Meet the Team

Our staff is dedicated to serving young adults in our community.

Yemi Buckner

Director

Ms. Yemi Buckner is Project Director of Project YES YouthBuild who oversees an elaborate strategy of continued success, through the dove-tailing of exceptional client services, data outcomes management, and contract compliance. Ms. Buckner has 25 years of service in community development, capacity building, program development, research, and compliance, and has learned how to employ strategies that shift organizations from projects and programs to capacity-yielding enterprises. Ms. Buckner is a bi-lingual professional dedicated to improving the lives of others. Above all, Ms. Buckner is a teacher at heart. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Social Studies, from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, England, a Master of Arts degree in Development Economics from the University of Kent at Canterbury, England, and an Executive Master’s degree in Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

Travis Sellers

Education Coordinator

Mr. Travis Sellers, Education Coordinator, is a Philadelphia native with a strong personal belief in education, fitness, and self-improvement. He’s an avid runner with a not so secret love of basketball. On top of that Mr. Sellers has a deep affinity for house and hip-hop music which can be traced back to his teenage years. As for his education, he could have gone anywhere, but would never leave his city, and earned his BA in Psychology from Temple University. He later achieved his MA in Organizational Management from Springfield College. Lastly, Mr. Sellers is committed to furthering the development of our youth in a way that can be impactful on a generational level. His long term goals include building creative centers in Philadelphia to create new pathways for the under-served.

Laura Sposato

AmeriCorps Coordinator

Ms. Laura Sposato is the AmeriCorps Coordinator for Project Y.E.S. YouthBuild. After graduating from West Chester University with a BA in Sociology and minors in Psychology and Deaf Studies, Ms. Sposato served as a Corps Member in AmeriCorps NCCC. Enamored by service, she subsequently served a term as a Team Leader in AmeriCorps NCCC. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, crafting, and caring for her two rescue dogs. She is passionate about youth education, secure housing, and disaster recovery. Ms. Sposato feels at home being a part of the vast AmeriCorps world, surrounded by others who have a passion to serve, too.

John Wilson

Career Services Coordinator

Mr. John Wilson, Career Services Coordinator, is charged with providing workforce preparation and career development services to Project Y.E.S. YouthBuild participants. He received his BA in Corporate Communications from Drexel University. Before entering the human services field that he has been a part of for 5+ years, he had a strong sales and marketing background, molding him to become a master of things professional. Mr. Wilson is highly passionate about life skills for young adults and helping them navigate the obstacles in their lives. He strives to make sure all youth seek their full potential, and realize that the answers lie within themselves.

Jorte Charles

AmeriCorps VITSA

Ms. Jortae Charles is our Vista AmeriCorps member that has a long history of resource development in the non-profit community. With her family’s history of owning nonprofit organizations, finding and providing resources for low income communities has become second nature. In her spare time she focuses on her personal journey as a creator and entrepreneur, Ms. Charles wants to encourage students to use their creativity as foundation for multiple streams of income and & financial stability. In years to come Ms. Charles plans on starting an affordable creative + performing arts nonprofit that will provide mentors to guide children & teens, giving students a safe space to express themselves.