Yashika Smith is a passionate advocate and leader in youth development, with a strong background in social services and program leadership. As a co-founder of YTL, Yashika helped launch the organization’s foundational girls’ groups and youth advocacy program — both of which continue to provide safe, empowering spaces for young people to be seen, heard, and supported.

With over a decade of experience creating transformative programs for youth and families, Yashika believes deeply in the power of community, mentorship, and opportunity. Her work is grounded in the belief that sustainable change begins when we invest in young people — not just as future leaders, but as leaders right now.

“When youth feel safe, believed in, and equipped to lead, they change everything around them — including us.”

Yashika continues to bring that vision to life in every space she serves, helping to build programs that are rooted in equity, driven by relationship, and shaped by the voices of the youth themselves.

Libby Kyles is the Executive Director for Tzedek Social Justice Fund and the founder of Changing LENS Consulting, which focuses on racial and educational equity, professional and personal coaching. A graduate of Western Carolina University, Libby spent 20 years in North Carolina classrooms while also earning her National Board Certification and completing her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from East Tennessee State University.

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While teaching, Libby co-founded Youth Transformed for Life (YTL Training Programs) in 2014 and served as the Executive Director until June of 2019. Under her leadership, YTL developed two summer and after school programs, GRACE for Teens and ROSES and MOSS for elementary school students and an advocacy program to improve the communication between participants, teachers, and parents.

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Libby continues to work in the community as the Chair of the Board for Asheville-Buncombe Community Land Trust and The Buncombe County Women’s Commission and contributes to local social justice movements aimed at the liberation of Black people.

Tony Shivers is a native of Asheville NC. An advocate of change, adult mentor, and owner of Still Smiling Photography. In 1999, Mr. Shivers was an all-conference baseball player, with the honor to tryout with the Atlanta Braves, and attempted to study accounting at Shaw University.

 

Life did not go as he planned, and without the guidance and leadership of a mentor, Tony found himself incarcerated for seven years. Tony was angry. Throughout incarceration, Tony was introduced into a new form of communication that freed and healed him from the bondage of anger. Tony wanted to redefine his life; he attended multiple classes in prison to educate him on how to deal with real life situations and offer healing and recovery for himself. Tony became a hope advocate upon his release. He realized that the trauma of incarceration is deep and he immediately learned a lesson: Society doesn't wholeheartedly forgive you. Rejection was a blessing for Tony.  Society's scale of change had left him to defend himself. Either live or survive. It was easy to fall back into a world of illegal activity, instead Tony networked with others who came out of the incarceration system.

 

Today, Tony brings value to other people's lives through positive affirmations, advocacy, group facilitation and more. His lifestyle now is sharing insight to help inform and guide others by corrective actions. Tony Shivers Strives for excellence, Thinks with power, Invests with his mind, Loves beyond measure, & Lives with no regrets! Tony’s lived experience brings value to individuals who are looking for hope and a fresh start.