About Minority Youth Academy
DARYL COLEMAN Daryl Coleman is the Founder & President of Minority Youth Academy (MYA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth through academics, athletics, and leadership development. He created MYA’s Gap Year model to help student-athletes build stronger academic foundations while gaining exposure to opportunities in sports, media, and career pathways. Through his leadership, MYA provides mentorship, training, and resources that prepare young people for success in high school, college, and beyond. Daryl Coleman supported the “Get On The Bus Tour,” an initiative designed to provide underprivileged students with the opportunity to visit Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The program focused on students who faced financial barriers to travel and exposure to college environments. Through a partnership with a local housing authority and community supporters, the initiative successfully raised over $35,000 to cover lodging,
JANEL WALKER Janel Walker is the Director of Operations and Marketing for Minority Youth Academy (MYA), where she oversees daily operations and leads the organization’s branding and outreach efforts. She plays a key role in building strategic partnerships and expanding MYA’s visibility to support student-athlete development. Janel is committed to advancing MYA’s mission of empowering youth through academics, athletics, and leadership opportunities.
JERMAINE CORBETT JR -Jermaine Corbett Jr. – Youth Academic & Athletic Advisor -Jermaine Corbett Jr. serves as a Youth Academic and Athletic Advisor for Minority Youth Academy (MYA), where he supports student-athletes in both their educational and athletic development. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Merrimack College and his Associate degree from Stonehill College in Massachusetts. Jermaine is dedicated to mentoring youth and helping them succeed in the classroom and in competition.**
NEKESHA MARSHALL (MEDIA RESEARCH CONSULTANT)
NEKESHA MARSHALL (MEDIA RESEARCH CONSULTANT)
NEKESHA MARSHALL (MEDIA RESEARCH CONSULTANT)
Nekesha Marshall
Media Research Consultant
Nekesha Marshall supports MYA’s Media and Community Development initiatives by providing research, insights, and strategic direction to help shape impactful content and programming.
Her work focuses on:
- Analyzing media trends and youth engagement
- Supporting content strategy and storytelling direction
- Helping develop effective media programs and initiatives
- Strengthening MYA’s ability to connect with and represent the community
Through her expertise, Nekesha plays an important role in ensuring MYA’s media efforts are purposeful, relevant, and impactful.
Media Research Consultant
Nekesha will help guide the strategy behind MYA’s media and community initiatives—bringing insight, research, and direction to how we tell stories and engage our audience.
This is a key step as we continue to grow our Youth Media and Community Development programs.
Building with purpose. Growing with impact.
CADENA PATTERSON( TALENT ACUQATION
NEKESHA MARSHALL (MEDIA RESEARCH CONSULTANT)
NEKESHA MARSHALL (MEDIA RESEARCH CONSULTANT)
Talent Acquisition – Media & Community Development
Her role focuses on identifying, recruiting, and developing youth talent for MYA’s Media and Community Programs.
Responsibilities include:
- Recruiting students for media internships and programs
- Building relationships with schools and community organizations
- Identifying creative talent in video, social media, and storytelling
- Supporting internship placement and program growth
- Expanding opportunities for underrepresented youth voices
Larry Marshall Business Advisor
Larry Marshall – Grants & Workforce Development Advisor
Larry Marshall works in partnership with MYA Basketball Academy to strengthen the organization’s long-term sustainability and expand opportunities for youth through strategic funding and program development.
In collaboration with community and institutional partners, Larry focuses on identifying and securing grant opportunities that support MYA’s mission-driven programs, including youth athletics, media initiatives, and community development efforts.
A key part of his role is building and expanding workforce development and internship pathways for students. These programs are designed to give young participants real-world experience, skill-building opportunities, and exposure to careers in sports management, media production, and community leadership.
Through these efforts, Larry helps ensure MYA continues to grow not only as a sports organization, but as a development platform that prepares youth for success beyond the game.
WHY PARTNER WITH MYA
What Makes MYA Different
1. Proven Youth Development Model
We provide structured programs for grades 3–8 that build discipline, confidence, teamwork, and leadership through competitive basketball and skill development.
2. Expanding Opportunity Beyond Sports
Through media production internships and workforce development programs, students gain real-world experience in content creation, communication, and professional skills.
3. Community-Focused Impact
MYA is committed to serving youth and families across New Jersey, with a growing focus on underserved communities and expanding access to high-quality programming.
4. Strategic Grant & Partnership Development
We actively collaborate with partners like schools, businesses, and community organizations to secure funding, expand programming, and increase youth opportunities.
5. Strong Leadership & Mentorship Network
Our programs are guided by experienced coaches, mentors, and advisors who are committed to helping young people succeed academically, socially, and professionally.