Curtis Kendrick
UYMA Executive Director
Curtice Kendrick is a lifelong professional musician, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and band leader. He is a Billboard-charting recording artist as a member of -- and now band-leader of -- jazz group Cabo Frio.
Always giving back to the community, Curtis has also led a wide range of youth arts programs for over 25 years. As a young boy growing up in Rochester, he was deeply influenced by his experience participating in drumlines -- the original Scott's Sabers, and Mighty Liberators -- which set him on a lifelong path of music. This inspired him to launch United Youth Music and Arts to help provide similar positive experiences for Rochester-area youth, especially in under-served communities.
Individually and with Cabo Frio, Curtis has performed with or been a support act for Kenny G, Spyro Gyra, Joe Sample, Yellow Jackets, Jeff Lorber, Pieces of a Dream, Dave Valentin, Paquito D' Rivera, Cedric Dent of Take 6, Luther Barnes, Phoebe Snow, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Jazz Crusaders, Lonnie Mack, Fattbuger, Larry Coryell and the late Lou Rawls, among many others.
Curtis says: "You can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it and stay persistent and disciplined. For me, music is a way to express all of the feelings of daily life -- music heals your soul."
Christopher Johnson
I am a local trial attorney, raised in the Rochester New York area.
I am the father of three adult children. Also, I am an amateur drummer and former member of the Bishop Kearney Marching Kings Drumline. I volunteer at open door mission and a volunteer Scouting USA and a former youth soccer coach.
One of my favorite Vince Lombardi quotes is "Success demands singleness of purpose." I believe that United Youth Music and Arts can provide that road to success for many young people that they desperately need.
Tiffany D. Owens
Ms. Tiffany Owens is the Sr. Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Building at the Urban League of Rochester (ULR). In her current role, she works closely with the division leaders to execute programming that positively impacts individuals in positioning themselves to achieve financial goals in employment, business, and investments.
Prior to the ULR, Tiffany served as the Executive Director of a community-based service organization impacting the 44,000 individuals that live in the Southwest quadrant of Rochester. Ms. Owens took the helm in October 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic at a particularly challenging time in the agency's history. She hastened to realign the budget and establish transparency and accountability to instill confidence in the agency resulting in an increase in funding of over 95% as well as securing resources for capital improvements and increased programming.
Ms. Owens served for over 20 years in the corporate sector in Rochester and Atlanta where she rose into leadership positions in a variety of areas including: mortgage, audit, and property management companies. Throughout her career, she has taken on complex business areas that lacked structure and leadership and developed those areas to become more productive with higher levels of accuracy and improved customer service and quality.
Her success was celebrated in the receipt of numerous awards including a premiere Leadership Award for ranking in the top 15% of the leaders for Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.; based on productivity, quality, customer service and employee feedback. Additionally, she was awarded: Rising Star Award 2021, Trailblazer Award, President's Award, and Optimal Service Award for top ranking over 12 months.
Devoted to the Greater Rochester area's success, Tiffany formally served on the Board of Directors for Council of Agency Executives and currently serves as President of FIGHT Village Development Fund, Inc., Board Chair for United Youth Music and Arts, (UYMA) and serves on the Board of Directors for Jordan Health. She holds a degree in Political Science and Government from Niagara University.
Machelle Smith
Machelle Smith, mother of 3, is a native of Rochester, NY, where she was born and raised and opted to raise her children.
She's always been a music lover, BUT… her love and appreciation of music has reached new levels as she's witnessed the growth and musical gifts/talents of her very own children who are very musically inclined.
In addition to her love of music, her other gifts include: cooking, data entry, and secretarial work. She's also a minister of the gospel. Another great passion is her love of encouraging and mentoring young people to be the best they can be in life, and in their communities.
Jocelyn Basley
As a leader, Jocelyn strives to facilitate the development of strong inter/intra-departmental relationships, model continuous improvement and build a capacity for organizational change.
Her innate ability to interact and relate with people from all walks of life is an asset she considers a natural spiritual gift. Cultivating teamwork, inspiring leadership in others and promoting a positive outlook to every undertaking are the tenets to which Jocelyn attributes her personal and professional success.
Jacobus Boll
With a decade-long journey in financial and strategic leadership, Jacob currently serves as the Financial Controller for a Rochester-based company. His corporate journey is infused with a fervor for making a tangible impact.
As a board member at UYMA, he aims to leverage his expertise to foster positive change and growth. Jacob's non-profit experience dates back to 2016 when he co-founded Ecclesia 6 33, passionately addressing immediate welfare needs in rural communities by uniting corporate social responsibility programs to the welfare needs of the local community. Jacob's journey reflects an unwavering commitment to driving transformation and empowerment.
Ellen Warren
Ellen's career has principally, been spent in the non-profit arena. Currently, she is the Director of the Jordan Health Foundation. Previously, she served as the Vice President of Development at the Veterans Outreach Center.
Ellen has served on a number of Boards including, The Friendly Home, Irondequoit Ambulance and for a number of years, the Jordan Health Foundation, before she took the reins as the Foundation's director. She began her career with the Rochester City School District as a "teacher of English" at Benjamin Franklin High School.
Janice Howard
Bio coming soon!