Vernice Puryear was born and raised in Washington, D.C., Vernice Puryear is a devout Public Servant.

Nadia has led the organization since 1994 as its founding director, growing the organization from a budget of $20,000 to $500,000 and designing and implementing programs that have launched thousands of teen women leaders and moved key social justice initiatives in foster care, reproductive health, sexual harassment, and other issues. Nadia’s current work focuses on policy, planning, program design, and organizational and staff development.

Marcia hails from Williamsburg, Virginia with a background in youth development, child advocacy, and law.