STAFF

Syd Stewart | founding member & Executive Director

Syd Stewart is a performance poet, actor, and writer and the founding member and Executive Director of Better Youth, Inc. She is a local educator for GirlUp, a teen girls empowerment initiative. Ms. Stewart was a former Director for Ushers New Look Foundation and LAUSD/Beyond the Bell Arts in Education program where she managed a half of million dollar 21st Century grant program for two high schools and five community satellite sites for three years.

Shawn Jackson | Director of operations & learning innovation

Shawn Jackson, former Technical Program Director for the Boys and Girls Club, has served as a program consultant by providing assistance with program evaluation, curriculum development, data analysis, and building technology infrastructure. He has worked with organizations such as Special Services for Groups (SSG) to strengthen quantitative and qualitative assessments and data reporting. As a community resource veteran,  Mr. Jackson has spent years researching the growing practice of new media and web-based technology use, specifically among youth-serving nonprofit organizations.

Miguel Coleman | Artistic Director

Miguel Coleman is a technology entrepreneur, director and producer of community cultural events for youth and families. He is skilled at coordinating and promoting High Profile/Celebrity events and corporate sponsored non-profit ventures. Mr. Coleman has over 5 years non-profit experience including program development, execution, and supervision of staff. He has over 6 years experience teaching youth film & multimedia production throughout the Inglewood School District and Los Angeles Unified School District and is well versed in digital and social literacy.

Johna Rivers | Program Coordinator

Johna is a seven-year program alum who has transformed her leadership skills and abilities and now coordinates programs for youth. She is a writer, poet and filmmaker who advocates for foster youth, working in her community with noted leaders including Representative Karen Bass, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Ms. Rivers was recognized by the UN Foundation as a Youth Champion, is an alum of Ushers New Look Foundation, LAUSD’s Take Action leadership program and has traveled as a cultural ambassador.

 

MENTORS

Monique Coleman               Melvin Jackson Jr.

        

Tess Canfield                       Stephen Canfield

       

Brandon Yarbrough          MatThew Farrell

          

Phil Chiu                               Laquita Perkins