OUR PURPOSE
Our purpose is to ensure that youth from disadvantaged communities avoid the trajectory of poverty, violence, self-harm, and equip them to make wise life and career choices through Young Investors Group three pillars of investment—self, economic, and community investment
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to equip black youth with career exploration and education in finance and technology as tools to avoid risky behavior, make informed decisions and succeed both personal and professionally.
OUR VISION
It is our firm belief by the year 2030, Young Investors Group will positively impacting the lives of 10,000 disadvantaged youth, by equipping them an increase their emotional intelligence, their entry level earning power and provide exposure to the FINTECH industry.
Our History
Young Investors Group is a social entrepreneurial internship that help at-risk teens with learning life skills by educating them on how to increase their emotional intelligence, hands on training in financial management, investments in real estate, business and wealth management to decrease generational poverty in high crime and low income zip codes.
Founder, Kezia Hendricks began her journey after one of her siblings was incarcerated for 15 years at age 14. It was her mission to empower youth who had been incarcerated or that lived in challenging environments. 2014 Kezia began to research ways to decrease mass juvenile incarceration and find ways to attract and inspire youth to identify the importance of personal budgeting, savings, and creating a credible financial reputation to divert the trajectory of generational poverty and incarceration. Young Investors of Virginia "the program" began June of 2018. The organization Young Investors Group was awarded their certification as a non-profit 501(c)(3) October 2018.
Kezia Hendricks - Founder
KEZIA'S BODY OF WORK
Check out the articles on Kezia
Young Investors Group's DEI Statement
At Young Investors Group, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential values that guide our mission to provide financial and technology education to black rising middle and high school youth in low-income and high-crime zip codes. We recognize that our work is crucial in creating opportunities for underrepresented and marginalized communities, and we are committed to fostering an environment that celebrates and respects differences.
We acknowledge the systemic and historical barriers that prevent access to quality education and financial resources for black and low-income communities. We believe that our programs can help bridge the gap and provide a pathway for our youth to succeed in the future. We are dedicated to providing a supportive and safe learning environment that prioritizes the needs and experiences of our youth.
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We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our commitment to DEI means that we actively seek out and provide opportunities for black youth, especially those who live in low-income and high-crime areas, to access our programs. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone can feel comfortable to learn, ask questions, and participate in discussions.
As an organization, we strive to continuously learn, improve, and adapt to better serve our youth. We welcome and encourage feedback from our participants, staff, and partners to help us make our programs more accessible, equitable, and impactful. We are committed to promoting DEI not only within our organization but also in our communities and the broader FINTECH industry.
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In summary, we at Young Investors Group believe that our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is crucial to achieving our mission of providing financial and technology education to black rising middle and high school youth in low-income and high-crime zip codes. We are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment where our youth can thrive and succeed.
NATASHA CANNON
- CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Natasha Cannon is an Enrolled Agent and Tax Analyst. An Enrolled Agent is the highest credential offered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Her background includes over 15 years of experience as a Tax Preparer, Tax Examiner, and Tax Advisor with private sector and franchise tax businesses. She is currently a Tax Analyst for a multinational wholesale company in Newport News, Virginia and owns Elemental Taxes, which provides nationwide services for all tax needs, including live coaching and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
JACQUELINE “JACKIE” GLASS
EDUCATION CHAIR
Jacqueline “Jackie” Glass is a self-proclaimed Certified Doer, Navy Veteran, Chicagoland native and a social entrepreneur working to improve markets and government policies influenced by racism, sexism, and classism. With her small media business, Rubbish, Jackie develops strategic media services for transforming female and parental leadership to an enabler of innovation for economic growth while promoting an in-home “civics first” mentality so that every citizen’s actions support global cities. She produces and hosts the Your Neighbor’s Hood and The Mayher Podcast and manages Head Call a female veteran platform, Mamas on the Block (MOB), DREAM Builders, and Hampton Roads Black Boy Joy initiatives.
JUSTIN ANDERSON
- PARTNERSHIP CHAIR
Justin Anderson is a proud father and enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. He is Co-Owner and CEO of Great White Water Sports LLC. in Norfolk Virginia. In addition to being a CEO, he purses other entrepreneur interests. In 2020 Justin became a board member of 501(c)(3) organization Tidewater African Cultural Alliance. He finds great joy and purpose learning and sharing African culture while working on solutions to serve his community. With a commitment to life learning and individual growth Justin acquired his B.S. in Health Services Administration with a Minor in Gerontology from Ohio University followed by two MBAs from Salem International University. The first MBA is in International Business while the second is in Health Care Management. Inspiring learners to reach their full potential has motivated him to enroll in the Doctorate of Health Administration program at Virginia University of Lynchburg. Justin understands the importance of mentoring our youth and providing them with opportunities that will help them be our future leaders.
YOUNG INVESTORS GROUP BOARD MEMBERS
Terran Jones is a happy husband to a wonderful wife and a father of 6 wonderful children. He served in the United States Navy as an Electronics Technician and was honorably discharged after 10 years, receiving 3 Navy Achievement Medals and other awards for exemplary service. He currently serves as an Elder at Eternal Life Ministries, Board Member and Bookkeeper at Young Investors Group, and President of SOCOM, a provider of cloud-based solutions for small businesses. He enjoys travel, spending time with family, and helping others achieve financial, relational, and spiritual success.
