Board and Advisory Members
Executive Board
Founder/ President/ Executive Director
I am an authentic, fun loving, determined, values-driven woman of faith. My life motivation is based on the Starfish Story and my experiences as a mother, friend, professional, community leader, teacher, and mentor.
I am a 48-year resident of Clark County with a strong love and loyalty to God, family, and community. I am looking to leave a legacy for my kids, and yours, to glean from for many years to come. I give my praise to God for His many blessings. I credit my family: Sam, Siboney, Dillon, and 4 grandchildren (who are my little slice of absolute heaven) for the many successes and piles of happiness that we have created and experienced together.
I have a diverse background ranging from construction management; to nonprofit management; to running 2 Congressional District offices in Clark County for former Congressmen Jon Porter and Joe Heck; and to now, the Founder, President, and Executive Director of Youth Leadership Authority (YLA)!
Alongside my extensive career above, God called me to fulfill my passion as a Starfish, to serve as a volunteer for the past 17 years as a Liaison Representative to the Southern Nevada Devil Pups Program. This volunteer service program became so great, I was moved to expand the already thriving organization, and to create my own nonprofit to help teens in even more ways. YLA was born in 2017 and proudly boasts 9 leadership programs within 3 series.
From my perspective, helping teens is not a choice; it is an honor and a responsibility. With one life to live, spend it wisely! I have always said: I did not pick my passion, my passion picked me. And I have one sentence and catchphrase that has carried me through the days when decision-making was not always easy; that is, “You can never lose by being kind and #EattheWatermelon.”
Board Secretary / Facilitator / Warehouse Supervisor, Kelly Paper
As a Marine I learned the value of hard work, strength through tough times, and commitment to mission and team. Through this experience I met a wide array of personalities from all around the world. Despite the diverse background of all of those who I met, we shared a desire to give back to a nation that has given so much to us and to protect her interests. Today’s teens need options, and they want more. They want to be leaders; they hunger for a sense of belonging; and they desire to challenge themselves in safe environments. We at YLA provide this!
Personally, YLA has given my daughter, nephew, and son each an experience that has pulled the best of who they are out of them for the rest of the world to see. What’s more, we have a special connection rooted in respect for one another’s accomplishments. How special is that?
Something else happens through YLA – teens learn more about God & Country. To many this means different things, but at its core it is a belief in a higher power and the Constitution of the United States. Where are your kids learning about these two topics? YLA has evolved over the years and its mission is just as important as ever. Growth through challenge, and respect and kindness are just the beginning. Where we go from here, only God knows! But we have faith that it will be some place amazing.
USMC Retired
I was a teacher from 1968 to 2006 and in the Marine Corps from 1969 to 2000. As a Teacher I was mostly a P.E. Teacher/Coach/ Athletic Director working with High School students. In 1975 I was involved with the Devil Pups, Inc.–Youth Program for America. As a Liaison Representative (LR) I was able to send young men to the program. I was also the Commandant of Cadets in the California Cadet Corps and a member of the Marine Training Unit (MTU)–Devil Pups. It was the best of both worlds. It provided immediate improvement/development of the cadets that became Devil Pups. Through the years, I became Officer in Charge of all the LR’s (13 years); Encampment Commander (11 years); a Trustee of the organization (45 Years).
Twenty years ago I was working with the Liaison Representatives from Las Vegas /Henderson–Nancy Kearny and her assistant Marie Tomao. Nancy moved away with her husband and her two Marine sons. Marie Tomao took over the program and Blossomed. She developed/created the Youth Leadership Authority which includes the Devil Pups program and created multi-facet programs for Young Americans ages 8 to 21. I joined the YLA Board from its inception to present and will continue as well as I can serve.
Treasurer / Owner of Your Business Matters
I have known the Executive Director of Youth Leadership Authority (YLA), Marie Tomao, since 2011, and I have had the pleasure of witnessing her passion for helping youth. I watched YLA grow and develop over the years and was honored to join the Board in 2019. Having two teenage kids myself, I see the struggles they go through. YLA helps youth gain confidence and purpose, and facilitates the development of morals and values that will benefit them throughout their entire lives. They are taught skills that they might not get at school or at home. I have seen firsthand the personal and physical growth of teenagers who have gone through the YLA programs, and it keeps me motivated to continue volunteering with YLA and support its mission!
Mentor / Owner of Master Mechanical
I have been following YLA since 2019 when Executive Director Marie Tamao promoted YLA though a Marketplace Event I was MC’ing/attending. I was so compelled by the YLA story and its history that I knew it was an organization I wanted to sow into. I immediately saw the fruit of my seeds in the programs and posts Marie would put out on social media, and I knew we would continue to support this life changing organization moving forward. I always want to associate myself with excellence- whether it be personally, professionally, or those I align myself with. YLA is just that by all observations- excellentin every way, from the people associated with it, its fearless and tenacious leader, and most profoundly its model: Professional/Personal, Physical, and Spiritual development. I was beyond humbled and honored to be asked to be a board member of YLA not long before getting invited to participate in “A Safe Place to Land- The Retreat”. To be afforded the opportunity to be involved at mentor/Board Member level exceeded all of my expectations, and it was an experience I will not soon forget. The retreat really galvanized my heart for, and future intentions as to my involvement in the young leaders we were pouring into, getting to see what a dramatic difference just 2 days could make in their lives. From the heart of the young leaders shown during the physical training, to the passion exhibited during the Constitutional debates, and further still to see the development segments from all of the YLA model that keyed in and promoted often times lost stalwarts like respect, manners, & honor, it was truly something to behold. To further observe these young leaders transform in front of me, and to see even the seasoned participants grow made me so proud and honored to be associated with YLA in any capacity. Through the programs and leadership of YLA our young leaders have such a bright future. I’m not only a believer in YLA and what it does, I’m a HUGE fan…
Spiritual Mentor / Founder of Lift One Up
I am honored to be in partnership with the Youth Leadership Authority (YLA) as a community leader and non-profit business owner. As an Associate Pastor at ChurchLV in Las Vegas, I have the opportunity to invest in the youth in our church community and see the benefits that the role of faith plays in their daily lives and decision making. Our youth are experiencing a myriad of life challenges and they need our help in making the right decisions. Having a leadership role in our faith-based community has given me the opportunity to share spiritual wisdom, knowledge and my life experiences proving beneficial to them as they make choices that determine their present and future.
I understand that the role of faith in each person’s life is personal, however, I believe it is vital. As YLA’s Founder, Marie Tomao, discussed with me the myriad of training programs within YLA, she knew that there was a missing component – faith. Marie recognizes that a foundation of faith will keep our young people grounded and hopeful as they pursue their dreams and goals.
As the Founder of Lift One Up, a nonprofit organization providing spiritual mentoring and a variety of programs, I understand the power of investing in not just women, but today’s youth. When our youth know there are leaders available to provide encouragement, resources, and spiritual guidance it can make an incredible difference in how they see their future.
Having the opportunity to come alongside YLA as a Board Member and community leader is a tremendous honor! I have an opportunity to impact the leaders of today and tomorrow and for that I am grateful!
Board of Directors
Founder/ President/ Executive Director
I am an authentic, fun loving, determined, values-driven woman of faith. My life motivation is based on the Starfish Story and my experiences as a mother, friend, professional, community leader, teacher, and mentor.
I am a 48-year resident of Clark County with a strong love and loyalty to God, family, and community. I am looking to leave a legacy for my kids, and yours, to glean from for many years to come. I give my praise to God for His many blessings. I credit my family: Sam, Siboney, Dillon, and 4 grandchildren (who are my little slice of absolute heaven) for the many successes and piles of happiness that we have created and experienced together.
I have a diverse background ranging from construction management; to nonprofit management; to running 2 Congressional District offices in Clark County for former Congressmen Jon Porter and Joe Heck; and to now, the Founder, President, and Executive Director of Youth Leadership Authority (YLA)!
Alongside my extensive career above, God called me to fulfill my passion as a Starfish, to serve as a volunteer for the past 17 years as a Liaison Representative to the Southern Nevada Devil Pups Program. This volunteer service program became so great, I was moved to expand the already thriving organization, and to create my own nonprofit to help teens in even more ways. YLA was born in 2017 and proudly boasts 9 leadership programs within 3 series.
From my perspective, helping teens is not a choice; it is an honor and a responsibility. With one life to live, spend it wisely! I have always said: I did not pick my passion, my passion picked me. And I have one sentence and catchphrase that has carried me through the days when decision-making was not always easy; that is, “You can never lose by being kind and #EattheWatermelon.”
Board Secretary / Facilitator / Warehouse Supervisor, Kelly Paper
As a Marine I learned the value of hard work, strength through tough times, and commitment to mission and team. Through this experience I met a wide array of personalities from all around the world. Despite the diverse background of all of those who I met, we shared a desire to give back to a nation that has given so much to us and to protect her interests. Today’s teens need options, and they want more. They want to be leaders; they hunger for a sense of belonging; and they desire to challenge themselves in safe environments. We at YLA provide this!
Personally, YLA has given my daughter, nephew, and son each an experience that has pulled the best of who they are out of them for the rest of the world to see. What’s more, we have a special connection rooted in respect for one another’s accomplishments. How special is that?
Something else happens through YLA – teens learn more about God & Country. To many this means different things, but at its core it is a belief in a higher power and the Constitution of the United States. Where are your kids learning about these two topics? YLA has evolved over the years and its mission is just as important as ever. Growth through challenge, and respect and kindness are just the beginning. Where we go from here, only God knows! But we have faith that it will be some place amazing.
USMC Retired
I was a teacher from 1968 to 2006 and in the Marine Corps from 1969 to 2000. As a Teacher I was mostly a P.E. Teacher/Coach/ Athletic Director working with High School students. In 1975 I was involved with the Devil Pups, Inc.–Youth Program for America. As a Liaison Representative (LR) I was able to send young men to the program. I was also the Commandant of Cadets in the California Cadet Corps and a member of the Marine Training Unit (MTU)–Devil Pups. It was the best of both worlds. It provided immediate improvement/development of the cadets that became Devil Pups. Through the years, I became Officer in Charge of all the LR’s (13 years); Encampment Commander (11 years); a Trustee of the organization (45 Years).
Twenty years ago I was working with the Liaison Representatives from Las Vegas /Henderson–Nancy Kearny and her assistant Marie Tomao. Nancy moved away with her husband and her two Marine sons. Marie Tomao took over the program and Blossomed. She developed/created the Youth Leadership Authority which includes the Devil Pups program and created multi-facet programs for Young Americans ages 8 to 21. I joined the YLA Board from its inception to present and will continue as well as I can serve.
Treasurer / Owner of Your Business Matters
I have known the Executive Director of Youth Leadership Authority (YLA), Marie Tomao, since 2011, and I have had the pleasure of witnessing her passion for helping youth. I watched YLA grow and develop over the years and was honored to join the Board in 2019. Having two teenage kids myself, I see the struggles they go through. YLA helps youth gain confidence and purpose, and facilitates the development of morals and values that will benefit them throughout their entire lives. They are taught skills that they might not get at school or at home. I have seen firsthand the personal and physical growth of teenagers who have gone through the YLA programs, and it keeps me motivated to continue volunteering with YLA and support its mission!
Mentor / Owner of Master Mechanical
I have been following YLA since 2019 when Executive Director Marie Tamao promoted YLA though a Marketplace Event I was MC’ing/attending. I was so compelled by the YLA story and its history that I knew it was an organization I wanted to sow into. I immediately saw the fruit of my seeds in the programs and posts Marie would put out on social media, and I knew we would continue to support this life changing organization moving forward. I always want to associate myself with excellence- whether it be personally, professionally, or those I align myself with. YLA is just that by all observations- excellentin every way, from the people associated with it, its fearless and tenacious leader, and most profoundly its model: Professional/Personal, Physical, and Spiritual development. I was beyond humbled and honored to be asked to be a board member of YLA not long before getting invited to participate in “A Safe Place to Land- The Retreat”. To be afforded the opportunity to be involved at mentor/Board Member level exceeded all of my expectations, and it was an experience I will not soon forget. The retreat really galvanized my heart for, and future intentions as to my involvement in the young leaders we were pouring into, getting to see what a dramatic difference just 2 days could make in their lives. From the heart of the young leaders shown during the physical training, to the passion exhibited during the Constitutional debates, and further still to see the development segments from all of the YLA model that keyed in and promoted often times lost stalwarts like respect, manners, & honor, it was truly something to behold. To further observe these young leaders transform in front of me, and to see even the seasoned participants grow made me so proud and honored to be associated with YLA in any capacity. Through the programs and leadership of YLA our young leaders have such a bright future. I’m not only a believer in YLA and what it does, I’m a HUGE fan…
Spiritual Mentor / Founder of Lift One Up
I am honored to be in partnership with the Youth Leadership Authority (YLA) as a community leader and non-profit business owner. As an Associate Pastor at ChurchLV in Las Vegas, I have the opportunity to invest in the youth in our church community and see the benefits that the role of faith plays in their daily lives and decision making. Our youth are experiencing a myriad of life challenges and they need our help in making the right decisions. Having a leadership role in our faith-based community has given me the opportunity to share spiritual wisdom, knowledge and my life experiences proving beneficial to them as they make choices that determine their present and future.
I understand that the role of faith in each person’s life is personal, however, I believe it is vital. As YLA’s Founder, Marie Tomao, discussed with me the myriad of training programs within YLA, she knew that there was a missing component – faith. Marie recognizes that a foundation of faith will keep our young people grounded and hopeful as they pursue their dreams and goals.
As the Founder of Lift One Up, a nonprofit organization providing spiritual mentoring and a variety of programs, I understand the power of investing in not just women, but today’s youth. When our youth know there are leaders available to provide encouragement, resources, and spiritual guidance it can make an incredible difference in how they see their future.
Having the opportunity to come alongside YLA as a Board Member and community leader is a tremendous honor! I have an opportunity to impact the leaders of today and tomorrow and for that I am grateful!
Health and Fitness Coach / Personal Development Coach
Growing up in a small town with a large family, I felt very loved and supported, but I still had SO many questions about how to do this thing called “life.” I made many mistakes, made a lot of not-so-smart choices that cost me in consequences that, unbeknownst to me at the time, sometimes reappear in adult life. Despite these mistakes, I am thankful that I had loving, caring parents, adults and mentors throughout my life that helped me to navigate through the good, the bad, the difficult and the joyful times. My parents, as I’ve come to appreciate years later, allowed and even encouraged me to dream, dream big, risk big and that it was even okay to fail big! They taught me how to get up again and again! Once again, unbeknownst to me at the time, one of the many great lessons any parent could instill in their child, the lesson of resiliency and having an attitude of learning, always learning and being grateful for the lessons learned, proved to be a lesson that I’ve had to draw upon time and time again.
The reason why I love YLA and volunteer with YLA is because I was once a teen who, despite growing up in an loving, encouraging environment, was STILL confused, sometimes even afraid of the unknown. And as exciting as taking risks and discovering new frontier about oneself and this world was, I know what it feels like to doubt, to have fear, to not feel good enough, to not feel capable or able, even as a talented, straight A student! I want to help other teens to feel and to know that it is perfectly okay to not feel “okay” or to know everything, to have all the answers, to know how to do everything. That is not your job. I believe the “job” of a teen is to simply discover – discover who they are, what their gifts, talents, callings, skills, passions are, the God-given greatness they were created for, what their contribution to their family, their community, this world will be, learn how to be the best human being they can be in service to others, and to grow in confidence with each mistake that has been overcome and made right, every lesson learned and every discovery made. What I love about YLA is that the various programs offered allows for the youth of our community to experience such learning and discovery. The programs provide a safe space for learning ideas, processes and skills that are vital to being a contributing member to our families, friends and community. The programs provide an environment for making mistakes, and learning to clean them up in a way that is positive and helpful. They provide place for being challenged and learning outside of a classroom all while being supported, encouraged and loved. Many children do not grow up in an environment that fosters such growth. I know and have seen first hand as a volunteer with at-risk teens for over 20 years. YLA fills that very gap. It is because of these reasons and so much more that I am proud to be a YLA volunteer and am humbled to serve on the Advisory board. I hope that my own life experiences and learning, along with the knowledge that they are supported, believed in and loved will help to encourage, motivate and inspire the youth of today.
Professional Development Mentor / Henderson Police Department
United States Navy
Warrior Challenge Program
My “why” for joining the Youth Leadership Authority (YLA) is rooted in a career-long commitment to the principles of discipline, service, and leadership. Having spent years developing professionals in the Navy and Marine Corps, I have seen firsthand how foundational values like respect, accountability, and integrity can change the trajectory of a life. I am driven by the belief that these lessons shouldn’t wait for adulthood; our youth need a “safe place to land” where they can develop the resilience and self-reliance necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world.
As a father, I understand the weight of providing the next generation with a strong moral compass. I am drawn to YLA because it doesn’t just offer temporary activities; it provides a structured “Path to Leadership” that moves young people from discovery to mastery. As a mentor, my goal is to help bridge the gap between potential and purpose, instilling the humility and mental toughness required to lead with character. By investing in YLA, I am committing to a mission that transforms teens into confident, community-minded citizens who are prepared to lead their peers and their families with honor.
Very Respectfully,
CWO4, Romac Chavis
Honorary Board Members
Advisory Board
Nevada State Senator
My Why has always come from my God who guides me to my purpose and destiny every day. I go where He tells me and I do what He says. When the opportunity presented itself to become involved with an organization that helps guide teens into their future of service to country and others, I felt led to be in service myself and to get involved in something so positively impacting our next generation. God is good and I am so grateful for His words and for His guidance. I only hope to help others get to where He wants them to be.
Deputy Fire Chief of Support, City of Henderson Fire Department
For the past 26 years, I have had the privilege to serve as an emergency responder in Las Vegas and Henderson. Through my work as a paramedic and member of the Henderson Fire Department, I have come to understand that all emergency response organizations exist for one simple reason–because people matter. Otherwise, there would be no emergency response organizations and people would be on their own. The existence of public service organizations is based on the universal belief that human beings have inherent value. That is why people throughout this community, state, and nation are willing to pool their resources together to ensure somebody will show up when tragedy strikes their home or family. I now understand that emergency service professionals are given the honor to protect the most important things in the lives of people–the relationships between those who love and care for each other. We stand guard to ensure people have another day together. At the Henderson Fire Department, “People Matter” is not a hyperbole; it’s at the center of this profession, and I believe it is what drives our successes and failures as a society. This is why I choose to be a part of the Youth Leadership Authority (YLA). YLA also believes that “People Matter”; that our youth deserve to be given the skills and tools needed to become the future leaders of our communities, so that they too can serve others. As I come to the final chapters of my career, the thought of what happens next, and how I can continue to contribute to society in a meaningful way, are questions that both excite and frighten me simultaneously, but I know that my involvement with YLA will allow me to continue to live my “why.” I believe that people matter and that YLA is an organization that lives out this value in their actions. This is why I am involved with YLA
Honorable Jay Young, Esq., retired at Howard & Howard
President of Devil Pups
Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mckenzie / USMC Retired
Vice President with TRUIST Investment Services / Genspring Investment Manager
Advisory Board Instruction Team
Founder/ President/ Executive Director / All Series Facilitator
I am an authentic, fun loving, determined, values-driven woman of faith. My life motivation is based on the Starfish Story and my experiences as a mother, friend, professional, community leader, teacher, and mentor.
I am a 48-year resident of Clark County with a strong love and loyalty to God, family, and community. I am looking to leave a legacy for my kids, and yours, to glean from for many years to come. I give my praise to God for His many blessings. I credit my family: Sam, Siboney, Dillon, and 4 grandchildren (who are my little slice of absolute heaven) for the many successes and piles of happiness that we have created and experienced together.
I have a diverse background ranging from construction management; to nonprofit management; to running 2 Congressional District offices in Clark County for former Congressmen Jon Porter and Joe Heck; and to now, the Founder, President, and Executive Director of Youth Leadership Authority (YLA)!
Alongside my extensive career above, God called me to fulfill my passion as a Starfish, to serve as a volunteer for the past 17 years as a Liaison Representative to the Southern Nevada Devil Pups Program. This volunteer service program became so great, I was moved to expand the already thriving organization, and to create my own nonprofit to help teens in even more ways. YLA was born in 2017 and proudly boasts 9 leadership programs within 3 series.
From my perspective, helping teens is not a choice; it is an honor and a responsibility. With one life to live, spend it wisely! I have always said: I did not pick my passion, my passion picked me. And I have one sentence and catchphrase that has carried me through the days when decision-making was not always easy; that is, “You can never lose by being kind and #EattheWatermelon.”
Board Secretary / Facilitator / Warehouse Supervisor, Kelly Paper / Constitution Coach
As a Marine I learned the value of hard work, strength through tough times, and commitment to mission and team. Through this experience I met a wide array of personalities from all around the world. Despite the diverse background of all of those who I met, we shared a desire to give back to a nation that has given so much to us and to protect her interests. Today’s teens need options, and they want more. They want to be leaders; they hunger for a sense of belonging; and they desire to challenge themselves in safe environments. We at YLA provide this!
Personally, YLA has given my daughter, nephew, and son each an experience that has pulled the best of who they are out of them for the rest of the world to see. What’s more, we have a special connection rooted in respect for one another’s accomplishments. How special is that?
Something else happens through YLA – teens learn more about God & Country. To many this means different things, but at its core it is a belief in a higher power and the Constitution of the United States. Where are your kids learning about these two topics? YLA has evolved over the years and its mission is just as important as ever. Growth through challenge, and respect and kindness are just the beginning. Where we go from here, only God knows! But we have faith that it will be some place amazing.
Spiritual Mentor / Founder of Lift One Up
I am honored to be in partnership with the Youth Leadership Authority (YLA) as a community leader and non-profit business owner. As an Associate Pastor at ChurchLV in Las Vegas, I have the opportunity to invest in the youth in our church community and see the benefits that the role of faith plays in their daily lives and decision making. Our youth are experiencing a myriad of life challenges and they need our help in making the right decisions. Having a leadership role in our faith-based community has given me the opportunity to share spiritual wisdom, knowledge and my life experiences proving beneficial to them as they make choices that determine their present and future.
I understand that the role of faith in each person’s life is personal, however, I believe it is vital. As YLA’s Founder, Marie Tomao, discussed with me the myriad of training programs within YLA, she knew that there was a missing component – faith. Marie recognizes that a foundation of faith will keep our young people grounded and hopeful as they pursue their dreams and goals.
As the Founder of Lift One Up, a nonprofit organization providing spiritual mentoring and a variety of programs, I understand the power of investing in not just women, but today’s youth. When our youth know there are leaders available to provide encouragement, resources, and spiritual guidance it can make an incredible difference in how they see their future.
Having the opportunity to come alongside YLA as a Board Member and community leader is a tremendous honor! I have an opportunity to impact the leaders of today and tomorrow and for that I am grateful!
Professional Development Mentor / Henderson Police Department
Health and Fitness Coach / Personal Development Coach
Growing up in a small town with a large family, I felt very loved and supported, but I still had SO many questions about how to do this thing called “life.” I made many mistakes, made a lot of not-so-smart choices that cost me in consequences that, unbeknownst to me at the time, sometimes reappear in adult life. Despite these mistakes, I am thankful that I had loving, caring parents, adults and mentors throughout my life that helped me to navigate through the good, the bad, the difficult and the joyful times. My parents, as I’ve come to appreciate years later, allowed and even encouraged me to dream, dream big, risk big and that it was even okay to fail big! They taught me how to get up again and again! Once again, unbeknownst to me at the time, one of the many great lessons any parent could instill in their child, the lesson of resiliency and having an attitude of learning, always learning and being grateful for the lessons learned, proved to be a lesson that I’ve had to draw upon time and time again.
The reason why I love YLA and volunteer with YLA is because I was once a teen who, despite growing up in an loving, encouraging environment, was STILL confused, sometimes even afraid of the unknown. And as exciting as taking risks and discovering new frontier about oneself and this world was, I know what it feels like to doubt, to have fear, to not feel good enough, to not feel capable or able, even as a talented, straight A student! I want to help other teens to feel and to know that it is perfectly okay to not feel “okay” or to know everything, to have all the answers, to know how to do everything. That is not your job. I believe the “job” of a teen is to simply discover – discover who they are, what their gifts, talents, callings, skills, passions are, the God-given greatness they were created for, what their contribution to their family, their community, this world will be, learn how to be the best human being they can be in service to others, and to grow in confidence with each mistake that has been overcome and made right, every lesson learned and every discovery made. What I love about YLA is that the various programs offered allows for the youth of our community to experience such learning and discovery. The programs provide a safe space for learning ideas, processes and skills that are vital to being a contributing member to our families, friends and community. The programs provide an environment for making mistakes, and learning to clean them up in a way that is positive and helpful. They provide place for being challenged and learning outside of a classroom all while being supported, encouraged and loved. Many children do not grow up in an environment that fosters such growth. I know and have seen first hand as a volunteer with at-risk teens for over 20 years. YLA fills that very gap. It is because of these reasons and so much more that I am proud to be a YLA volunteer and am humbled to serve on the Advisory board. I hope that my own life experiences and learning, along with the knowledge that they are supported, believed in and loved will help to encourage, motivate and inspire the youth of today.
USMC
Nellis Air Force Base / Equal Opportunity Practicioner 99 Air Base Wing, Nellis Air Force Base
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department / USMC retired
USMC
United States Marine Corps
YLA Master Graduate (4 years)
My reason is simple: to give back by building the next generation.
Everything I’ve experienced from leading in NJROTC, to growing through Youth Leadership Authority, to serving in the Marine Corps has shown me that leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about impact. It’s about showing people what’s possible, even when their circumstances tell them otherwise.
I do this to prove that where you start does not determine where you finish. I do it to mentor, to lead by example, and to hold the standard so others can rise to it.
Because at the end of the day, if I can help even one person realize they have a choice, a voice, and a future worth fighting for then I’ve done my job.
Respectfully,
LCpl Alexander
United States Marine Corps
YLA Master Graduate
In the summer of 2021, I was introduced to the Youth Leadership Authority organization by Marie. I was completely stoked to hear about this opportunity, knowing I was already being taught corps values and leadership skills in the NJROTC program, which taught corps values and leadership skills.
I immediately ran to my mother with this opportunity to learn more about how to become physically and mentally fortified. When that happened, a star was born…
After my first weekend PT for the Summer Leadership Series, getting experience with the Marines revealed a drive I found within myself to become the most physically and mentally fit.
Then that drive turned into passion, and that passion, into routine.
I found new confidence in myself. I started to think past myself and look to the person left and right of me, who is suffering just as much, and recognize that a true team suffers and excels together.
After each event/program, I participated in; the months and years of PT with the Marines, community service, as well as spiritual upliftment through Lift One Up, I learned to internalize the idea of being a servant to others as Jesus was, which the Word encourages us to do (Philippians 2:3-4).
In retrospect, the exposure of different career paths and the YLA’s core values H.R.P.K.H. led me into becoming a more fruitful person and ultimately towards the pathway to becoming a United States Marine.
That is why I choose to continually serve this life-changing organization with intent as a mentor for any teen who needs it.
Respectfully,
LCpl Shane Jones
Graduate of YLA
NJROTC Midshipman
Program Coordinator
Office Managed
Our Instructors
Nellis Air Force Base / Equal Opportunity Practicioner 99 Air Base Wing, Nellis Air Force Base
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department / USMC retired
USMC
USMC
USMC
USMC