Board of Directors
Takawi Peters Founder, President
My 20+ years career in Youth Development Specialist, I have worked with organizations including Americorps, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, the Division of Indian Work, EXPLO at Yale, Minneapolis Community Education, Violence Free Minnesota, and Youth Frontiers. I was formerly an Ensemble Dancer with Ananya Dance Theatre, Theater of the Oppressed Teaching Artist with Penumbra Theater, Racial Justice Facilitator with the YWCA, National Fellow with the Women of Color Network, and was a board member for Ananya Dance Theater and Intermedia Arts. I hold a B.I.S. in African & African American Studies, Asian Languages & Literatures, and Dance.
The inception of IYE is rooted in my understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and having witnessed the impact of emotional neglect, support and development had on youth in and out the classroom. I wanted to create programming for youth that focused on wellbeing over college and career readiness, detached entirely from academic achievement. As an adult with access and agency to physical and mental healthcare professionals, I have come to realize that I still turn to my friends for support as the best alternative for support in times of need or crisis. One aim with IYE is to teach youth how to redefine tribe and how to utilize it to foster wellbeing. Another aim is to guide youth through a self-discovery process to maintain centered and confident knowing who they are especially during challenging life circumstances.
Latisha Franklin Vice President
One of my passions in life is to help others and I have spent the past 20 years helping youth, families, and communities thrive. This derives from growing up in the inner city of Milwaukee, WI by a single Mexican mother with six children to care for. The exposure to adverse childhood effects caused my own personal journey of self- healing and devotion in the human services field.
Like my mother, I have overcome barriers and became the first child to obtain higher education degrees. I hold a B.S. in Community Education and Engagement from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a M.S. in Organizational Change Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Although I am not in direct service anymore, I recognize my ability to reach more of those in need by shaping the organization and it’s leaders. This larger-scale perspective has allowed me to assist organizations that serve youth & families in my hometown of Milwaukee, Washington, D.C., and now Baltimore, Maryland as the Vice President of Youth Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Baltimore.
When I’m not being a boss, I enjoy my toddler daughters, friends and family! But overall I’ve learned to enjoy myself. To put in the quality time of self-love, self-empowerment, self-reflection and hobbies contributes to my growth and success. I’m constantly evolving which allows me to be a better mother, sister, aunt, daughter, friend, partner, and professional.
Brittany Clausell Ed.S Secretary
Hello! I am an independent education consultant, private tutor, program director, community advocate, certified bilingual translator/interpreter, faith-based blogger, and public speaker. I officially began my career in the field of education in 2009 as a classroom language teacher (English for immigrants/Spanish and Career/College Readiness) and later became a school principal. I hold an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, School Administration from Capella University and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature Studies, Ethnic Studies, and Social Justice and Community Studies, both from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
When I am not writing my doctoral dissertation through Gwynedd Mercy Catholic University, investing the lived experiences of school principals as influential gatekeepers of moral and ethical decision-making practices in schools, I enjoy travel, global language and culture, the beach/lake, and spending time in worship with my family and close friends.
Ashti Motilall Treasurer
Ashti A. Motilall – Descendant of Indo-Caribbean ancestry; Midwesterner born and raised. Author of “Growing up Guyanese”. Former Kathak dancer for Kathak Dance Theatre (KDT), Bel Canto singer, pianist and poet. Lover of all things living. I try to live my life without regrets and filled with nothing but kindness and compassion for all. My greatest joy in life comes from spending quality time with my loved ones.
I have battled with anxiety, in many shapes and forms, my entire life and have found the best remedy within myself. I have achieved solace through inward reflection, meditation and mindfulness in addition to the support from like-minded family and friends. For that reason, I was drawn to IYE and firmly believe in its mission.
Carlson School of Management - University of Minnesota Alumni (BSB – 2013; MAcc – 2014). Accountant and project manager by trade, I work full-time for a Fortune 500 healthcare organization within the Twin Cities since graduation. Additionally, I am employed part-time at my family’s businesses (Galaxy Foods International, LLC & Galaxy Distributors, LLC) as the Sales & Customer Service Representative and VP of Finance, respectively.