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Leadership
Michael Thompson
Founder & President
Michael ‘Juice’ Thompson is the Founder & President of the Juice Hoops Foundation and a former professional basketball player whose 12 year career spanned international competition across Europe, Asia, and Africa. A four year starter and record holder at Northwestern University, he built a decorated playing career highlighted by 9 championships, all star selections, a scoring title, and partnerships with leading global brands.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael is a father of two sons, including one diagnosed with Autism. That personal experience profoundly shaped his perspective and ultimately inspired the creation of the Juice Hoops Foundation, which is focused on building inclusive pathways, opportunity, and support through sport.
Navarro Thompson
Vice President
Navarro Thompson brings longstanding community leadership experience to the Juice Hoops Foundation, leading initiatives that leverage the Foundation’s network to deliver measurable community impact He works closely with the executive team to drive growth, expand programs, and ensure the successful execution of the Foundation's mission.
Navarro holds a BA in Exercise and Sports Science from Carthage College where he was a four year standout on the men's basketball team. Before joining Juice Hoops, he spent over a decade as a basketball skills trainer, working with youth, collegiate, and professional athletes to support skill development and performance growth.
He currently serves as President of Women’s Basketball and a sports agent at The Culture of Sports agency, where he represents and manages professional basketball athletes in the WNBA and across international markets. His work spans the global basketball ecosystem, supporting athletes in elite professional leagues and development pathways worldwide.
Jesse Omenazu
Chief Governance Officer
Jesse Omenazu serves as Chief Governance Officer of the Juice Hoops Foundation, bringing extensive volunteer leadership experience to guide organizational strategy and impact. He also serves on the Chicago Park District’s Pendleton Park Advisory Council, advancing community engagement and strengthening neighborhood development outcomes.
Additionally, Jesse is a mechanical engineer in the aviation industry, bringing more than two decades of engineering experience to his work. He holds degrees from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the University of Illinois Chicago, providing a strong academic foundation in engineering principles.
Alongside his engineering career, Jesse has built a parallel creative path in the music industry, where he has worked for over two decades as an artist, producer, and songwriter.
Billy Cross II
Chief Financial Officer
In his role as Chief Financial Officer, Billy oversees financial compliance, cash flow management, and the communication of financial performance, value, and risk to investors and board members. He holds a degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University (NIU) and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Billy served as equipment manager for the Northwestern University Men’s Basketball program before pursuing his passion for the culinary arts, where he trained and worked as a pastry chef. He is the owner of two businesses, Billy The Baker Pastry and Oak and English Catering.
Outside of his professional work, Billy is committed to family life with his wife, Leslie Cross, and their three sons, Tripp, Beck, and Brae. His diverse professional background across finance, athletics, and entrepreneurship informs his contributions to the nonprofit sector.
Terrell Perry
Senior Vice President of Finance
Terrell brings a well established background in financial sector leadership to his role as Senior Vice President of Finance at the Foundation, overseeing financial reporting and financial strategy execution. He also holds a leadership role at Wintrust Financial Corporation, reinforcing his expertise across financial operations and governance.
Passionate about empowering individuals through both finance and community impact, Terrell has dedicated years to youth development through basketball instruction and the facilitation of financial literacy and credit-building workshops in collaboration with the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce. Outside of his professional and community commitments, he values time with his wife & two children, and enjoys traveling internationally.
Advisory Board
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