Structured mentorship for Memphis youth ages 12–18.
Weekly sessions. Real mentors. Lasting impact.
In the communities we serve, young people have no shortage of talent. What they lack is access to mentors, institutions, and opportunity pathways that turn potential into a plan.
MYDG operates year-round — consistent mentorship that youth can count on, every week.
To empower the youth of Memphis through comprehensive developmental coaching and active community engagement, cultivating their potential to effect sustainable change for themselves and their communities.
A future in which Memphis youth have access to knowledge, community support, and opportunities that empower them to thrive and make meaningful contributions — regardless of their ZIP code.
A year-round, proprietary curriculum with weekly sessions designed to build self-awareness, confidence, and leadership skills. Three phases. One transformation. Every mentee receives a personal workbook and earns Character Badges and Medals as they grow.
Mentees earn weekly Character Badges — one per session — plus additional badges for completing activities within each phase (5 badges available per phase).
The workbook also includes a Gratitude Log, SMART Goal worksheets, personality assessment, Memphis resource directory, and Group Covenant.
Our flagship Mentors 360 pairs under-resourced youth ages 12–18 with trained adult mentors through a structured, year-round curriculum with Character Badges.
Monthly workshops presented by Chase Bank* equip parents with budgeting, savings, credit-building, and emergency planning tools.
TED Talk-inspired assemblies in Title I schools bring MYDG's message of self-awareness, resilience, and leadership to hundreds of students.
Youth-led community service initiatives — from supply drives to neighborhood beautification. Growing to quarterly as the program scales.
Quarterly outings — NBA games, Memphis Hustle games, concerts at Overton Park Shell, and citywide scavenger hunts building bonds.
Graduates return as Youth Ambassadors to co-lead the next cohort — creating a self-sustaining leadership cycle.
Destinee founded MYDG from a deeply personal conviction: every young person in Memphis deserves access to the mentorship that can change the trajectory of their life. A former Title I educator with a Master's in Curriculum & Instruction, she witnessed firsthand the gap between potential and opportunity — and built a program to close it.
In just four months, MYDG served 41 youth directly, trained 14 mentors, delivered 78+ mentoring hours, and built 9 community partnerships.
Destinee Ramson is an accomplished educator, mentor, and nonprofit leader dedicated to empowering youth in Memphis. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing Management from the University of Memphis and a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.
Through her experience as an educator and instructional coach, she has developed and implemented innovative programs designed to enhance student success.
As the founder of Memphis Youth Development Group, she provides mentorship, leadership development, and real-world learning opportunities to help youth discover and maximize their potential. A 2025 nominee for the Grizzlies Foundation’s “Mentor of the Year” award, she is deeply committed to creating equitable pathways for youth to excel academically, socially, and personally.
Graduate of The University of Memphis and Palmer College of Chiropractic. Licensed chiropractor in MS and TN.
“I’m Trina Dire, a proud Memphis native who is passionate about giving back. I became a teacher to inspire and uplift the next generation, starting at Memphis Delta Prep and growing my expertise at Memphis Grizzlies Prep.
My goal is to be a guiding light for the youth, encouraging them to dream big and achieve greatness.”
“As a native Memphian, I care deeply about my community and the people with whom I share this place called home. After graduating from Hampton University with both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I spent almost 10 years in the nonprofit sector in various roles before transitioning to my current gig as the Finance Director at a local substance abuse and behavioral health counseling facility.
Simultaneously, I have served in ministry for 10 years, and currently serve as the Youth Pastor at my church. I am excited for the journey God has predestined for me, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving our city’s youth in this capacity.”
Jessica Mosley is a native Memphian who is passionate about empowering diverse communities and advocating for equitable economic growth. As an urban planner, published author and certified yoga teacher, her fearless nature has led her to great success in her personal and professional endeavors.
Jessica has committed her time to service extensively over the years, involving herself with organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber Young Professionals Council, Junior Achievement’s Young Professionals Board, and Memphis Urban League Young Professionals. She is also a member of Leadership Tennessee NEXT Class.
As a wife, daughter, sister, niece and friend, Jessica believes in the power of genuine relationships and uses her gifts to lead impactful initiatives and experiences for the betterment of humanity.
James Ramson is a banking leader and community advocate from Memphis, TN. As SVP of Payment Products at First Horizon Bank, he drives innovation to benefit both clients and his community. A lifelong musician and dedicated mentor, James is passionate about empowering young people, promoting diversity, and building a brighter future for his hometown.
“With over 13 years of experience in education and school administration, I am deeply committed to serving the Memphis community.
Passionate about empowering youth, I am excited to collaborate on innovative projects and create meaningful experiences that inspire growth and learning. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children and the city as a whole.”
A native Memphian, Will Vaughan currently works as a teacher at Memphis Grizzlies Prep Academy in downtown Memphis. Will received his BA from Davidson College, where he focused his studies on race relations.
He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, an organization that has helped him develop his passion to address major social justice issues of our time in his work as a teacher and his commitment as a member of the Memphis community – issues like equity in education for all kids, how racism impacts each of our broader systems, and access to quality housing across income levels.
Structured weekly curriculum sessions at Oakhaven Middle School and community partner locations.
Whole-group outings — NBA games, Hustle games, concerts, and citywide scavenger hunts.
Workshops presented by Chase Bank* covering budgeting, credit building, and savings strategies.
*Chase Bank is a presenting partner for MYDG's monthly financial health workshops, not a financial sponsor of the organization.
Ages 12–18 in Memphis. Join Mentors 360 and start your leadership journey.
Apply NowGuide a young person through a transformative program. Background checks and training provided.
VolunteerShare expertise in financial literacy, career readiness, wellness, or life skills.
Reach OutTax-deductible. Zero platform fees via Zeffy. Every dollar goes directly to Memphis youth.
EIN: 33-3482295 · 501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible · Memphis Youth Development Group
Invest directly in Memphis' next generation. Your dollars fund safe, relevant mentor experiences, workshops, events, and youth development programming.
In-kind sponsorships also accepted. Custom packages available.
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