Leadership of the Friends of The Compton YAL Foundation
All staff and volunteers have completed basic youth protection training and there is monitoring and professional development throughout the year.
The staff is motivated, educated, caring and energetic. The coordinator and volunteers have chosen to work at Compton YAL because they love children. Compton YAL has chosen the staff and volunteers because they are responsible, reliable, and experienced in educational and recreational programs. All staff and volunteers have completed basic youth protection training and there is monitoring and professional development throughout the year. We believe regular communication between staff and participants is essential for success. Feel free to approach staff members with input, concerns, and questions. They will be happy to listen and help in any way possible.
Leadership of the Friends of The Compton YAL Foundation
Mrs. Angelica Garcia
Executive Program Director
Angelica Garcia has been volunteering for the Compton Sheriff’s Station for many years. She has put in countless hours at the Compton Sheriff’s Station and at the Compton Youth Activities League (YAL) without anything in return, but the rewarding smiles of those whom she has interacted with. She has touch the hearts of so many people during her service as a volunteer and as brought the community closer in the City of Compton. Some of the hearts that she has touched include many teens that have graduated from her teen pregnancy class. Not only is she a volunteer. She is a mentor for the next generation. Whenever there an event at the Compton Y.A.L we can count on Ms. Angelica to donate her time to help. Some of the events include: 2016 Southern Cal Silver Gloves Championship, Autism Awareness, 2017 Silver Gloves Championship, Compton YAL toy giveaway, Compton YAL Thanksgiving dinner, 2016 Angels for Sight Veterans and Family Expo, Champions for Caring Christmas toy giveaway, Teen Pregnancy Program. Ms. Angelica has been a vital member of the Compton community and because of her willingness to donate her time to helping others she has changed and affected the life of many.
Stuart Farber
PhD., MBA, MFT
Board Chairperson Organizational Psychologist
Dr. Farber is an Organizational Psychologist dedicated to serving not-for-profit, human service organizations (HSO). After spending more then 20 years working as a consultant, senior manager, and entrepreneur in the private sector, Dr. Farber now works solely in the not-for-profit sector. Dr. Farber’s work within the not-for- profit sector consists of teaching, conducting research and organizational consulting.
Retired Dep. Darryl Harkless
Vice President Retired LASD-Compton
Retired Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy (Compton) was responsible for establishing as community and youth resource. Although retired Deputy Harkless serves on the board of the Friends of the YAL and remains dedicated to finding new activities that serve CYAL mission.
Shea Hamilton
Emeritus 2020-2023 Executive Director, Angels for Sight
Director
Founded Angels for sight. Dedicated and committed to providing free vision screening, eye examinations and glasses to the uninsured, underserved children and seniors who otherwise would not have access to such services.
JT Torbit
Executive Director, CEO / Chief Strategist for Culture Avenue Co.
Director
If I were to talk about myself, I'd share that I'm a dedicated leader from Florida, deeply passionate about guiding and uplifting others. Currently, I serve as Elder at Greater Zion Church under the leadership of Dr. Michael Fisher and serve as the Business Operations Manager at LA Focus Newspaper. My background encompasses diverse roles, including hospitality management, business management, customer expertise, and diversity and inclusion strategy. I bring a versatile skill set to the table, excelling in operations, budgeting, talent management, public relations, and organizational leadership. What truly drives me is my commitment to diversity and inclusion. I thrive on creating environments where diverse thoughts and ideas are not just acknowledged but celebrated. It's my belief that fostering inclusivity leads to richer and more innovative outcomes.
Rafer Owens
Pastor Faith Inspirational Church
Director
Rafer is a veteran Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff in the City of Compton who joined the department in 1986 and has also served as the head pastor of Faith Inspirational Missionary Baptist Church in Compton since 1995. As a sheriff’s deputy, he is responsible for the safety and well-being of the citizens in the City of Compton. As a pastor, he guides his congregation in serving God and the community. He enjoys worshiping, working, shopping, and educating his own children in the area in which he grew up.
David Won
Pro Club Sales Executive Emeritus 2020-2023
Myka Miller,
Executive Director, Guitar Center Foundation
Treasurer
Myka Miller has a master’s degree in Music and Business Administration from the University of Southern California. She is also a member of the El Sistema USA Board of Directors and sits on the founding board of the Compton Youth Activities League and Extera Public Schools in Boyle Heights.
Anjetta Venture-Bowles
Director
Retired since June 2016, Anjetta Venters-Bowles has 30+ years of experience as a senior manager and executive in Public Service departments in state and local governments. She began her 40 year career with the public sector by working for the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD). There she led Divisions with the State Disability Insurance Branch, the Unemployment Insurance Branch, and managed Job Services Programs. Ms. Venters-Bowles began her career with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) on October 2010, as a Division Chief in the Bureau of Workforce Services (BWS). She was Chief In-Charge of BWS starting September 2011, and was appointed Assistant Director (AD) for BWS in April 2012. As AD, she planned, organized, and directed the operations of the bureau, the largest in the department with over 10,000 employees and 47 offices located throughout Los Angeles County. Ms. Venters-Bowles has a BS degree from the University of the Pacific, and completed the MBA program at Cal State University Los Angeles. She is married with two adult children. She is involved in community and civic organizations that focus on youth development and programming; education and providing affordable housing.
