Alison is the Founder and Chief Partnerships Officer for Engage Mentoring and the author of the...
As the President of Diversity Initiatives for Engage Mentoring, Yalonda will be responsible for leading the national expansion of the Project Lead for Women program, which is in alignment with her experience and core values.
Yalonda Brown, President of Diversity Initiatives
Yalonda Brown is a seasoned professional whose expertise spans over 20 years in both the private and public sectors. Her drive and self-determination has resulted in a myriad of demonstrable accomplishments as an intuitive leader, thought partner, and high functioning performer. Yalonda holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and has completed the Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and Emeritus certificate for the program, Mastering Sales: A Toolkit for Success. She is also a 2021 Executive Journey Fellow. She most recently served as a Senior Outreach Manager at Indiana Youth Institute.
Whether it is via public speaking or her published works, she leverages her formal education, real-world experiences, and her passion to inspire and motivate others to live according to their purpose. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Yalonda places an emphasis on women and girls empowerment in her many philanthropic activities and board service.
She currently resides in Avon, Indiana with husband Vincent, and daughter, Kiara.
How does your role help contribute to the growth and success of Engage Mentoring?
I will initially be responsible for the national expansion of the Project Lead for Women program, a unique leadership development program for women that combines group mentoring, 1:1 mentoring, and training.
Coffee or tea? Black or milk and sugar?
I have quite the tea collection! I love tea for the variety of rich flavors and wellness benefits. My sweetener of choice is honey.
What causes do you care about?
I am passionate about empowering women, girls, and everything youth development. I also care about health disparities and breast health awareness/advocacy, especially in communities of color.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given? Why does it resonate with you?
The best advice I have been given is to never stop learning and growing. Because of this I am always open to learning and seeking growth opportunities. I never become complacent or think I know everything. I can lead effectively and still be a student.
What book or movie do you always recommend?
Wow, I would have to say my all-time book go to is Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
Now for the movie, I cannot choose just one! I will date myself, but I believe everyone young and seasoned should see these movies: Flashdance (my forever fave), The Godfather (all of them), Imitation of Life, and Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing and Training Day.
What animal best represents you?
An animal that is a representation of me would be an eagle. There are many leadership analogies associated with eagles that resonate with me: focus, powerful vision, fearless, tenacious, and high flyers.
Do you like listening to music or podcasts while you work? What is your favorite?
Pandora and Spotify are always on. My preferences are all over the place from gospel to rap to contemporary jazz. My mood dictates the music. Over this past year, I really enjoyed J.Ill Podcast with singer Jill Scott and friends.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming an author and creating works that have impacted the lives of women through sharing my testimony and helping to build resilience, confidence & character in girls.
