Meet the People Behind YAN.
OUR TEAM
Kwadwo “Ko” Owusu
Founder & Personal Development Coach
Ko holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and previously worked with the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), where his experience working with and mentoring youth strengthened his passion for helping young people grow and make positive choices.
Over the past several years, Ko has also explored entrepreneurship, gaining firsthand experience with the challenges, lessons, and discipline that come with building something of your own. Through YAN, he uses his experiences to teach young people personal development, confidence, discipline, and entrepreneurial skills
Alicia Owusu
Financial Literacy Coach
Alicia brings over 13 years of experience in banking and financial services, working her way from a frontline banking role into senior leadership. She is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Rutgers University–Camden.
Her passion for financial literacy comes from understanding how important it is to learn about money early. Through YAN, Alicia teaches teens practical skills like budgeting, saving, credit, investing, and making smart financial decisions. Giving the youth tools they can carry into adulthood.
Jasmine Barber
Marketing Coach
Jasmine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Marketing and an MBA from Eastern University. She also brings five years of experience in brand marketing, where she has gained firsthand experience in building brands, connecting with customers, and bringing ideas to life.
Through YAN, Jasmine helps teens understand both the creative and business sides of marketing. She teaches them how to build a brand, understand their audience, market their ideas, and communicate with confidence. Her goal is to give young people skills they can use in business, school, and their future careers.
Erika Cruz
Branding Coach
Erika brings a unique mix of community leadership, social media experience, and a background in psychology to YAN. She currently serves as Program Director at Camden FireWorks and previously worked as a Senior Case Manager with the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO). She is also continuing her education in psychology.
Outside of her professional work, Erika has spent over 10 years developing her skills in content creation, social media, and personal branding. Through YAN, she uses that experience to help teens learn how to develop their brand, tell their story, connect with an audience, and present themselves with confidence.
