Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolanda Ragland.
Hi Yolanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello, my name is Yolanda Ragland, allow me to take a moment to introduce myself to those who dont know me. I am a mother, a wife, a child of God, a hard worker, a community servant, entertainer, and in many situations, a boss!
I am in my 26th year as a Ford Motor Company employee and UAW member. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about life working in a factory. I think my biggest lesson was how to speak up for myself and not be afraid to fight for what is right. My willingness to stand up helped land myself a position as an Alternate UAW Union District Representative in 2018. I am now a full time UAW Employee Special Services Representative. (ESSP OR EAP Rep) As an ESSP representative it is my job to help introduce, create and promote well-being initiatives and opportunities. The repetitions work in a manufacturing setting can been unbearable at times. I especially enjoy serving in a position that allows me to help others and give back. I am extremely grateful for my day job but I never stopped pursuing my dreams outside of work!
I’m also an entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the independent music and entertainment industry. Some people may know me as the rap artist Baby Yo while others may have met me as MOBDIVA. I have released music on all major streaming platforms with 4 albums to my resume. Recently, I’ve enjoyed transitioning from talent to a talent agent! I’ve co-owned recording studios, owned and co-owned two salons, hosted and co-hosted radio, podcast, TV, and live performance shows! I also launched my own modeling, fashion, and cosmetic line named “Money Over Boyz.” M.O.B. is a woman empowered brand I’ve been building since dropping my music album titled the same in 2018. Currently, I am extremely excited to showcase more of my creative skills as a film writer, director, and editor of the independent films “Money Over Boyz” & Where She Creep”. They are re launching on Tubi & Amazon Prime soon.
The Transition:
Life has a way of knocking you down in order to build you up and share what you have learned with others. I lost my 19 year old Son Brandon D. Cross in 2017 to gun violence. My world immediately stopped and the creative arts were the furthest thing from my mind. During Covid my husband and I decided to take our creative talents and pour into our community youth. We launched a youth based nonprofit program with a creative arts & anti-violence initiative in 2018.
Elevation Youth Corp, was birthed in pain & urgency! Our Son Brandon was an artist just like us. We wanted to keep the dream he had to pursue his music alive! Introducing our community youth to many creative arts skills including Introduction to AI, Fashion Design, Painting, film making and Dance. Our creative arts summer program and community outreach opportunities bring so much joy to our family, volunteers and community partners.
If you are interested in learning more about our program, how to volunteer, or donate you may visit our website Elevationyouthcorp.org
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think finding my own sound in music has been a challenge. I am very versatile with my delivery so I do not like being placed in a box. Loosing my son in 2017 has been the ultimate struggle with even wanting to continue a music career. I believe his lost changed me and matured me. That’s why I moved on to acting, writing films and directing movies as well as working with kids in my community interested in the creative arts.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
They can visit my non-profit and support by giving a donation, volunteering or coming out to one of our community events.
Contact Info:
- Website: Rodfilmpro.com or Elevationyouthcorp.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevation_youthcorp and https://www.instagram.com/r_o_d_films
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1avwHgCaSX/
