About Us

Empowering leaders through sports and education

Our Story

Founded with a vision to create positive change in our community, Show Stoppers Academy has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for young people.

In a world where social acceptance often supersedes humanity, we recognized the need for a safe space where youth could develop into productive, confident individuals. Our organization was born from the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed.

Through sports and education, we provide our youth with the tools they need to build confidence, develop character, and create lasting relationships with their peers and mentors.

Show Stoppers Academy Logo

Our Mission

"Show Stoppers Academy provides a Safe Haven for our youth's future leaders. We create a place where young people from all walks of life can build confidence, strength, and camaraderie through sports and education."
500+
Youth Served
15+
Years Experience
95%
Success Rate

Leadership

Meet the visionaries guiding our mission and impact.

Shana Stevenson

CEO, Shana Stevenson Group Incorporated | Co-Founder & Director, Showstoppers Academy | Owner & Director, Sky’s the Limit Daycare

Shana Stevenson is the Chief Executive Officer of Shana Stevenson Group Incorporated, a premier client consulting firm specializing in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance and the U.S. Patriot Act. Under her leadership, the firm has earned a reputation for excellence, providing strategic regulatory guidance and compliance solutions to some of the world’s largest financial institutions—including JPMorgan Chase, Rabobank, Wells Fargo, Citi, and Bank of America. With a deep understanding of financial regulations, risk management, and operational integrity, Shana and her team help organizations maintain compliance, strengthen internal controls, and uphold the highest ethical standards across the banking industry.

In addition to her corporate success, Shana is the Co-Founder and Director of Showstoppers Academy, an innovative youth development organization that integrates academics, athletics, and personal growth. At Showstoppers Academy, she leads programs that provide tutoring, mental and physical therapy, health and wellness education, and leadership development. Her mission is to empower young people to excel academically, build resilience, and develop the discipline and confidence necessary for success both on and off the court.

Shana is also the Owner and Director of Sky’s the Limit Daycare, a trusted childcare and educational center serving children from 6 months to 14 years old. The program offers fluent bilingual instruction in Spanish, French, Mandarin, and English, along with math enrichment, piano lessons, nutritious homemade meals, and 24-hour childcare services. Through this program, Shana provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can thrive academically, creatively, and emotionally.

A dynamic leader, entrepreneur, and mentor, Shana Stevenson exemplifies excellence in both the professional and community spheres. Her commitment to advancing corporate compliance, youth empowerment, and early childhood education continues to make a lasting impact on families, institutions, and communities alike.

Melquan Bolden

Founder, Director, and Head Coach – InnerCity Community and Neighborhood Development LLC d/b/a – Showstoppers Academy (SSA) | Head Coach – Dyckman SemiPro Adult Basketball League | Community Activist – Harlem, New York

Melquan Bolden is a proud Harlem native, visionary leader, and lifelong advocate for youth and community empowerment. His journey began on the legendary basketball courts of Harlem, where his passion for the game evolved into a purpose-driven mission to mentor, uplift, and create life-changing opportunities for young people through sports and education.

After a successful high school and collegiate basketball career, Melquan transitioned into the construction industry, where he has built a 15-plus-year career marked by leadership, integrity, and perseverance. His work in construction reflects his philosophy in life—laying strong, lasting foundations for growth, stability, and success.

As the Founder, Director, and Coach of InnerCity Community and Neighborhood Development LLC, doing business as Showstoppers Academy (SSA), Melquan has established one of New York City’s premier youth development programs. SSA’s mission extends beyond athletics, combining basketball training, academic tutoring, financial literacy education, health and wellness programming, and personal development to cultivate student-athletes who excel both on the court and in the classroom.

Under Melquan’s leadership, Showstoppers Academy has achieved significant competitive success, including:

  • Grenada Championships – cultivating international exposure and competitive excellence
  • Tri-State Championships – multiple age-group titles earned through elite play across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
  • Adidas 3SSB Championship – national recognition within one of the most prestigious grassroots circuits in the country
  • A-Game Championships – repeated success showcasing player development, teamwork, and program consistency

These victories underscore SSA’s growing reputation as a nationally recognized program that develops well-rounded athletes prepared for collegiate and professional opportunities.

As Head Coach of the Dyckman SemiPro Adult Basketball League, Melquan has guided his teams to become a consistent force in New York City basketball. His leadership and mentorship have produced championship-caliber teams, standout athletes, and respected community role models. Known for his disciplined, motivational coaching style, he instills principles of integrity, accountability, and teamwork that transcend the game itself.

Under his broader leadership, his programs have also secured:

  • Four championships at the iconic Dyckman Park Basketball Tournament
  • One championship at the legendary Rucker Park
  • Over fifteen adult league titles in the past five years

Beyond athletics, Melquan is a devoted community activist dedicated to serving Harlem through youth initiatives, mentorship programs, and collaborative neighborhood development. Through InnerCity Community and Neighborhood Development LLC, he continues to design programs that unify athletics, academics, and community service—creating sustainable opportunities for young people to thrive.

Driven by purpose, grounded in faith, and fueled by vision, Melquan Bolden is more than a coach—he is a builder, mentor, and changemaker whose work continues to shape the future of Harlem and beyond.

Our Core Values

The principles that guide everything we do at Show Stoppers Academy.

Safety First

Safety First

We prioritize creating a safe, welcoming environment where every youth feels protected and valued.

Community

Community

Building strong relationships and fostering a sense of belonging among all participants.

Education

Education

Providing comprehensive learning opportunities including financial literacy and life skills.

Excellence

Excellence

Striving for the highest standards in all our programs and interactions.

Respect

Respect

Teaching and modeling respect for peers, elders, and the community.

Love & Support

Compassion

Showing empathy and understanding while helping youth navigate life's challenges.

Our Journey

Key milestones in our organization's growth and impact.

2008

Foundation

Show Stoppers Academy was founded with the vision of creating a safe haven for youth in our community.

2010

First Programs

Launched our first basketball development programs and educational workshops.

2015

Community Expansion

Expanded our reach to serve over 200 youth annually with comprehensive development programs.

2018

Educational Focus

Introduced financial literacy and health & wellness programs to our curriculum.

2020

Adaptation & Growth

Successfully adapted our programs to virtual platforms during challenging times.

2024

Looking Forward

Continuing to innovate and expand our impact with new programs and community partnerships.

Join Our Mission

Be part of the change. Support youth development and community building.