Meet the Team

Rooted in Community, Rebuilding Legacy – DENA Rekindling Network stands apart as a collective of homegrown professionals from Pasadena & Altadena, dedicated to restoring and uplifting our own.

Hubert "Butch" Carr

Founder

With over 30 years of experience in home rebuilding and improvement, Hubert Carr is a seasoned professional dedicated to quality craftsmanship and community revitalization. His expertise spans all aspects of home construction, from structural rebuilding to aesthetic enhancements, ensuring that every project meets the highest standards. As the visionary leader behind the Dena Rekindling Network, he has built a coalition focused on restoring and preserving local neighborhoods, fostering a sense of pride and unity within the community.

A proud Pasadena resident for more than 40 years, Hubert has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s housing landscape. He has contributed to the construction, repair, and remodeling of over 50 homes throughout Altadena and Pasadena, helping families restore their properties and revitalize their communities. His deep understanding of home restoration, combined with his ability to bring together skilled professionals, has made him a trusted figure in the industry.

Committed to excellence, Hubert leads a team of experienced craftsmen and tradespeople, working collaboratively to improve the quality and longevity of homes in the area. His passion for rebuilding extends beyond construction—it is about strengthening neighborhoods, preserving history, and creating a lasting impact. Through his work, Hubert remains dedicated to restoring and revitalizing the community—one home at a time.

Vanessa Dotson

Program Director

Vanessa Foster-Dotson is a highly accomplished Software Consultant at IBM, bringing over two decades of expertise in information technology. Throughout her career, she has honed her skills in various technical domains, delivering innovative solutions and strategic insights to her clients. In her current role, she specializes in providing technical sales support, including conducting in-depth needs assessments, delivering engaging product demonstrations, and managing projects to ensure the seamless implementation of IBM’s cutting-edge technologies. Her ability to understand complex business challenges and translate them into tailored technical solutions has made her a trusted advisor in the industry.

Beyond her corporate role, Vanessa is a driven entrepreneur and seasoned real estate investor. Her passion for business extends beyond technology, as she actively manages and expands her investment portfolio. Leveraging her analytical skills and strategic mindset, she has successfully navigated the real estate market, making sound financial decisions that contribute to her growing success.

Vanessa holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Telecommunications Management. Her strong academic foundation, combined with extensive professional experience, has equipped her with the knowledge and expertise to excel in both the technology and business sectors. With a career marked by continuous learning, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, she remains dedicated to driving success in every endeavor she pursues.

Henry Dotson

Project Manager

Henry B. Dotson, III is a seasoned strategy consultant and enterprise architect with over 30 years of experience in developing and delivering complex engineering and information technology solutions. Throughout his career, he has held key technical leadership roles at Southern California Edison (SCE), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), where he has played a crucial role in advancing innovative solutions across various industries.

A dedicated advocate for professional development and community engagement, Henry is a lifetime member of the Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers (LACBPE). He has served on its Executive Board and represented the organization on the Small Business Advisory Council of the Los Angeles Unified School District, contributing his expertise to initiatives supporting small businesses and STEM education.

Beyond his engineering career, Henry is also a successful entrepreneur and professional real estate investor. He holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering and is a registered Professional Electrical Engineer in the state of California. His diverse expertise in engineering, business strategy, and investment reflects his commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.

Dr. Abeni Carr-Johnson

Director of Communications & Community Partnerships

Dr. Abeni Carr-Johnson, a Pasadena native, brings extensive expertise in business operations, financial management, and community development. With over a decade of experience supporting her father’s company, Property Rekindling Experts, she has played a pivotal role in project oversight, resource allocation, and strategic planning within the construction industry, helping drive efficiency and sustainable growth.

Beyond her contributions to the family business, Dr. Carr-Johnson serves as the Executive Director of Haven’s House Youth Services, where she leads initiatives providing supportive interim housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. A dedicated educational leader, she also serves as a middle school principal in the Los Angeles area, overseeing a $4 million budget and leveraging her grant-writing expertise to secure funding for transformative programs that enrich student learning and development.

With a strong background in financial stewardship, operational leadership, and community-driven initiatives, Dr. Carr-Johnson is a dynamic force in both the construction and housing sectors. Her ability to drive meaningful change through strategic planning and resource management has cemented her reputation as a leader committed to sustainable impact.

Tommye Martin

Steering Committee Member

Tommye Martin is fully embracing the joys of retirement after an impressive 44-year professional career. She first retired from Pacific Bell, where she served as a Major Projects Coordinator in Network Engineering’s Switching and Transport division. Not one to slow down, she embarked on a second career with the Pasadena Unified School District, retiring as a Site Supervisor in the Child Development Department.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management from the University of Redlands and has also completed extensive Early Childhood Education training at Pasadena City College and Pacific Oaks College. Her dedication to learning and professional growth has been a cornerstone of her success.

In her free time, Tommye finds joy in spending cherished moments with her grandchildren, family, and friends. She has a deep love for cooking, sewing, photography, and traveling, as well as exploring the beauty of nature. Guided by her core values of kindness, joy, respect, and unity, she strives to bring warmth and positivity to every space she enters.

Leo Cablayan

Director of Business Strategy & Operations

Leo has 30 years of professional experience, primarily in the banking and nonprofit industries. His career includes a range of impressive leadership positions, including being the former regional vice president and market vice president at Operation HOPE and director of outreach and development at the African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI). At Operation HOPE, a global nonprofit focused on financial literacy and economic empowerment, Cablayan directed a national youth financial literacy program in more than 15 regions and 90 cities throughout the United States. He oversaw adult financial literacy programs and initiatives in Operation HOPE’s Southwest Region, with overall responsibility for marketing, fund development, financial literacy programs, initiatives and employees.

Cablayan chairs the Crenshaw YMCA Board and the Muir High School Business and Entrepreneurship Academy Advisory Board. He is a Southern California Leadership Network 2012 Fellow and a Los Angeles Social Venture Partners Social Innovation Fast Pitch Coach. A member of the Bank on Los Angeles Steering Committee, he is an advisory board member for Educate California, president of the Sudduth-Holiday Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation, president of the Pasadena Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and executive committee member of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. Leo is a past board member of the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce Education Fund.