TYESHA GARY
LATE PRESIDENT 12/03/1987 - 10/07/2024
Since a young girl, I have always had a passion for learning, exploring, and giving back to my community; it has always settled well with my heart. By the time I was in high school, I was already volunteering with organizations like Save Our Kids, where I served as an academic tutor and mentor for underprivileged kids. In undergrad, I served as an academic tutor and writing coach at Claflin Univeristy’s Writing Center. I have always recognized the importance of not only an education, but also the guidance, mentorship, and emotional support that many times accompanies it. It would be selfish of me to sit idle by the wayside and not use my knowledge, skills, or resources to help elevate someone else to a position where they can help themselves.
Believe N Me 2 has presented me with the platform to further expand my reach to at-risk youth in sports and academics. I aim to positively influence the lives of others by motivating them, being a listening ear, encouraging them to chase their dreams, and exposing them to ideas, concepts, and resources, that they might have never had an opportunity to take part in! I want to help them become the best version of themselves! Each one has to teach one. If we are to build strong, loving communities, we must start with the youth.”
karen walker
TREASURER
My name is Mrs. Karen Walker and I am a retired Social Welfare Examiner of 16 years from Long Island, New York. I, and my family moved to Columbia, South Carolina last year. While in New York, I was an active community member. Member of the HSA and PTA Committee at our former school district, Secretary and Youth Coordinator for the New York State local branch of the N.A.A.C.P, Board Member at our local Youth Community Center (Littig House), Founder of Parent Council, Head of Public Relations of my Civic Association (Hands of Change). Active parent of my children’s school sports teams. I also was the President of Parents Support team for my son’s elite AAU basketball team.
Believe N Me 2 (BNM2) is an organization that shares my dedication to helping youth especially at risk youth. My goal is always to be the light and direction youth need to grow into the best people they can be. In turn, they will reach back and empower our future youth. I read a quote once and it said, “Your job is not to judge. Your job is not to figure out if someone deserves something. Your job is to lift the fallen, restore the broken, and to help the hurting.” John Wooden says, “Young people need models, not critics”. “Preventing the conflicts of tomorrow means changing the mindset of youth today”, Graca Machel.
I expect to be the catalyst of change that we want to see in our communities. A community where the generation gap isn’t just bridged, but the gap is removed. A community that will be no longer desensitized to negative, violent situations going on in our surrounding communities. We want our children to dream, and set tangible goals to achieve them. An empowered youth of today, given the proper tools becomes a confident, compassionate, driven adult of tomorrow. We can’t ever give up, we give back, and we reach back, and push forward.
DEMAZADA GARY
MARKETING/ PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR
I was born and raised in South Carolina. I started out as Junior mentor in high school then became a senior mentor for Save Our Kids LLC for four years. I currently serve in the United States Marines Corps Reserve. While on orders I helped develop and operate Marine Forces Reserve Volunteer in New Orleans, LA. I am a Palmetto Girls State Alumni and I am currently attending Coastal Carolina University, Double majoring in Operational Management and Marketing.
I love giving back to my community, especially when it relates to the youth. They are our future leaders, it is important to mold and encourage them... Show them that they are important and they can become and achieve anything their heart desires... regardless of what background they are from. Situational hardship is only temporary however I see many of my collegeues If they had someone to inspire, believe, or guide them I had amazing role models and mentors, h
DEMETRIUS ROLLE
SECRETARY
I was born in 1977. I am a mother of two boys. I graduated from San Pedro High School in 1996. After graduation I joined the United States Army to serve my country from 1996-1999. I obtained a pre-health certificate, Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies and Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice 2003-2009.
I am now working as a purchasing agent in the Prosthetics Department at Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center. I spend my time serving veterans needs and concerns.
