PR in the Philippines

Los Angeles, California Jul 8, 2025 – Swim Up Hill Companies & Foundation has announced the appointment of three national leaders to its Board of Directors. This marks a significant step in their mission to eliminate drowning disparities and promote equity through swimming.

Founded by Paralympic medalist Jamal Hill, Swim Up Hill is a Black-led nonprofit and swim-tech enterprise transforming how under-resourced communities gain access to swim education. Their accelerated instruction method, currently used in YMCAs, schools, and public spaces, is projected to teach 1 million people to swim each year by 2028.

The new board members bring extensive experience in law, public policy, and finance, providing Swim Up Hill with the strategic advantage to expand both nationally and globally.

MEET THE NEW BOARD MEMBERS

• Ambassador Michael Lawson – Former U.S. Ambassador and experienced legal strategist. Lawson is now General Counsel to Jamal Hill and brings years of governance and diplomatic expertise.

• U.S. Representative Joseph Towns – A longtime advocate for economic equity, education, and public health, Towns will strengthen Swim Up Hill’s connection to state and federal policy initiatives.

• Ralph Mendy Henderson Jr. – A nationally recognized investment banker and institutional capital advisor, Henderson offers valuable access to growth capital and financial infrastructure, bolstering Swim Up Hill’s credibility nationwide.

“This isn’t just a board—it’s a generational shift,” said Jamal Hill, Founder and CEO. “With the addition of Ambassador Lawson, Representative Towns, and Ralph Henderson Jr., Swim Up Hill is not only making strides towards impact, but is also creating a wave of opportunity for future generations. These are accomplished individuals who have influenced millions, advised countries, and shaped systems. Now, they are building with us.”

WHY THIS MATTERS

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and disproportionately affects minority communities. With over 50 million people of color in the U.S. alone who are unable to swim, Swim Up Hill aims to address this issue through culturally relevant, rapid-instruction swim programs that build confidence and eliminate fear.

This board expansion provides the organization with direct access to billions of dollars in racial equity funding, prominent philanthropic networks, and the political influence required to implement its scalable swim-tech model in cities, schools, and homes worldwide.

WHAT SETS EACH LEADER APART

• Michael Lawson will oversee global governance as General Counsel, providing guidance on expansion and legal structures.

• Rep. Towns brings public-sector influence and will help integrate Swim Up Hill into equity-focused legislative agendas.

• Ralph Henderson Jr. will lead capital strategy, assisting in the development of financial models that promote long-term growth and sustainability.

Together, they represent a convergence of influence across three key areas of systemic change: law, policy, and capital.

WHAT’S NEXT

This is just the beginning. Swim Up Hill is actively growing its Board of Directors and Advisory Board, focusing on leaders from various sectors who are committed to equity, innovation, and the power of movement.

Planned invitations include:

• Renata Simril, President of the LA84 Foundation

• Jayathma Wickramanayake, United Nations Youth Envoy

• And changemakers across tech, sport, entertainment, health, and global development

As Swim Up Hill expands, it is establishing itself not only as a swim nonprofit, but also as a national model for minority-led, mission-driven innovation.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

To learn more or support Swim Up Hill’s board expansion and programming, visit

Discover how Swim Up Hill’s newest board appointments will shape the future of equity in aquatics.

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