Yvonne C. Withers

ENTREPRENEUR | AUTHOR | EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR | BUSINESS & COMMUNITY LEADER | CHILD SAFETY ADVOCATE

Yvonne C. Withers is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, early childhood educator, and community leader whose work is rooted in education, advocacy, economic empowerment, and service to others.

She proudly serves as President of the Long Beach Chapter of the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, where she is committed to advancing opportunities for Black-owned businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening professional relationships, and supporting economic growth within the community.

As the Owner and Director of KidsZone Preschool Academy in Pasadena, California, Yvonne has dedicated years of her professional career to early childhood education, child development, and family advocacy. Her experience working closely with children, educators, and families has shaped her understanding of the critical role that education, emotional well-being, and safe environments play in a child’s development.

Yvonne is also the Founder and President of The Brave Star Corporation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children through education, awareness, personal safety, and the courage to speak up. Through educational resources, children’s literature, community outreach, and partnerships, the organization seeks to equip children and the adults who protect them with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize unsafe situations, establish healthy boundaries, and encourage open communication.

As the author of Zuri’s Brave Star: Finding the Courage to Speak Up, Yvonne uses storytelling as a powerful educational tool to introduce age-appropriate conversations about body safety, personal boundaries, trusted adults, and self-advocacy. Her growing collection of children’s literature reflects her commitment to protecting childhood innocence while empowering young voices.

A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Yvonne brings both professional expertise and deeply personal purpose to her advocacy. Her decision to share her experiences reflects her belief that education, awareness, and compassionate intervention can help protect children and create meaningful change for future generations.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Yvonne is a proud mother of four adult children and a grandmother. She believes that strong businesses, empowered families, informed communities, and protected children are essential to building a stronger future.

Through her leadership in business, education, nonprofit service, and authorship, Yvonne C. Withers remains committed to turning experience into purpose, leadership into opportunity, and advocacy into lasting community impact.