Who We Are
Since 2012, Young Voices with Action has closed many gaps where youth voices were not a priority or valued. YVWA has worked to make greater strides towards increasing the number of young community leaders in the St. Louis region. Since our work began, over five hundred concerned, competent, and committed youth have been impacted through collective work and organizing.
Our ongoing goal is to keep our overhead low while increasing our service in the field. Young Voices with Action is stronger than ever due to our continually expanding community who come together to donate time, resources, and talent in support of our important mission. Overall, we have worked with over 12 civic organizations, 6 churches, 3 school districts; our volunteers have logged over 12,200 hours; our Board of Directors has helped dramatically in increasing our donor base; and our Advisory Board has assisted us in expanding our hunger relief and youth empowerment programs.
Thank you wholeheartedly for being a part of the Young Voices with Action movement. We are looking forward to much more!
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Farrakhan Shegog
I am a graduate of Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. My Associates Degree in Statistical Quality Control was dedicated to a friend murdered by gun violence. Since her 2012 murder and those following, I have committed myself to serving.
I utilized my Bachelor of Science degree and talents in Aviation and Technology Management conducting inspections, testing, and consulting to various industries such as Aerospace, Manufacturing, Automotive, and Oil & Gas fields. I have worked to increase youth and minority participation in the aerospace field. I am currently employed by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis as a Workforce Development Specialist and Director of Federation of Block Units.
The work of Young Voices with Action is critical because it connects young people in the St. Louis region with places and avenues of self-sufficiency. It is been a springboard for leadership positions and training at various regional entities. In addition, YVWA has trained young men and women to be responsible leaders at home, places of worship, work, and school. YVWA has provided financial and moral support in community activism ranging from fair housing, equality in education
Remy Johnson
I was born in Chicago Illinois and moved to St. Louis as a child. I am a 2020 graduate of Normandy Schools Collaborative and a 2018-2019 graduate of the Civic Ambassador Program-St. Louis.
While in high school, I participated and developed leadership skills through various extracurricular school programs. I was elected student council president all four years of attending. I love to listen and play music. I am a tuba player as part of Normandy High School’s Marching Band. I am not attending Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO on a performing arts
scholarship.
My work began with Young Voices with Action began as a student of the Civic Ambassador Program-St. Louis. I am a two-year graduate of the program. Since being involved with the group, I have learned and challenged myself to take a more leading role in finding solutions to concerns of the black community. By furthering m education in Criminal Justice, I intend to work with YVWA in bringing civil rights, housing, and education rights to those who have been denied it.
Andrea Cain
I am a senior at University of Missouri St. Louis. I am very passionate about rehabilitation and reform within the justice system. I seeking to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Social Work.
Mentors whom I have worked with since high school have kept me focus. I am a first-generation college student in my family. I take pride in my work and love to work in a team building environment. In my free time, I volunteer with organizations that focuses on building youth power.
My work began when I was looking for opportunities to volunteer with young people ages 17-24 years of age. Everyone kept referring me to Young Voices with Action. After signing up, I witnessed a remarkable undertaking of young-to-young training on effective organizing. I have been committed ever since.
Kim Paige
My passion is community engagement and development. I am currently the owner of Extremely Clean Janitorial Service LLC. I am a graduate of Lindenwood University with a Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration and Healthcare Administration. I am also attending Walden University pursuing my Doctorate in Public Administration with a focus in Law and Public Policy.
I have attended leadership master classes with a John Maxwell executive instructor. I am a parent of two beautiful daughters and one grandchild. My family is my pride and joy. In my free time I like to travel. One of my favorite places to visit are Florida and Africa and the Middle East. Dubai is on my shortlist. I love to learn about other cultures and nations. I also enjoy reading and exercising.
Young Voices with Action has been a beacon of hope to me since I first got involved. As a former Community Engagement Manager, I was responsible for facilitating grant reporting for Young Voices with Action and a program funder. Its record keeping and tracking of data for its programs and services are not what I would expect from such a small organization. I was also impressed with its consistent outreach to young men and women who need support and direction to success and achievement.
Janell Taylor
Janell Taylor was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and attended SLPS. I am a graduate of Imagine College Prep Academy where I served on Student Council. I was also a faithful band member through all of his school years.
After graduating high school, I attended Rankin Technical College to earn a degree in Carpentry. Knowledge is one thing that can never be taken away. Soon after, I became a cable contractor for different telecommunication companies and still remain an authorized contractor doing mainline work for Spectrum.
Throughout my contracting years, many outside accomplishments where made such as becoming a father, role model, youth leader and band member. I attended the Aviation Institute of Maintenance as an A&P mechanic and launched my own lawn care business, and mobile detailing company.
I have volunteered with many different organizations using all the knowledge and skills gained throughout the years. Young Voices with Action has given me an opportunity to serve as a leader of the organization and help lift up young voices everywhere. I have since then showed support by being a great example of youth leadership and discipleship. I look forward to bringing my peace, love, and happiness to this great organization and the community we serve.
Want to Help or Have Questions?
Empowering the Youth of Tomorrow
Understanding Our Overall Goal
Our ongoing goal is to keep our overhead low while increasing our service in the field, and you truly make this possible! Young Voices with Action is stronger than ever due to our continually expanding community who comes together to donate time, resources, and talent in support of our important mission. This year alone we worked with 12 civic organizations, 6 churches, 3 school districts, as well as 2 festivals; our volunteers logged over 5,000 hours; our Board of Directors has helped us dramatically increase our donor base; and our Advisory Board has assisted us in expanding our hunger relief and youth empowerment programs. Thank you for wholeheartedly being a part of the Young Voices with Action movement. We are looking forward to much more in 2018 and beyond!
