Our Leadership

We’re a passionate team committed to the success of the youth we serve. Our dedicated and diverse program staff includes licensed teachers, local artist, business college students, and Youth Entrepreneur Institute alumni.


  • Founder & Executive Director

    Tacharna is a creative powerhouse and youth advocate on a mission to put poverty out of business. Before founding YEI, she launched an art co-op that gave under-resourced youth free access to garment-making tools to turn their creativity into income. With a deep love for entrepreneurship, equity, and all things hands-on, she’s spent over a decade empowering young changemakers. Tacharna also served six years as a Learn24 Commissioner, where she led efforts to fund and strengthen out-of-school-time programs across DC. When she's not running pop-ups or crafting strategy, she's making magic with her kids or dreaming up her next big idea.


  • Director of Programs

    Caprise brings over 20 years of nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurial experience to her role as Program Director at YEI. She leads our high school site at Bard with passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to student success. From developing dynamic curriculum to mentoring teen entrepreneurs, Caprise is all about helping youth grow, lead, and thrive. Before joining YEI, she managed programs at United Communities Against Poverty and ran her own business as a cosmetologist and concierge service owner. With every project, Caprise blends creativity, structure, and heart—making a lasting impact on every student she serves.

Meet the team

Christy Hall

Monet Ray

Mark Coppedge

Monique Chambliss

Darlene Oden

Pierre Jerome

Alex Fite

Our Peer Mentors

Bailey

Ron’May

Aya

Armone

Deloris

Jayla

〰️

These amazing young leaders are proud alumni of Youth Entrepreneur Institute programs—and now they’re giving back by mentoring the next generation. As Peer Mentors, they bring lived experience, creativity, and real insight to the spaces they once stood in. We’re proud to have them back in the room—this time as role models.

〰️ These amazing young leaders are proud alumni of Youth Entrepreneur Institute programs—and now they’re giving back by mentoring the next generation. As Peer Mentors, they bring lived experience, creativity, and real insight to the spaces they once stood in. We’re proud to have them back in the room—this time as role models.

Board of Directors

  • Board Chair

    DC born and raised, Danyale is a proud mom, wife, and multi-talented powerhouse. She’s spent 20+ years auditing tech in the federal government and 15 years helping families find homes as a licensed realtor.

  • Vice Chair

    Angelé is a visionary entrepreneur and artist who builds bold bridges between communities, public agencies, and global innovation. A former Grants Manager at East of the River Strengthening Collaborative, she now leads her own business and champions economic sustainability in marginalized communities. A proud Web3 and crypto enthusiast, Angelé is all about creating ecosystems that spark innovation and fuel collective growth.

  • Secretary

    Kristen brings deep roots in social entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership. Before launching her consulting practice, she served as Network Services Manager at Fair Chance, supporting 100+ youth-serving organizations—including YEI. She’s all about big ideas, bold missions, and building strong, resilient orgs from the inside out.

  • Board Member

    Kimberly is a proud Washingtonian with deep roots across the city and Prince George’s County. She’s spent over 20 years in federal government as a budget analyst and currently works for the Small Business Adminstration (SBA). She is a two-time elected ANC Commissioner in Ward 7. Whether serving as Chair of the Public Safety Committee or bridging community resources, Kimberly brings heart, hustle, and a deep love for connecting people and neighborhoods across DC.

  • Board Member

    Clarence is a lifelong DC resident, community leader, and one of YEI’s earliest champions. As Executive Director of Uniting Our Youth, he leads programs for at-risk youth in partnership with the DC Housing Authority. His decades of experience span youth counseling, mental health, violence prevention, and advocacy—all driven by a deep belief in the brilliance and resilience of young people.