Enrique Melendez
Founder & President
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Enrique served 22 years in the U.S. Army, including the elite 75th Ranger Regiment and the U.S. Army Parachute Team. After sustaining a life-altering injury, he endured a long season of recovery that reshaped his path.
In that journey, Enrique discovered two anchors, drumming and faith, that restored his purpose and ignited a calling to serve others. What began as personal healing grew into a vision to empower youth and honor veterans through rhythm, mentorship, and community.
He went on to found S.T.I.X. Academy, where music becomes a tool for transformation and hope. Enrique is proudly married to Rosimar and father to Lyanne, who is marrired to Nolan. His family serves as the heartbeat behind the mission.
John Lumpkin II
Board Chair
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John Lumpkin II is a distinguished producer, educator, mentor, and artist. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Florida and a Master's from Florida State University. He has also participated in the renowned Ravinia Steans Music Institute and the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program.
With a diverse career from Japan to Switzerland, Mr. Lumpkin has traveled internationally as an artist and educator, including participating in Jazz at Lincoln Center's Artist in Residency Program. Under the direction of Wynton Marsalis at the Dr. Phillips Fine Arts Center in Orlando, Florida, John was a part of the Dr. Phillips Jazz Orchestra.
Additionally, Mr. Lumpkin was involved in Beyond Music, a platform co-founded by the late Tina Turner, which enables artists worldwide to create and record music collaboratively.
Mr. Lumpkin is deeply committed to his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, and is dedicated to fostering community engagement through music. Currently, he serves as a jazz drum set professor in the music department of Jacksonville University. He is also the founder of two nonprofit organizations: the Jazz Discovery Series and The John Lumpkin Institute. Furthermore, he is honored to be a part of the current Leadership Jacksonville class. His unwavering ambition propels him to envision significant contributions emerging from his musical talents, guided by his faith.
Rosimar Melendez
Co-founder & Vice-Chair
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Rosimar Melendez serves as the AVP of Giving & Grant Management, working closely with nonprofit organizations seeking support and funding from VyStar Foundation. She offers technical assistance and guidance throughout the nonprofit’s journey. Rosi has extensive experience in grantmaking, fundraising, program management, and community development.
She is a native of Puerto Rico and a proud veteran spouse, having supported her husband Enrique through over 20 years of service in the U.S. Army. Together, they co-founded S.T.I.X. Academy, where Rosimar serves as Vice Chair. The Academy was born from Enrique’s personal journey of recovery and purpose, using drumming and faith to empower youth and honor veterans through rhythm, mentorship, and community.
Rosi’s passion for supporting military service members, veterans, and their families continues to shape her work and advocacy across Florida.
Robin Pratt Abbott
Treasurer
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Robin Pratt Abbott received a Bachelor’ of Science in Finance from The Florida State University and a master’s in accounting from Nova Southeastern University; and is currently working as the CFO at International Student Exchange Programs, Inc. Robin has over twenty-five years of diverse experience in accounting and administration; and has worked in varying positions with progressive responsibilities as well as a variety of industries. Robin believes that her experience has helped her to be versatile, flexible, and analytical; and to develop the skills to quickly grasp the visions of the organizations of which she belongs.
In addition, Robin has served as a CFO, financial executive and board member for multiple organizations. In recognition of her success as a leader and financial executive, the Jacksonville Business Journal awarded her the “Ultimate CFO” in 2021.
Robin is a strong advocate for the equitable treatment of people; and believes that being open to new experiences and ideas are important factors in being successful in one’s professional and personal growth.
Noelani Taylor
Board Member
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Noelani Taylor brings a deep passion for outreach, education, and holistic health to her role, helping shape the academy’s mission with faith and joy.
She has served on numerous local boards including Task Force Hydro1, Kids Bridge Supervised Family Visitation Center, Betty Griffin House, Beaches Fine Arts Series Triathlon, the Junior Service League, and 450 Next. Her commitment to community development is rooted in both personal and professional experience.
With a family history of military service, Noelani is a proud advocate for our nation’s heroes. She has worked in education as a teacher, professor, interventionist, behavioral therapist, and federal reviewer. Today she serves as a consultant with Manhattan Strategy Group and is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBHWC). She holds a BS from Vanderbilt University and a graduate degree from Harvard, focused on preventing school failure and depression in our youth. Her background includes competitive ultrarunning and over 20 years of fitness instruction.
Noelani’s love for Jesus, her teenage son Koa, and the beauty of God’s creation fuel her work and witness. Her heart for nurturing minds and spirits in Christ is a vibrant part of S.T.I.X. Academy’s journey.
Aaron Bradford
Board Member
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Aaron Bradford serves as Regional Technology Officer, for a Fortune 500 IT Company. His time is spent leveraging 30 years of industry experience to guide top line growth and reduce risk across various customer business verticals. He specializes in collaborating with companies to increase efficiency and help them leverage technology in order to improve their people, process, and technology centers of excellence moving with agility in an ever-changing technology landscape.
Originally from the Midwest, Aaron embraces the role family and mentorship has to shape community. As a patriot he is proud to support a mission that empowers veterans and youth in the community.
Outside of work, Aaron and his wife Roquelle enjoy staying active, traveling, and seeing their adopted hometown of Jacksonville grow and continue to improve as a community.
Jason Hamner
Board Member
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Jason Hamner has worked in the financial services industry for over 27 years consulting for some of the largest financial institutions in the US. Jason is a Certified IBM Design Thinking Practitioner and certified Scrum Product Owner. His customer-centric focus on the user experience, project management, and product management skills helped guide the creation of S.T.I.X. Academy. Jason's ongoing support of S.T.I.X. Academy will focus on operational support and expense management.
Jason has been a resident of Jacksonville, Fl since 2005. Jason and his wife, Amanda, are members of Christ's Church and active members of the community, supporting Feeding Northeast Florida and the Sulzbacher Center.
Joey Corey
Board Member
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Joey Corey is a devoted husband, father, and follower of Jesus Christ, saved by grace and committed to living out his faith through service and leadership. Joey brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial grit, ministry experience, and relational depth to the S.T.I.X. Academy board.
A former professional skateboarder turned business owner, Joey led Auto Line Preowned for two decades and now owns Duval Depot Auto Sales. His passion for mentorship and spiritual growth led him to launch Garage Built Fitness Ministry, where he spent five years discipling men through faith and fitness. Today, he serves as the Operations Minister at The Church of Eleven22, specializing in building strong men of faith through discipleship, mentorship, and leadership development.
Joey has been married to his wife Jenna for eight years, and together they are proud parents of two children. His life reflects a deep commitment to restoration, accountability, and the transformative power of the Gospel, values that align powerfully with S.T.I.X. Academy’s mission.