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.