kent olden, President

Kent Olden serves as Editor at Large for NYC-based Bleu Magazine, a leading digital and print lifestyle publication for young professionals. He is a former writer for The Kappa Alpha Psi Journal, the international publication of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

In addition to serving as president of the Urban League of Greater Richmond Young Professionals, Kent's organizational memberships and participation have included: the Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals (past Communications Chair); the Public Relations Society of America; the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s Emerging Philanthropists of Color and charitySTRONG; the National Association of Black Journalists (past Treasurer for the Buffalo Chapter); the National Action Network (past Public Relations Coordinator for the Buffalo-Niagara Chapter); Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (past Keeper of Records for the Buffalo, NY Alumni Chapter); Paramount Lodge #73 of the Prince Hall Affiliated Free & Accepted Masons (past Junior and Senior Master of Ceremonies); the Board of Directors for the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Commission; Leadership Buffalo Class of 2021 (Class Chair); the Erie County Democratic Committee; and is an alum of the Association for Black Foundation Executives Connecting Leaders Fellowship Program. In September 2019, Kent was featured in Black Enterprise Magazine as one of its BE Modern Men of Distinction, and takes great pride in being the 4th great grandson of John Henry Stewart (born Robert Ross) – older brother of Harriet Tubman.

Kent is a graduate of Morehouse College (Atlanta, Georgia) with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and also holds a Master of Science in Public Relations Management from Buffalo State University. He is the proud father of two daughters – Kendall and Khloe – who are both stellar scholars. Kent is a native of Buffalo, New York, and now resides in Richmond, Virginia.

Sheena Palmer, Membership Engagement

Sheena D. Palmer is a Bronx, NY native that now calls Richmond, VA her home since 2020. She is a Public Relations Professional, Dance & Health Literacy Educator, and a significant voice in the African American & Latino community. She has successfully advised and built relationships with professionals in the sports, music, fashion, film, K-12 education, college, and religious industries. This mother of two is now ready to use her expertise to affect the young professional voice in the Greater Richmond area.

Jessica Jefferson, Social & Cultural

Born and raised in RVA; I know that VA offers rich history and diversity, along with some of the best food, trails, parks and festivals around!  Most importantly though, it’s where my village is!! I am a proud mother of one dynamic young man; a current VCU political science and real estate major.

I'm a foodie, who enjoys traveling (especially for food), spending time with family, entertaining, live music, volunteering within my community and hiking. 

I received my B.S, Business Management and Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.  I have 4 years’ experience as Residential Realtor with a focus on first time homebuyers’ education and assistance in Richmond and surrounding counties.  In addition, I am a Team Lead of the leading revenue cycle management company, offering 20 years in medical billing and customer service. 

I joined YP In 2021 in the midst of the pandemic, as I watched the political and social climates change and desired to do more to enrich my life and the lives of those around me. YP gave me the platform to fulfill my purpose on a larger scale. I have served on the Community Service and Social and Cultural committees over these two years; encouraging health and wellness and building and sustaining generational wealth within our communities, while building lasting relationships. 

Krystle Dorsey, secretary

Krystle Dorsey represents Hampton, Virginia, part of a region known as “the 757”. Krystle has 10 years of experience in the non-profit and higher education industries as a career counselor. She attended George Mason University, completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development. She is the CEO and Founder of Uplift Opportunity Career Services, LLC, a career services and media platform specializing in the needs of first generation, low-income, and underrepresented minorities. 

Krystle  has been a member of ULGRYP since fall 2018. She served on the ad-hoc committees for the 2018 National Day of Empowerment and 2020 Visionary Scholarship Award. She was also a participant of the Spring 2020 Cohort for the National Urban League Congressional Advocacy Program and the inaugural Fall 2021 Cohort for the John Mercer Langston Institute for African-American Political Leadership.

Krystle is a committed daughter, sister, and friend and enjoys writing, spirituality, reading, social justice, art and culture, and community development in her free time.

tyrone williams, IMMEDIATE PAST President

& NULYP Eastern Regional Vice President

Empowering Communities: A Journey of Political Engagement

Born and raised in a military household, Tyrone Williams demonstrated a passion for community engagement from an early age. His journey in politics and social activism began with a solid foundation in education. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Theatre from Kansas State University, where he honed his communication skills and developed a deep appreciation for storytelling.

Tyrone embarked on his political journey during his college years, where he discovered a profound interest in social, economic, and political trends. This passion led him to actively engage in various campus organizations from the Black Student Union to the Student Governing Association to advance initiatives aimed at raising awareness and fostering civic participation among his peers.

After graduation, Tyrone wasted no time in diving into the world of political activism and advocacy by joining the Advance Team for Bernie Sanders Presidential Campaign in 2016. He currently serves as the President of the Urban League Greater Richmond Young Professionals, where he spearheads initiatives to empower young leaders and address pressing issues facing his community.

Tyrone quickly made a name for himself in the political arena, holding pivotal roles in several high-profile campaigns. As the Deputy Political Director for Jennifer McClellan for Congress, he orchestrated a network of political engagement initiatives, leveraging expertise to mobilize communities and drive voter turnout to help elect the first African American woman to Congress in Virginia’s history.

Throughout his career, Tyrone has continuously demonstrated a commitment to driving change from within the political system. Whether as the GOTV Director for the 2020 Biden-Harris Campaign, or as the Legislative Assistant for Madam Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, the first woman elected as Speaker of the House in the Commonwealth of Virginia, he has consistently advocated for policies that uplift marginalized communities and amplify the voices of the underrepresented.

In each role he’s undertaken, Tyrone has prioritized building strong relationships with key stakeholders and fostering collaboration across diverse groups. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes and bridge divides has earned him widespread respect and admiration within the political sphere.

As Tyrone continues on his journey, he remains steadfast in his commitment to empowering communities, amplifying marginalized voices, and driving positive change in society. With a track record of leadership, advocacy, and grassroots mobilization, he is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come. Tyrone resides in Richmond Virginia with his wife, Ashley Belton-Williams.