Who We Are
The Columbus Urban League Young Professionals is a network of urban young professionals ages 21-40 that functions as an auxiliary group of the Columbus Urban League and also a chapter of the National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP).
The Mission
The mission of the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals (CULYP) is to serve as a base of support for the Columbus Urban League and their respective initiatives, promote the overall mission of the Columbus Urban League and a comprehensive orientation to the National Urban League movement for young professionals in the Columbus community.
The Vision
CULYP is a vehicle for young professionals looking for an opportunity to serve the local community as well as engage in impactful activities and programming that encourages personal, professional, and social growth. It is the goal of our organization to build a strong pipeline of future leaders and connect young professionals both within the local community and also across the nation through our affiliations with the National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP).
The Movement
The CULYP movement encompasses ongoing work in the areas of Civic & Community Engagement, Personal & Professional Development, Social & Cultural Events, Education Initiatives and Philanthropy. It is our goal to inspire young professionals to pursue opportunities in Community Service and Civic Engagement, assist in mentoring and preparing the next generation through our Education Initiatives, provide unique and innovative activities that will enhance the young professional Social and Cultural experience, empowering young professionals to exercise Philanthropy and become key stakeholders in the advancement and success of our community by giving with their time, talent, and most importantly financial resources, while also focusing on the personal and professional growth of Columbus young professionals through meaningful Personal and Professional Development programming.
Core Values
National Urban league Young Professionals Five Point Focus:
Education and Youth Empowerment
Economic Empowerment
Health and Quality of Life Empowerment
Civic Engagement and Leadership Empowerment
Civil Rights and Racial Justice Empowerment
Meet CULYP’S Executive Board | 2025-2026
Our goal is to uplift the future leaders in the City of Columbus and provide an opportunity to teach and learn from one another.
Kendall White
President
culyp.president@cul.org
Member Since: 2021
Committees Served On: Community Service
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Education: BA Criminal Justice | MA Law, Justice and Culture
Kendall was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio Dominican University in 2018 while majoring in Criminal Justice. Additionally, he graduated recently with his Masters in Law, Justice, and Culture from Ohio University in the Spring of ‘22. Kendall now works for Ohioans to Stop Executions, serving as Deputy Director where he oversees the day to day operations of the nonprofit organization.
Outside of work he serves as the 2nd Vice- President of Ohio Young Black Democrats and Vice-President of Columbus Urban League Young Professionals. He is a dedicated member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (FA’19) and continues to service the communities within Columbus.
Rashauna Rainey
Vice-President
culyp.vp@cul.org
Member Since: 2023
Committees Served On: N/A
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Education: BA in Marketing and B.A in International Business.
Rashauna was born and raised in Hilliard, OH. Her passions include traveling the world, spending quality time with loved ones, and helping others be great! Rashauna graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s in Marketing & International Business in 2020. During her Collegiate experience, she was heavily involved with the African American Cultural & Resource Center and organizations within the Center. Following graduation, she moved back to her hometown, where she currently works within the healthcare navigation industry.
Rashauna enjoys assisting the community with excelling in their aspirations professionally and personally, to further uplift networked communities along with us. Over the years, she has excelled in designing websites and managing social media accounts for businesses, cultivating strategic partnerships, and delivering compelling presentations to diverse teams. She is eager to contribute positively to the mission and success of our Young Professionals!
Jonathan Brown II
Secretary
culyp.secretary@cul.org
Member Since: 2023
Committees Served On: Community Service
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Education: B.A in Political Science and Film & Media Production
Jonathan Brown II is a versatile professional with a background in community outreach, public service, and media. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Film and Media Production from Capital University. Currently, he serves as a Legislative Analyst for the City of Columbus, where he supports Councilmember Nicholas Bankston on economic development and small business initiatives.
Jonathan’s commitment to service is evident through his work with legal non-profits, where he coordinated programs and events, managed payroll, and strengthened community engagement efforts. As a Bonner Student Leader, he contributed over 280 hours of service annually, collaborating with local organizations to foster civic engagement and social justice.
In addition to his public service work, Jonathan has a passion for media and communication. He served as a Play-by-Play Analyst and Sports Broadcaster for Capital Sports, where he covered sporting events and engaged audiences with detailed commentary. His leadership in student radio further demonstrates his ability to manage media operations and connect with diverse audiences.
With a strong dedication to community and communication, Jonathan Brown II is driven to create positive change and inspire others through his work.
JoVantae Brandon
Treasurer
culyp.treasurer@cul.org
Member Since: 2020
Committees Served On: Personal & Professional Development Chair
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio
Education: Bachelor’s in Consumers Sciences and Family Financial Planning
JoVantae Brandon, a Toledo native and Ohio State University graduate in Consumer Sciences and Family Financial Planning. Dedicated to empowering individuals and families to achieve financial success.
JoVantae started his career in banking in 2019, and currently is a Relationship Banker at Chase Bank. Since starting his career, he has helped hundreds of people plan and achieve their financial goals and offering financial guidance.
As Treasurer of the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals, JoVantae actively gives back to the community by supporting organizations that promote the economic development of underserved communities.
William Carson III
Marketing Co-Chair
culyp.public-relations@cul.org
Member Since: 2018
Committees Served On: PPD
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Education: BA in Management, Ohio University | MBA specialization in Strategic Marketing, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
William W. Carson III MBA, PMP is a dedicated marketing professional with over 10 years’ experience, and a native of Columbus, Ohio. He received a bachelor’s degree in management from Ohio University, and an MBA specializing in Strategic Marketing from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. To supplement his MBA, William also received a Project Management Professional (stylized as PMP) from the Project Management Institute. William serves as Marketing Director for Sigma 614 Foundation, a role that allows him to utilize his creative eye and strategic mind to serve the central Ohio community. Sticking in the realm of creativity, William is the founder of 10x10 Photography and West Tenth Marketing LLC specializing in portrait photography and web design respectively.
William is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and currently serves as the Director of Marketing and Branding for his chapter. He has been involved in varying capacities with CULYP since 2018 and has volunteered for CUL initiatives such as WRTU and IAMBK. Williams’ passion for community service doesn’t stop with the Columbus Urban League, as he is a regular volunteer with The Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots and Kettle Bell, and a member of Lions Club International.
William is an avid reader and firmly believes that the best gifts are those that can be shared with others, such as a book. He is a diehard OSU football fan as well as a Dallas Cowboys. One of his favorite pastimes is watching the Dallas Cowboys disappoint him every year in January.
William is thrilled to use his experiences and expertise to help the people of Columbus, Ohio. As a native of the city, the people here are near and dear to his heart, and he looks forward to serving them in this new role as Marketing Co-Chair.
Edsha Jones
Membership Co-Chair
culyp.membership@cul.org
Member Since: 2024
Committees Served On: Membership, Community Service
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Education/Licensures: Cosmetology, Cosmetology Instruction, Life Insurance
As a multi-passionate entrepreneur and licensed professional in both beauty and finance, Edsha Jones is dedicated to transforming lives. She owns The Luxury Hair Lab, where she empowers women by elevating their confidence with luxurious hair extensions and expert education. Through mentorship, Edsha equips beauty professionals with the tools they need to succeed. With over 16 years of experience, her commitment to authenticity, integrity, and craftsmanship sets her apart as a leader in her field.
In finance, Edsha helps families create holistic financial plans. She also recruits, trains, and develops aspiring financial professionals, guiding them through earning state financial and federal securities licenses while advancing financial literacy.
A Columbus, Ohio native, Edsha’s pursuit of excellence has earned national recognition, including features in VoyageOhio and Who’s Who In Black. Beyond business, she is passionate about family, community service, travel, wellness, personal development, and meaningful connections.
Mwesi Stokes
Marketing Co-Chair
culyp.public-relations@cul.org
Member Since: 2023
Committees Served On: Marketing
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Education: The Ohio State University
Mwesi Stokes is a freelance digital marketer with extensive experience in content creation, account management, and analytical tracking. He currently contributes to the American Advertising Federation Columbus chapter (AAF Columbus) as a board member, supporting the organization’s email communication initiatives.
Before transitioning to freelancing, Mwesi served as the Sales Inventory Coordinator at Orange Barrel Media, where he managed billboard inventory and acted as a key liaison between the sales and marketing teams. He also honed his expertise at The Shipyard, holding roles as Account Coordinator and Performance Media Analyst.
Mwesi’s marketing and strategy career is fueled by his passion for creativity, innovation, and data-driven insights. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Consumer Sciences from The Ohio State University, where he served as Social Media Chair and Vice President of the Black Advertising and Strategic Communication Association (BASCA).
Israel Tanuel Garrett II
Membership Co-Chair
culyp.membership@cul.org
Member Since:
Committees Served On:
Hometown:
Education:
Hello! My name is Israel Tanuel Garrett II. It’s my pleasure and honor to serve as one of the Co-Chairs for the Membership Committee. I graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Justice Studies and a minor in Pre-Law. I currently work full-time as a Community Program Analyst for the Department of Youth Services. I like to consider myself an extroverted extrovert, I truly love people!
One goal of mine is to show everyone how being a member of CULYP will enhance their life as young professional. While also improving the overall quality and experience of the CULYP membership. Some of my hobbies include working out, listening to music, spending time with family and friends, skating, and reading. I enjoy watching sports, anime, and anything comic book related. I also love coaching youth sports, and teaching/learning about Urban Apologetics.
Mecca Abdul-Aziz
Community Service Co-Chair
culyp.community-service@cul.org
Member Since: 2023
Committees Served On: Community Service, YP Summit
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Education: Masters in Student Affairs
My name is Mecca Abdul-Aziz and I am from Cincinnati, OH! I own E&M Home Care- dedicated to seniors in the Columbus area. I am very passionate about community service and I love finding new ways I can be involved in the community with the time that I have.
Whether it is helping with the youth, our seniors or accessibility and inclusive efforts, I enjoy being apart. In my downtime I love hanging with my baby girl Zuri and my partner Kwame. I am excited to see what we all can do on the culyp board!
Marissa Ratleff
Community Service Co-Chair
culyp.community-service@cul.org
Member Since: 2022
Committees Served On: N/A
Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
Education: Bachelor's of Science in Health Administration, Wilberforce University
Marissa is a dedicated civic engagement specialist and proud resident of the King Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood for the past three years. An Army veteran with a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration, she brings a wealth of experience as a certified nutritionist, former nurse, and advocate for community well-being.
Marissa sits on the board of a health and wellness nonprofit and is an active member of Blacks in Government. Currently employed at The Ohio State University, she is passionate about fostering connections, increasing civic participation, and promoting equity to drive positive change in the Columbus community.
Outside of community service Marissa enjoys yoga class, nature walks, and spending time with her family and friends. She is excited to join CULYP as Community Engagement Co-Chair, and is looking forward to further impacting the community.
Ta’Sha Camara
Civic Engagement Co-Chair
culyp.civic-engagement@cul.org
Member Since: 2025
Committees Served On: Civic Engagement
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Education: Ohio Dominican University ‘20 - tOSU ‘22 - Doctoral Candidate University of Kentucky ‘25
Ta’Sha Camara, BSW, BAPS, MSW, is a dedicated, community-focused professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Political Science, complemented by a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Ohio Dominican University. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from The Ohio State University and is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky.
As a Columbus native, Ta’Sha works in Re-Entry, specializing in programming, and aspires to give back to the same communities that helped shape her into a passionate advocate and leader.
Adriana Gordon
Civic Engagement Co-Chair
culyp.civic-engagement@cul.org
Member Since: 2022
Committees Served On: Civic Engagement
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Education: OSU27’ Currently pursuing a MPA | BA 22’ OSU
Adriana Gordon is a Cincinnati native and first-generation college graduate from The Ohio State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 2022. During her time at OSU, she served as a Program Lead for the Social Change Program, which sparked her passion for public service. Six months before graduation, she began her career as a legislative aide in the Ohio State House for State Representative Humphrey.
In August 2023, Adriana joined the Ohio Young Black Democrats, where she managed five regional chapters and supported local and state candidates. By January 2024, she was elected President of the Central Ohio Young Black Democrats. Under her leadership, the chapter organized over 20 events within its first year, engaged in quarterly community service projects, and conducted monthly canvassing, significantly growing its membership and partnerships with community organizations.
In August 2024, Adriana joined U.S Senator Sherrod Brown’s campaign as a Political Associate. She also serves on the Franklin County Democratic Executive Committee and is currently pursuing her master's degree in public administration at The Ohio State University.
Jonae Hopkins
Personal & Professional Development Co-Chair
culyp.prof-development@cul.org
Member Since: 2023
Committees Served On: YP Summit
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Education: BA Sociology from Ohio State University, currently obtaining MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport
Jonae is a dynamic professional from Columbus, Ohio, with a passion for leadership, community engagement, and personal growth. An alumna of The Ohio State University, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, laying the foundation for a career rooted in understanding people and fostering impactful connections. Currently pursuing her MBA, she is driven to enhance her expertise in business strategy and organizational leadership.
With her role as a Realty Specialist for the U.S. Department of the Army, Jonae demonstrates exceptional skills in managing complex projects and navigating critical negotiations. Beyond her federal career, she is an entrepreneur dedicated to promoting wellness, having successfully planned and hosted transformative events that empower individuals to lead healthier lives.
A proud member of her community, Jonae is looking forward to serving on the board of CULYP, where she hopes to inspire positive change and champion initiatives that uplift young professionals. Her unique blend of public service, business acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit makes her a multifaceted leader ready to make a lasting impact.
Cameron McLemore
Personal & Professional Development Co-Chair
culyp.prof-development@cul.org
Member Since: 2022
Committees Served On: PPD
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Education: Business Degree in progress
Cameron McLemore is a banker at Chase with a strong commitment to both personal and community development. In addition to her professional role, she serves as the Co-chair of Personal and Professional Development for the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals and as the Deputy Director of Membership for the Central Ohio Young Black Democrats. Cameron is passionate about continuous growth and actively seeks opportunities to develop new skills, with a focus on sharing these insights to support the success of her peers and colleagues.
Outside of her professional and leadership roles, Cameron enjoys reading, cooking, and volunteering, further reflecting her dedication to both personal enrichment and community service.
Jordan Hawkins
Social & Cultural Events Co-Chair
culyp.events@cul.org
Member Since:
Committees Served On:
Hometown:
Education:
Jordan Hawkins was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He came to Columbus in the fall of 2013 as a student at Otterbein University. During his time at Otterbein, Jordan became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as a member of the “Mighty” Omicron Rho Chapter, proudly served in leadership positions within Otterbein’s Black student organizations, and as a student activist committed to addressing racism on campus. Jordan began his political career in 2016, serving as an intern at the Ohio House of Representative and at the NAACP’s Washington D.C. Bureau. He graduated from Otterbein in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Sociology.
Upon graduation, Jordan further immersed himself in the political realm by relocating to Washington D.C. to serve as a congressional intern with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in former Congresswoman Marcia Fudge’s D.C. office. He later returned to Columbus and joined State Senator Vernon Sykes’ office as a Legislative Aide. During the 2018 Midterm Election, Jordan took a leap of faith and joined then Democratic nominee for Ohio Treasurer, Rob Richardson, as his statewide Poltiical Director. Following the 2018 Election, he become the Deputy Engagement Director of the Ohio Democratic Party and member of the Ohio Young Black Democrats in 2019. In addition to newfound opportunities with campaign politics and organizing across the Ohio’s progressive ecosystem, Jordan became a member of the New Leaders Council of Columbus and United Way Project Diversity fellowship in 2019.
Jordan currently serves as President of the Ohio Young Black Democrats, a statewide organization and official caucus within the Ohio Democratic Party which serves to mentor, recruit, and empower the next generation of young Black leaders across the state– while engaging and mobilizing Black voters across Ohio– a position he has held since 2019. He is the 1st Black man and youngest person to be the Executive Director of the Ohio House Democratic Caucus (OHDC), serving at the pleasure of Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo. In his role with the OHDC, Jordan recruits and helps manage state legislative candidates in Ohio’s 99 state legislative districts as well as leading the execution of all strategic campaign activities of the OHDC with members of the Ohio House and partners across the Democratic ecosystem. He has served in this role since 2021, having run the caucus during the 2022 Midtern Election and current 2024 Presidential Election.
Jordan’s mantra is simple - let your work do the talking, and always stay true to yourself.
Myshellia “Shelly” Carter
Social & Cultural Events Co-Chair
culyp.events@cul.org
Member Since: 2023
Committees Served On: Community Service, Social and Cultural Committee
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The Ohio State University, Masters of Arts in Counselor Education The Ohio State University, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Myshellia is a licensed professional counselor practicing in crisis stabilization and private practice since 2023. Born and raised on the westside of Dayton, Ohio, Myshellia prides herself on being a product of her environment yet not a victim of her circumstances. Committed to serving marginalized groups, primarily the Black community, Myshellia is dedicated to “healing the hood and tryna do good”.
Myshellia’s passion areas include substance misuse, disenfranchised grief for children with incarcerated parents, suicidal ideation and Black wellness. She is excited to transition into entrepreneurship and non-profit organizations serving the communities in which she comes from. As a beacon of hope and an instrument of healing, she changes the lives of all she encounters. As a representation of a first generation emerging professional, Myshellia is committed to creating seats at the table for those who were previously not let in the room.
Terrence Myles
Development Co-Chair
culyp.development@cul.org
Member Since: 2020
Committees Served On: PPD, Community Service
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
“Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly”. – Langston Hughes
Terrence Myles, a Columbus native, has built a career fueled by an unwavering passion for community, service, and leadership. His journey began at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where he discovered his commitment to helping others. After working there, Terrence transitioned to Urban One Columbus, where he now thrives as the Promotions Director. As Co-Founder and Operations Director of the Cordelion Performing Arts Academy, a 501(c)(3) organization, Terrence combines his love for artistry and leadership to empower youth through performing arts. A graduate of United Way’s Project Diversity Pride Leadership Class 32/16, he leads impactful community initiatives and events, collaborating with many local organizations. Terrence is led in faith by New Birth Christian Ministries and civically engaged through board service as Chair of Coach O Legacy - dedicated to the pillars of Youth Development, Christian Values, Family Values, and Food Disparity, Development Co-Chair of Columbus Urban League Young Professionals and Vice Chair of Whitehall Community Park YMCA Advisory Board, Terrence continues to inspire and uplift the communities he serves.
Bradley Wright
Development Co-Chair
culyp.development@cul.org
Member Since: 2023
Committees Served On: N/A
Hometown: Nassau, Bahamas
Education: Business Administration Minor Marketing| Central State University, MS| Social & Applied Economics| Wright State University
Bradley was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, he moved to Ohio in 2018 to complete his bachelor’s after completing two years of undergraduate studies in Canada. After obtaining his BS Business Administration he followed his heart for economic development by acquiring his MS Applied Economics.
He currently works as a Project Manager with NIFA grants and has experience with financial analysis and data analytics. His overall vision is to ensure that his surrounding community understands the importance of economic knowledge and aid in its development by targeting the youth and educational system.
Bradley is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., a former mentor for Scene75 Youth Business Development Program, and an inspiring motivational speaker. His one of favorite quotes by Ryan Holiday that he hopes inspire you is “The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition.”