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
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 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 statistics 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 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 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 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
Ameerah Balogun is a public health and social impact professional and Master of Public Health candidate at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. A graduate of the University of Florida, her work is centered on program development, community engagement, strategic partnerships, and expanding access to resources for children, families, and underserved communities.
Her experiences span nonprofit program management, community-based programming, student leadership, and healthcare. From supporting pediatric oncology patients and their families to developing programs that connect communities with health, educational, financial, and housing resources, Ameerah is passionate about translating ideas into initiatives that create meaningful impact. Her work is grounded in the belief that effective programs should not only serve communities, but remain connected to the voices and experiences of the people they are designed to support.
As she continues her public health journey, Ameerah aspires to lead innovative programs and cross-sector partnerships that advance access, equity, and community well-being. She believes leadership means aiming high and has never been afraid to reach for the moon.
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