OVERVIEW
History
The Foundation for Delta Educational and Economic Development (DEED) is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on empowering youth, women, and families through educational and economic development. The DEED Foundation was established in 1998 to fundraise for youth scholarships and community programming and to facilitate the acquisition of a building for housing of its community service initiatives. In 2015, DEED purchased a historic property now known as the Athenaeum and renamed to The Delta Athenaeum to affirm its commitment to this founding purpose.
Mission and Values
DEED is committed to improving the lives of youth, women, and families in the greater Kansas City area by sharing educational resources, promoting youth development, advocating for social justice, and advancing economic development through strategic partnerships, programs, and community initiatives. This collaborative effort is the key to our vision of being a positive, public, community resource committed to investing and developing within the urban core. Programmatic activity aligns across four key pillars:
- Educational Empowerment
- Social Justice and Equity
- Youth Development
- Economic Development
Staff
Board
2025-2026 Board
Seated: Melba Tyson (Secretary), Selena Smith (Vice President), Myra Everette (President), Debra Davis (Treasurer), Nicole Bohannon (Financial Secretary)Standing: Marceda Starks, Rhonda Tigner, Lauren Allen, Alaina Brooks, Rita Holmes-Bobo, Lorene James, Nicole Smith; Not pictured: Consuelo Ross
2026 DEED Board Members
Seated: Melba Tyson (Secretary), Selena Smith (Vice President), Myra Everette (President), Debra Davis (Treasurer), Nicole Bohannon (Financial Secretary)
Standing: Marceda Starks, Rhonda Tigner, Lauren Allen, Alaina Brooks, Rita Holmes-Bobo, Lorene James, Nicole Smith
Not pictured: Consuelo Ross
DEED Board Officers 2025-2026
Myra D. Everette
President
Selena Smith
Vice President
Melba Tyson
Secretary
Debra A. Davis
Treasurer
Nicole L. Bohannon
Financial Secretary
DEED Board Members 2026
Lauren Allen
Nicole Bohannan
Alaina Brooks
Debra Davis
Myra D. Everette
Rita Holmes-Bobo
Lorene James
Consuelo Ross
Nicole Smith
Selena Smith
Marceda Starks
Rhonda Tigner
Melba Tyson
DEED Board of Directors Application
Deadline: September 30th