Brandon M Phillips

Visionary | Founder of La Chow & FutureThink Hub | Community Builder | Philanthropist | Mandela Washington Fellowship Coach | Baltimore Business Journal 40 Under 40 (2025) | Social Impact Strategist

Baltimore, Maryland, United States

About

Entrepreneur. Mentor. Community architect. I build ecosystems that merge commerce with community—whether it’s transforming abandoned spaces into thriving culinary hubs or designing nonprofit platforms that tackle food insecurity, youth reentry, and digital equity. As Founder of La Chow, Baltimore’s leading culinary incubator, and FutureThink Hub, a nonprofit innovating at the intersection of education and social services, I’ve helped spark meaningful change across the region: • Created one of the largest private food relief efforts in the DMV, distributing 6+ million pounds of groceries valued over $18 million. • Mentored 100+ entrepreneurs and youth through structured programming, one-on-one coaching, and business incubation. • Selected by the U.S. State Department as a Mandela Washington Fellowship Coach, mentoring some of Africa’s most promising young leaders. • Honored by the Baltimore Business Journal’s 2025 Class of 40 Under 40 for leadership, innovation, and impact. • Produced holiday events that fed and gifted over 10,000 children, 25,000 families, and served more than 50,000 people across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With every initiative, I bring together partners across sectors—government, corporate, philanthropic, and grassroots—to drive results and build equity into everything we do.

Experience

  • Executive Director at FutureThink Hub
    Nov 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

    ! • Built a nonprofit serving thousands through food distribution, youth programs, and reentry services. • Led creation of FutureThink STEM & Skills Academy—an AI-powered vocational learning platform piloted in 2025. • Coordinated a 10,000-gift holiday drive and food distribution initiative impacting over 25,000 people annually.

  • Founder & CEO at La Chow
    Jan 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 6 mos

    • Developed a 35,000 sq. ft. commercial kitchen and event space supporting 60+ culinary entrepreneurs. • Created strategic partnerships with brands like Amazon, Sysco, US Foods, and Baltimore city government. • Reimagining food business incubation as a launchpad for minority and under-resourced founders.

  • Founder at White Lions Entertainment Inc
    Jan 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 6 mos

  • Coach at Mandela Washington Fellowship
    2025 - 2025 · Less than a year

    • Served as a mentor and coach to emerging African leaders participating in the Mandela Washington Fellowship. • Guided fellows on topics including nonprofit leadership, innovation, and sustainable community development.

  • Managing Partner at Monumental Contractors
    Mar 2019 - Mar 2023 · 4 yrs 1 mo