Who we are
Musical Expressions Experience is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “provide all youth with a healthy and artistic experience of music and art learning”. Our innovative model program will provide learning opportunities and experiences to under resourced communities in music and arts education for youth. Our goal is to build academic, social and personal development skills for youth who are enrolled in our program.
Our vision is “to ensure that every youth have the opportunity to experience learning music and arts in the State of Mississippi”.
Our Team
Chelsea Young
Founder, Executive Director
Background and Education
Chelsea Young, a native of Jackson, MS is a dedicated advocate for arts education, with a robust academic background in the Entertainment Music Industry Studies and Entrepreneurship. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2016 from Delta State University, followed by a Master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Entertainment Industry Studies in 2020. In addition to her degrees, she obtained a Grant Writing Certification in 2021, further enhancing her skills to support arts initiatives.
Professional Experience
Over the past eight years, helping to advance the importance of Arts Education Young, collaborated with many arts organizations in the Mississippi Delta region, striving to connect with and empower the students of those organizations through the arts. Young’s professional journey includes significant roles that highlight her commitment to music and arts education. In 2017, she served as the Project Coordinator for “Healing with a Groove 2.0” at Delta State University, where she facilitated programs aimed at using music as a therapeutic tool for healing and community engagement. This role underscored her ability to merge artistic expression with community service.
In 2019, Young took on the position of Education Assistant at the Grammy Museum Mississippi. Here, she contributed to educational programming, created arts curriculums, taught ukulele sessions, and promoted music appreciation and cultural awareness among students and the broader community. Her work at the museum allowed her to engage with diverse audiences and foster an understanding of the significance of music in society.
Recent Contributions and Initiatives
Most recently, Chelsea Young was granted the opportunity to present at the Mississippi Whole Schools “Summer Institute” 2024 Conference held at the University of Southern Mississippi. During this conference, she shared insights with educators from across the Mississippi region about how integrating arts and music education into classrooms can significantly benefit youth development. Her presentation emphasized innovative teaching methods and strategies for incorporating arts into various subjects.
Young has also piloted a violin string ensemble program aimed at connecting students with musical opportunities while fostering teamwork and creativity. Through these initiatives, she strives to empower students from various backgrounds by providing them access to quality arts education.
Commitment to Arts Education
Throughout her career, Chelsea Young has worked tirelessly to advance the importance of arts education within schools and communities. Her passion lies in connecting with students through artistic endeavors, ensuring they have opportunities to express themselves creatively while developing essential life skills.
In summary, Chelsea Young is not only an accomplished educator but also a passionate advocate for integrating music into educational frameworks. Her efforts continue to inspire both students and educators alike as she champions the transformative power of arts education.
FaDerricka B. Harvey
Project Director
Background and Education
FaDerricka B. Harvey, a dedicated native of Greenville, MS, earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rust College. She further enhanced her qualifications by obtaining both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Professional Accountancy from Delta State University. With a wealth of experience in administration, she has collaborated with numerous non-profit organizations, refining her skills in database systems and providing top-notch administrative support.
Currently, Ms. Harvey contributes her administrative expertise to Musical Expressions Experience, where she plays a critical role in achieving project goals and objectives efficiently. Her key tasks include preparing financial and programmatic reports, coordinating appointments and requests, and implementing necessary improvements. Additionally, she leads fundraising initiatives, cultivates relationships with donors, and devises strategies for individual contributions and grant proposals in partnership with the Executive Director.
Beyond these responsibilities, Ms. Harvey helps maintain the daily operations, organizes workshops, curricula and facilitates meetings for internal and external review boards and committees. In essence, she oversees specific programs within the organization, ensuring they are aligned with strategic goals and executed effectively.
Meet Our Board
Mrs. Kartessa Bell
Bell’s mission is to inspire women and youth to perceive and accelerate their future with positive thinking and actions. Trained as a writer, researcher, educator, and organizer, she has a background in communications, project management, strategic planning and leadership, instructional coaching, music, and fitness. During the twenty years, Kartessa has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service helping organizations build momentum in a world that is changing rapidly in seconds each day while bringing critical issues affecting women and children to the forefront.
Mr. John Brandon
J.B. Brandon holds a BSBA in Accounting and Masters of Professional Accountacy from the University of Southern Mississippi. While still in undergrad he worked at Community Connection Inc., which provides housing assistance for needy individuals. He worked there in combination of other business owned by the same individuals for about a year and half. Currently, he works as an auditor with the state and deals with state agencies that give grants to non-profits.
Mr. John Young
John Young holds a degree in Machine Shop Technology and a Certification in Programs for Machinists. With over 30 years of machine maintenance experience, he honed his skills while working at Levi Strauss and Company in Gluck Stadt, Mississippi. John is currently proud to serve on the board of the Musical Expressions Experience, contributing his expertise and passion to the organization.
Mrs. Carolyn Young
Carolyn Young holds a degree and certification in Medical Coding and Medical Assistance. With over 25 years of experience in the medical field, her expertise spans various roles, including Patient Access Navigator, Nuclear Medicine Assistant, Medical Coder, Medical Assistant, and Mammogram Assistant. Currently, she serves at the Baptist Hospital’s Center for Breast Health in Jackson, MS.
Ms. LaRonda Bankston
LaRonda Bankston holds a degree and certification in Computer Technology, bringing over 12 years of experience in data support. She is a Certified Health & Life Coach with a substantial following and more than a decade of experience in the field. Currently, Ms. Bankston serves as a Wireless Multi Media Senior Advisor at Apple, Inc., where she leverages her expertise in partnership with one of the industry's foremost tech figures, having held a supervisory role in this capacity for over five years. LaRonda is highly passionate about her work at Apple and looks forward to contributing her talents to Musical Expressions Experience.
Thank You
On behalf of our team we would like to give thanks and dedication to our M.E.E Board Members and Donors. It all began with a mission and passion. Your dedication helped turn a hobby into something more. Thank you, for being apart of molding the next generation of Mississippi Musicians.
