A Dovey Johnson Scholar and Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program junior at Spelman College pursuing a major in Political Science, Kayla is a poet and community advocate who serves with the Flint Public Health Youth Academy, Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexcual Health, and Flint Freedom Schools Collaborative .
tHE POWER TEAM
At the Power Initiative we believe in putting people first, starting with those who serve with us. We are a dynamic team of talented students and professionals with a wide range of skills and experience. We love what we do and look forward to working with you.
Project Coordinators
Kayla Shannon
capacity building
sonyita clemons
community projects
A life and wellness coach, certified fitness instructor, evangelist, community organizer and facilitator with a Bachelors of Business Administration from Northwood University, Sonyita is the VP of Marketing and Program Development for Total Life Prosperity. Mrs. Clemons has over 15 years of event planning, fund development, education, and project management experience.
Taylor McClain
events
A Forbes 30 Under 30 Scholar and Flint & Genesee 40 Under 40 honoree, Taylor McClain brings diverse experience as a legal administrative assistant and communications manager. Holding a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan – Flint, she founded TC McClain Enterprises, a platform that celebrates culinary artists and teaches youth essential skills, from cooking and healthy eating to life skills and financial literacy. With a passion for building relationships and community service, Taylor strives to connect and uplift the communities she serves.
Leadership
Marquetta Hall
EXTERNAL RELATIONS
A graduate of University of Michigan-Flint with a Bachelors in Integrated Science, Marquetta is a high school science teacher and Flint Freedom Schools Collaborative administrator with a passion for education and youth development. Ms. Hall has experience in program coordination, system building and digital infrastructure development.
KD Harden
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
An after school educator and community servant with a Master’s in Biology from University of Michigan-Flint and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Southern University and A&M College, KD is a Site Team Leader with the YouthQuest Afterschool Program. KD has worked with youth for over 25 years, and she has experience in event planning, workshop development, graphic design, and digital office space development.
Jaquita Kelley
COMPANY STRATEGY
A community organizer working to ensure all residents have the resources and exposure to be change-makers with a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. Jaquita is a Project Director with The Power Initiative and owner of Blk Markers, a social impact company. Mrs. Kelley specializes in critical thinking, synthesis, and competent cultural communications.
Ashnee Dunning
CEO
A community organizer working to encourage positive relationships and collaboration with a Bachelors of Business Administration from Western Michigan University, Ashnee is the Lead Consultant of the Power Initiative, Executive Director of the Flint Freedom Schools Collaborative, and Education & Outreach Manager for Legal Services of Eastern Michigan. Mrs. Dunning specializes in talent, systems and strategic development.