meet our board

Ms. Jenai Williams is the founder and board president of the Genuine Gems Inc. Sorority.  Ms. Jenai Williams serves as a highly-skilled Agent for the New York City Police Department. Currently invested in Law Enforcement with 18 years of experience providing safe and secure environments for students and Department of Education staff within the five boroughs of New York City Public Schools.  As a notifications specialist, she possesses effective correspondence skills which she utilizes to communicate with the executives of the  Department. Ms. Jenai is well versed in analytical thinking, mentoring, decorating, and exercises great communication skills. Aside from her work-related expertise, Jenai is a mother. She works extremely hard to make sure that her children are equipped- with the educated knowledge, skills, and ambition that's needed for success.  In 2011, Jenai became the guardian of three young girls. It was then that she realized her life would change forever. She then developed the idea to start her mentoring program.  Since 2015, giving girls gems of knowledge has been her resolution to breaking the Stigma Of What Beauty Is Expected To Be.  Her sole objective for The Genuine Gems Inc. was to design a Nonprofit Organization that would Create & Empower Young Girls.  Her heart to serve others; emerges from an emotion of care or love.  Jenai works diligently to encourage, listen, lead, build, and restore morals within youth girls.  She educates girls to become role models for the footsteps that follow behind them. Jenai has always been a woman Of Etiquette & Integrity.  She encourages girls to uplift one another -Not Become Jealous. Be Confident - Not Cocky, Goal Driven Educated and Kind individuals.  Jenai Williams is a humble and loving full-time parent, that believes proper etiquette is essential in young ladies!! Ms. Jenai continues to be a positive leader for young girls in her community.  

Shayla McKinnon joined Genuine Gems as the Social Relations Manager. In this role, she works on promoting  wellness and resilience by reinforcing communication, social skills, problem solving, and self-determination, through various activities. Prior to joining the Genuine Gems Sorority, she has held multiple mentorship and leadership roles such as dance teacher, early intervention head teacher, and youth program director. She holds an Associate in Liberal Arts from Hartford University, a Bachelors in Psychology from SUNY Old Westbury, and a Masters in School Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from LIU Brooklyn. Shayla is a certified School Psychologist and Behavior Therapist for New York State. She advocates for children and families by providing direct support and interventions to promote positive behavior and mental health. She also evaluates eligibility for special education services. In addition, to providing counseling to students struggling with social, emotional and behavioral problems. Shayla is passionate about applying her training and experiences to ensure the young ladies of the Genuine Gem Sorority meet their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.