Yolanda Jeffries

citizen |

According to Jeffries, she is a, "tenacious leader" who understands the deep-rooted issues of the individuals she serves. (Photo Courtesy of Yolanda Jeffries)
According to Jeffries, she is a, "tenacious leader" who understands the deep-rooted issues of the individuals she serves. (Photo Courtesy of Yolanda Jeffries)

Occupation: founder and president of ECCYA

Why does she stand out?

A native of Chicagos Englewood neighborhood, Jeffries is the founder and president of the Empower Community Center for Youth and Adults (ECCYA). The organization's mission is to empower young people to excel academically, personally, and socially; this is achieved through free mentoring and tutoring services.

ECCYA youth range between the ages of is 8-17 years old and most live in areas with high poverty rates.

Presently, the organization mentors with about 20 children and hopes to expand to 100 kids by 2013.

I currently spend about 1/4 of my week supporting the youth in my organization, Jeffries said.

Outside of volunteering, Jefferies is an accomplished professional with over 10 years of corporate finance experience.

She is a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child and as a result, the ECCYA strives to empower minds one person at a time, she said.

by Thelma Sardin

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