Sgt. Mamie Singleton (ret.) and the
Youth Initiation Mentoring Academies
Sgt. Mamie Singleton
Youth Initiative Mentoring Academies (YIMA) is a not-for-profit organization founded by "Sister" Mamie Singleton who also serves as a Diversity Foundation Advisory Board Member.
. YIMA sponsors selected programs for at-risk youth that exposes them to careers in the field of aviation and helps them develop leadership skills, and facilitates civic responsibilities.
One of the YIMA's programs is the Youth Initiatives Aviation Academy (YIAA) which is a mentoring program in which youth complete official aviation ground school training.
Youth Initiative Mentoring Academies partners adult law enforcement and community mentors with "at-risk" youth in tutoring and aviation flight training. Some of those mentors include members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, including the late Col. Kenneth O. Wofford, Major Vernon Hopson, and others.
Josiah Ellis with Mamie Singleton
Josiah Ellis is one of YIAA's many success stories. He started with the program at age twelve and received his private and commercial pilot's license. He is currently employed with Inflight Services in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Josiah also serves as a mentor for the program.
