About Us
Y.A.D.A
Y.A.D.A., or the Young Artist Development Association, is a non-profit organization aimed at providing comprehensive music education to underprivileged youth in America. It focuses on bridging the gap in access to music programs, particularly in urban areas where such programs have been reduced or eliminated due to budget constraints. Y.A.D.A. offers a tailored curriculum that encompasses various music genres, including pop, blues, R&B, jazz, and hip-hop, catering to the interests of urban youth.
Why Y.A.D.A?
Y.A.D.A. offers tailored music education for urban underprivileged youth, emphasizing diverse genres and leveraging digital technology for accessibility. Practical skill development, including digital videography and photography, culminates in demo CD and music video production. Through social media platforms and live streaming, Y.A.D.A. fosters collaboration and parental involvement. Committed to empowering underprivileged youth, the organization provides fully sponsored programs, scholarships, and strategic partnerships, shaping the next generation of artists, engineers, and producers
Seneca Hart
Founder
Seneca Hart is an accomplished businessman, educator, and philanthropist based in Newark, New Jersey. With a diverse range of interests including fitness, music production, videography, politics, and philanthropy, Seneca is deeply committed to personal and community development.
He began his professional journey at Virginia State University, where he earned a B.S. in Health Education & Recreation while playing NCAA football. This experience instilled in him a strong discipline that propelled him into the business sector. Seneca has successfully navigated various roles in the entertainment industry, founding RMG Records in Los Angeles, which has gained recognition for launching the career of groundbreaking female hip-hop artist Ruby Ibarra. Her debut CD, “Lost In Translation,” continues to resonate internationally, showcasing Seneca’s dedication to music and talent development. In addition to his ventures in music, he has made significant contributions as an educator. His experiences working with underprivileged families inspired him to establish the Young Artist Development Association (Y.A.D.A), a non-profit organization aimed at providing youth aged 10 to 18 with opportunities to explore music recording and video production. Y.A.D.A is now proudly located in Newark, NJ. Recently, Seneca completed his MBA in Marketing, further enhancing his expertise in business management. He is currently the CEO of VIP Fitness NYC and G.R.O.W Lifestyle, where he champions personal wellness and lifestyle improvement through innovative fitness solutions. In an ever-evolving and competitive landscape, Seneca Hart is focused on not only achieving business success but also on growing as a positive motivator and philanthropist, committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Dermel Warren
Director
Dermel Warren was born and raised in Memphis, TN, the home of BBQ, soul, and blues! She has lived in TN, AL, TX, and now resides in NJ. Dermel started her career as a pharmacy technician while obtaining her undergrad degree in English and Pre-pharmacy. She moved up in pharmacy and retail management, and training. While training pharmacy technicians district wide, she was offered a job teaching at a career college.
She loved teaching but experienced the complexity of advocating for her students, realizing that decisions are made by administration. Dermel wanted make a difference with data-based decisions in administration, so she pursued her master’s degree in adult education with concentration in administration and training. She started her administration career at Sanford Brown Institute in New York as the Director of Pharmacolgy. She later decided to move into higher education and received a job as an administrator at New York University. At NYU, she currently serves as the Assistant Director of Schack’s Academic and Faculty Affairs where she specializes in curriculum development, customized programming, faculty development, management, and training. She is also currently culminating her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. Last but not least, Dermel balances her professional career while maintaining a thriving music career! She has sang with Donald Lawrence, Yolanda Adams, Lisa Page-Brooks, Karen Clark-Sheard, Valerie Simpson of Ashford and Simpson, most recently Lil Nas X and many more. She is a singer, songwriter, and co-founder of J&D Warren Music where she serves alongside her spouse in music and in life.
Jeremy Warren
Director
Jeremy Warren, born and raised in North Little Rock, AR was heavily exposed to music growing up. His mother is an organist/pianist where she played at his grandfather’s and now currently his father’s church in Little Rock & North Little Rock, AR. Upon graduating from high school in 2003, he received a full jazz scholarship to The University of Memphis in Memphis, TN.
He received dual Bachelor Degrees in Jazz Studies and Music Education with license in May 2012. Memphis is where he credits his musical growth as a musician performing with many local/national artists as well as leading his own band whom performed every Saturday night on the famous Beale St. for two years. Jeremy received his Master’s Degree in Music from New York University in May 2015. While juggling a busy performance schedule, Warren teaches music at KIPP-NJ at Rise Academy. He holds the drum chair for world renown saxophonist Don Braden and the Don Braden Quartet. Jeremy can be heard on Braden’s highly acclaimed album “Earth, Wind, & Wonder.” In 2016, Jeremy released his debut album with his band JD Warren & The Rudiment which he co-leads with his wife Dermel Warren, titled “I Can Do All Things.” The album was named #85 on the Top 100 Jazz Albums for 2016 on the Roots Music Charts for radio play. Warren has also performed and/or recorded with artists such as GZA-Wu-Tang, Deanna Martin (Daughter of Dean Martin), Andy Milne, Lenny Pickett, John Scofield, Tom Scott, NYU Combo Nuvo, and many more. Jeremy plays Soul Tone Cymbals.
Dermel Warren was born and raised in Memphis, TN, where she grew up singing in her mother’s church. At church, she received her vocal training from Kelley Muller-Smith, first lady of Miracle Temple Ministries, Inc. She has performed background and lead vocals for Donald Lawrence, Richard Smallwood, Karen Clark-Sheard, Lisa Page Brooks, Beverly Crawford, Kurt Karr, Yolanda Adams, Ernest Pugh, Josh Milan (House Music Artist), jazz drummer Winard Harper, the amazing Valerie Simpson of Ashford and Simpson, and many more. Dermel has toured with Blues artists, the late Sergio Davis and Mel Waiters opening up for artists such as The Manhattans, Shirley Brown, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Bobby Womack, and Lenny Williams. She also opened up for Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, & Mint Condition as a solo artist at the Budweiser Summer Fest Tour in 2011. She is currently based out of New Jersey, collaborating with producers on their projects, and working on her debut album, “My Life’s Journey.”
DJ gWiz
Director
DJ gWiz: The Pulse of New York’s Sound With over 17 years of experience in the industry, DJ gWiz has built a reputation as one of New York’s most dynamic open format DJs. Known for his versatile style that seamlessly blends genres and creates unforgettable atmospheres, gWiz is a fixture in both the club scene and on the airwaves.
His impressive career includes high-profile residencies and appearances on some of the most iconic radio stations in the world, including Hot 97, WBLS, SiriusXM’s Shade 45, XMFLY, and Hip Hop Nation. As the official DJ for the “Turn The Tables” DJ show alongside the legendary Pretty Lou of the Heavy Hitters, gWiz continues to shape the culture with his unparalleled skill and infectious energy. Beyond the airwaves, gWiz has spun for major brands and organizations, lending his talents to exclusive events for companies like Nike, Meta, Audible, Footlocker, KIPP Schools, and the Brooklyn Nets, among others. Whether he’s rocking a packed club or providing the soundtrack for an elite corporate event, gWiz has the ability to read the room and deliver the perfect set every time. With a deep understanding of music, culture, and what it takes to keep a crowd engaged, DJ gWiz is more than just a DJ – he’s a true artist who brings his own unique flavor to every performance. Whether it’s on air, in the club, or behind the decks for a private event, gWiz continues to prove why he’s one of New York’s finest. Let DJ gWiz take you on a journey through sound – it’s a vibe you won’t forget.
Dr. Ray Cunningham
Director of Media and Communication
Dr. Ray Cunningham, III is a dynamic media professional, community advocate, and marketing consultant with over 17 years of experience in television, radio, film, and corporate communications. A proud two-time graduate of Virginia State University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, a master’s degree in Media Management, and an honorary doctorate in Humanitarianism.
As a dedicated advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and LGBTQ+ communities, Dr. Cunningham leverages his platform to champion diversity and inclusion. He has successfully executed national media campaigns for esteemed brands such as BET, Vh1, TVOne, Walmart, and Global Grind. His professional journey also includes roles as a Junior Marketing Associate for EBONY and in the Corporate Communications department at BET Network. Currently, Dr. Cunningham serves as a community outreach and marketing consultant for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and actively participates in initiatives like the Black College Expo and NAACP. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., through its Eta Pi Lambda chapter, he remains committed to leadership and service. Known nationally for his commitment to youth outreach, HBCU awareness, and uplifting marginalized communities, Dr. Ray Cunningham, III continues to be a force for positive change and empowerment.