Board of Directors

Shantell Johnson is the Founder and Executive Director of You’re So Beautiful, Inc., a New Haven-based nonprofit she formerly incorporated in 2024 to provide consistent, supportive spaces for young girls of color to grow in confidence and self-worth. With a background in financial coordination within higher education and healthcare, she brings strong organizational and leadership experience to her role. Shantell holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and currently serves as Recording Secretary of The New Haven Club of the NANBPWC, Inc. She also contributes her time and expertise to several committees and community-focused initiatives supporting youth development and empowerment.

In addition to her leadership work, Shantell is deeply devoted to her family and enjoys spending time with them, which remains a grounding source of love, purpose, and inspiration in her life.

 Brittiny Johnson serves as a Board Member and Director of You’re So Beautiful Jr., overseeing the juniors program with a focus on empowering and uplifting youth. Since 2016, she has dedicated herself to working with young people, creating meaningful opportunities for growth and development.

She also serves as the Title I District Parent Liaison for the New Haven Board of Education, building strong connections between families, schools, and the community. Brittiny is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Southern Connecticut State University.

 Latasha Vereen is a proud New Haven native, dedicated mother of four, and passionate advocate for her community. With 18 years of experience in food service, she currently serves as a lead cook for the City of New Haven, known for leading with care and commitment. Latasha is also pursuing a degree in Food Service Management to further her impact in the field.

As Board Secretary for You’re So Beautiful, she brings strong organizational skills and a deep heart for service, helping to create empowering spaces where young girls can grow in confidence and self-love.

Shaunquetta Johnson is a Special Education Instructor for the State of CT Technical Education and Career System. With over 25 years of teaching experience, Shaunquetta is very passionate about educating children academically, socially, and emotionally. She has her Sixth Year Degree in Advance Teaching and holds an 092 Intermediate Administrator Certification. Born and raised in New Haven, Shaunquetta enjoys serving and giving back to the community. She is the Director of Education for The New Haven Club of the NANBPWC, Inc. Additionally, she has served in leadership positions and on various committees within the Club. 

Alongside her teaching career, Shaunquetta is serial entrepreneur who loves to empower others to pursue their entrepreneurial endeavors.

 Ayana Jacobs is a proud mother of 2 and grandmother of 3, with 12 years of experience as a dedicated, compassionate nurse. Born and raised in New York, she carries her hometown pride everywhere she goes. Beyond nursing, Ayana is the proud owner of Y-Not Snack LLC, where she brings her passion for healthy living into business.

Ayana also serves as a board member of You're So Beautiful, Inc., an organization dedicated to empowerment, uplifting and positivity.

For Ayana, family , service, and community are at the heart of everything she does.