Board of Directors

Founder and Executive Director

At age 17, Tiana Day founded Youth Advocates for Change just three days after graduating high school. Inspired by youth advocates throughout history, Tiana decided during the summer of 2020 she would lead a peaceful protest for the Black Lives Matter movement. This protest ended up bringing together over 50,000 individuals in a march across the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, CA with a message to "Lead with Love". After this demonstration, Tiana founded Youth Advocates for Change to inspire young people to lead and advocate for their beliefs that allow them to feel more seen, heard and valued by adults, teachers and mentors.

Under her leadership, the organization has implemented transformative trauma-informed programs in schools nationwide, empowering young people to pioneer projects that foster agency, drive social impact, and find purpose through advocacy and service initiatives.

As a co-author of the 2024 Allstate Foundation research report In Our Own Voices, Tiana explored innovative ways to leverage youth service from the perspectives of young changemakers. She has been a keynote speaker at conferences such as SXSW EDU and has raised over $30,000 in scholarships for Black youth. In addition, she has consulted for numerous Fortune 500 companies on Gen Z values, youth engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Tiana has also led virtual fellowship programs supporting young social entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their nonprofit organizations.

Her advocacy work has earned her international recognition, including being named a CNN Hero of the Year Young Wonder and a Bay Area Impact Warrior by the Golden State Warriors. As she continues championing systemic change, Tiana remains committed to fostering collaboration among educators, mentors, and youth to cultivate a future that leads with love, empathy, and transformative leadership.

Programming and Partnerships Director

Ronnie “Ron” Johnson Jr. is a highly accomplished Strategic Instructional Designer with a deep commitment to empowering nonprofits and youth through innovative learning solutions. With a track record of designing and implementing scalable educational programs, Ronnie has made a significant impact by equipping young people with essential skills, leading to the creation of 34,000 jobs and the expansion of alumni networks to over 18,000 individuals.

Currently, as the Program Director at Workshop in Business Opportunities (WIBO) and A Better World CDC, Ron has successfully led and expanded multiple programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and career development among youth. Ron has contributed to the growth of several other organizations, including BKBNK, where he developed and migrated financial literacy and entrepreneurship courses to an eLearning platform, enhancing accessibility and scalability. His experience as a facilitator for programs like After School All Stars, Elevate Your G.A.M.E, and KIPP NYC highlights his dedication to introducing entrepreneurship and financial literacy to students across various educational settings.

Ron's expertise extends beyond curriculum development and program management; he is also skilled in impact evaluation, focusing on measurable outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness of the programs he oversees. His ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and adapt to limited resources makes him an invaluable asset to growing organizations.

Ron holds a passion for nonprofit impact, and his strategic approach to instructional design has been recognized with accolades such as the WIBO Al Laporte Business Coach of the Year Award and the Emmanuel Baptist Trailblazer Award. 

Director of Mental Health and Wellness

Jamila Leina brings over 10 years of experience in trauma-informed therapy and behavioral health to the Youth Advocates for Change Board. With a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Cal State East Bay and a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism from The Sage Colleges, Jamila is well-equipped with the knowledge and experience on advancing the wellbeing of youth and adults. 

Jamila serves as a Behavior Analyst at Fred Finch Youth and Family Services, where she is responsible for the overall behavioral management of participants, providing holistic, evidence-based support in a multidisciplinary team setting. Her previous roles include Data and Behavior Analyst at San Francisco Recreation and Parks, where she worked with diverse youth populations to promote academic achievement and social-emotional development, and Clinical Program Supervisor at STE Consultants, where she conducted assessments and supervised behavior technicians.

Currently, as the founder of Jamila Leina LLC, she focuses on helping individuals heal from personal and generational trauma through a combination of evidence-based therapeutic techniques and holistic practices. Her work emphasizes nervous system regulation, inner child work, and women's wellness, with a deep commitment to supporting individuals on their journey to well-being. As a Certified Yoga Teacher and meditation instructor, Jamila specializes in holistic health and wellness, offering a unique approach to healing through integrative therapy. She has worked extensively with individuals facing intellectual, behavioral, emotional, and economic challenges, providing compassionate care and guidance.

Secretary 

Born and raised in the heart of Los Angeles, Natalia has always been around creative and innovative people. Now residing in Oakland C.A, she is currently working as a 2nd Grade English teacher by day and collaborating on various creative projects by night. Natalia has worked in a wide range of industries/work experience including, but   not limiting to: Theater, Film, House Management, Stage Management, Food Service, Arts Education, Experiential Marketing, and Elementary School Teaching Teaching. Her mission and purpose is to encourage and inspire youth the power of voice through self expression. 

Board Member

Marie has spent a lifetime in service to others. It is her passion. It is the thing she does very naturally, like breathing. Marie accredits her love for volunteering, social justice, and community involvement to her late grandparents who exposed her to “giving back” at a young age. She is a firm believer of “utilizing your God-given talents”.  

Marie is currently self-employed, a business owner, and active with various organizations and ministries. She has worked for both the non-profit and for-profit sectors over the last 3 decades including iconic companies such as Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, HP, and Google.  While obtaining her B.S degree at SJSU, Marie was very involved in social and community groups including being a Lifetime Member of Alpha Phi Omega, a Co-Ed Multicultural International Service Fraternity. She holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix.  

In her free time, she enjoys Polynesian dancing, traveling, spending time with friends and family, wine-tasting, and being a “foodie”. Marie resides in the Bay Area with her husband, two children, and two pups.

Board Member

Terry Green is a dedicated advocate, mentor, and entrepreneur committed to uplifting young people who have aged out of the foster care system. A seasoned supply chain and operations professional, Terry combines his expertise in business with his deep passion for supporting artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs. His life motto, “Support is my love language,” is more than just words—it’s the driving force behind his work and daily actions.

As a foster dad, Terry and his wife, Deena, have built lifelong connections with the teens they fostered, continuing to support them well into adulthood. Together, they co-own Green Pines Creative Inc., a social enterprise designed to help talented creatives from the foster care system showcase and monetize their art. Based in Long Beach, CA, Terry is committed to creating opportunities, fostering community, and ensuring that young people have the support and resources they need to thrive.