ECLN was established in February, 2014, as a charitable transformative nonprofit (501 (c) 3), serving middle school girls in the United States. The founders:
Mrs. Phyllis York is the Executive Director of ECLN. She has over 35 years of experience as a Special Educator and Middle School Administrator. She received a B.S. degree in Special Education from Dillard University; M. S. degree in Human Resource Development/Educational Leadership from Towson University; and postgraduate studies at Hampton University and Old Dominion University.
Most recently, Mrs. York contributed her leadership skills to the 2017 class of Leadership Frederick Program. Leadership Frederick is a "premier, 9-month leadership experience organized by the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. The program provides unique perspective on the problems, opportunities, and issues facing Frederick County. And with an alumni network of more 850 graduates, the connections - and the positive community impact from those connections - continue for years to come".
Dr. Lorenzo York is the Development Officer of ECLN. He is a retired Navy Chaplain endorsed by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with over 29 years. He received a B.A. degree in Political Science from Tulane University; M.Div. degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the Interdenominational Theological Center; D.Min. degree in Formational Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary, a graduate division of Ashland University. He served as Director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Ashland Theological Seminary.
Lorenzo and Phyllis have a passion for challenging youth, particularly middle school females, to achieve their fullest potential in every aspect of their lives.