top of page

Who We Are

Committed to Making a Difference

At YBLA, we identify, educate, and develop young Black leaders to have a positive impact in their community and beyond. We focus on helping our young people become leaders who are college and career ready. Our young leaders are trained to reach back and mentor elementary, middle and high school students as they achieve. We achieve this through leadership, service, and education.

Committed to Diversity & Inclusion

At YBLA, we strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We value our people and their differences in diversity of thought, culture, age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ability, and experience. We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace where everyone from any background can do their best work.

Leadership Today & Tomorrow

Many people say that young people are our future leaders. We believe that we cannot afford to wait for them to be future leaders but we must develop them to be leaders today and tomorrow. Our unique hands-on Leadership Development programs help young people and their parents:

  • Engage in transformational experiences

  • Broaden the mind through experience based, interactive learning

  • Reach back to help others reach their potential

  • Become college and career ready

  • Become part of a community of like-minded, success-focused individuals
     

We Build Leaders through Education, Experience and Exposure. 

Our Impact

Read our quarterly impact reports and see how your support builds leaders throughout the year.

2023

Our History

2017

Our Results
John and Tammy Martin
Meet Our Founders

John & Tammy Martin

Read the inspiring story of the Martins and how their journey to creating YBLA. 

Meet Our Team
Chris Land
Christopher Land
Head Ambassador Coach
Tammy Martin_edited.jpg
Tammy Martin
Co-Founder & CPO
YBLA Staff Member
Teresa Porter
Ambassador Program Manager
YBLA Staff Member
Ashley Tarver
College Advisor
YBLA Staff Member
Darius Lawson
Ambassador Coach
Fran Mayer
Fran Mayer
Curriculum and Service Specialist
YBLA Staff Member
Sherri Johnson
BTP & CAP Coordinator
Wanda Tyler Smith
Wanda Tyler-Smith
YoPro Program Coordinator & Impact Analyst 
John Martin
Co-Founder & CEO 
Erica Plowden
Erica Plowden
Marketing & Communications Manager
Ronny Reddig
Ronny Reddig
Development and Service Specialist
YBLA Staff Member
Nia Walker
Ambassador Coach
bottom of page