Young Ladies Who L. E. a. D.

Um’Bria Adams was born on November 28th, 2000, in Anderson SC. She graduated from Westside High School in the year 2019 and is currently enrolled at Tricounty Technical College. Um’Bria’s major is Exercise Science, in which she plans to use her degree to become an occupational therapist. Since 2018, Um’Bria is employed by Ingles Markets. 

Um’Bria is the daughter of Roshonda Johnson and the sister of two younger brothers, Kiantae and Kendrell. She was born in Anderson SC and resided in Iva during her early childhood. As a toddler, Um’Bria lived through 9/11. As life progressed, she also saw the first African American president of the United States. She is currently surviving the rise of a pandemic called CoronaVirus or COVID-19. Um’Bria has been through many trials and tribulations, in her life, and would like to share a piece of how she gained a sense of balance throughout her journey. 

Lauren Baldwin has always been passionate about learning. Which is why it was no surprise that she took a career in education. As a special education paraprofessional, Lauren feels she has finally found a career that not only fulfills her, but actively seeks to better the lives of the individuals she works with. She has been able to help multiple students reach their goal of not only earning their high school diploma, but also has been fortunate to be able to find her students internships, jobs, and higher education opportunities after graduation.  

Lauren believes that everyone is entitled to a quality education, and the opportunity to be the best they can be. Lauren knows that there is no single approach that works for everyone, so she continues to educate herself on the different types and aspects of learning and behavioral challenges in order to provide the most comprehensive and individualized learning strategies that work best for each of her students. 

Lauren received her education at the University of Maryland where she majored in journalism before continuing her studies at Prince Georges Community College where she majored in education. 

Lauren is currently working as a paraprofessional at The Kennedy School in Washington D.C. 

Kaylee Mayhew is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, studying Parks and Recreation Management with a concentration in Recreational Therapy. She was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina and is currently 21-years of age.

Her faith, family, friends, and struggle with her mental health have helped her to develop into the woman and leader she is today. She has a heart for children and people in general and openly seeks to help those in need. Her goal when helping others is to always be the person that she did not have when she needed it.

She believes that the best leaders lead by empowering and takes this approach in any situation that requires her leadership.

Sydney Nicole Porter was born on March 29th, 1994 in Silver Spring ,MD. Sydney grew up off of Georgia Ave NW in Ward 4 of Washington, DC. Sydney began her collegiate career at Winston Salem State University but eventually she decided to move closer to home and transferred to Howard University graduating Spring 2016.

At the beginning of 2019 Sydney decided to move from Washington, DC, and venture to the Big Apple. She moved to New York City in February of 2019 and began her job working at onPeak an event accommodations company. Sydney currently still works there, while pursuing her own businesses on the side. 

Outside of her regular job Sydney is the creator and founder of the social media platform Sydd in the City. Sydney originally created Sydd in the city as the name of her youtube channel to document her experiences moving and living in New York City. She never imagined that Sydd in the city would evolve into a platform that spotlights, promotes young professionals, and various businesses, brands, and services.Sydd in the city also offers event planning, branding, and social media management services. Sydd in the city, 

She recently launched her online apparel line called Sydd’s City closet which can be found on the Tee Spring website. Achieving multiple streams of income and becoming a self-employed entrepreneur is the ultimate goal and Sydney is actively striving to this goal every day. 

Tahjai Renee Ward was born May 16, 1993, in Washington, DC to LaTasha R. Ward and Henry C. Frazier III. She was raised in Prince George's county. At an early age of five, Tahjai loved to dance and joined the Jericho City of Praise dance ministry. Tahjai attended Jericho Christian Academy until the 7th grade. She entered Prince Geoge’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) in the 8th grade and attended Benjamin Tasker Middle School. She graduated from Bowie High School in 2011 where she was a part of Future Business Leaders of America and the Student Government Association (SGA). 

After graduating from Bowie, Tahjai went to Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina where her major was International Business. At Bennett, Tahjai was a part of the liturgical dance ministry. After completing her first year in college, Tahjai became extremely ill and had to undergo several surgical procedures to remove a tumor located in her brain. That area of the brain-controlled her swallowing, speech, balance, and coordination.  Tahjai had to sit out several years for intense rehabilitation and therapy. 

Tahjai relearned everything that most people would take for granted daily.  Tahjai path changed with that life-changing experience Tahjai has completed and earned her Bachelor of Science at Bowie State University with a major in Child and Adolescents Study.  

Alesha Wilson, an ambitious change-maker, founded a nonprofit, The Right Fit, Inc., in 2018.  Its mission is to provide students who may be facing financial burdens with access to formal and business attire at no cost so they are encouraged to attend prom, special events, and are prepared for the workforce.  The organization’s belief is that no matter your circumstance each student should be granted those special experiences. 

Alesha currently works as the Community Outreach Coordinator for Prince George’s County Council Member Dannielle Glaros. This role allows her to actively pursue her passion for service and engagement in her community. 

Alesha is currently pursuing a Masters in Communication & Nonprofit Management

at Johns Hopkins University.  She graduated Summa Cum Laude, from Florida A&M University in 2013, with a degree in Business Administration. Alesha is a leader with vision and drive committed to encouraging others to reach their highest purpose.