Joy Mack is the Founder and CEO of “We Reign Youth Program,” a non-profit 501c3, which is most known for the college prep and scholarship awareness program. With 20 years of experience working with youth, Joy has made significant impact on the lives of hundreds through direct services, mentoring, and advocacy. She has served on several boards, served as liaison for, and established partnerships with several community organizations such as; Williams/Vancouver Business Association, Committed Fathers Alliance, Horizon Christian Center, Adoption Mosaic, Self Enhancement Incorporated, The Independent Living Program, and Oregon Developmental Disabilities Services.
Joy received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from Portland State University, and also attended Virginia State University. She has a background as a youth treatment counselor at Albertina Kerr Youth and Family Services, a BRS case manager with Youth Unlimited Inc., and social service specialist for the State of Oregon Department of Human Services.
Joy is also owner of The Jayah Rose Salon in Portland, OR. Established in October 2008 and is one of the largest African American owned salons in Portland with 17 stylists. The Jayah Rose Salon has offered special discounts to African American foster care youth, and seniors. Hosted hair and skincare classes for parents that have trans-racially adopted with need of skills training for their children’s hair and skincare. Hosted youth workshops, book signings for new authors, blood pressure checks with Kaiser Permanente’ for women of color, a shop talk with the Portland Police Department Chief, and many other events.
Gloria Dickson EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CO-FOUNDER
Gloria Dickson is the Executive Director and Co-Founder with over 30 years of experience working with youth in various capacities. She is a retired Therapist from Washington State with certification as a School Psychologist and Counselor. Gloria was the Director of Adult Basic Education/ESL at Seattle Community College District-Seattle Vocational Institute, the largest community college system in the State of Washington. Dr. Dickson has over 30 years of experience in Higher and Secondary Education, coordinating programs between public schools and the college systems. She taught WE REIGN STEM classes at South Albany High School and represented We Reign in several College Fairs in Oregon and Washington.
She began her volunteer experience working as an Education Consultant in sports with the NFL and NBA assisting athletes with college completion while playing professional sports. As a National Certified Cheerleading Advisor, she coached cheerleading for over 15 years. She has worked as a certified track coach through the National Association of Youth Sports and coached distant runners. Her area of expertise extends into the area of NCAA eligibility. While volunteering at the Mid-Willamette YMCA in Albany, OR she coached cheerleading and baton twirling.
She has served on several Boards (Girls, Inc. (Interim Executive Director) Girls Scout of Totem Council, Renton School District Truancy Advisory Board) for Youth programs in the Seattle, Washing area. Gloria was on the Board of Directors for Committed Fathers Alliance and later certified as a Master Trainer for National Fatherhood Curriculum. She volunteers to work with students at the University of Oregon in the area of Diversity & Inclusion, and the My Best Program student athletics at Oregon State University. She was sworn in a CASA in Linn County for 3 children, ages 16 months, 13 and 15 years old.
Gloria holds a B.S. in Business Administration, Master’s in Human Services- area of specialization Minority Student Retention. and a Ph.D. in Theocentric Psychology.
