Board of Directors

Deann is the Founder & President of Circle of Friends Youth Foundation. She is a graduate of the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She is also a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Master of Science in Health Services Administration. Deann is a Eligibility Specialist with the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services where she has been employed for five years. Deann is a very proud member of Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she serves on the outreach ministry. Deann is very passionate about helping others especially the youth. She is determined to make a difference in the lives of young men and women. She is committed to doing her part to help put an end to the senseless youth violence that's taken over the City of Detroit and every urban city in America.

Eric is a proud graduate of Detroit's Pershing High School Class of 1987. He has fifteen years of managerial experience. He is certified in Computer Networking. Eric is an active member of the Pershing High School Alumni Association. He has been involved in various alumni events and programs such as helping to raise funds for scholarships and volunteering with the "Brothers In Transition" program for male students. Eric has a passion for working with young men. Eric grew up as a fatherless child. Therefore, he knows what it is like for a young man not to have a father or positive male role model in his life. Eric is a member of Second Ebenezer Church under the leadership of Bishop Edgar Vann. He is married and has two sons.

Ciara attends Schoolcraft Community College where she is majoring in Nursing. She is employed with Courtyard Manor as Resident Caregiver. She is the owner of “Events by Ciara” an event planning business. She is a proud member of Born to Win Ministries where she volunteers on the youth ministry.

Cherell is a graduate of Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. She is currently an Address Management System Technician with the United States Postal Service where she has been employed for twenty-three years. She has volunteered with various organizations such as Alternatives for Girls and Triumph Outreach Ministry. Cherell is a proud member of Triumph Church. Cherell’s passion is to motivate young men and women to achieve success and reach their destiny.

Michelle is graduate of Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a Master’s of Science in Business Administration. She is currently a “Pathway’s to Potential” Case Worker with the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services where she has been employed for thirteen years. She is currently the President of La’de Mentoring. Michelle is a proud member of New Life Ministries Worldwide. Michelle’s theme in life is to be an “Encourager to young ladies and women who are faced with low self-esteem, great opposition and life challenges”.

Marquita attended Mary Grove College. Marquita has been an administrative professional for over twenty-years. She is an avid community volunteer. She volunteers with various organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Easter Seals and COTS Detroit. She is the Treasurer of La’de Mentoring Program. Marquita is a proud member of Cross of Christ Church.

LaTonja is a graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. She is employed with the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as a “Pathway to Potential” Case Worker where she has been employed for thirteen-years. She is an outstanding singer and recently launched a single with her family entitled “All of My Life” by the Scott Singers which was produced under her record label Anjoy Productions. The song reached the Billboard Charts and it’s being played on various radio stations. She is a proud member of New Life Ministries Worldwide where she ministers in song every Sunday. LaTonja is very passionate about children having music as a curriculum in schools.