Who We Are

Our vision is to empower, engage and impact underserved youth ages 8-18 through creativity, character building, and entrepreneurship.

Our Mission is to provide the tools for our youth to be successful creative thinkers, and problem solvers.

Our Story

Von and Latasha Watts founded the YEP We Design Foundation in 2019 to provide like-minded individuals the tools to be successful. Imagination starts at a young age and can potentially develop into something greater if channeled through the correct outlets.

Co-Founder Von Watts developed a passion for art and design upon moving from Florida to Indianapolis. Being removed from her family and friends was a very traumatic time in her life. Upon moving to Indianapolis, and getting settled in, Von experienced bullying for the first time, which made an already stressful situation even more traumatic.

To escape her new reality, Von turned to art, sports, and music. That passion for art was discovered during her 6th grade year of elementary and it has stuck with her ever since. Throughout Junior High and High School years, she made sure all electives involved some type of art. Whether it be photography, visual communications or even ceramics, Von made sure she kept herself involved in the arts.

Although Von kept herself busy during school hours, after school is where she really needed that escape. She didn’t have access to the tools she had in school at home.

Co-Founder Latasha Compton-Watts developed a love for youth, and youth in foster care at a young age. Growing up in a household where her mom operated her own childcare and was a foster parent, Latasha was heavily involved with helping operating and planning the programs for her moms childcare center. Currently Latasha has a degree in early childhood education, and previously was a registered behavioral therapist working one on one with kids on the spectrum.

To date, Von and Latasha are foster parents, and enjoy providing a safe haven for kids in need. As foster parents we have been able to see where we can help fill the gap and serve our foster families in need.

The love for creativity, youth, and the foster care system was the motivation that drove Von and Latasha to start the YEP We Design Foundation.

Join us in Impacting Our Youth Through

Creativity

Learning the fundamentals of design, collaboration, marketing strategies, and how to use creative thinking to solve problems.

Character Building

Empowering youth to embrace their individuality, remain confident with who they are, and learn how to set and accomplish goals.

Entrepreneurship

Giving youth the opportunity to learn entrepreneurship, business, and financial skills. Learning how to start, manage, market, and promote their own business.