TYRONE WILLIAMS, President

It took nine states – Georgia, Kansas, New Hampshire, Nevada, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, South Dakota, and California. Then, Tyrone made Richmond, Virginia, home.

 After leaving his hometown of Columbus, Georgia, to attend Kansas State University, Tyrone quickly got involved on the campaign trail. He served as an LGBTQ Ally Advisor and the Student Governing Association’s Multicultural Affairs Director, helping to create safe spaces for students and ensuring the voices of minority communities were being heard.

Tyrone is now a 5+ year Campaign Strategist serving national, state and local campaigns, some of the most notable campaigns including Bernie Sander for  President, McClellan for Governor 2021 as Deputy Political Director, and Biden/Harris 2020 as the GOTV Coordinator of Allentown Pennsylvania. He now works as the Deputy Legislative Director to Delegate Suhas Subramanyam of the 87th District of Virginia.

We’ve tried to ask Tyrone what he enjoys doing in his spare time, but he responded “That’s a trick question. There is no spare time in Politics.”

cynthia ruff, VIce President

Cynthia Ruff is a native of Trumbull, Connecticut but lovingly refers to Richmond as “home.”

Her professional journey has revolved around fortifying diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice work within higher education, nonprofits, and the private sector. She is currently serving as an Associate Director for Corporate DEI Strategy Research at EAB.

Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Delaware and a Master of Education from James Madison University. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Cynthia joined ULGRYP in 2022. Her passions include spending quality time with family and friends, dining out, laughing a little too loudly, game nights, and having meaningful conversations with others.

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.

Stephanie Jefferson, Treasurer

Stephanie is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, but has lived in Richmond for the past 13 years. She has a professional background in the financial services and human resources industry and is the Operations Manager of a local family business, A-Metropolitan Driving School, LLC. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiological Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park. 

She joined the Urban League of Greater Richmond Young Professionals (ULGRYP) in summer of 2017. Stephanie served as the 2018-2020 Fund Development Committee Chair before becoming the current Treasurer of this impactful organization. She served on multiple ULGRYP ad-hoc committees, 2018 National Day of Empowerment and Richmond Visionary Scholarship Award for two consecutive years (2020-2021), to name a few. 

Stephanie is a devoted wife and mother, her hobbies and interests include volunteering, travel, camping and tailgating with family/friends, appreciating good food, and attending local festivals and concerts. 

Felicia Clark, Membership engagement

Felicia Clark is a military brat who calls Fredericksburg, VA her hometown; but has called Richmond, VA home since 2021.

 Felicia received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Focus on Ethical Leadership and a minor in Psychology from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA.

 Since graduating from college Felicia has held several roles including IT at the Pentagon, Cybersecurity for the Department of Homeland Security, Enterprise Resiliency at a Fortune 500 utility in Columbus, OH, and is now concurring the Firmwide Simulations within the Financial sector. Despite working in various industries, one thing remains consistent—Felicia’s main goal is to leave her teams better than they were. Felicia considers herself a change agent and problem-solver who always pushes herself and others to grow.

 Felicia joined NULYP in 2018 while living in Columbus, OH, but has been a proud Richmond YP member since 2023. Felicia is most excited about building strong relationships with Richmond’s members while giving back to her community.

 Outside of YP, Felicia enjoys yoga, traveling, finding new coffee spots and restaurants in Richmond, and spending time with family and friends.

Tierra Richardson, Community Service & Outreach

Tierra was born in Richmond, VA, and has lived in the area the majority of her life. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. She is currently a Legal Assistant at a local personal injury firm where she is able to assist clients going through a tough time. Tierra is passionate about helping make a difference and truly believes in “being the change you want to see.” She volunteers with local organizations to support education and health. She looks forward to expanding efforts to pursue YPs mission focused around education, health, housing, jobs and justice. She is excited to support YP’s vision of being an impactful force serving our community and providing ample opportunities for others to serve. 

Tierra joined Urban League of Greater Richmond Young Professionals in the summer of 2022. She knew she wanted to be a part of the community service group and is now serving as Community Service and Outreach Chair. She has already been working and partnering with local schools to assist in their volunteer needs with several projects such as sending kindness cards and collecting supplies for students, even assisting with Career and National Read Across America Day.

Tierra loves to read, travel, and eat, and you can usually catch her around town trying new restaurants.

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. 

Adolph Brown IV, Political & Civic Engagement

Adolph Brown IV is the Deputy Chief of Staff at Virginia Union University. In his previous role, he was the College Success and Alumni Engagement Director at Partnership for the Future. Throughout his career in higher education, he has experienced six years of transcendent leadership in higher education administration, supervising departments, and enhancing professional-level staff. Adolph has executive-level experience in higher education, overseeing daily data usage and student development, academic support services, business technology, and campus life. He has extensive experience in research, data analysis, and six sigma, working with leadership programs, assessment, strategic planning, and complex budget management. He believes in transforming students and helping them become better leaders for the future.

In 2015-2016, Adolph received a gubernatorial appointment to the Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship at the Governor’s Office. He is currently serving on the City of  Richmond Personnel Board. Adolph teaches economics at Virginia Commonwealth University and Edward Waters University.

He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics from Virginia State University and is working on his Ed.D. at Liberty University.

SHANTE STEVENS, IMMEDIATE PAST President

Shante Stevens was raised in Milwaukee, WI, but has called Richmond, VA home for the past 10 years.  A natural leader who sought after challenges, Shante enlisted in the U.S Army after high school. Throughout her 12 year career in the military, she served on multiple missions to include a tour to Iraq for “Operation Enduring Freedom”. She currently works as a Senior Program Analyst for the Virginia Army National Guard. Shante is also an investor and budding entrepreneur.

With a genuine passion to aid others and become a positive influence amongst her peers, Shante previously served as our Membership Chair, Social & Cultural Development Chair and President.

Shante’s awards include the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Joint Forces Achievement Medal, and many others. She is the first female of the Virginia Army National Guard to be awarded honorary Spurs from the 2-183rd Cavalry Regiment. Additionally, Shante has been named National Urban League Young Professionals, 2022 President of the Year. 

In her free time, Shante loves to cook, experience the outdoors, and take once in a lifetime trips with family and friends.

Jer’Mykeal Mccoy, NULYP Eastern Regional Vice President

Jer’Mykeal McCoy is a Richmond business and civic leader with a heart for community and innovation. Born and raised in East Knoxville, Tennessee, Jer’Mykeal earned a B.S. with honors from Tennessee State University and MPS from Georgetown University. McCoy is also a graduate of the National Urban League's Emerging Leader Program.

The Richmond City Council appointed Jer’Mykeal in 2021 as the youngest member to the city’s Economic Development Authority Board of Directors. Additionally, he has served on the Advisory Council for the Richmond 300 City-wide Master Plan. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Tennessee State University National Alumni Association, and The Life Church RVA.

Jer’Mykeal was named TSU Alumni, 40U40 and has been featured in various publications, including the Washington Post, Richmond Free Press, NBC12, and ABC8.

He currently serves as the Eastern Region Vice President for the National Urban League Young Professionals.