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Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
- Henry Ford
Executive Leadership Team
President
Melvin Lewis
Melvin Lewis, was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Since he has been living in Kentucky, he has made sure that his footprint will truly be a long lasting one.. Melvin has been part of YPinLEX for quite some time now and has moved his way around holding various positions in the Executive Leadership Team. Now as President, he hopes to bring new energy plans to continue to grow what is already an amazing organization.
Outside of YP he is known to many as DJ Forerunner, an open format disk jockey, providing services for corporations, weddings, private events and clubs. He specializes in partnering with brands to provide premier, upscale experiences. He is also one of the official DJ's for the University of Kentucky Athletics and can be heard Fridays on Lexington's Hot 102.5 for the Mix at 6.
Dominique Wright Dominique Wright is a native of Huntington, WV and established roots in Hershey, PA and Lexington, KY. She is an alumnus of the University of Kentucky and Georgia Tech obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering respectively. Upon completion of her academic studies, she joined Lexmark International, Inc. as a Mechanical Design Engineer, and is currently the Manager for Worldwide Service Parts Engineering. She currently serves as the CAE, Thermal and Test Engineering Manager. Ms. Wright
President Emeritus & Historian
Dominique Wright
is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and she has served as Region 3 Professionals Programs Chair, President of the National award-winning Central Kentucky Professionals Chapter. She is an active member of the Lexington (KY) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Beyond her career achievements, Ms. Wright serves on numerous community boards including the University of Kentucky Leadership Advisory Council, Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County, Lexington Children’s Theatre and RADIOLEX. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling the world - exploring various cultures through their exquisite cuisine. Ms. Wright is a firm believer in the power of “the village” and aims to bring that collective mindset back to our community. She believes that “service is truly the rent you pay while here on earth”.
Secretary
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Nicole
Gwishiri
Nicole Gwishiri works as a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Bath County through Cooperative Extension with the University of Kentucky. She has an undergraduate degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Nicole was born in Harare, Zimbabwe and grew up in Hamlet, North Carolina. She moved to Kentucky in August of 2015. She loves to volunteer, go to church, and spend time with family and friends. Her hobbies include sewing, writing, and playing with her baby, Shona and poodle, Bates.
April Prather, PharmD is a managed care pharmacist from Mobile, Alabama who moved to Kentucky in 2015. In addition to her service with Lexington Urban League Young Professionals, April is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and a mentee for Amachi Central KY. April also enjoys exploring creative outlets with embroidery and crafting for her business, Tailored Visions Embroidery and Design. She is a firm believer that a life in service to others is a life worth living.
Treasurer
April Prather,
PharmD
Finance Chair
John Flynn II
John B Flynn II, is an Investor, Consultant, Writer, Public Speaker, and Software Engineer. My ultimate goal is to find value and create value and opportunities for others. My biggest achievement is finding my wonderful wife and my amazing children.
Rachel Russey​ works as a Firmware, Software, and Applications quality engineer at Lexmark, Int. She has a B.S. in Computer Science Business and a B.A. in Liberal Studies from the Whitney M. Young Honors College, both from Kentucky State University. She also has a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Syracuse University. Rachel is originally from Detroit, MI, but moved to the Lexington area in 2007. She is married to her husband Chris, and mom of 3 children. She loves to volunteer with her church and with her sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and spend time with family and friends. Her hobbies include trying new bourbons, all things crafty, binging Netflix shows, and being a Sci-Fi fan.
Marketing Chair
Rachel Russey
Advocacy Chair
Kabrenda Warfield
KaBrenda Warfield, is the current Lexington Urban League Young Professionals Advocacy Chair. Since becoming the Lexington Urban League Young Professionals Advocacy Chair in 2021 Ms. Warfield has participated in YP Day at the Capitol. An event where she and other young professionals throughout the state of Kentucky met with State Representatives to discuss issues that are important to them. Ms. Warfield has also led the chapters National Black Voter Week of Action and National Voter Registration Week activities provided to our chapter from the national chapter. Ms. Warfield enjoys being a member of the Lexington Urban League Young Professionals and advocating to ensure that African Americans and the underserved achieve equality in Lexington-Fayette County.
Natalie Gwishiri, was born in Harare, Zimbabwe and grew up in Hamlet, NC. After graduating from high school, she attended and graduated from North Carolina A&T State University and Indiana University. Natalie began her career teaching at two historically Black high schools, Carver High School (Winston Salem, NC) and Central High School (Louisville, KY). Natalie is now an education administrator working for the Kentucky Department of Education. Natalie has participated in many service organizations and projects since high school, including tutoring elementary students, serving as a mentor and advisor to many school clubs and volunteering in her community. She also serves on the National Alumni Advisory Board for North Carolina A&T State University.
Outreach Chair
Natalie Gwishiri
Desiree Montgomery
Membership
Co-Chair
Desiree Montgomery, grew up in North Carolina and moved to Lexington in 2017. She received her undergraduate degree from East Carolina University and MPH from the University of New England. She currently works as a quality assurance manager for UK Healthcare. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Chair of the YP in Lex Membership Committee. Her hobbies include writing, reading, and traveling.
Casey Townsend, was born in Champaign, IL and grew up in Concord, NC. After graduating from high school, he attended and graduated from North Carolina A&T State University. Casey has worked in various capacities serving limited resource families and is passionate about health education. He enjoys specifically advancing the positive development of youth.
Treasurer
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Kevin
Thomas
Casey Townsend
YP Fit Chair
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Professional Development Chair
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We are always looking for new young professionals to join our family! If you are interested in membership, or in a leadership opportunity, click the button below to learn more!