APRIL 2023
2023 All-Star Mentee Challenge
Last month we kicked off our All-Star Mentee Challenge to promote and reinforce YEMBA’s core values. Each day at the Mentoring Empowerment Program, stars are awarded to students who are fully engaged in the day’s workshop and exemplify outstanding leadership qualities. Mentees are provided an opportunity to trade in stars for prizes of their choice. Finally, leaders in each category will be honored at our end-of-year commencement ceremony and celebration.
Meet Our Newest Mentor: Chris Travis
Chris has already proven to be a great addition to our team — building relationships, providing mentorship, and delivering workshops for our students.
“Hello! My name is Chris Travis and I’m a recent graduate from the University of Chicago. As a double major in Cinema/media and African American Studies, I strive to bring a creative flare to my work here at YEMBA. Since graduating, I’ve managed to engage with the community in several social service capacities. Whether it’s been as a tutor, a case manager, or as a mentor, it all comes back to just wanting to have a positive impact on the youth in my community!
Being a mentor for YEMBA is a particularly special opportunity to me, as we provide guidance to children at a very formative time in their lives. Every day I show up, I’m reminded of where I was not too long ago, in their same position. Being able to provide them with the guidance I wish I had at their age will always be fulfilling. I use it as a motor to make sure I bring my best self to the program every day. If we don’t, then who will?“
Recognizing the Outstanding Contributions of Board Member Jessica Mackinnon
As YEMBA welcomes new members to its Board of Directors, we would like to extend a special thanks to Jessica Mackinnon for her impact on our organization and therefore our youth. Jessica Mackinnon served on the YEMBA Board of Directors for the last five years. During Jessica’s time as a board member, she held the roles of vice president and secretary.
Her efforts focused on enhancing YEMBA's profile by promoting the organization to local media and by writing and editing publications including the annual report and monthly newsletters. Jessica also co-chaired the 2019 gala.
”I am most proud of YEMBA's role in helping students persist in high school and move on to college or careers. The fact that all of our graduates have gone on to college is really impressive. I am also impressed with the quality of YEMBA's newest board members and think they have the potential to take the organization to the next level. While I will miss my involvement with YEMBA, I think it is important to bring new voices into the organization and I know that these new board members will find their involvement to be as rewarding as I did. ” Jessica shared.
Jessica initially became involved with YEMBA after meeting Founder & Executive Director Edward Redd through the Community Leadership Program. Jessica explained that she was particularly inspired by Mr. Redd’s vision provide the social development, educational and recreational opportunities that youth need to succeed in life.
We wish Jessica all the best in her next chapter!
YEMBA Participates in Laureus Sports for Good Town Hall
The Laureus Foundation supports community programs using sports as a tool for ending violence, discrimination and disadvantage. The Foundation has been a reliable YEMBA supporter for several years.
Last month, Laureus invited YEMBA to participate in a Town Hall at the Humboldt Park Field House to collaborate with other likeminded organizations around strategies to leverage the power of sports as a vehicle to empower youth.