Our mission is to provide free/low-cost computers, computer training, and tech support and training to underserved youth and adults in the San Gabriel and Antelope Valley communities who are most vulnerable to the effects of poverty, and crime and are at academic risk. We give them the skills and knowledge needed to advance their studies to help them function and contribute to a technology-rich society. While promoting equitable distribution of useful technology equipment from corporate partners. E.g., Lockheed Martin, Leidos, ONTIC, JPL, and the Parson Corp.

John Smith

President and founder of Neighbors Empowering Youth Inc. (NEY)

a nonprofit community service organization

As founding President and CEO of NEY, Mr. Smith envisions a time when every child and low-income family in the Pasadena/ Altadena and Los Angeles County, will have a computer, internet access and the technology skills necessary to succeed in school and work. John has taken an active role in developing innovative initiatives and pro-active programs which brings the use of technology to life. Under his leadership, Neighbors Empowering Youth Inc.; has grown ten-fold since its establishment in 1998 and has been recognized and awarded many times for its in-home computer placements, robotics and after-school programs. John has helped numerous non-profits in the community implement technology programs and has received support and donations from corporations and elected officials.

He has over 30 years of citizen service to his country and community. Seven years in the United States Army as a Non-Commissioned Officer and Twenty-six years with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a Response and Recovery Logistics Section Chief. For John Smith, public service has not been just something to do on occasion; it has been the driving doctrines of his life. “God, Family and Country” drive his passions and goals.

John has lived in the Pasadena/ Altadena communities for over 50 years and Graduated from Pasadena High School in 1973 and currently lives in Lancaster, CA.

Andrea R. James

Board Member

Andrea R. James has several descriptions that describe what she does: global resource specialist, visionary, networking/ collaboration expert, diversity, integrity, relationship global builder, Got Purpose Growth development expert, teamwork, innovation/creativity community leader, problem solver, linchpin, and angel.

Currently, Andrea has a non-profit company, “Today’s Entrepreneur”, which is a live remote two hour Internet Radio podcast, where she interviews a plethora of successful entrepreneurs, as well as teen entrepreneurs from across the country. Her podcast airs on Tuesday mornings from 8 - 10am PST showcasing entrepreneurs that are under the radar. These entrepreneurs are highlighted giving them a platform to share their back stories with “TE’s” worldwide listening audience. She also interviews representatives from SBA, IRS, financial institutions, board of equalization professionals, law firms, etc. in order for entrepreneurs to know the good, bad and ugly of being in business. “TE’s” listening audience is able to ask their questions, too.

At the same time, Andrea is a regional director for The Franchise Enterprise, working with the cream of the crop of Black owned and operated businesses that have been in business, 10, 15, 25 years or more and are looking to expand their businesses however, not knowing how. TFE takes said businesses from a business to a franchise, where TFE does all the heavy lifting in the build, broker, and manage process system locally, nationally, and globally. TFE can develop franchises in just about any industry.

Elder Gloria Davis

Board Chair

Gloria Davis is a passionate community advocate for children, youth, their families, and other underserved adults. She worked in the non-profit sector for over twenty-five years (25). She served as the Social Services Administrator as well as an interim Program Director, As the Social Services Administrator, she directed services for well over eleven hundred (1100) underserved children and their families. She supervised a staff of twenty-five case managers. The parents were provided needed resources and referrals. Most important, they were taught to advocate for themselves. After Gloria Davis tenure in the nonprofit arena, she started her service in ministry.

Education is very important to Gloria Davis. She considers herself a life-long learner. She attended Pasadena City College; California State University at Los Angeles; Liberty University; Grand Canyon University; USC; and Harvard Divinity School. She is also an entrepreneur. Her business Tri-God and Associates offers management consultant services to small nonprofits; small for-profit businesses; and faith-based organizations. She is the co-founder of a youth development leadership nonprofit, DOPE (Determined to Obtain Pure Excellence). The organization operates in Chicago, Illinois and Pasadena, California. She also serves on other nonprofit boards.

Over the span of her career, Gloria Davis has received many accolades and awards. She received accolades from the Governor of California; State Senators and Assembly persons; the Mayor of Los Angeles; and Congressional Representatives.

Norma A. Smith

Board Treasurer & Office Administer

Norma has served on the NEY board for 27 years, currently serves as the treasurer. She has over 35 years of experience in both finance and office administration. Norma is a passionate advocate for youth development and lifelong learning having seen its impact on students attending NEY programs. She was on the Advisory board for 7 years; currently she is a volunteer in financial administration for the newly formed NEY social enterprise “The NEY Learning HUB” and is a member on the board's finance committee. Norma sits on the grant finance team which supports the grant review committee, co-chairing the committee. She has also served on the finance, governance, strategic planning and personnel sub-committee as a member. Norma truly enjoys connecting with leaders of many nonprofit agencies in her community to find out what their issues and needs are to see how Neighbors Empowering Youth can assist. She has twenty-four beautiful grandchildren, one great grandson, two great granddaughters and currently lives in Lancaster, CA with her husband of 30 years.

Nailah Jones

Board Secretary

Nailah Jones is a Graphic and Web Designer, as well as a Social Media Marketer who partners with CEOs, executives and solopreneurs to grow their professional brands, through various platforms and through her sought after graphic design services. After spending over a decade working with local churches facilitating their visual media platforms, Nailah has taken her expertise to a broader network of small and corporate businesses. She knows what truly drives product and service conversions by establishing a consistent visual presence through the social media market place. She is fully aware that everyone is in the business of trying to capture the attention of their assigned audience and believes that brand trust will keep that audience engaged.

Nailah’s skill set has landed her a contract position with Southern California Edison, a major International Energy Company, based out of Southern California; as an Instructional Designer for the Enterprise and Learning Department.
Nailah’s passion for creating the perfect design for her clients goes beyond the computer screen. She has a passion to teach youth, with similar interests, the power they possess through the creative gifts that they obtain.

Mrs. Jones holds a BA in Sociology from California State University Northridge ~ Northridge, CA and an AA in Visual Communication Arts from Pasadena City College~ Pasadena, California

Rev. Michael B Lattimore

Vice Chairperson

Mike Lattimore is an IT Specialist/Engineer with the SCE Cybersecurity & IT Compliance, Information Security team.
Mike is responsible for the Cyber Security Awareness program for one of the world’s largest utility companies and enjoys conducting Cyber Safety for Families workshops in the community.

He is a Microsoft Certified Professional and is Comptia A+ certified. He completed a Master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology at the University of Santa Monica and a ministerial degree at the University of Transformational Studies and Leadership in Culver City, CA. He received his Bachelors degree in Religious Studies from Emerson Theological.

Michael also serves on the Board of Directors for Casa De Las Amigas Women’s Treatment Facility, is co-founder and treasurer of the International Association of Security Awareness Professionals (IASAP) and is also a community nonviolence facilitator for the Western Justice Foundation in Pasadena, CA.
Mike has been in Toastmasters since 1998 and received the Distinguished Toastmasters award, the highest designation given by Toastmasters International.

He is passionate about helping people and serving the community. Mike has 3 daughters, a son and 7 grandchildren.