YEA OUTREACH
YEA Outreach is a Metro-Detroit non-profit organization that promotes career and social advancement of youth through educational, professional and entrepreneurial development. We offer youth an opportunity to be involved in an array of high-impact networking opportunities, volunteer and community service projects which helps them to bypass peer pressure and other unwelcomed temptations; ultimately becoming participating leaders in their communities.
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“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
Helen Keller
Project Pink Needs You!
Project P.I.N.K. is requesting donations of backpacks and school supplies for low-income families. YEA Outreach wants to do their part by reaching out to local businesses, entrepreneurs and community leaders for donations of backpacks and school supplies. Monetary donations are also encouraged so supplies can be purchased in bulk. Our goal is to provide 50 low-income families with both backpacks and school supplies to help the children start off a successful school year. As miniscule as it may seem, every one is not financially able to provide these things for their children. We want the students to start the new school year off confident and prepared!
Donations are needed by Aug. 20, 2011. Supplies needed include:
Backpacks ● Pens/pencils ● Notebooks ● Paper ● Glue ● Crayons ● Scissors ● Folders ● Markers ● Erasers ● White out
For more details on how to donate backpacks and school supplies, please email Project P.I.N.K at info@GoProjectPINK.org or visit us at ProjectPINKspeaks.blogspot.com for updates on the final collection day rally!
YEA AMBASSADOR of The Week: Aisha Taylor
Aisha Taylor, 28
1. Describe yourself in 3 words
Dependable, Ambitious, and Sincere.
2. What do you do for a living?
I am currently a Senior Financial Analyst working in New Business Development. I work on a range of projects dealing with mergers & acquisitions, licensing, joint venture development, and building business cases for new business opportunities. I was able to take advantage of this opportunity because I have an MBA in Finance and a strong interest in business development.
3. What inspires you to succeed?
I am inspired by my desire to strive to be the best. Every day I look for ways to be better than the day before. I surround myself with positive and forward-thinking people, and I treat people the way I want to be treated. I believe that if I keep that in the forefront of my mind, then every day I will make measurable progress on becoming the best at anything I pursue.
4. Are there any special projects or business ventures that you are working on?
I strive to excel in everything that I pursue. Currently, in addition to my full-time job, I am pursuing my Certified Financial Planning license. I am also focused on engaging in deals that directly impact the bottom line of the company that I work for. One day, I plan to be a CFO of a major corporation. Stay Tuned!!!
5. How important is giving back to the community in your personal life?
Giving back to the community is extremely important. People need to realize that they do not achieve success alone. I know I did not. There are many people in my life who have been angels in disguise and who have pushed me to understand my potential. I have always known that I was smart and I wanted to be exceptional, but there were teachers, family members, friends, mentors, etc. who recognized that I could be even more than I imagined that I could be. That constant encouragement, along with the support of my amazing family, has inspired me through difficult times.
I recognize that not everyone is as blessed to have so many people who care about them and to encourage them. Therefore, I want to be that angel in disguise to someone else, and I encourage others to do the same. You never know what someone is going through, and you never know how much you can inspire others until you try.
6. What are your thoughts about YEA Outreach?
I believe that YEA provides a unique opportunity to bring service to the forefront of the minds of young professionals. Furthermore, by uniting young professionals, we can show children of color that people who look like them are successful. I think that it is important to show these kids that you do not have to be an athlete, rapper, or actor to succeed. Also, I want to show them that there are other professional careers outside of being a doctor or lawyer. Do not get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with those careers. However, children need to be exposed to a variety of professions so they can begin to understand how their passions and talents line up with careers that are available. Also, if they do not find a fit, they can start their own company. To me, it is all about awakening the passion and drive within children to help them maximize their potential.
CONGRATS to DPS Students!
DPS high school students have secured nearly $77.4 million in scholarships and grants during the 2010-2011 school year!
For more info., click HERE:
http://detroitk12.org/content/2011/07/14/dps-high-school-students-have-secured-nearly-77-4-million-in-scholarships-and-grants/
Job Searching on Social Networks?
Employers and job seekers alike are using the power of social networks more often to connect with one another. Blackenterprise.com shared a few tips on how to make the most of your job hunt:
- Be aware of what you post: Status updates, profanity, obscene pictures can make or break you in your job hunt.
- Remember that everything that you post may not be private, even if the settings say so.
- Work the net – Sites like Linked In and Brazen Careerist were created to help job seekers find employment. Network, Make connections, and STAY connected.
For more tips and the full article click HERE: http://www.blackenterprise.com/2011/06/17/making-the-most-of-job-seeking-on-social-networks/
YEA Ambassador of The Week: Sharon Harris
Sharon L. Harris, 32
Twitter: @SherriBlaise
http://SherriBlaise.Blogstream.com
1. What do you do for a living, how did you get your started?
Currently, I am the Marketing Director for the Lupus Alliance of America Michigan Indiana Affiliate. It is the only lupus organization in Michigan that caters to folks with lupus and their loved ones. I am also the creator of the Pretty Disabled Clothing Company that’s used to empower those stricken with chronic illnesses and those advocating against domestic violence. The line of T-Shirts is featured in the March issue of BLAC Magazine. www.BLACMagazine.com
2. What inspires you to work with the Lupus Alliance of America?
In February 2002, a month after graduating with a Broadcast Journalism degree from Florida A and M University, I was diagnosed with both discoid and systemic lupus. While owning an eyelash business in Tallahassee, I had a lupus flare so great that I had to receive chemotherapy treatments for survival. Disappointed but not hopeless, and with no family to care for me in Tallahassee, I had to move back North. With the love and prayers of my family and friends, I became stronger and one day, I visited the Lupus Alliance to purchase a T-Shirt. Not only did I leave the office with a shirt but I left as the organization’s Public Relations Specialist. Within a year, I had appeared on various Detroit media outlets including WJLB-FM, CW-50’s ‘Street Beat’ and WGPR-FM advocating for lupus. I’ve also written for the Michigan Chronicle and had various speaking engagements with regards to lupus and empowerment. Within a year, I had also garnered more than a million dollars in sponsorships, donations and underwriting. Earlier this year, I was promoted to Marketing Director.
3. Are there any special projects you’re currently working on?
Right now, I am working on marketing and branding for the Lupus Alliance’s venture with Kroger Supermarkets. We have been selected to be Kroger’s Charity of the Month in August and we want to make the event as big and memorable as possible. Customers will be able to buy $1 placards at the supermarket checkouts. The proceeds will be donated to the Alliance.
Former ‘Survivor’ reality television star, Michigan native and film maker, Keith Famie, is excited to produce a documentary about lupus. I am responsible for garnering underwriting for the film which will cost 6 figures easily. (So if any of you out there want to make a difference in the lives of lupus warriors by financing a life changing lupus documentary, I’m not hard to find ;).
As far as the Pretty Disabled Clothing line, I am working on marketing the line globally. I already have the backing of the online publication, The Lupus Magazine, where I am also a staff writer. www.PrettyDisabled.com.
4. Describe yourself in 3 words
Enterprising, Unafraid, Humanitarian
5. What are your thoughts on giving back to the community, youth, etc.
Giving back is the rent that we pay for living in our corner of the earth. I do believe that is essential that each one teach one (or 2 or 20). Additionally, we put out what is poured into us and therefore, if we treat each other with love and respect then our youth will follow suit. We need to purposely search for a level of understanding so that we can work alongside one another in truth. That goes for all generations. YEA Outreach is a dynamic organization that is constantly striving to outdo themselves. The organization has proved that it does not rest on its laurels but only sets out to top yesterday’s successes. Never settling for mediocrity, YEA clearly knows who it is and sets out to help youth find out who they are within themselves. I can’t wait to see a Young Executive Advancements in every major city. An excellent resource run
by folks that care!
YEA Ambassador Of The Week: Celeste Northern
- What do you do for a living? How did you get your start?
Creating a memorable experience for people (whether personally or professionally) has always been a joy of mine. In Detroit, I was the Special Projects Coordinator for Real Times Media, planning corporate events for 300-800 guests. My craving for fashion encouraged me to move to New York to develop my event planning skills as well as extensively grow within the industry. Moving to New York City to pursue my aspirations to launch my career in the fashion industry has proven to be quite an exciting experience in such a short time. I am currently working as a public relations intern for a rising luxury designer in New York City, developing her brand to create a loyal relationship with existing and future clients. Several things motivate me to succeed; but I am mainly inspired by serving as a positive representation for my city. I want to prove to the world that some of the most diligent, talented, and energetic individuals call Detroit their home.
- Describe yourself in 3 words
If I were given only three words to describe myself, they’d be: ambitious, adventurous, and passionate.
- Are there any special projects or business ventures that you are currently working on? What should we expect from you next?
My most recent upcoming freelance project is working as a production assistant for BET’s Rip the Runway spring fashion show. As a fresh New Yorker, I am especially interested in learning all aspects of event planning and marketing in the fashion industry and developing my craft as much as possible. Within a few years, I’d like to be leading the communications division of a luxury fashion house. What should you expect from me next?…To be taking over the world! ;)
- What are your thoughts on giving back to the community, youth, etc.?
I am a firm believer in giving back to the community simply because your community is what made you the person you are. It is your foundation, your rock, your backbone. As we achieve our goals, it is our duty to foster the development of our community so it is capable to provide better (if not the same) opportunities for generations that follow us. As cliché as it sounds, our youth are our future. It’s especially important for us to invest in our future by investing in our youth. YEA is such an amazing organization because it affords our youth those opportunities to fulfill their destinies and become the leaders they aspire to be.
DPS Embraces The 21st Century
Starting this fall DPS announced plans to revamp its 43 Career and Technical Education programs to better prepare students for 21st century jobs and post-secondary education. Beginning from the ninth grade, students will receive detailed “roadmaps” called Programs of Study. These roadmaps will outline courses the needed to be fully prepared to enter their post-secondary program of choice.
“But it is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.”
Herman Melville
YEA Ambassador Of The Week: Jennifer Marie Ward
24, Infection Preventionist, Detroit Medical Center
1. What do you do for a living? What inspires you in your profession?
Currently, I am an Infection Preventionist for the Detroit Medical Center. I do infection control for Harper University Hospital, Hutzel Women’s Hospital, and Karmanos. I access infections that are possibly hospital acquired with a special emphasis on those patients that are critically ill. I got started in the field by entering my Masters program in Health Education at Wayne State University. I have always been interested in public health, wellness, and prevention. My passion for public health and my background in research and clinical/community involvement paved the way to where I am today. I am inspired by those that are driven and goal oriented. I am also inspired by those who have defeated many odds, yet still manage to get the job done.
2. What can we expect from you next?
I was recently hired at the DMC as an Infection Preventionist. With that, I am in numerous committes and organizations that are geared to lower hopsital acquired infections, increase patient safety, and patient awareness. Outside of work, I work on my Masters Project which consists of me puttting together powerpoint presentations/lecturing undergraduate health sciences students at Wayne State University. In addition, I have been planning seminars at local churches and community events discussing certain health topics that need to be addressed in particular areas and settings. I will be talking to students and their parents at the end of March at Wayne State University on Heart Disease and Cancer Awareness and Prevention. Later next month, I have plans on doing an in service with nurses at my job on how to effectively treat patients and the hospital environment that are resistant to certain medications. I also plan on entering a Doctorate program in 2012.
3. What are your thoughts on giving back to the community, youth, etc.
I think giving back to the community (especially youth) is key. I also believe that giving back to the community is a way of humbling yourself. Not everyone has had the opportunities that you have so why not be a blessing to others. It is often the small things that count. People may not remember what you say, but they will always remember how you make them feel. That is something I live by. So if I do something worthy in my community and for a young person trying to make it, I know I have planted a seed that was planted in me and all I can do is hope they take the opportunity and run with it. Knowledge is contagious and all it takes is to reach one person.
4. How do you feel about YEA?
I believe YEA is a wonderful organization. I think it is a great foundation for the youth and it gives them the opportunities that aren’t often given to them at home or school. The hands on experience is priceless and the mentorship gives the youth a positive role model to look up to. I don’t think there is a better organization that encompasses all the pertinent qualities our youth needs today. Especially in the city of Detroit.
