Board of Directors

Words from the President

I started Youth Builder CDC because I refused to watch another talented young person’s potential go to waste. Too many teenagers in our community have dreams but no pathway. They have creativity but no tools. They have potential but no opportunity. I founded this organization to change that reality—to build a bridge between where our youth are and where they deserve to be.
At Youth Builder, we believe every young person has something special inside them waiting to be unleashed. Our job is to provide the training, technology, mentorship, and support that helps them discover it. Whether a student wants to launch a business, earn professional certifications, master cutting-edge technology, or simply build a stable career that supports their family—we’re here to make it happen.

This isn’t easy work, and it isn’t cheap. But it’s the most important work we can do. When we invest in a teenager’s future, we’re investing in our community’s future. When we teach a young person they have value and give them real skills to prove it, we break cycles of poverty, build stronger families, and create leaders who lift others up.

To our youth: We see you. We believe in you. We’re not going anywhere.
To our supporters, board members, and community partners: Thank you for believing in this mission. Your investment—whether time, resources, or expertise—is literally changing lives. Together, we’re proving that every young person, given the right opportunity, can succeed.
The future is being built right now, in our programs, by our students. Join us in making sure it’s a future worth celebrating.
Dr JANET ATKINSON

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President

Dr. Janet Atkinson is a seasoned entrepreneur, business consultant, educator, and community leader with over 24 years of experience helping businesses grow, scale, and succeed. As the founder and owner of Imanij Business Consulting, she provides strategic guidance in business development, branding, marketing, product creation, and growth planning. Her work focuses on helping entrepreneurs and organizations build strong foundations, create clear strategies, and position themselves for long-term success.
Dr. Atkinson also leads Imanij Marketing Company, where she supports clients with full-service marketing solutions, including social media management, video creation, graphic design, website development, brand identity, and search engine optimization. She is known for helping businesses discover their unique selling proposition and develop a brand personality that connects with their audience.
Her academic background includes a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing from Keiser University, a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University, and a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University. In addition to her business work, Dr. Atkinson is deeply committed to youth entrepreneurship and community development. As the founder of Youth Builder Community Development Corporation, she helps young people gain the tools, confidence, and training needed to start online businesses and build brighter futures.
Dr. Atkinson is also a published author and educator who has written books on business and marketing and taught master-level marketing courses. Her passion for innovation, education, and community impact continues to inspire entrepreneurs, professionals, and youth to pursue their goals with confidence and purpose.

SECRETARY

Jackie Bass brings over 20 years of experience in secretarial work, event coordination, organization, and attention to detail. She has a strong passion for giving back and helping others, and she continues to serve her community through her involvement in various organizations. Jackie is known for being dependable, organized, and detail-oriented, making sure tasks are completed with care and professionalism. Her commitment to service and community support makes her a valuable part of the Youth Builder Community Development Corporation team.

BUSINESS & PAYROLL PARTNERSHIP director

Whitley Pope brings many years of experience in business coordination, payroll, and human resources support. She has strong knowledge of IRA and Roth retirement options, payroll processes, and services that support both employees and business owners. Whitley is passionate about helping others and has a strong commitment to giving back to the community. Her experience, professionalism, and compassion make her a valuable part of the Youth Builder Community Development Corporation team.

Vice President

Tamaki Gaskin is a master loctician, serial entrepreneur, community leader, wife, and mother with a strong passion for helping others succeed. As the owner of Dread Bar in Lansing, Michigan, she has built a respected beauty brand centered on natural hair care, mentorship, and entrepreneurship. Tamaki brings years of experience in business, customer service, leadership, and community support. She is dedicated to giving back, empowering others, and creating opportunities that help individuals grow personally, professionally, and financially.

YOUTH CARE AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT director

Karmen Johnson is the Executive Director of Marvelous Lifestyles Outreach and brings a strong background in business, marketing, leadership, logistics, and customer service. With experience in corporate management and a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications, Karmen is passionate about helping families, mothers, and communities create their own paths to success. She believes that moms can be both strong leaders and exceptional mothers while building a life of purpose and prosperity. Through her work, Karmen is committed to giving back, empowering youth, supporting community growth, and helping others recognize their potential.

YOUTH HEALTH & WELLNESS director

Dr. Amy Washington is a dedicated pediatrician with over 20 years of experience practicing medicine. Based in California, she has devoted her career to caring for children and supporting their overall health, growth, and well-being. Her passion for helping youth is what inspired her to become a pediatrician, and she remains committed to helping young people become strong, healthy, and stable in life. Dr. Washington’s compassion, experience, and commitment to youth make her a valued part of the Youth Builder Community Development Corporation team.

Treasury

Deborah Michelle Womack brings a strong background in service, leadership, business, and financial knowledge to Youth Builder Community Development Corporation. She is a retired military dental hygienist with experience serving in different states and around the world. Deborah also holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and has experience as a CPA, giving her valuable insight into financial organization and business operations. As the owner of a resale clothing closet, she understands product sales, customer service, and working with youth through entrepreneurship and community support. Her diverse experience, discipline, and commitment to helping others make her a valuable part of the Youth Builder team.

SKILLED TRADES director

Shatiz Melonson. Chief Sees Milison is a business owner based in California with experience in pool maintenance, service operations, retail sales, and business development. As the owner of a pool company, he understands the importance of customer service, responsibility, and keeping operations running smoothly. He also brings past experience in maintenance and operations within dog breeding facilities, where he helped ensure proper care, structure, and training. Chief has a strong passion for youth and is able to connect with young people through real-life experience, patience, and leadership. His business knowledge, hands-on skills, and commitment to helping others make him a valuable part of the Youth Builder Community Development Corporation team.

Director Community Relations

Cheryl A. Davis is a gifted writer, educator, business consultant, and serial entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience. She is the CEO of Cheryl Davis Productions, a faith-based entertainment company focused on family-friendly television, stage, and film content, and also leads businesses in staffing, consulting, bail bonding, and notary services. Cheryl is an award-winning playwright, published author, ordained minister, mentor, speaker, and community leader. With a strong background in education, business, and service, she is committed to empowering others, giving back, and using her gifts to educate, inspire, and uplift communities.

WORKFORCE READINESS director

Abbey Moran is a vocational rehabilitation counselor, community engagement professional, and disability advocate with a strong background in human resources, counseling, military service, and community support. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management, a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling, and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Abbey also served 14 years in the Michigan Army National Guard as a Human Resource Specialist, gaining leadership and personnel support experience. She is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities achieve independence, access resources, and remove barriers so they can thrive in their communities.

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YOUTH DIRECTORS

★★★★★

JAZMINE ATKINSON

Jazmine, is results-driven nonprofit leader with over 5 years of experience designing, executing, and leading impactful youth and
community programs. Skilled in building cross-sector partnerships, managing diverse teams, and leading strategic initiatives
focused on youth empowerment and civic engagement. Proven track record of translating vision into results through
collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity and cultural competence.
She currently have skills in the following;
French (B2), Microsoft Teams, Canva, Salesforce, Social Media Management, Community Engagement, Youth Leadership, Program
Development, Stakeholder Relations, Volunteer Management, Project Management, Conflict Resolution, Strategic Planning.

YOUTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR, JAZMINE ATKINSON

★★★★★

AMBER WOMACK

Amber, is a creative and purpose-driven business owner with a passion for youth empowerment and community development. She earned her degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. As a proud parent of two beautiful daughters, she brings both nurturing guidance and entrepreneurial insight to the foundation. Her natural creativity and hands-on skills allow her to connect authentically with young people — she not only understands their challenges but also relates to their energy, ambition, and drive for success.Create business owner, Graduate of Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA.
Business Administration and Marketing. Amber has creative and special use with her hands.

YOUTH CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP DIRECTOR, AMBER WOMACK

★★★★★

MAKAYLA HUGHES

Makayla, is a Staff Consultant in Ernst & Young’s Forensics practice based in the Charlotte, NC office. She began working at EY as a new hire after graduating with an M.S. in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Since joining EY’s Forensics practice, Makayla has worked on a diverse range of client projects, including insurance and federal claims services, investigations, and compliance and policy reviews. She has expertise in grants management, encompassing cost recovery applications and local government grant administration. Her recent focus areas include ensuring compliance with federal regulations, conducting document reviews, assisting with investigative interviews, testing related to fraud and abuse investigations, policy assessment, as well as evaluating compliance processes.

YOUTH GRANTS & COMPLIANCE DIRECTOR, MAKAYLA HUGHES

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