
OUR HISTORY
In 2020, amidst the upheaval of the pandemic, Ron Atkinson had a vision to create a nonprofit organization, YESUSA Transformational Cities, which would address the widening challenges faced by underserved youth and families in our community. YESUSA would be different from other nonprofits, because Ron is a firm believer that one organization cannot do the work alone. COLLABORATION and UNITY shifts the climate and outcomes of our COMMUNITIES and YOUTH.
The collaborative Community Classroom Project was born from this vision. Now, YESUSA functions as the lead nonprofit in the collaborative COMMUNITY CLASSROOM PROJECT featuring JED White LLC, GOing2COLLEGEisEZ, Let's Make a Difference, and many others. Ron understands the importance of UNITY! Unity of mind and purpose of the collaborative partners is bringing opportunities to our youth/families which has been out of reach for many, including Character Development, Values Based Leadership training, College/Career Preparedness, Parent Engagement/Education, Trauma Healing, and even Athletic Skills Development.
With your partnership and support, we are poised to make a meaningful difference, one campus, one community, and one life at a time. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that resonates far beyond our immediate reach, impacting lives and shaping futures for generations to come.
OUR TEAM

RONALD ATKINSON
Founder/Executive Director
Ron is a VISIONARY with a heart for underserved youth and families who understands the importance of UNITY and COLLABORATION. With over 40 years of rich and varied work and life experience, he leads YESUSA with a focus on relationship building. Ron often says:
If we can win a campus, we can win a community.
If we can win a community, we can win a city.
If we can win a city, we can win a country.
If we can win a country, we can win 195 nations.

MELISSA CURLEY
Community Classroom Operations/Development
Melissa is a business professional who uses her skills to help bring Ron's VISION to reality. Through planning, organizing, and attention to detail, she contributes to the success of the collaborative Community Classroom project. Although you can frequently find Melissa focused on a grant application or an excel spreadsheet, she strives to spend as much time as possible mentoring students on the school campuses where Community Classroom is active.

NIA CASON
Business Support Associate
Antonia (aka Nia) is a soulful musician with a heart for community. Through her music, she brings people together, sparking connection and inspiring collective action. Off the stage, she’s a quiet force—organizing, collecting data, and supporting Ron with the behind-the-scenes work that brings big visions to life.
Nia also gives her time generously to the youth, showing up where she’s needed most to mentor, uplift, and build lasting bonds. Her rhythm fuels both harmony and hope in the community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LINDA CARRINGTON
Board Member
CEO, Diversified Strategies Financial Services. Virginia Beach, VA
ERIC THOMPSON
Board Member
Senior Vice President, UBS Financial Services, Inc
JAMES L. PAYNE
Board Member
Founder, JP Enterprise
CHARLES REID
Board Member
Financial Center Manager, Fulton Bank
LIZ WARREN
Board Member
Retired Elementary School Principal, Virginia Beach Public Schools
