The heart & history behind GenNOW
about us
A faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring and empowering the next generation with confidence, character, and purpose.
Generation NOW, formerly known as Gen-Z Girls (GZG), launched in September 2016. Rooted in a deep passion for supporting teen girls, Generation NOW was created to provide a safe and welcoming space where youth could come together to talk openly about the challenges facing their generation, including peer pressure, self-esteem, body image, relationships, and faith.
After witnessing the growth and impact of GZG, our vision expanded to include teen boys in August 2021. At that time, we also changed our name to Generation NOW Alaska (GenNOW). As our community continued to grow, we expanded our team with dedicated leaders, referred to as coaches, who share a passion for influencing, mentoring, and guiding youth. Together, we remain committed to walking alongside the next generation with care, encouragement, and purpose.
The History of GenNOW
About GenNOW
GenerationNOW began as a simple idea rooted in care, connection, and the belief that young people deserve a safe place to be seen and heard. What started as a small gathering of teen girls quickly grew into a trusted community where honest conversations could happen around real life, faith, relationships, confidence, and purpose.
As the need grew, so did the vision, expanding to welcome both girls and boys and to bring in leaders who shared a passion for walking alongside youth. Today, GenerationNOW continues to grow with renewed energy and purpose, committed to empowering young people to live boldly, authentically, and with confidence in who they are becoming.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Our Values
Generation NOW™ exists to encourage positive and healthy relationships, empower youth to learn, grow, and mature into successful men and women, educate them on issues and topics they deal with today, and establish a strong spiritual foundation for building character, morals, and values.
Our vision is to focus on the needs and social pressures of an underserved generation by providing fun and educational sessions where they can share openly without judgment, while growing emotionally, mentally, and spiritually in a culturally diverse environment.
At Generation NOW™ , our values reflect who we are and what we stand for. We lead with faith, stay rooted in authenticity, and believe in the power of community. We strive to empower every young person to grow with confidence, compassion, and purpose—embracing continuous growth in mind, body, and spirit.
adrienne tucker
CEO, Founder, Life Coach
Robert Russell
Coach
Greg Burden
Coach
Reyonna Mareko
Coach
Maceo Lockridge
Coach
Jewel McClain
Coach
adrienne tucker
CEO, Founder, Life Coach
Born and raised in Alaska, Adrienne has been married to her husband Tommie, for nine years. Together they are raising two amazing kids, their super cute, and smart son, TJ and their adorable and sassy daughter, Meadow.
As founder of Generation NOW Alaska (GenNOW), Adrienne strives to provide an environment where teens and young adults can be seen, heard, and inspired to learn, grow, and thrive in an ever-changing and evolving world.
As a Certified Personal and Executive Life Coach specializing in Teen Coaching, Adrienne loves coaching one on one, witnessing change and growth in each of her clients.
Adrienne is also a very passionate speaker, speaking to both youth and adults alike on topics like sex trafficking, identity, healthy community, coaching, discipleship, and more. Whether on a big stage, a conference room, or on a podcast, Adrienne gives her all in everything she gets the opportunity to share.
go back
Maceo Lockridge
Coach
I was blessed to grow up in a home with a Mom and Dad who loved God and one another and taught us Biblical values. At the age of 20, I heard the Gospel at church and received Christ as my Savior. It was years later that I surrendered to the call of ministry. As I began my ministry, I
pursued a youth-based evangelistic organization.
I was appointed Co-Youth Pastor after several years of serving and supporting the youth through facilitated interfaith dialogs and values-based curriculum in youth and young adult settings. I fell in love and married Kashema who also has a passion for Christ and discipleship. We have 4 children and we have been blessed to be a part of Dominion Ministries. My desire is to help the youth by coaching them in order to assist in their growth and complete potential.
go back
Greg burden
Coach
I am Gregory Burden Jr. I was born and raised in Anchorage AK. I have been married for over 20 years, and we have 3 wonderful children. I enjoy fishing, and all things outdoors.
I have an extensive background in the food industry and currently work for United Parcel Service. I have always had an interest in working with youth and creating positive outlets for their growth in our community.
go back
Reyonna Mareko
Coach
Hello, my name is Rey Mareko, and I’m a Generation NOW mentor.
I grew up here in Alaska and have served the women in our community through various avenues- from the beauty industry to providing encouragement, direction, and tools to those striving to change their circumstances.
I love working with Generation NOW because I believe that every young person deserves a safe space to build confidence, explore their strengths, discover their voice, all while dreaming BIG! Mentoring young women and watching them flourish into who they desire to be inspires me daily. I’m committed to helping create opportunities that empower the next generation.
go back
Robert Russell
Coach
Hi, my name is Robert Russell. Lifelong Alaskan, born and raised in Anchorage. Completed all my education from Kindergarten through College in Anchorage as well.
God has blessed me to have been employed with the Alaska Railroad for 19 years, where I currently hold the position of Manager of Guest Services.
God has also blessed me with a heart to minister to young people. I’ve been a mentor with Alaska Military Youth Academy since 2017, where I’ve helped 10 plus young men get their GED’s, High School Diplomas, pass the ASVAB test, transition from adolescents to young adults, etc.
Being a mentor is so rewarding. I love it when I can help a young person in life, and years later they come back and say, “Thank you!” Thank you GenNOW for allowing me to coach tomorrow's future leaders and ambassadors!
go back
Jewel McClain
Coach
Hello, my name is Jewel McClain. I moved to Anchorage, Alaska 1996, and have pretty much been here ever since. I've been involved with peer support groups since I was in middle school. I've had the opportunity to mentor a few young men in my life through coaching sports, and in my time in retail sales. I currently work for the State of Alaska in the Department of Health, Division of Health Care Services, Background Check Program for the last thirteen years. I have been married to my wonderful wife, Leah, for eighteen years. I have two children, Julius and Jenae.
God has blessed me with the gift to be a person that people can come and talk to and seek advice and help with things that they are going through. Whether it be my family, friends, coworkers, or even strangers. I have a true passion in my heart to help young people. I feel that helping the youth of our community is a part of my purpose. I'm so excited to be apart of Generation Now.
go back
Meet the team led by our CEO, Adrienne Tucker, alongside our Board of Directors and dedicated coaches. Our board is made up of GenerationNOW alumni and emerging leaders who bring lived experience and fresh perspective, while our coaches walk closely with youth through mentorship and guidance. Under Adrianne’s leadership, our team is committed to listening, learning, and continually growing to meet the real needs of today’s youth. Together, our board and coaches blend heart, experience, and thoughtful strategy to strengthen our programs, guide GenNOW forward, and keep youth voices at the center of everything we do.
click to learn more about our team
Donate Now
The Heart Behind GenNOW
Christ-Centered Foundation
We teach faith, kindness, and integrity while helping youth build a strong foundation rooted in God’s love and truth.
Life Skills for the Future
We teach confidence, responsibility, and skills that help youth succeed now and in the future.
Safe & Supportive Community
We create a safe space where young people feel seen, heard, and supported.
Mentorship & Guidance
We connect youth with caring mentors who offer support and encouragement as they grow.
Support Out Mission
At GenerationNOW, we help young people build the confidence, skills, and support systems they need to succeed in life. Through mentorship, honest conversations, and positive role models, we create a safe environment where youth feel encouraged to grow, ask questions, and step into their potential.
Our programs focus on developing strong character, healthy relationships, and real-life tools that prepare youth for the future. We believe true growth happens when young people are supported as a whole, guided by values rooted in faith, integrity, and compassion. By walking alongside youth with encouragement and grace, we help them discover purpose, build resilience, and move forward with confidence in who they are becoming.
How We Help Our Youth
Support Our Mission
Your donation helps make our mission possible. By giving to GenerationNOW, you directly support youth programs, mentorship, educational sessions, and safe spaces where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. Every contribution helps us continue investing in the next generation and creating lasting impact in the lives of the youth we serve.
Donate Now
donate
browse
About GenNOW
Explore our youth programs, mentorship opportunities, and community impact, and discover how your support and donations help empower young people to thrive.
Support Our Vision
