Youth Engagement Strategies (YES!) Council

The duties and responsibilities of the Council shall include the following:

1. Identify resources across the County that serve youth in the areas of mentorship, mental health, workforce development, restorative justice, and safe spaces and recommend areas where such resources may be inadequate;
2. Recommend strategies to prevent youth violence and increase positive engagement, particularly among students identified as disengaged or underserved;
3. Recommend possible collaborations between County Government, community organizations, and public institutions such as HCPSS, Howard Community College, and the Columbia Association;
4. Submit a comprehensive report to the County Executive on the progress of the Council summarizing actions taken, key insights, and next steps no later than December 1, 2025; and
5. Conduct monthly meetings which shall be open to the public.

The Youth Engagement Strategies (YES!) Council shall consist of the following voting members appointed by the County Executive:

1. Quinton Askew, Ohana HC
2. Rogers Barnes, Saint John Baptist Church, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
3. Benjamin Barnwell, DCRS Local Children’s Board
4. Anthone Bond, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
5. Rene Buckmon, Columbia Association
6. Erika Chavarria, Columbia Community Care
7. Edward DeJesus, Social Capital Builders
8. Phil Derosier, Howard Community College
9. Tigana Duncan, STAND Mentorship
10. Tony Esho, Howard County Library System
11. Kim Eisenreich, Howard County Local Children’s Board
12. Anthony Esposito, HCPSS – Swansfield Elementary School
13. Jomo Fowlkes, HCPSS – PPW
14. Hasan Hammad, ISB
15. Marcus Harris, Howard County Sheriff
16. Kori Jones, Restorative Justice Partnership
17. Tierra Lathan, Consult Lemonade
18. Saquan Maxwell, PUSH Program
19. Dr. Dawnsha Mushonga, University of Baltimore
20. Bruce Nelson, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
21. Dwanna Nicole, Restorative Justice Partnership
22. Pastor Matthew Quainoo, Celebration Church
23. Chesney Wheeler, Celebration Church
24. Dr. Angela L. Williams, Coppin State University; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Iota Lambda Omega Chapter
25. Dwayne Williams, HCPSS – Homewood Center 

The County Executive shall designate two Co-Chairs of the Youth Engagement Strategies (YES!) Council:

1. Bruce Nelson, Co-Chair
2. Dr. Angela L. Williams, Co-Chair