Meet Our Tribe Leaders
Yolande Beckles
Shannon Thomas Allen
Director
Shannon is a devoted mother of seven and a passionate advocate for strengthening and celebrating Black families. As the Family Ambassador for the first-ever Black Family University Stage 1 program in the Centinela Valley, she championed the curriculum’s launch and quickly became a trusted voice for parents navigating educational, emotional, legal, and financial systems. Her deep belief in the transformative power of BFU’s mission led her to join the organization full-time, where she works to ensure that every family—regardless of background or circumstance—has access to the guidance, resources, and community support they deserve. Rooted in her lived experience and driven by a commitment to collective uplift, Shannon continues to help families build stability, confidence, and long-term pathways to success.
Jasmine Hailey
Coordinator
A longtime team member at The Knowledge Shop LA, Jasmine has spent years mentoring students in both after-school programs and immersive summer learning experiences, guiding young people with patience, creativity, and care. As a mother, she recognized the powerful impact that Black Family University brings to families seeking stability, support, and opportunity, inspiring her to expand her commitment and join the BFU team. Jasmine is especially passionate about equitable resource access, working to ensure parents understand and can benefit from the many free or low-cost programs available throughout Los Angeles. With a deep belief in community empowerment, she advocates for removing barriers, strengthening family networks, and connecting caregivers with tools that promote long-term growth and confidence.
Nabeehah Brumfield
Coordinator
Nabeehah has dedicated her entire career to the education system, serving as a classroom teacher, school leader, and ultimately principal, where she witnessed firsthand how structures, policies, and expectations shape the experiences of young learners. Throughout her journey, she gained a deep understanding of how Black students are too often overlooked despite their potential. After retiring, she joined Black Family University to continue advocating for equity and meaningful change, offering families the benefit of her insider knowledge and decades of leadership. As a Black woman with lived experience and professional insight, Nabeehah provides parents with invaluable guidance on navigating school systems, championing their children’s needs, and creating learning environments where Black students can truly thrive.
Founder & Executive Director
A British parent expert and social entrepreneur, Yolande has dedicated her life to advancing the educational, social, and emotional well-being of children and families. After moving to Los Angeles in 2007, she witnessed firsthand how Black families across California were being overlooked and underserved—and how their children were disproportionately impacted, as confirmed by her Black Kids Love Math research. Determined to change these outcomes, she created Black Family University in 2025 to provide the resources, advocacy, and community support Black families deserve. Yolande has led major community initiatives through the Parent Organization Network and founded The Knowledge Shop, a STREAM enrichment center in South LA. She also leads the National Association of African American Parents and Youth (NAAAPY) and serves on multiple councils and boards. A mother of five and grandmother, she was inducted into the 2024 National Association of University Women Hall of Fame, and her organization earned the 2024 City of Los Angeles Green Business certification.
Specialist Collaborators
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Christina Laster
National Action Network (NAN)
Specialist Training FacilitatorEducation & Legal Rights Specialist
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Miyume McKinley
Epiphany Counseling
Specialist Training Facilitator
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Mental Health Specialist -
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Sydney DeLone
Epiphany Counseling
Specialist Training FacilitatorAssociate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Mental Health Specialist
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George Haley III
Epiphany Counseling
Specialist Training Facilitator
Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Mental Health Specialist -
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Dr. D'yann Elaine Crosby
Sign With Me
Specialist Training Facilitator
Deaf & Hard of Hearing (DHH) Special Education Specialist -
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Crystal Williams
White & Williams ADR Services
Specialist Training Facilitator
Special Education, IEP & Conflict Resolution Specialist -
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Dr. Allegra Johnson
Uniquely Supported
Specialist Training Facilitator
Special Education Strategy Specialist
