Culture Change logo — Culture Change community work in Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey
Culture Change team and community leaders — Culture Change community work in Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey

Our Team

Meet the dedicated neighbors working to transform Mercer County, one block at a time.

  • Larry Paul II — Culture Change team member

    Larry Paul II

    Founder & Executive Director

    Larry Paul II is the visionary founder of Culture Change and serves as Founder & Executive Director of Culture Change, supporting outreach, volunteer engagement, and partnerships across Mercer County. He also serves on the organization's Board of Directors. Born and raised in Trenton, Larry's deep-rooted connection to the community is built on years of dedicated service in youth mentorship, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization. As a natural connector and organizer, he excels at aligning diverse groups around common goals—transforming abstract ideas into tangible community initiatives that reclaim and beautify shared spaces.

    For Larry, this work is driven by a firm belief that true transformation starts with neighbors taking pride in their own blocks rather than waiting for outside institutions. By spearheading cleanups and fostering local collaborations, he helps residents build the relationships necessary for a safer, more connected Mercer County. Outside of his leadership with Culture Change, Larry is a proponent of fitness, self-development, and financial education. He is committed to creating a vibrant environment where the next generation can thrive, ensuring the community's future is as strong as its residents.

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  • Crystal Brockton — Culture Change team member

    Crystal Brockton

    Director of Communications

    Crystal Brockton serves as the Director of Communications for Culture Change, where she leverages over 15 years of experience in journalism, marketing, and event management to amplify the organization's impact. A proud HBCU graduate and a lifelong resident of Mercer County—born in Trenton and raised in Hamilton Township—Crystal is deeply rooted in the community she serves. She spearheads the organization's social media engagement and outreach efforts, ensuring that neighbors have clear access to vital resources and opportunities for connection.

    Driven by a passion for the arts and a belief that community functions as an extended family, Crystal was inspired to join Culture Change after witnessing the immediate, tangible difference made during the group's first park cleanup. As a skilled organizer, she focuses on making environmental revitalization and safe-space engagement both visible and accessible. When she isn't promoting community initiatives, Crystal enjoys the local nostalgia of Hamilton gems like Nino's Pizzarama and brings a vibrant, creative energy to every project she leads.

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  • Cristina Valdez

    Outreach Coordinator

    Cristina identifies vital funding opportunities and provides hands-on support for community events to ensure Culture Change has the resources to thrive. A dedicated advocate for the next generation, she is driven by a desire to fulfill community needs and build a brighter future alongside local youth. Cristina finds her greatest inspiration in the unity displayed at Franklin Park cleanups and the joy of children at events like K-DAY and Pumpkin Painting, believing these moments lay the foundation for neighbors to truly care for one another.

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Board of Directors

Guiding our mission with local leadership and deep roots in Mercer County.

Want to Join Our Team?

We're always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in Mercer County.

Events & OpportunitiesVolunteer