As the Vice President of SYA, Shekia Johnson is passionately committed to the development of youth. She strives to provide educational resources and support, aiming to inspire children to explore a world of possibilities and pursue positive paths.
Shekia, a Detroit native, also serves as the Initial Credentialing Coordinator at Trinity Health. She holds a Master of Science in Health Informatics from Walden University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wayne State University.
A mother to her son, she is an active member of the Order of Eastern Stars and frequently volunteers in her community. Having worked in healthcare since 2014, Shekia aspires to evolve her career into a Healthcare Implementation Analyst role. Her personal interests include sports, family time, and dancing.
Bill Shelmon, M.B.A., has been a dedicated member of SYA for approximately ten years, playing a pivotal role in the organization’s efforts to support the youth of Southfield and Lathrup Village. His tenure at SYA began as a board member, where he immediately immersed himself in the organization’s activities and goals. Bill’s leadership journey within SYA saw him taking on significant roles, including a six-year stint as Treasurer and a six-month term as Secretary, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the organization’s financial and administrative health.
Beyond his executive roles, Bill has been instrumental in chairing key SYA events and programs. He has led initiatives like the Youth Recognition chair and Money Mentors chair, directly engaging with the community’s youth. These roles have enabled him to serve as a positive role model, offering guidance and support to young individuals. His long-standing residency in the community further deepens his commitment to SYA, reflecting his personal dedication to nurturing the potential and growth of young people in his hometown.
As the elected treasurer for the 2022-2023 term and the interim treasurer for 2023-2024, I am committed to managing the financial responsibilities of SYA with diligence and transparency. I joined the organization in September 2021, driven by my passion for mentoring youth at risk of leaving the school system.
The alignment of SYA’s mission with my personal objectives is the reason I chose to serve here. I am always ready to offer my services and skills where needed. Additionally, I take great pleasure in mentoring 9th-grade boys through the ‘League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ program.
Kris Landers, has over 20 years of expertise as a counselor and has dedicated his career to aiding youth and their families. He excels in creating strategic approaches to address and resolve complex family issues. In his role as a caseworker with SYA, Kris provides short-term, confidential counseling services to both young individuals and their families. His approach is holistic, focusing on fostering communication, understanding, and problem-solving skills within families.
The benefits of his counseling extend beyond immediate solutions, contributing to long-term familial harmony and personal growth for the youth. These services, aimed at nurturing stronger family bonds and empowering youth, are accessible and affordable, requiring only a minimal, one-time processing fee.
