Today we’d like to introduce you to Destinee Ramson.
Hi Destinee, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story ultimately begins being born and raised in this Memphis. From a young age, my family taught me not only to love Memphis, but to understand it. The stories, the culture, the history… those became the first pathways toward realizing that if I truly loved my city, I had a role to play in helping shape its future.
As I grew, that love evolved into a question that stayed with me: How can we add another layer of greatness to the legacy of Memphis? That question became my compass.
Working in education for years, I saw firsthand the obstacles many of our urban youth face such as barriers to opportunity, limited access to mentorship, and the pressure of navigating adulthood without clear guidance. But I also saw something greater: their potential. Their brilliance. Their hunger for direction and belonging.
So I began building the Memphis Youth Development Group (MYDG) to introduce opportunities and areas of interest to youth, so they could move through life with more clarity, confidence, and concrete direction. I wanted to help youth discover their strengths before the world had a chance to define them.
With all the uncertainties that come with starting something new, I was certain of one thing: our youth need shared knowledge, consistent mentorship, and a community that believes in them. Using my background as an educator, creative, and leader, I decided to do my part and to do it intentionally.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, I’d say so. While building MYDG, there have definitely been challenges, but we’ve had more wins than setbacks. What’s made the difference is approaching everything with a growth mindset. As a team, we believe there’s something to learn from every experience, and that’s helped us improve as we go.
That mindset has shaped how we work. It’s helped us build a strong foundation and community early on. Instead of getting stuck on what’s not working, we focus on what the moment is teaching us, and that’s made the journey feel a lot more steady.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the Founder and Executive Director of Memphis Youth Development Group (MYDG), a 501(c)(3) that empowers youth through mentorship, leadership development, and culturally relevant programs. As a former educator and instructional coach, my background in education really shapes the work I do.
One of our core programs is Mentors360, which emphasizes cyclical learning using curriculums focused on self-awareness, building confidence, and community leadership. It creates a safe “third space” where youth can explore new opportunities outside of school and home.
What sets MYDG apart is how rooted we are in the culture and community of Memphis. Everything we do is designed to meet youth where they are and help them grow into who they’re meant to be. I’m proud of the strong foundation we’ve built and how quickly we’ve become a trusted resource for families.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MemphisYDG.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydg901?igsh=MW84cW94ZjZxdWp4Yw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15nubZL9cB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
