THE BOARD
Octavia C. Ball
Founder/CEO
Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri
Education: B.A., Missouri Western State University
Career: Founder of Empowered Youth, Search Engine Analyst
Certifications: Google Analytics, Google AdWords, Google Display and Google Tag Manager
Community Achievements: Octavia is a tireless advocate for young women and men and has been recognized for her work. She was selected as a Young Ambassador for Young Women Christian Association (YWCA), serves on the board for the Saint Louis Zoo and donates her time to the following charities: Missouri Food Bank, Humane Society and Habitat for Humanity.
Natasha Leonard
Chairman
Hometown: Charleston, IL
Education: B.A. Political Science, Millikin University, Masters of Public Administration, Lindenwood University
Career: Director of External Relations, Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition
Awards & Membership: 2017 Outstanding Community Involvement Award- Spirit of Hope Foundation, Award of Merit from City of St. Louis License Collector, Vice Chairwoman Building the Road Home, AFP Member, Young Friends of the Ville Member, Urban League Young Professional, National Black MBA Association, St. Louis Regional Chamber Member, NorthWest Chamber Member.
Community Achievements:
Natasha’s focus and ambition are to create sustainable relationships within the community and corporate agencies to make systemic community strategies and impact within the St. Louis region. She continues to advocate in the child welfare space to ensure every child has an
opportunity to grow and heal in their communities.
Andrew Mahtani
Board Member
Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri
Education: B.A., Maryville University; MSW, University of Missouri - Kansas City
Career: Behavioral Therapist for Special Education, Saint Louis Public Schools
Licenses: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Community Achievements: Andrew strives to create positive social change throughout society. He has served as a volunteer at Youth in Need working to enhance the organization’s engagement within the community. Additionally, he has supported children and adolescents by volunteering in leadership roles throughout various ministries. Andrew is, and will always remain committed to empowering at-risk populations.
Erin K. Butler
Board Member
Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri
Education: B.S., Southern University and A&M College; MBA, University of Missouri - St. Louis
Career: Digital Project Manager, Nestle Purina
Community Achievements: Erin has a passion for helping others and remains actively involved in her community through elite organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Anthony T. Williams
Board Member
Hometown: Belleville, Illinois
Education: B.S., Chicago State University (CSU), M.S., Illinois State University
Career: Assistant Director of Housing Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution, University of Michigan
Community Achievements: Anthony is actively involved in various professional and social organizations including the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA), NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, 100 Black Men of America, Inc., and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Joshlyn Polk
Board Member
Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri
Education: B.A., Fontbonne University
Career: Account Manager, Coegi
Community Achievements: Joshlyn's commitment to community improvement was ignited at a young age. This was further fueled by her work as a volunteer for youth advocacy through local outreach with prominent local community programs with organizations like the George Washington Carver House, Harris Stowe University, and the Amy Beihl Foundation.