Meet our Founder and CEO
Aaron Garland
CEO & Founder of Collective Uplift and a certified NFL agent, is a driven professional known for blending intellectual depth, unwavering faith, and a commitment to excellence. Rooted in his relationship with God, he leads with integrity, authenticity, and purpose—qualities that shape his work and interactions.
A former football player at the University of Connecticut, Aaron graduated in 2018 and later earned a Certificate of Negotiation from Yale School of Management in 2025. In addition to his work in sports representation, he has negotiated over $500 million in property tax settlements, showcasing his keen analytical skills and ability to navigate complex financial matters. He is deeply committed to securing the best deals for his clients, ensuring they achieve success both on and off the field.
Meet Our Team
At Collective Uplift, we are committed to assembling a dynamic and well-rounded team dedicated to empowering athletes holistically. Our team combines diverse expertise to provide unparalleled support.
NFL & NBA Certified Agent
Jack Meyer
An NFLPA and NBPA Certified Agent who brings a unique blend of legal expertise and business strategy to Collective Uplift. As an experienced attorney specializing in sports and entertainment law, Jack advises corporations, universities, collectives, and athletes on a wide range of complex legal and business matters. With a deep understanding of the evolving sports industry, Jack has become a trusted voice on issues at the intersection of sports, law, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation. He is a frequent speaker and media contributor, having been featured and quoted in numerous legal and sports publications. Jack’s approach to athlete representation is grounded in integrity, education, and empowerment—helping clients maximize their professional potential both on and off the field He earned his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Providence College. His dedication to athlete advocacy and holistic development aligns seamlessly with Collective Uplift’s mission to empower athletes in sport, business, and life.
Recruiting Coordinator
Doug Difusco Jr.
Bringing extensive experience in athlete evaluation, player development, and college placement. He played high school football at Nazareth Academy (LaGrange Park, IL) and signed a Letter of Intent to play collegiate football at the University of Indianapolis before continuing his education at the University of Arizona. A long-time coach, Doug has worked at both the youth and high school levels, including the Naperville Patriots and St. Francis High School (Wheaton, IL), where he currently coaches. Throughout his coaching career, he has helped develop more than 30 Division I football players, with his position group producing All-State selections each season during his tenure.
Player Development
Dr. Joseph Cooper
A renowned scholar and educator, Dr. Joseph Cooper specializes in sport leadership and athlete development. As Professor of Sport Leadership for Collective Uplift, he provides expertise in empowerment, leadership, and career growth. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. With a strong research background, he equips athletes with mentorship, knowledge, and leadership skills, supporting CU’s mission of empowering athletes beyond the game.
Marketing Partner
Shawn Jones
With 10 years of experience in brand partnerships and athlete marketing, Shawn Jones leads Collective Uplift’s marketing initiatives, securing strategic collaborations and sponsorships. Having worked with major brands like Nike, he specializes in brand development, sponsorship negotiations, and athlete branding. His expertise helps position CU and its clients for long-term success, aligning partnerships with the mission of empowering athletes and expanding their opportunities.
NIL Representative | Legal Advisor
Alexis Barnes
Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan and raised in Dallas, Texas, Alexis Barnes combines her background as a collegiate athlete and legal professional to help empower the next generation of athletes at Collective Uplift. A former track and field standout at the University of Oklahoma, Alexis earned both her bachelor’s and law degree there before beginning her career in mergers and acquisitions law.
Her experience navigating complex business transactions gives her a unique edge in NIL representation, where she helps athletes build strategic partnerships and protect their long-term interests. Alexis brings a results-driven, athlete-centered approach that aligns perfectly with Collective Uplift’s mission of holistic empowerment.
Legal Counsel
Xavier Vergara
An experienced attorney, Xavier Vergara serves as Legal Counsel for Collective Uplift, providing legal oversight and strategic guidance. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and his JD from Loyola University Chicago. With expertise in corporate law, contracts, and compliance, he ensures CU’s business dealings and partnerships are structured for long-term success, strengthening its foundation as the organization continues to grow.
Director of Operations
Niyah Nelson
An operations and project management professional with a background in live entertainment, event production, and marketing. She has collaborated with leading organizations including Microsoft, Live Nation, and USC Football Recruiting, supporting large-scale events and operational strategy. Niyah earned her Master of Arts in Live Entertainment Management from the University of Miami and is pursuing her Master of Science in Project Management at the University of Southern California. Known for her strategic approach and detail-driven execution, she brings a passion for efficiency, collaboration, and creating impactful experiences across every project.
NFL Agent
Tyrell Escoffery
Tyrell Escoffery is an accomplished Brand Marketing and Sales Executive with experience driving major platform launches at Spotify and Walmart, following earlier roles in Investment Banking and Consulting at Lehman Brothers, Goldman Sachs, and Ernst & Young. A lifelong football player who credits the sport for shaping his discipline and resilience, Tyrell founded Built for The Trenches Academy (B4TA)—New York City’s first grassroots football development program combining athletic training with mentorship and leadership workshops.
As an NFL Agent with Collective Uplift, Tyrell brings a powerful blend of business expertise, athlete-focused leadership, and a deep passion for empowering players to reach their highest potential both on and off the field.
