MEET OUR TEAM
The team behind Empowered U Youth Organization takes great pride in motivating the youth to become leaders and agents of change. The staff is developed by professional training and backed by an Advisory Board that represents years of experience in the nonprofit and youth mentoring sector and that works with us to keep Empowered U focused and on target.

Qianah Simmons
Coach
Qianah has been in Columbia, SC since 2004. While attending graduate school, she became a volunteer tutor and mentor at Eau Claire High School. Shortly after, she began working with preschoolers and youth professionally and through church. Through those experiences she has built constructive and lasting relationships with those families.
Currently, Qianah is employed at Blue Cross Blue Shield. In addition to being a god-mother, she finds meaning in spending time with family and friends. They keep her grounded and encourage her commitment of advocacy for children and families.
Her philosophy is summed from a quote by
Frederick Douglas:
It is easier to build a strong child than to repair a broken adult.
Her Life Saying:
Life is not always a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes of playing a poor hand well.
- Robert Louis Stevenson

Christina Perry
Coach
My name is Christina M. Perry, and I am from Hampton, VA and now reside in Columbia, SC with my 3 beautiful children. I served in the United States Army for four years prior to attending law school. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies from Hampton University and my J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law.
I am very passionate about making a positive impact on young people and have a desire to help them find their passion and path in life. I currently serve as a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem for children in DSS cases, being a voice for children who can’t speak for themselves. I enjoy this work because it allows me to be a positive force in an area of children’s lives that may seem dark. Through Empowered U I look to spread love and encouragement to young people anyway I can.

Jasmine Gilyard
Coach
My name is Jasmine Gilyard. Born and raised in South Carolina, I moved to Columbia in 2018. I obtained my Bachelor's in English from Claflin University. I've always enjoyed tutoring and helping others. I’ve also as a teaching assistant for a while. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is required if you want to make a difference. I believe that kids need someone to listen, support, encourage and guide them. When that happens, they are able to shine and pursue their God-given purpose. It brings joy to my heart to be able to help those in need. I enjoy writing, reading, food, a good movie, great music and anything that brings laughter.
Maya Bostick
Intern
Maya Bostick was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina-Aiken. Maya has worked in public education for three years as a Career Development Facilitator and has a GCDF certification. She enjoys working with young people and informing them about the various career options available and how to turn their interests into passion filled careers. Maya is currently a graduate student working to obtain a Master’s in Social Work and is excited about joining the Empowered U team!