Mobilizing Young Activists

Jordan Walker is the Region 1 Youth Board Member of the National Board of Directors.

Gia Greenidge is the Region 2 Youth Board Member of the National Board of Directors. Greenidge is from Saint Albans, Queens, and has been a part of the NAACP since she was thirteen years old in the Jamaica Youth Council Unit 2810. Greenidge then went on to charter a chapter at SUNY Cortland Unit 29AW.  

Kyra Mitchell is a young emerging leader, civil-rights activist, scholar, and Saginaw, Michigan native. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with her Bachelors of Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting. She currently works at Boston Consulting Group as an associate.

She also currently serves as the Region 3 NAACP Youth Board member and President of the Michigan State Conference Youth and College Division. She previously served as the Chairman of the National Youth Work Committee for 2 consecutive terms. During her time at Eastern Michigan, she served as Vice-President of Eastern Michigan University's Black Student Union and the National Association of Black Accountants. She also served as the Director of Diversity and Community Outreach for Student Government.

Throughout her time in the NAACP, Kyra has worked with various units across her state and region to implement training, ensure units have the resources they need, and ultimately expand the NAACP's reach to communities that need it. She uses her platform in the NAACP to advocate for women's rights, criminal justice reform, Black political power, and many other areas. With this platform, she was able to work with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and the Michigan Department of Education to create a racial equity program for township and city managers across the state of Michigan.

In 2019, Kyra received the Diversity and Inclusion Award from her school due to her efforts to change the culture on its predominantly white campus and educate minority students on the power they have. In 2020, she was recognized by her university with the Martin Luther King Student Award alongside their state Governor, Gretchen Whitmer for her work around campus and in the community to help fulfill Dr. Martin Luther King's dream.

Alexia R. Dukes is the Coordinator of Inclusive Business Solutions for Greater St. Louis Inc.  As coordinator Alexia prepares packets for the monthly meetings, processes information, and research for the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative and Diverse Business Accelerator. These roles cause her to interact with mid to high-level professionals on a weekly basis.

In 2016, Alexia attended the National Conference for Community and Justice also known as "Anytown" where she went through intense training on cultural diversity. Then in 2017, was hired as a Delegate Leader for the program, helping 40 participants between the ages of 15-17 process the training while also helping to teach the training.

She attends Harris-Stowe State University and majors in Psychology. Throughout her college career, she has received various awards such as Provost Honors 2019-2021, Alexia is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, CRU, and a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Her extra-curricular activities outside of school include being President of the St. Louis County college of National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was Miss NAACP 2018-2019. Alexia is part of the communications committee for Episcopal Church of All Saints and Ascension.

Rylan J. Pendleton is an Alabama native. He has been a member of the NAACP for 12 years and is a proud member of the Limestone County Youth Council in Athens, AL. Pendleton takes pride in helping uplift his community and being a leader within his state and region.

He is a proud graduate of Athens State University, where he achieved his BS in Human resources, as well as his education in the Leadership and Busines Analytics Master's Program. Pendleton is devoted to the work of the NAACP and continues to help lead the mission of the NAACP.

Shevann Steuben is a distinguished leader, passionate advocate, and proud native of San Francisco, California. An alumna of Baylor University, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication Studies and is currently pursuing her MBA at Johns Hopkins University, where she is further refining her strategic acumen and leadership expertise.

Shevann's unwavering commitment to civic engagement and social justice is exemplified through her extensive involvement with the NAACP. She currently serves on the NAACP National Board of Directors, where she made history as the fourth woman to represent Region VI in the organization's history. After completing her youth term on the Board in 2024, Shevann was reinstalled to the NAACP National Board of Directors in 2025, just one year after aging out of the Youth & College Division — a testament to her exceptional leadership and enduring impact. She also serves as the 1st Vice President of the NAACP Houston Branch and the Advisor of the Texas NAACP Youth & College Division, a role in which she was honored as the 2024 State Advisor of the Year.

Shevann's journey with the NAACP began during her freshman year at Baylor University, where she became an active member. Rising through the ranks, she was appointed Political Action Chair in 2017 and elected President of the Baylor NAACP Chapter in 2018, serving two terms and leading the chapter to be named NAACP's National College Chapter of the Year in 2018 and 2019. Her dedication to the organization continued at the state level, where she served as Youth State Treasurer in 2018 and was elected Texas Youth & College Division State President in 2019, a position she held until 2023.

Beyond her NAACP leadership, Shevann is a Generation Vote National C4 Board member, where she supports the development of the next generation of civic leaders committed to electoral justice. Her dedication to service is further reflected in her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Professionally, Shevann is a skilled Management Consultant specializing in change management and organizational learning. She is also the founder of B RARE Consulting, a firm that provides expertise in marketing, communications, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and strategic growth.

Shevann's leadership and advocacy have garnered widespread recognition. In 2022, she was crowned 1st runner-up at the Miss Black International Ambassador pageant and currently reigns as Miss Black Texas International Ambassador 2025. Through her platform, *Yet to Be*, inspired by Maya Angelou's vision of the "Yet to be United States of America," Shevann focuses on voting accessibility and the intersectionality of issues impacting humanity, particularly within the Black community.

A sought-after speaker, Shevann has been invited to share her insights at prestigious events, including a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris on behalf of the NAACP. Her presentations often address critical topics such as civic participation, the impact of student debt on marginalized communities, transformational leadership, and the importance of intergenerational collaboration in driving social change.

With a career defined by advocacy, leadership, and service, Shevann Steuben continues to inspire and empower those around her. As she advances in her professional and personal endeavors, she remains steadfast in her mission to foster inclusivity, champion innovative solutions, and create lasting impact in every community she serves.

Brianna Simone Reaves is a young black trailblazer on the rise; a next-generation community activist and scholar who lives fully in her today with the dream of changing our tomorrow.  Brianna is currently a student and the first Black Woman Student Government Association President at the University of Mary Washington located in Fredericksburg, VA, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Social Justice. Brianna is also an NAACP National Youth Board Member and the Virginia State Conference Youth and College Division President.

Alona Smith proudly serves as the National Youth Representative for NAACP Region 3. A native of Kokomo, Indiana, she is a student at Indiana University Bloomington, pursuing a degree in Human Development and Family Studies with minors in Law and Public Policy and Child and Adolescent Mental Health. 

Within the NAACP, Alona serves as Chair for Opportunity, Race, and Justice in her college chapter and as the Political Action Chair for the Indiana State Conference Youth and College Division. Her leadership is driven by a passion for equity, advocacy, and empowering young voices to shape just and inclusive communities.

Laila Jozefkowicz is a sophomore at Metropolitan State University of Denver, pursuing a degree in Hospitality Leadership with a concentration in Travel and Tourism. With a passion for creating meaningful experiences and fostering cultural connections. Laila is dedicated to using hospitality as a bridge to bring people together and build inclusive communities.

Zenya Gantt is a current sophomore in college and attends South Carolina State University majoring in Political Science in efforts to learn more about politics , governmental procedures , and the justice system. After graduating college she plans to attend law school in efforts of becoming a lawyer. She wants to get involved with politics in hopes of later on running for an elected office position to become a voice for the voiceless and advocate for the people in her community. Zenya is the current president for the Columbia, South Carolina NAACP Youth Council while also holding the Treasurer position for the South Carolina Youth and College Executive Committee. She is the political action chair for the NAACP college chapter and is heavily involved with the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity at South Carolina State University . Zenya is a recipient of the Wiley Kennedy Foundation coalition of Community Fellows Scholarship for the year of 2023 and 2024 - Spawned out of Bethlemhan Baptist Church (College Place) where she is a member under the pastoral leadership of Revered Dr. Anthony A Mccullum. 

She has recently been 1 of the 17 recipients of the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action fund. This orientation introduced the second round of grants sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, aimed at engaging youth ages 15–24 in climate change mitigation.

Skylahr A. Mimms has been an active and dedicated leader within the NAACP, beginning her journey as Secretary to the former President of the Killeen Youth Council. She now serves as the 1st Vice President of the Texas State Youth & College Division, where she helps guide statewide initiatives, conventions, and youth leadership development. Originally from Region 3 and now transitioning into Region 6, Skylahr is committed to advancing the mission of the NAACP through advocacy, organizing, and empowering young leaders to carry forward the fight for justice and equity.

She is currently a Sophomore pursuing dual Bachelor's degrees in English Literature and Sociology, with plans to earn a Master's in Social Work and become a patient advocate. By combining her academic studies with her NAACP leadership, Skylahr strives to use her voice and platform to champion equity, strengthen communities, and build pathways for the next generation of advocates.

Aaliyah Mayes,  May 2025 graduate of  Virginia State University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. Currently pursuing an MBA at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Previously served as president of unit 7772-B at Virginia State University and unit 6853 at the University of North Texas. 

As a nationally renowned champion for racial justice and equity, Akosua Ali has a record of delivering mission-driven results in organizational transformation, while advancing civil rights and Black excellence.

Akosua Ali has served as President of the NAACP Washington, DC Branch, since 2010 and has served on the NAACP National Board of Directors, since 2016. In 2010, Akosua Ali was one of the youngest Presidents of an NAACP Branch across the nation. Today, with over 14 years of expertise leading transformative solutions to eliminate racial discrimination, she drives operational efficiency and mission success across 17 NAACP program areas, including Economic, Education, Environmental, Finance, Climate Justice, Criminal Justice, Health, Housing, LGTBQIA+, International Affairs, Labor, Legal Redress, Membership, Political Action, Public Relations, Religious Affairs and Veteran Affairs. Ali navigated the NAACP in processing over 913 discrimination complaints in the areas of education, housing, police misconduct, employment and consumer rights. She has managed legislative and public policy advocacy and testified on over 43 key bills. In 2017, Akosua Ali pioneered the launch of the Next Generation Leadership Training Program in partnership with two brother leaders, successfully training over 600 students across 33 states encompassing 16 core-competency curriculum areas including leadership fundamentals, political action, education, economic empowerment, criminal justice, environmental justice, health advocacy and racial justice.

Professionally, Akosua Ali yields over 20 years of expertise across the Federal Government, non-profit and private sectors organizations. Akosua Ali currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the President at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). In this role, Ali drives the execution of strategic priorities and internal initiatives, aimed at strengthening operations through managing human and capital resources to deliver measurable, timely and cost-effective results. UNCF is the nation's largest and most effective minority education. Founded in 1944, UNCF is a trusted global brand of black excellence in higher education, providing operating support for 37 member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), over $100 million in scholarships and 400 programs for students at more than 900 colleges and universities across the country.

Akosua's career encompasses serving as a Director at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security managing a $7.8 billion IT acquisition portfolio, the U.S. Census Bureau implementing a $319 million communications campaign reaching audiences in 28 different languages, budget management at Federal Aviation Administration and the legislative research support for the Rhode Island Secretary of State. Akosua Ali is the Founder & CEO of Crimson Solutions LLC, a company dedicating to providing transformative and innovative strategic visioning and corporate reimagining specializing in advancing Racial Justice, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

As the Director of the Financial Operations Division at the U.S. Department of Homeland, Ali delivered innovative performance management, financial management, contract management, human resource management and workforce engagement solutions, supporting mission-critical business operations. She managed a $7.8 billion IT acquisition portfolio and $603 million budget supporting mission-critical DHS services supporting 240,000 employees across 22 DHS component agencies, including FEMA, TSA, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Secret Service. At DHS, Akosua Ali managed 688 active contracts, 200 new contract awards, 1,200 purchasing requisitions, 120 interagency agreements and 800 contract closeouts annually, through project management, budget formulation, spend plan development, budget execution, acquisition planning, contract management and performance management. Akosua Ali yielded over $41 million in cost-savings, over four years, by leading innovative acquisitions, financial analysis and contract closeout actions.

Akosua Ali has received numerous professional awards. In 2018, she received the Homeland Security, OCIO, I AM IT! Acquisition Program Manager Award, and in 2015, she received the Rising Star Government Innovation Award. In 2012, Ali was named, the DMVs "Top 30 Under 30."

Akosua Ali is a native of Washington, DC, and a graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, where she received a bachelor's degree and MBA degree in Global Business and Organizational Leadership. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Akosua Ali serves on the Board of Directors of several non-profit organizations, including the NAACP, DC Open Government Coalition, Kofi Tyus Art Institute and Next Generational Leadership Training Institute. Akosua Ali was a chartering member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Blacks In Government (BIG) Chapter.

The former Johnnie Raye McMillian, received her Bachelor's Degree from Fayetteville University and a Masters of Education Degree from the University of Miami. After that she was certified by the State of Florida in areas of: Elementary Education, Educational Leadership, Guidance and Counseling, Social Studies, Mental Retardation, and Specific Learning Disabilities. She retired from the Miami-Dade County Public Schools after a 39 year successful career that took her from the classroom to an Educational/Placement Specialist, ESE; Interim ESE Director, Region IV; Interim Principal, Westview Elementary and Summer Principal, Floral Heights Elementary School. She also served as an Adjunct Professor at Miami-Dade College, Florida Memorial and Nova University. At the Miami Dade County Public School District level, she served as Director, Title I Program and District Director, Alternative Education Programs, where she was directly responsible for Juvenile Justice and Teen Parent Programs. She is the proud mother of three adult children, Ronald, Norman, II and Treska; and the loving grandmother of Amber, Chalice, Khari and Destinee.

Adora Obi Nweze is a devoted member of New Harvest Missionary Baptist Church, Miami, FL; member of Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and serves as the  Associate Matron, Angels of Adora Chapter #99, Order of Eastern Star, PHA. Her NAACP affiliation includes being a Diamond Life member of the NAACP; President of the Florida State Conference NAACP, member of the NAACP National Board of Directors; member, NAACP Special Contribution Fund/Board of Trustees. She serves on the following National Board Committees: Chair, ACT-SO Committee; Chair, NAACP Education Committee; member, NAACP Advocacy and Policy; member, NAACP Memberships and Units; member, NAACP Convention Planning; member, NAACP Membership sub-committee; member, Environmental Justice/Climate Control Subcommittee; and member, Gulf Oil Taskforce.

She was appointed in 2010 as a member, National Advisory Council (NAC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and as Chair, Affirmative Action Committee FL Democratic Party.  Previously held positions include: Appointed by former Governor Charlie Crist as Special Advisor for Minority Affairs; member, Search Committee for NAACP President/CEO 2007/2008; member, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Advisory Committee which developed a Post Katrina Report. Adora, has served as Chair of the National 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board and was the President for the Miami-Dade Branch (11 years) and the Opa-Locka Branch (2 years); member, Federal Communications Commission, Special Committee on Post Katrina; Coordinator, Disaster Relief and Region V, Coordinator Women In NAACP (WIN) Committee.  She spearheaded lawsuits that were filed by the Florida State Conference to include: the One Florida Initiative, the Voting Irregularities of 2000 and Voter Disenfranchisement, the Department of Corrections, School Vouchers, Felony Disenfranchisement, and Affirmative Action. Recently, she has been an out spoken advocate in seeking Justice for the murder of Martin Lee Anderson.  Because of her strong belief in community, she has been successful in building NAACP partnerships with the Florida Departments of Education, Health, Corrections, Juvenile Justice, the Florida Bureau of Elderly Affairs, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.  She has implemented strategies and activities with the Department of Health/HIV/AIDS Division to bring about an awareness of the impact that HIV/AIDS has on the Black and Minority Communities throughout the State of Florida.

Adora has been on the forefront for many initiatives to include but not limited to: Successful fundraising efforts at the local, state, region and national levels; organized successful NAACP memberships Drives yielding hundreds of new regular and Life Members; Daisy Bates Education Summit; ACTSO Competitions; Criminal/Juvenile Justice, Religious Affairs, Health, Education, Environmental Justice, Legal Redress, Telecommunications, Economic Development, Veteran Affairs Activities. Adora is also an advocate for youth and increasing young adult participation in the NAACP. She has organized meetings that have resulted in increasing young adult participation with Branch, Youth Council and College Chapters throughout and raised financial support for youth involvement to attend State Conferences, Regional and National Conventions. Also, she organized a State Young Adult Committee.

Adora's community service is legendary. She is a much sought after speaker for workshops and conferences at the local, state, and national levels. In addition, she continues to be an inspiration and role model for those aspiring to be community leaders in the future. She is known as a challenger, motivator and orator, through her demonstration as President of the Florida State Conference NAACP. President Nweze believes that we must proactively seek to eradicate voter apathy in our communities through the dutiful and diligent dissemination of information affecting every aspect of our community. Education, Healthcare, Unemployment, Criminal and Juvenile Justice, as well as Housing are a few of the issues negatively impacting our communities daily that are addressed under her leadership.

The awards and recognitions from the local community as well as from the NAACP have been numerous. Listed below are a few of the recognitions:

• Kelly M. Alexander Sr. State Conference President's Award
• Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks, Keeper of the Flame Award
• Civil Rights Award, Florida Conference on Civil Rights
• Rutledge H. Pearson Leadership Award, Florida State Conference of NAACP Branches
• Adora Obi Nweze, Intergenerational Award, Youth and College Division, Florida State Conference
• Presidents Award, Florida State Conference of NAACP Branches
• Ida B. Wells Risk Taker Award, National Alliance of Black School Educators Sojourner Truth Award, Miami Chapter, National Association of Negro
• Business and Professional Women
• W.E.B. Dubois International Award, NAACP Regional Conference
• Medgar Wiley Evers Award, Region V NAACP
• Adams/Powell Civil Rights Award, Miami-Dade Branch NAACP
• Pioneer Award, Florida Democratic Black Caucas
• Humanitarian Award, Top Ladies of Distinction
• WMBM AM 1490 Community Service Award (Award is now named the Adora Obi Nweze Award for Community Service)
• Florida Education Association (FEA) President's Award
• Education Award, Imperial Court Daughters of Isis
• Outstanding Community Service, Gamma Zeta Omega Wish Foundation
• University of Miami/Minority Organ Tissue and Transplantation (MOTTEP) Outstanding Leadership Award
• March on Tallahassee/Coalition of Conscience, Leadership Award

Shevann Steuben is a distinguished leader, passionate advocate, and proud native of San Francisco, California. An alumna of Baylor University, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication Studies and is currently pursuing her MBA at Johns Hopkins University, where she is further refining her strategic acumen and leadership expertise.

Shevann's unwavering commitment to civic engagement and social justice is exemplified through her extensive involvement with the NAACP. She currently serves on the NAACP National Board of Directors, where she made history as the fourth woman to represent Region VI in the organization's history. After completing her youth term on the Board in 2024, Shevann was reinstalled to the NAACP National Board of Directors in 2025, just one year after aging out of the Youth & College Division — a testament to her exceptional leadership and enduring impact. She also serves as the 1st Vice President of the NAACP Houston Branch and the Advisor of the Texas NAACP Youth & College Division, a role in which she was honored as the 2024 State Advisor of the Year.

Shevann's journey with the NAACP began during her freshman year at Baylor University, where she became an active member. Rising through the ranks, she was appointed Political Action Chair in 2017 and elected President of the Baylor NAACP Chapter in 2018, serving two terms and leading the chapter to be named NAACP's National College Chapter of the Year in 2018 and 2019. Her dedication to the organization continued at the state level, where she served as Youth State Treasurer in 2018 and was elected Texas Youth & College Division State President in 2019, a position she held until 2023.

Beyond her NAACP leadership, Shevann is a Generation Vote National C4 Board member, where she supports the development of the next generation of civic leaders committed to electoral justice. Her dedication to service is further reflected in her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Professionally, Shevann is a skilled Management Consultant specializing in change management and organizational learning. She is also the founder of B RARE Consulting, a firm that provides expertise in marketing, communications, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and strategic growth.

Shevann's leadership and advocacy have garnered widespread recognition. In 2022, she was crowned 1st runner-up at the Miss Black International Ambassador pageant and currently reigns as Miss Black Texas International Ambassador 2025. Through her platform, *Yet to Be*, inspired by Maya Angelou's vision of the "Yet to be United States of America," Shevann focuses on voting accessibility and the intersectionality of issues impacting humanity, particularly within the Black community.

A sought-after speaker, Shevann has been invited to share her insights at prestigious events, including a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris on behalf of the NAACP. Her presentations often address critical topics such as civic participation, the impact of student debt on marginalized communities, transformational leadership, and the importance of intergenerational collaboration in driving social change.

With a career defined by advocacy, leadership, and service, Shevann Steuben continues to inspire and empower those around her. As she advances in her professional and personal endeavors, she remains steadfast in her mission to foster inclusivity, champion innovative solutions, and create lasting impact in every community she serves.

Matthew White, a Louisville, Kentucky native, began his NAACP journey in 2007 at the age of 12 as a member of the Louisville Youth Council. Since then, he has held leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels, including youth council president, college chapter president, and state conference advisor. With nearly two decades of service, he now serves as Co-Advisor for the Ohio State Conference Youth and College Division and as the Region 3 Adult Representative on the National Youth Work Committee, a role he has held since 2022. In these capacities, he focuses on developing strong units, supporting advisors, and creating spaces for youth leadership to flourish.

Professionally, Matthew is the Assistant Principal of Operations in Cleveland, Ohio. He holds an MBA with a concentration in School Leadership and is deeply committed to advancing equity in education. His work within the NAACP and beyond centers on education equity, youth leadership, civic engagement, and compliance — areas in which he strives to remove barriers and provide young people with the tools, resources, and advocacy they need to succeed. Inspired by Bayard Rustin's charge that "we need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers," Matthew sees youth not just as participants in the movement, but as architects of lasting change.

Beyond his formal roles, Matthew works with churches and community partners to create pathways for young people to access education and experiences that broaden their horizons. His leadership reflects the NAACP's enduring mission: to nurture new generations of leaders, strengthen civil rights advocacy, and ensure that the struggle for justice remains rooted in both legacy and action.

Ms. Chartashia Miller is a dedicated leader committed to serving her family, community, and youth. She currently serves as Secretary for the NAACP Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming State Conference, Secretary and Youth Advisor for the NAACP Aurora Branch, and National Youth-Adult Representative for Region IV.

She is the founder of Touch & Go Ladies (TGL) and TT Coaching With Results, where she empowers youth and adults through life skills, career coaching, and leadership workshops. In 2023, she launched "Let's Talk About It", a youth roundtable initiative promoting open dialogue and access to resources.

Ms. Miller holds multiple degrees and certifications in leadership, human resources, and business from Regis University and other institutions. She is also a proud graduate of several local leadership programs.

A devoted mother, Ms. Miller enjoys traveling, quality time with loved ones, and lives by the motto: "I Am Enough!"