About Us
Concrete Magazine Article
When Yolanda and Keith Ragland lost their teen son Brandon to gun violence, they thought their broken hearts might never recover.
But time brings hope, healing, and perspective. It also brings new energy to meet challenges head on.
One challenge the Raglands recognized was the growing number of talented teens in Eastern Michigan turning to
When Yolanda and Keith Ragland lost their teen son Brandon to gun violence, they thought their broken hearts might never recover.
But time brings hope, healing, and perspective. It also brings new energy to meet challenges head on.
One challenge the Raglands recognized was the growing number of talented teens in Eastern Michigan turning to violence and crime due to a lack of mentorship, creative outlets, and a sense of purpose. Teens like their son Brandon, who was himself a creative artist.
The Raglands decided the best way to honor their son’s legacy was to nurture other vulnerable young artists, offering them opportunities for self-expression and alternative pathways to a successful future.
Out of this seed of an idea, Elevation Youth Corp (EYC) was born. EYC is an arts education nonprofit organization founded in 2017 in Ypsilanti, Michigan to target at-risk teens with mentorship and training centered on the creative arts and entrepreneurship.
Through practical hands-on workshops in everything from photography and fashion modeling to broadcast media and audio engineering, we create safe spaces in which young people can explore their interests, test new ideas, and learn from experienced mentors as they open new possibilities for their future.
All EYC Community Events are offered free of charge. To encourage participants to pay it forward and learn how to give back, EYC members are expected to donate their time to volunteer service in their community. Our ultimate desire is to nurture the next generation of leaders ready to create lasting change for good in Eastern Michigan while building a national model for how to lift up and empower at-risk teens through the power of the creative arts.
The Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Community Service Coordinator
Executive Director
Hello my name is Keith Ragland! I am a Professional Photographer and Multimedia Specialist. My Talents also include Studio Recording & Engineering. I look forward to working one on one with our Youth Members giving them the tools needed to furthor explore the Creative Arts & Multimedia!
Executive Director
Community Service Coordinator
Executive Director
Hello my name is Yolanda Ragland! I'm so excited to hit the ground running with this Non-profit. Working with Teens & the Creative Arts have always been my passion! I have years of experience in the Fashion & Entertainment industry. I've served my community previously as a Head Coach for The Michigan Warriors Cheerleaders. Currently I enj
Hello my name is Yolanda Ragland! I'm so excited to hit the ground running with this Non-profit. Working with Teens & the Creative Arts have always been my passion! I have years of experience in the Fashion & Entertainment industry. I've served my community previously as a Head Coach for The Michigan Warriors Cheerleaders. Currently I enjoy volunteering for my UAW Local 3000, CBTU - Canton and especially my duties with Elevation Youth Corp! I look forward to bringing the gap of fun & hard work with our Summer Youth Programs, Events & Fundraisers!
Community Service Coordinator
Community Service Coordinator
Community Service Coordinator
Hello my name is Hanna Mathia! It is my pleasure to serve my community and give back to our Youth! I enjoy volunteering at my Local Church and Singing in the Choir. Community Service is my passion! I look forward to connecting with many volunteers and other Non-profit organizations!
Secretary
Volunteer Staff Needed
Secretary
Hello my name is Yvonne Fields! I'm very happy to serve my community! I've always had a passion to work with the youth! Currently I also serve on the Board of Education for Ypsilanti Public Schools. I look forward to serving as Secretary for Elevation Youth Corp! I'm humbly excited to bring my knowledge & experience to such an amazing organization!
Treasurer
Volunteer Staff Needed
Secretary
Hello my name is Dominique Johnson I am pleased to serve as Treasurer as well as our Event Coordinator for Elevation Youth Corp! I enjoy volunteering & working with the Youth, currently I am a Head Coach for Maize Cheerleaders! I believe my experience in Fashion & Entertainment will contribute to this very cool platform! I am a true advoc
Hello my name is Dominique Johnson I am pleased to serve as Treasurer as well as our Event Coordinator for Elevation Youth Corp! I enjoy volunteering & working with the Youth, currently I am a Head Coach for Maize Cheerleaders! I believe my experience in Fashion & Entertainment will contribute to this very cool platform! I am a true advocate for young people and look forward to working with our communities hidden jewels