Meet the Founder & Board of Directors
Nyosha "Mz.Yoshi" Toler
Founder & Executive Director
President of Board
Mrs. Toler-Chisolm is an Early Childhood Special Educator in Henrico County Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from University of Lynchburg in Communications/Public Relations and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Liberty University. First operating YoshiKidz Academy under the LLC, YoshiSamoa Entertainment since 2020, Mz.Yoshi officially formed the nonprofit in December 2022. Her love for children shows through her many years of outreach, workshops, and programs that focus on a student's confidence, social skills, and performing arts.
Latoya Perkins
Vice President
Latoya Perkins is a real estate agent for Richmond, VA and surrounding areas. She has multiple business endeavors including a modeling agency, GEMS Academy, where she teaches young girls that beauty isn't just on the outside. She is YoshiKidz' Confidence Coach and
vice- president of the board.
Dannie Fife
Dannie Fife is the Program Coordinator of Student Success at VCU who has a passion for anything dance! She has expertise in praise dance and is currently our Praise Dance Coach for YoshiKidz Dance Team and secretary of the Board.
Secretary
Suzanne Leiter
Treasurer
Suzanne Leiter is a preschool teacher in Richmond Public Schools and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in School Counseling. Her passion is to make a difference in the lives of children and give them more opportunities and skills needed to be successful.
Keona Robinson
Keona Robinson holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and is currently studying to be a licensed massage therapist and personal trainer. She comes to us from the state of Maryland and loves to inspire children. She is driven to help provide a platform for children of all ages to excel.
Board Member
Keisha Walker
Keisha Walker is an administrative services coordinator who has worked with various nonprofits for over 15 years. She loves inspiring youth and helping others.
Aponi Liggins
Aponi Liggins is a Certified Behavior and Autism Specialist from Richmond, VA. She is a fun loving, creative, out going person who love to help out others and give back to the community.
Board Member
Board Member
Davishia Baldwin
Board Member
Davishia Jones-Baldwin is a proud alumnae of Winston-Salem State University and is employed as a Change Management professional. She is also a senior certified human resource manager. Currently she is completing a Master’s of Science degree in Organizational Leadership at Mercer University, has led various liturgical dance ministries, and is a great asset to the team!
Lakeithsha Franklin
Board Member
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Lakeithsha, a native of Richmond, VA, brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood and special education. She has demonstrated leadership as a ministry youth leader and has been an active member of the Early Childhood/Head Start Policy Council. As the newest member of our board, Lakeithsha is committed to nurturing a passion for learning in youth by promoting academic growth, fostering positive relationships, and helping to create opportunities that encourage lifelong learning and leadership development. We are excited to welcome her aboard!