Story
Our Journey
Discover the impactful journey of Youth Empowerment Initiative, a dedicated nonprofit organization empowering families and children through therapy services, career and trade development, and financial literacy education in schools. Our mission is to promote emotional resilience, academic success, and financial stability to create stronger communities.
Explore our website for detailed information on our wide range of programs, inspiring success stories, rewarding volunteer opportunities, essential resources, upcoming events, and engaging blog posts.
Our Mission and Vision
At Youth Empowerment Initiative, we are committed to fostering emotional resilience, academic excellence, and financial stability within communities. Our mission is to empower families and children through innovative therapy services, career development, and financial literacy education.
Team
Meet Our Team
Get to know the dedicated individuals behind Youth Empowerment Initiative who are committed to making a difference in the lives of families and children. Our team members bring diverse skills and expertise to drive positive change.
Halsey Mabry
President/Lead School Liaison
Halsey Mabry is a dedicated mentor, educator, and life coach with over 20 years of experience empowering young people to reach their fullest potential. With a background in educational leadership, coaching, and community engagement, Halsey has spent his career helping youth build confidence, develop life skills, and overcome barriers to success.
As one of the founders of Youth Empowerment Initiative, Halsey brings his passion for mentorship and leadership development into a nonprofit setting designed to guide the next generation. Through life coaching, accessible therapy services, career and trade development, and financial literacy education, the Youth Empowerment Initiative equips youth and families with the tools needed to thrive academically, personally, and financially.
Halsey’s approach centers on teaching resilience, accountability, and positive decision-making while creating safe spaces for young people to be heard and supported. Driven by the belief that every young person deserves the tools and encouragement to succeed, he is committed to making a lasting impact in his community by inspiring youth to dream big, set goals, and unlock their potential.
JaCinta Batson
Vice President/Account Executive
Accomplished senior director with over 20 years of experience leading national and international public health initiatives, driving innovation, and building high-performing teams across government and scientific organizations.
A proven leader in strategic planning, program management, and interagency collaboration, with expertise in guiding multimillion-dollar projects, optimizing business processes, and leveraging data analysis to improve organizational performance. Adept at building and motivating teams, securing congressional approval for new programs, and forging partnerships with U.S. and international agencies to advance public health protections.
An alum of the Federal Executive Institute and certified Project Management Professional (PMP), holds an MBA in Finance and advanced degrees in Chemistry. Widely published, patent-recognized, and recipient of multiple FDA and cross-agency awards for innovation, leadership, and international collaboration.
Tiara Smith
Secretary/Therapist
Tiara Smith is an Executive Life Coach at YEI with a strong foundation in psychology and family systems. She earned her B.S. in Psychology and her M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. With over 8 years of experience working with children and families in underserved communities within the school system, Tiara brings both compassion and expertise to the organization.
She specializes in supporting children and teens navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, financial insecurity, life transitions, and family-related stressors. Tiara is passionate about helping young people and their families build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and create meaningful pathways toward growth and well-being.