Chris Jones was born and raised in Southeastern San Diego. Chris created the Young And Prosperous Foundation in 2009 to make sure he continued to support and stayed connected to the needs of the community. Chris began his law enforcement career with the Atlanta Police Department before moving back to San Diego to become a police officer with the San Diego Police Department in 2014. Currently, Officer Jones is Community Resource Officer for Southeastern Division. Chris is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc as well as a 2022 Rise San Diego Urban Leadership Fellow. Awards and Honors: 2024 Unsung Hero Award 2023 Advancement In Civil Rights Award 2022 Community Social Action Award 2021 National S.J. Dilenschneider Community Award (Scripps Howard Foundation) 2021 San Diego Jewish Academy Community Service Award 2020 10 News Leadership Award 2020 African American Educator Award

Ana Diaz-Pina has born in Southeast San Diego. Ana started her law enforcement career in 2005 and was promoted to supervisor in 2021. Ana holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership Management. Ana started working with the Young and Prosperous Foundation in 2020 to help provided students in the community of City Heights an outlet during the Covid 19 pandemic. As the director of sport for YAP, Ana has been successful in starting our free youth soccer and futsal teams at Colina Park. Ana has grown the program from 6 students to over 25 students that continuous participate in our weekly soccer training and monthly tournaments. FC_YAP club has won futsal championships in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Tamara Allen-Muhammad is San Diego native who is an enthusiastic educator and advocate for children. She has a talent for uplifting youth and their parents as both an educator and mentor. Tamara has had over twenty-five years of teaching experience within the urban areas of San Diego. As a graduate of the University of San Diego and hold a Master’s degree from National University. Tamara has maintained her level of educational growth in order to better support the community that she cares so much about. In the spring of 2022, Tamara was blessed to become a member of the Finer Women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. It is through the Sisterhood of Zeta that Tamara has grown to become Finder in everything she does. Tamara is also the Vice Chair of Rise Urban Leadership and on the board of the Association of African American Educators. Tamara specializes in advocating for equity for all who are historically under-represented.

Dacia Madden Russell was born and raised in the city of San Diego. She is the mother of six wonderful young adults, one of whom has gone through the YAP program and is currently studying at Xavier University in Louisiana. Dacia has over 25 years of experience working with the young people of Southeast San Diego through VP Football & Cheer, Lincoln Cheer, and various religious groups. Young people are her love and passion. With her momma bear mentality, there is nothing too hard or too great to accomplish for her YAP babies. Currently, she serves in a dual role as Middle School Liaison and Fundraising Coordinator. Reaching and tapping into the minds of middle schoolers is vital to setting them on the path to college.

Joana was born and raised in San Diego, CA, and is an alumna of Lincoln High School. After high school, she continued her education at San Diego Mesa College before transferring to Texas Southern University in Houston, TX. For the past 10 years, Joana has been dedicated to serving the community of Southeast San Diego and mentoring students across the county of San Diego. Joana has been a mentor with the Young and Prosperous Foundation for 4 years. Joana firmly believes that all students can achieve their dreams if they believe in themselves, focus their efforts, and work hard. With determination and perseverance, they can succeed in anything life offers them.

Cheryl ...

Hope ...

Dr. Randel ...

Cecil ...