Voices Still Speaking
Our Leadership
& Board
Voices Still Speaking is guided by leaders who believe every young person deserves to feel heard, valued, and confident using their voice. Together, our leadership and board provide oversight, strategic direction, community connections, and support for the continued growth of our mission.
Executive Leadership
Abdul Noah Haye
Founder & Executive DirectorVoices Still Speaking began with a truth Abdul Noah Haye knows personally: having a voice and feeling confident enough to use it are not the same thing.
As a person who stutters, Abdul understands how fear, insecurity, and judgment can cause someone to remain silent — even when they have something meaningful to say. His decision to keep speaking became the foundation for something much larger than his own story.
His background includes behavioral health, youth support, mentoring, community instruction, and nonprofit program leadership. Abdul created Lighthouse Academy to help young people strengthen their confidence, communication, self-advocacy, and leadership skills.
VSS was created for young people who feel unheard, overlooked, or uncertain of their place. Like a lighthouse, Voices Still Speaking provides guidance, encouragement, and direction — helping young people move from silence to confidence, and from hidden potential to visible participation.
Recognized by the Office of Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay — State of Delaware — for the work and impact of Voices Still Speaking, Inc.
Board of Directors
Dr. Danya Woods
Board PresidentDr. Danya Woods provides strategic leadership and helps guide the organization's vision, accountability, community impact, and partnership development. Her leadership supports the continued growth of Voices Still Speaking and its commitment to creating meaningful, measurable opportunities for young people.
Dr. Von Homer
Board Vice President & Director of InnovationDr. Von Homer is a neuroscientist who brings a scientific and research-informed perspective to Voices Still Speaking. As Vice President and Director of Innovation, he supports board leadership, program innovation, and evidence-informed approaches that strengthen youth confidence, communication, and personal development. He supports the use of data and new ideas to expand the long-term impact of VSS programming.
Emir Lakes
Director of Community Engagement & CommunicationsEmir Lakes brings experience in public speaking, photography, communications, and board service. He supports community engagement, organizational storytelling, relationship-building, and efforts to increase awareness of the Voices Still Speaking mission.
Chione Vaughn
Board Secretary & TreasurerChione Vaughn is the CEO and President of CV Admin & Notary. She brings administrative leadership, organization, documentation, and business experience to the board. Chione supports accurate recordkeeping, financial oversight, board coordination, and organizational accountability.
Join the Mission
Guided by Purpose.
Driven by Impact.
Our leadership team is committed to ensuring every student served by Voices Still Speaking has access to the structure, support, and opportunity to find their voice.