Get to know our

Board Members 2024-2026

Rodnesha Ross, President

Devin Dupree, Vice President

Natasha Warren,

Board Secretary Chairperson

Natasha Warren is a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional who currently services Wayne County, MI as an Independent Supports Coordinator. In this role she supports individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities to live a life of independence. She is a dedicated and resourceful professional with a wealth of experience in supporting both privately and publicly operated social services entities.

Her dedication to supporting others, combined with her community-oriented mindset, makes her an invaluable member of this agency. Natasha looks forward to supporting the board’s efforts to ensure the individuals and families served can thrive in the community with lasting change and growth.

Why I Joined YCA...

I enjoy seeing how the agency supports the betterment for our youth and women. YCA goes beyond tackling more than one barrier in our communities and I wanted to be apart of the mission.

“Be a nurturer…it feels good to the soul ” ~Natasha

To'Bina Thornton,

Board Treasurer Chairperson

ToBina is the owner and lead preparer at Service First Tax Service LLC. Since a young age, ToBina has had a passion to help others and make a difference in her community. ToBina studied Psychology and Sociology at Wayne State University with a focus on child psychology and family structure. She went on to work for the State of Michigan for 12 years as a child welfare and government programs specialist where she received recognition from the Governor on two occasions for her outstanding work and dedication.

After being wrong by an income tax preparation service and realizing that big named tax companies did not care about the African American community's knowledge of tax laws and requirements beyond receiving a refund check, ToBina started Service First Tax Service LLC where she has been on a mission to ensure that everyone she comes in contact with understand the tax laws and requirements that apply to their lives. After years of extensive education and training ToBina prides herself in being a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and dependable tax professional. In the past 11 years she has serviced thousands of individuals with tax preparation and access to additional community resources. ToBina is on a mission to help the African American Community have a better understanding of tax laws and filing requirements for both personal and business.

ToBina serves on the board of the Youth Community Agency from whom she received an award for being an outstanding community advocate. She also received The Krave Honors Metro Detroit's Hidden Gem award for the work she is doing at Service First Tax Service. She is a member of the Michigan Black Business Alliance where she also serves as a technical assistance provider to small businesses who are preparing for funding opportunities. She is the current chairwoman of The Wealth InvestHer Network.

Why I Joined YCA...

I choose to serve YCA because I believe the Youth are our future and when they have a strong foundation we have the ability to have a strong community for generations to come.

Never be ashamed of what you’ve been through; there is no better way to learn than to live life. -ToBina

Tay Starr,

Community Chairperson: Strategic Partnership Advocate

Tay Starr currently serves as a Resource Program Analyst with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Bureau of HIV/STI Programs, HIV/STI Pediatric Unit. She holds dual bachelor's degrees in criminal justice and psychology from Wayne State University and a Master of Business Administration from Davenport University. Her expertise encompasses educating clients on health risks, promoting behavioral change, and leading initiatives within the built environment to mitigate the risk of infectious diseases and chronic conditions.

Ms. Starr’s journey in public health began in 2014 as a Disease Intervention Specialist with a focus on contact tracing. Over the years, she has progressed through various roles, including Lead Field Service Specialist on an Outbreak Response Team and Linkage to Care Coordinator, where she established strategic partnerships with community-based organizations providing Early Intervention Services. These experiences fueled her passion for policy and advocacy, leading to her role as a Project Coordinator within a nonprofit healthcare system. In this position, Ms. Starr spearheaded initiatives targeting policy, system, and environmental changes to assess and address community health priorities, resources, and barriers.

Outside of her professional life, Ms. Starr enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and godson, traveling, shopping, and contributing to her community as a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Ms. Starr finds her most rewarding service role in serving as a board member for Youth Community Agency, being a “connector of resources,” where she focuses on securing strategic partnerships.

Why I Joined YCA...

I believe in empowering young people by linking them with the opportunities and support they need to thrive.

"Change begins with connection—when we link arms, share resources, and uplift one another, we create a ripple effect that transforms communities." - Tay

OPEN,

Community Chairperson: Agriculture and Land Development Advisor

Email: info@youthcommunityagency.org to apply!

Shanayl Bennett (Reed),

Community Chair: Maternal Health and Lactation Advocate

Shanayl Bennett is a dedicated community health worker and birth doula with a passion for empowering families through education and support. With a background in Community Health Work, Family Planning, Fertility Advocacy, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness, and Lactation Counselingworks to bridge the gap between the health system and the communities they serve. Shanayl’s current work includes being a part of the PCAB ( Patient Community Advisory Board) for OBI and is currently the Director of Community Engagement at The Michigan Chamber for Reproductive Justice. She believes in the importance of informed choices and advocates for holistic approaches to health through the State of Birth Justice Coalition were the MI Momnibus package has been created. In her free time, she enjoys dancing and reading . Shanayl is always seeking to learn and grow in the field and is hoping to become a change agent in the maternal health space.

Wardell Littles,

Community Chairperson: Outreach Advocate

Wardell Littles Jr, a dynamic and driven financial advisor, is committed to empowering individuals through the creation of generational wealth. With a fervor for guiding others to financial success, Wardell passionately educates and advises clients on the journey to financial success. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by many, Wardell is resolute in breaking down barriers and fostering an inclusive financial landscape that is inclusive for everyone. His friendly and energetic approach demystifies the world of finance, making it accessible and understandable to even the novice investor. Wardell’s direct and motivational style inspires clients to realize their full potential.

A graduate of Eastern Michigan University and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Wardell prioritizes his faith, family, and being a devoted father to his four children. Outside of his financial pursuits, he enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, mentoring, watching his Detroit sports teams, and actively volunteering in the community. Let Wardell guide you towards the financial legacy you deserve.

Stephanie Higgins,

Community Chair: Parent Support Advocate

Stephanie Higgins is a seasoned paralegal with a wealth of experience garnered from years of dedicated service in Michigan's esteemed legal landscape. Beginning her journey at Henry Community College, Stephanie immersed herself in the intricacies of Paralegal Studies, laying a solid foundation for her future endeavors.

Throughout her career, Stephanie has ascended through the ranks, starting as a legal intake specialist and progressing to the esteemed position of senior paralegal. Her tenure in Michigan's most reputable firms has not only honed her skills but also solidified her reputation as a meticulous and proficient legal professional.

With a specialized focus spanning various domains, Stephanie boasts extensive knowledge in bankruptcy, personal injury, estate planning, and landlord-tenant law. Her adeptness in navigating the complexities of these legal realms has enabled her to provide invaluable support to attorneys and clients alike.

Driven by a passion for justice and a commitment to excellence, Stephanie Higgins continues to be a pivotal asset in the legal arena, diligently contributing to the success and prosperity of her clients and colleagues alike.

OPEN,

Community Chair: Youth Support Advocate

Email: info@youthcommunityagency.org to apply!