Meet the Team

MPA - President

Countess Balogun

Countess Balogun has been the President and CEO of Youth Empowerment Social Services, Inc. (YESS), since 2000. Mrs. Balogun established the organization and designed it to prepare youth for a competitive job market by expanding upon projects that benefit their educational, and social service needs; cultural awareness; advancement in technology; family engagement; and community pride.

Mrs. Balogun is a versatile and holistic leader with 30 years of experience in leadership, operational management, community coalition building, community relations, and advocacy. Mrs. Balogun develops operational strategies and coordinates plans from concept to implementation for grassroots organizations. Mrs. Balogun has created two community partnerships that are currently providing wraparound services to children and their families in low-income communities.

Mrs. Balogun was also recognized by Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, for her contribution to the City of Miami’s designation of Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Mrs. Balogun holds a Master’s in (Public Administration), a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Policy and Management, and a dual B.A. in (Public Administration and Political Science) graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors.

Mrs. Balogun is trained in the Nurturing Parenting Program Evidence-Based Curriculum, developed by Stephen J. Bavolek, Ph.D.; The Parent As Teachers Evidence-Based Curriculum, Founded in Missouri in 1984; the Parenting Empowerment Project, Promising Curriculum, developed by The National Black Child Development Institute; and the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) Evidence Based Curriculum, developed by Matthew R. Sanders, Ph.D.

As part of her civic duties, Mrs. Balogun volunteers with several organizations, including:

The Black Child Development Institute-Miami Affiliate as President; and
Board Member for the Miami-Dade County Community Action Agency Board; and
Committee Member for the Coconut Grove Community Advisory Committee, and
Committee Member for the Florida Head Start Association Advocacy Committee,
Advisory Board Member for the Miami Children’s Museum.

MPH - Vice President

Hudelaine Deus

Hudelaine R. Deus is a resilient professional with solid experience in training, teaching, program coordination, and community services. She has extensive experience in case management, children's health and developmental issues, and health navigation processes. Hudelaine has specific strengths in procurement processes and management, contract management, budget and statistic management, strategic planning, community outreach, and advocacy.

Hudelaine holds a Master of Public Health degree from Florida International University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Community Health Promotion from Liberty University. She has also completed fellowships with Haitian Neighborhood Inc. and holds certifications as a facilitator for various parenting programs.

She is currently the Social Service Manager of the City of West Park’s Social Services Division The division plans social services activities for the City’s youth and ensures effective and efficient management of the programs in the City’s facilities. The division also plans and administers after-school and out-of-school programs, both with in-house staff and contractual service vendors at the City’s Park facilities.

She is also the Vice President of the Black Child Development Institute – Miami Affiliate (BCDI-Miami). Before serving as the Vice President, she was the Program Coordinator, where she served as an assistant to the supervisor for a unit of 20 staff members. In this role, she provided technical support and training to staff, managed difficult and confidential cases, and resolved customer concerns and inquiries.

Hudelaine's career history includes working as a Contract Manager at The Children's Trust in Miami, FL. In this role, she was responsible for administering and monitoring contracts for various programs and services funded by The Children's Trust. She developed, and reviewed responses to requests for proposals, approved budgets, monitored contracts and services, and provided ongoing technical assistance support. Hudelaine assisted with procurement processes, prepared reports, and participated in quality improvement initiatives.

Hudelaine's experience also includes working as a Community Health Workers Coordinator at Jackson Health System in Miami, FL. In this role, she coordinated and managed grant-funded programs that promoted and provided health insurance for children. She supervised a staff of 4 outreach workers and a data clerk, managed a budget, developed policies and procedures, and participated in health fairs and workshops.

Before that, Hudelaine worked as a Public Assistant Specialist II and Public Assistant Specialist at the Department of Children and Families in Miami, FL. In these roles, she provided technical support and training to staff, managed cases, and determined eligibility for public assistance.

Hudelaine has also worked as a Lab Monitor/Instructor at Miami Dade Community College, where she served as a role model and motivated students to achieve their academic needs and

goals. She administered and monitored exams, guided students and faculty in using educational software, and maintained the order of the lab.

Hudelaine worked as a Research Associate/Surveyor at Florida International University, where she assisted with program data collection and conducted surveys in English and Creole.

In terms of skills and experience, Hudelaine has extensive experience in management, strong organizational and problem-solving skills, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in English, French, and Haitian Creole. She is a creative team player with attention to detail and has computer skills in Microsoft Office.

Secretary

Michelle Daniels

Michelle Daniels is a highly skilled professional with experience in various administrative roles. She has a strong background in handling administrative projects, including document creation, data entry, social media management, team management, programming, and grant writing.

Michelle's professional experience includes working as a Program Coordinator at Avenues of Excellence Inc. from 2022 to July 2023. In this role, she was responsible for researching, drafting, and submitting grant proposals to secure funding for the organization. She also worked closely with leaders to identify financial needs and ensure the organization met its annual goals. Michelle assisted with the planning and coordination of programs and activities, monitored program implementation, and ensured programs stayed on schedule and within budget. She played a key role in supporting program growth and development and coordinated program communications.

Before her role at Avenues of Excellence Inc., Michelle worked as a Credentialing Specialist at Favorite Healthcare Staffing from 2021 to 2022. Her responsibilities included tracking data on a user interface in a fast-paced environment, analyzing nursing needs in states with strikes, identifying credentials and onboarding, and utilizing Excel spreadsheets to track departments, vendors, and registered nurses. Michelle provided project updates to stakeholders, monitored progress, and ensured stakeholder satisfaction. She also tracked project processes and developments and ensured nursing staff was properly managed.

Michelle also has experience as a Site Coordinator at Avenue of Excellence Inc. from 2021 to 2022. In this role, she planned, coordinated, and implemented care management services. She was responsible for documenting and tracking daily and weekly reports, ensuring filing was updated and following confidentiality guidelines, and performing filing and data management tasks. Michelle served as a liaison for corporate management staffing and obtained authorizations from insurance for office visits and follow-ups. She demonstrated strong multitasking skills and effectively communicated with multiple departments to plan schedules and complete financial transactions.

Earlier in her career, Michelle worked as a Certified Pharmacist Technician at Kelson Pharmacy from 2003 to 2007. She had extensive knowledge of covered shots for various insurances and facilitated client service requests. Michelle effectively communicated with multiple departments, provided timely and knowledgeable responses to information requests, and ensured a thorough response to complaints and critiques. She also kept track of multiple providers' schedules and patients.

In addition to her professional experience, Michelle possesses strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Publisher). She is also a certified Pharmacy Technician.

Overall, Michelle Daniels is a highly skilled professional with a diverse range of administrative experience. She has a proven track record of successfully managing projects, coordinating programs, and ensuring efficient operations.

(B.A.)in Accounting - Treasurer

Vulonia Jouissance

Vulonia Jouissance is a highly accomplished and self-motivated individual with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Nova Southeastern University. She has recognized expertise in Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Billing.

Vulonia Jouissance is a highly accomplished and self-motivated individual with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Nova Southeastern University. She has recognized expertise in Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Billing. With her strong Microsoft Excel skills, she can perform quantitative and qualitative reviews of income growth.

Vulonia is fluent in English, French, and Creole, which allows her to effectively communicate with a diverse range of clients. She is experienced in assessing the creditworthiness and risk of commercial customers by analyzing credit reports and setting up commercial accounts based on credit assessments using the Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) credit analysis.

Vulonia is detail-oriented and has a keen eye for analysis and reconciliations. She is also knowledgeable in the State of Financial Account Standards (SFAS) and is skilled in implementing business process improvements. Overall, Vulonia is a dedicated professional with a strong educational background and a wide range of skills in the field of accounting.

AA - Social Media Strategist

Ameerah M. Balogun

Ameerah Balogun is a highly accomplished individual who has achieved numerous academic and personal milestones. She graduated from the School for Advanced Studies (SAS) with a high school diploma and an impressive 5.2 GPA. Additionally, she simultaneously earned an AA degree in Arts from Miami Dade College in 2022. Ameerah is currently a Third-Year Biology major on the pre-med track at the University of Florida, where she is also pursuing a minor in Communication Studies. Her ultimate goal is to become a Pediatric Oncologist, driven by her passion for helping others.

Ameerah's dedication to making a difference is evident through her volunteer work. She spends her time at the inpatient Oncology Unit at Shands Children's Hospital, providing palliative care and emotional support to patients. This demonstrates her compassion and commitment to improving the lives of those in need.

In addition to her work at the hospital, Ameerah is actively involved in the black community on her campus. She served as an Executive Assistant in the Black Student Union during the 2023-2024 school year. In this role, she organized and facilitated three leadership conferences, aiming to inspire and enhance the leadership skills of minority and black student leaders at the University of Florida.

Ameerah's passion for public speaking is another aspect of her life that she dedicates time to. She engages in independent research in the communication studies department and serves as a peer coach to students and graduate students seeking to improve their speaking skills. Her commitment to perfecting her craft and teaching others reflects her drive for personal growth and helping others succeed.

Ameerah's strong faith is an integral part of her life. She firmly believes in "reaching for the moon" and not settling for the limitations imposed by the world. Her faith in God and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ guides her in all her endeavors, giving her the strength and determination to push boundaries and make a positive impact in her community.

Overall, Ameerah Balogun is an exceptional individual who excels academically, volunteers selflessly, and strives to make a difference in the lives of others. Her dedication, passion, and faith are the driving forces behind her continuous pursuit of higher education and her commitment to creating a lasting impact within her community.

MA - Community Liaison / Membership

Aundray Adams

Aundray Adams is a Community Engagement Liaison with The Children’s Trust, where he utilizes his extensive experience in social services to assist individuals and providers in strengthening families and communities through outreach efforts, collaborative work, and partnerships. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Mr. Adams has served as an advocate for youth, working as a child protective investigator with the Department of Children & Families, as well as a supervisor in a residential treatment facility for children ages 13-17 with dual diagnoses.

Mr. Adams holds two M.A. degrees, one in health science from Barry University and a second in religion from Trinity International University, both located in Miami. His educational background further enhances his ability to address the complex needs of the individuals and communities he serves.

our vision: A SOCIETY THAT ENSURES A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE FOR ALL CHILDREN