, education, mentorship, recognition, technology, athletics, and meaningful access to opportunity.
The Orlando Chapter of The National Alliance of African American Athletes exists to prepare student-athletes for success beyond the game. We help students and families navigate education, leadership development, college readiness, career exposure, mentorship, technology, athletics, and opportunities that can shape their future.
Throughout the year, we create programs and experiences that connect young people with educators, coaches, mentors, professionals, schools, and community partners. From the Teen Summit and esports initiatives to leadership development and student recognition, every experience is designed to expand preparation, confidence, and access.
We are committed to recognizing excellence, strengthening families, developing leaders, and building a lasting network around Central Florida’s student-athletes. Every program, event, and partnership should create meaningful opportunities today while helping establish a stronger legacy for the generation that follows.
Our mission comes to life through the principles that guide every program.
Continue the StoryOur five pillars shape the programs, experiences, and partnerships that prepare student-athletes and families across Central Florida.
Every program is built to create lasting impact.
Five pillars in action.The Orlando Chapter grew from decades of coaching, mentoring, relationship-building, and service to young people. Coach Paul Knight and Darreyl Nattiel built their work one student-athlete, one family, and one opportunity at a time.
Long before NAAAA Orlando was established, Coach Paul Knight and Darreyl Nattiel “Coach Nat” spent decades mentoring student-athletes, coaching with purpose, and investing in young people beyond the game.
What began on the field became a lifelong commitment to developing leaders through character, education, mentorship, and opportunity.
After years of building a football organization from the ground up, unexpected challenges changed the path—but never the purpose behind the work.
That experience created the foundation for a greater opportunity through The National Alliance of African American Athletes, where years of leadership, relationships, and service evolved into the Orlando Chapter.
“The mission never stopped. Only the direction changed.”
Today, NAAAA Orlando is expanding opportunity through scholarships, mentorship, student recognition, leadership development, technology, athletics, and meaningful community partnerships.
The mission continues to grow because every student reached, every family supported, and every relationship built can help transform another future.
The Orlando Chapter is guided by leaders who bring decades of coaching, mentorship, community service, and a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes and families across Central Florida.
President | Founder & Chapter Executive
As President of the NAAAA Orlando Chapter, Coach Paul Knight leads the organization’s vision to mentor, recognize, and empower student-athletes through education, leadership development, and community engagement. His commitment to building opportunities for young people continues to shape the chapter’s growth and long-term impact throughout Central Florida.
Leadership Philosophy Leadership is about earning trust, setting a clear direction, and helping others do their very best work. Coach Knight believes leadership is defined by responsibility, consistency, and example.
Community Impact His vision is to expand equitable access to resources, guidance, academic achievement, athletic success, civic engagement, and lifelong leadership opportunities for student-athletes.
“A good coach can change a game, but a great coach can change a life.”
Coach Paul Knight
Vice President | Leadership Development & Student Mentorship
Darryl Nattiel serves as Vice President of the NAAAA Orlando Chapter, bringing decades of experience in leadership, coaching, mentoring, and organizational development. Before the chapter became NAAAA Orlando, he helped co-found and build the Florida Bears, a semi-professional football organization dedicated to creating opportunities for athletes. When that league concluded, Darryl and Coach Knight discovered the National Alliance of African American Athletes and found a mission that perfectly aligned with their passion for developing young people through sports, education, and mentorship.
Leadership Philosophy For Darryl, leadership is about creating a path that others can confidently follow toward positive outcomes. He believes mentoring is more than instruction—it's a calling. Through servant leadership, faith, and intentional relationships, he strives to help student-athletes discover their purpose, develop strong character, and prepare for life beyond the game.
Community Impact Darryl considers NAAAA Orlando an extension of his ministry. He is passionate about equipping student-athletes with the knowledge, mentorship, and life skills needed to succeed long after their athletic careers have ended. One of his proudest moments was watching Shamon Coleman represent the NAAAA Orlando Chapter at the National Convention in Washington, D.C., a reminder of how investing in young leaders can create opportunities that reach far beyond the local community. Darryl believes the future of NAAAA Orlando is limitless, with the potential to positively impact communities across the entire state of Florida.
"When you know your purpose and walk in your calling, you create opportunities for others to discover theirs."
Darryl Nattiel
Treasurer | Community Relations & Member Engagement
Wanda Knight serves as Treasurer for the NAAAA Orlando Chapter, supporting the chapter's financial stewardship while helping strengthen relationships among members, families, and the greater community. With a long history of helping establish nonprofit organizations, she brings experience, accountability, and a strong commitment to service. Beyond her responsibilities as Treasurer, Wanda plays an active role in member engagement and community relations, helping create an organization where people feel welcomed, connected, and united around the mission of preparing young people for the future.
Leadership Philosophy Wanda believes leadership begins with accountability, honesty, and an open mind. Effective leaders must be willing to listen, accept feedback, communicate clearly, and make responsible decisions with the organization's best interests at heart. She believes strong leadership is built on trust, integrity, and a willingness to serve.
Community Impact For Wanda, one of the most rewarding parts of NAAAA Orlando has been watching the chapter grow while building genuine relationships along the way. Through the organization, she has connected with accomplished professionals, student-athletes, and families—sharing experiences and developing friendships that extend beyond events and programs. She believes NAAAA Orlando can create lasting community impact by combining mentorship, service, ethical leadership, and opportunities that give members and young people a true sense of purpose and belonging.
“Keep moving, keep striving, think big, trust yourself and make it happen!”
Wanda Knight
Secretary | Governance & Communications
Dominique' Taylor serves as Secretary of Governance & Communications for the NAAAA Orlando Chapter, combining organizational leadership with a passion for storytelling and community engagement. She manages board communications while leading the chapter's social media presence, helping share the stories, achievements, and mission that inspire student-athletes and families throughout Central Florida. Dominique' believes that every message, every event, and every opportunity to serve is another chance to invest in the next generation of leaders.
Leadership Philosophy Leadership is the opportunity to make a positive difference through every action, decision, and interaction. Dominique' believes the strongest leaders earn trust through service, listen with intention, and lead by example. Her philosophy centers on empowering others, celebrating their successes, and helping them grow with confidence, knowing that true leadership is measured by the lives we help elevate.
Community Impact Dominique' believes the NAAAA Orlando Chapter represents hope, opportunity, and purpose for student-athletes throughout Central Florida. Inspired by her experience attending the NAAAA National Banquet, she remains committed to creating opportunities that help young people develop academically, athletically, and personally. She believes that mentorship, encouragement, and meaningful relationships can leave a lasting impact, helping students become leaders who positively influence their communities for generations to come.
"Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough." — Inspired by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
Dominique' Taylor
Director of Student-Athlete Development
Nikolas Dean joined the NAAAA Orlando Chapter because he saw an opportunity to help young athletes grow and prepare for successful lives and careers beyond sports. With a background in collegiate coaching, recruiting, player personnel, and athlete development, Nikolas brings firsthand experience helping athletes develop both on and off the field. His passion is using those experiences, relationships, and resources to help prepare the next generation of leaders.
Leadership Philosophy Nikolas believes leadership means being a positive example for those who look up to you, regardless of the position or title you hold. For him, leadership requires integrity, honesty, and the willingness to encourage others through both support and accountability. He believes strong leaders don't simply tell people how to grow—they help them recognize their potential and become better versions of themselves.
Community Impact Nikolas chose to serve because he believes his experience, connections, and talents can help develop the next generation of leaders. His goal is to see the young athletes supported by NAAAA Orlando grow beyond athletic achievement to become productive citizens, mentors, and leaders who one day reach back to help the generation coming behind them. Although his journey with the chapter is just beginning, Nikolas sees tremendous potential ahead. He believes NAAAA Orlando can become a beacon that inspires and prepares the next generation of leaders.
“True leadership is developing someone today who will be prepared to lead someone else tomorrow.”
Nikolas Dean
Strategic Growth & Partnerships
Milan Holder leads Strategic Growth & Partnerships for the NAAAA Orlando Chapter, cultivating corporate relationships, expanding community partnerships, and developing innovative initiatives that strengthen the organization's long-term sustainability. Through strategic collaboration, fundraising innovation, and brand development, she helps create lasting opportunities that empower student-athletes and expand the chapter's impact throughout Central Florida.
Leadership Philosophy Leadership begins with service, but it succeeds through vision. I believe every partnership, every relationship, and every opportunity has the power to change someone's future. My purpose is to build organizations that leave lasting legacies by connecting people, ideas, and resources to create meaningful opportunities for others.
Community Impact I believe every partnership we establish and every initiative we launch creates another pathway for student-athletes to succeed. Whether through scholarships, community collaborations, leadership development, or innovative fundraising programs, my goal is to help build a sustainable organization that continues creating opportunities for generations to come.
"Every partnership we build is another door opened for a young person to walk through."
Milan Holder
Every mentor, volunteer, partner, coach and supporter helps create opportunities that extend far beyond athletics. Together we prepare the next generation through education, leadership, technology, recognition and community engagement.
College readiness, recruiting, academics and career planning.
Building confidence, character, accountability and service.
Connecting students with mentors, scholarships and community partners.
Join the National Alliance of African American Athletes Orlando Chapter as we create life-changing opportunities for tomorrow's leaders, scholars and student-athletes.
