Vernice Puryear was born and raised in Washington, D.C., Vernice Puryear is a devout Public Servant. Upon receiving her Masters in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University, Vernice joined the YWP–CYA  staff in May as Employment  Coordinator, bringing10 years of young adult development and facilitation experience with organizations including  National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (N.O.B.L.E),  National Council for Negro Women (NCNW), Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), Harvard Center for Aids  Metro Teen AIDS (MTA), and other nongovernment and government organizations. Before attending George Mason University, Vernice received her BA in Criminal Justice from Delaware State University and held leadership positions in several student organizations, focusing on cultivating sustainable economic and political advancement for African Americans.  Apart from working to create a just society for persons of color, Vernice has an acute interest in spirituality and the role it has in individual leadership development. During her spare time, Vernice enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time with her friends and family.