ABOUT US / THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MISSION
She is at the center of everything we do
From our story and vision to the women who lead, mentor, and champion her, everything we build is rooted in one belief: when a girl is surrounded by people who believe in her, she can begin to see what is possible for her life.
"Building the women who will build the world"
DR. YEJIDE MACK
Founder & Board Chair
For more than two decades, I have led in classrooms, school buildings, executive offices, and boardrooms right here in Cincinnati. I have seen extraordinary brilliance in young women of color: intellect, resilience, creativity, leadership.
And I have also seen the quiet gap.
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The gap in exposure.
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The gap in access.
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The gap in structured mentorship.
Too many of our girls are navigating systems alone, learning to shrink in rooms they were born to lead.
But I have also witnessed transformation. I have seen posture shift when a young woman tours a college campus for the first time. I have seen confidence rise when she speaks on a stage and is affirmed. I have seen vision expand when she meets a woman who looks like her in an executive role.
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Exposure changes expectation.
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Preparation changes confidence.
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Structure changes trajectory.
This organization was born not from frustration, but from responsibility. With over two decades of leadership experience, I understand how systems must be built: intentionally, sustainably, and with excellence.
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We are not creating a moment.
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We are building a pipeline.
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A pipeline of power. A pipeline of preparation. A pipeline of possibility.
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And we will build it together.
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Welcome to The Queen’s Council.
— Dr. Yejide Mack Founder & Board Chair, The Queen’s Council
OUR STORY / WHY WE ARE HERE
Building the Women Who
Will Build the World.
The Queen’s Council is building a citywide leadership ecosystem for young women of color in Cincinnati—rooted in mentorship, leadership, academic preparation, spiritual grounding, exposure, and sisterhood.
01 / MISSION
We cultivate her potential.
To empower young women of color in Cincinnati through mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, spiritual grounding, exposure experiences, and sisterhood—preparing them for college, career, and confident adulthood.
02 / VISION
She is ready to shape what comes next.
To cultivate a generation of confident, culturally grounded, academically prepared, and civically engaged young women who lead boldly, serve faithfully, and thrive unapologetically.
03 / GOALS + OUTCOMES
We turn possibility into preparation.
Through academic enrichment, leadership development, career readiness, financial literacy, mentorship, and meaningful experiences, we prepare her for college, career, and confident adulthood.
GOVERNANCE & GUIDANCE
Our Board of Directors
Visionary women and community advocates steering The Queen's Council Foundation with unwavering governance, cultural grounding, and professional excellence.
Ashlee Young
Funding & Sponsorship
Ashlee Young is a servant leader and health justice advocate serving as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Interact for Health. She actively contributes to Cincinnati through leadership roles on several community and nonprofit boards.
Her work has earned recognition including the 2022 Making Black History honor and the Cincinnati Business Courier’s Forty Under 40 award. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Shurdina Mitchell
Brand & Communications
Shurdina Mitchell is a public health and administrative professional with over ten years of experience in government operations and community outreach. Currently the Board Liaison for the Cincinnati Health Department, she is completing an MS in Community Health and Prevention Science at UC. Active in Alpha Kappa Alpha, NFBPA, and TLOD, she mentors youth and remains deeply dedicated to advancing health equity and empowering underserved communities.
Dr. Crystal Watson
Board Secretary; Programming & Recruitment
Dr. Crystal Watson is an innovative educator and school leader committed to centering student voice, identity, and meaningful learning. Her research focuses on the experiences of Black girls in K–12 mathematics and their emotional and psychological well-being. She has shared her expertise through conferences, keynotes, podcasts, workshops, and professional development.
Chuck Richardson III
Programming & Recruitment
Chuck Richardson is an Athletic Director with 10+ years of experience in student-athlete development and athletic program leadership. A Dayton native and 2007 Ohio State graduate, he holds a Master’s in Human Resource Development and Sport Administration from Xavier University. He is passionate about student-centered programming, professional development, and expanding opportunities for young people. Chuck serves as Vice President and Scholarship Chair for MADA and as a Leadership Training Instructor with NIAAA.
Dr. Dennis Felton Jr.
Jr. - Board Treasurer; Funding & Sponsorship
Dr. Dennis Felton, Jr. is Vice President of School Operations at Responsive Education Solutions in Arkansas. He oversees K-12 education, adult learning, and prison diploma programs. He has awarded over $8 million in grants, opened ten charter schools, and holds degrees from Arkansas State, Henderson State, and a Ph.D. from University of Arkansas. He serves on youth non-profit boards and his community.
Jasmine Madison
Programming & Recruitment
Principal Jasmine Madison is an experienced educator and school leader with more than 24 years in education. She is committed to academic excellence, student engagement, and equitable opportunities for all learners. As a principal, she also focuses on mentoring and empowering girls to become confident future leaders.
Katrice Quitter
Community & Belonging
Katrice Quitter is the Chief Belonging & Experience Officer at Mount St. Joseph University. She is passionate about creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued, welcomed, and empowered to make a positive difference. Katrice has led belonging initiatives across schools, nonprofits, and organizations. She holds a B.S. from The Ohio State University and an M.Ed. from Ashland University. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with her family.
