A youth non-profit soccer club located in Chandler, Arizona. Building Pathways was established in conjunction with FC Arizona to serve youth beyond the field and support the needs of youth regarding mental health, healthy living, and leadership skill development. Soccer will be used a vehicle to breakthrough and support mental health issues.
The services of Building Pathways will revolve around underprivileged, and minority youth & young adults. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, FC Arizona has been in existence since 2016. The organization is composed of a 60% Hispanic population and 8% African American. In total the organization serves 1246 youth and young adults between the ages of 3- 30. Over $400,000 has been awarded in scholarship money to youth since 2016.
In 2021, FC Arizona recognized that it was well positioned to help children in verticals, with a more comprehensive wrap around program that empower the whole person. In 2022, FC Arizona created Building Pathways to follow through on a commitment to the community and continue beyond the six years of community outreach FC Arizona had begun. Following the best practices from our affiliate, FC Arizona, Building Pathways will
focus on community service, people, awareness, teamwork, and leadership.
FC Arizona has successfully served low-income communities since 2016 in Maricopa County and Pinal County. Following the
pandemic, FC Arizona has recognized there has been a communal need to build self-esteem, address mental health, loneliness, and encourage healthy living; therefore, Building Pathways was founded in August 2022. FC Arizona has continually sought to find ways to support opportunities for minority and underprivileged youth which makes creating Building Pathways the logical next step.
Jamie Landreman is an accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist; he serves as the President of Building Pathways and is the President at FC Arizona. Jamie is also the Owner and CEO of One-Design Landscaping Firm, one of Arizona’s prestigious
landscape design and install firms for the last 12 years. Jamie is also an owning partner of Men’s Ultimate Grooming salons, with
seven new salon openings since first starting in January of 2004. His latest undertaking is Next Level Soccer, a one-of-a-kind indoor training facility designed to educate, structure, and raise the level of play of young athletes.
Jamie’s educational background from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in Business Communication, has greatly
influenced his ability to enhance his endeavors. Jamie has created strategic alliances that have led him to partner with those who are central in fulfilling his mission.
Jamie is a true visionary who sets his sight on what is ahead. He is currently working towards making a world that is
accessible to all regardless of their socio-economic status, his end goal to succeed is the success of others. Jamie uses FC Arizona as a platform to increase possibilities for kids, youth, and young adults who otherwise would not have a carved out pathway.
Tara Koleski is a former professional soccer player and current Vice President at Building Pathways. Tara is also Vice
President of Business strategy at Luko Consulting, LLC and has served as a Director in many facets of her business professional
career. She presides as Coaching Director and head coach of FC Arizona’s United Women’s Soccer team.
Tara currently holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Nonprofit Management from the Harvard Business School. Also from
Harvard Business School, Tara received a business certification in Entrepreneurial Studies. She has a second Master’s degree from
Northern Arizona University in Administration Leadership, while her Bachelor’s degree is from the University of Portland in
Sociology.
Between her volunteer work, education, and her professional career, Tara has proven to be truly effective executing in her
philanthropic and professional undertakings. Her goal is to make a positive impact in the community by providing strategic
development support for small businesses. Her resources benefit small businesses on a micro and macro level through marketing
and infrastructure development.
Christopher Mercer is an experienced business and finance professional, with over 20 years of experience, he currently
holds the title of Chief Operating Officer at iVest Plus. Christopher has performed as a Director and Vice President of fortune 500 companies such as Ally Financial Service and provides his expertise and guidance to FC Arizona as Director of Business Operations.
In partnership with FC Arizona Christopher began establishing his fundamentals at UC San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. His strong foundation in economics from the University of California have seen him build upon business development, executive and
relationship management, and financial analysis.
Christopher worked with one company over 14 years, assisting in growing each cycle of the company, which led to 3 successful acquisitions and well executed integrations.
Chad Sanford is a former US Olympian; he serves as the Committee Liaison for Building Pathways and is an Assistant
Coach for FC Arizona’s United Women’s Soccer team. He is also the Director of Operations for U Chain, Inc., managing over 300 people.
Chad attended Ball State University and received his bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement. He holds a Coaching E and F license and has been putting such licenses into practice for 12 years.
Brandy Taylor is the Secretary at Building Pathways and is the Director of Club Operations at FC Arizona. She was a
founding member of Maricopa United Soccer before being acquired by FC Arizona.
Brandy is a former educator with experience in developing customized learning curriculum and specialty programs to encourage individualized learning for young toddlers and grade school students. She has extensive experience in schooling and nonprofit organizations.
Christiam Carrillo currently holds the position of Program Manager for Building Pathways. He is also the Director of Sales at FC Arizona and Vice President of Sales at Business Genie App. Christiam obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in Communication, focusing on organizational communication for business development.
He has volunteered several hours to non-profit organizations, and religious organizations alike, in leadership positions to help reinforce the culture of the organization and edify the people around him. In professional settings, Christiam is known for his performance and the lasting impact he leaves on his peers and business.
Kristian Johnson currently serves as Grant Manager for Building Pathways and is Director of Brand Strategy at FC Arizona and the owner of a System’s Design company for audio and video production.
Melissa Helmkamp is the Event Manager for Building Pathways and is the Director of Club Operations at FC Arizona. Additionally, she is the Race Director at EPCR, INC and a long-serving realtor at HomeSmart. Melissa received her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in Business Marketing. The commonality in all that she does is the passion behind helping people, she is dedicated to empowering and edifying others.
Dana Hooper currently serves on the board of Building Pathways as Emergence from Sport Committee Chair. She is a seasoned attorney at Greenberg Traurig, LLP representing sport-oriented businesses and individuals. Additionally, she is a professor at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.
Dana received her Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies and Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. She then went on to receive her Juris Doctorate from Arizona State University College of Law. As an attorney, Dana blends her experience in employment law and sports for a diverse practice.
Melissa Helmkamp is the Event Manager for Building Pathways and is the Director of Club Operations at FC Arizona. Additionally, she is the Race Director at EPCR, INC and a long-serving realtor at HomeSmart.
Melissa received her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in Business Marketing.
The commonality in all that she does is the passion behind helping people, she is dedicated to empowering and edifying others.
Lucia received a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Mexico’s prestigious Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico. She continued her graduate studies at Arizona State University in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. As an accomplished representative of the United Mexican States, Lucia has been a committed public servant from her start at the consulate.
Robert Olayo is the Scholarship Committee Chair at Building Pathways and a Housing Advocate at Arizona Behavioral Health Corporation.
Robert attended California State University Bakersfield and completed his general studies. He holds a Coaching Provisional C License and has coached Summer Skills Camp at Stanford University.
Robert has a passion for serving others and is always looking for ways to improve the state of the community.
Andrew Williams is a former professional soccer player and currently serves as the Soccer Liaison & Curriculum Co-Chair for Building Pathways. He is also the Technical Director for the FC Arizona men’s National Premier League Soccer and United Premier Soccer League Team.
Andrew holds an associate degree from the University of Rhode Island and holds USSF A License. He played professionally for 16 years in Major League Soccer, participating in both national and international play with Utah’s Real Salt Lake and Jamaica’s national team in the 1998 World Cup. In his time with Major League Soccer, Andrew participated uniformly in volunteer activities.
Uchenna Uzo is a former professional soccer player and currently serves as the Soccer Liaison & Curriculum Chair for Building Pathways. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Camps at FC Arizona, Owner of Desert Soccer Performance, and is the Director of Jonex Nig, Ltd. Uchenna graduated as Magna Cum Laude at Coastal Carolina to receive his bachelor’s degree in Economics. He then graduated Summa Cum Laude at the University of Phoenix with his master’s degree in Business Management. Additionally, he is currently pursuing his Men’s Coaching B License.
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