Mission
To elevate young melanated Queens by curating and creating spaces for joy, belonging, healing, faith, self-discovery, artistry, and expression.
Vision
YQR envisions a world where young melanated Queens feel empowered to confidently embrace their unique identities, cultivate a strong sense of belonging, and emerge as influential leaders in their communities.
Meet Our Founder
Clauder is a woman of God and a proud first-generation Haitian seed. She is the fruit of two educators who has set the path for excellence before her. She grew up for some time in Port au Prince, Haiti, and transitioned to Massachusetts as a newcomer at the age of 15.
She is passionate about elevating and advocating for Black & Brown girls and young women. She is multifaceted professional with experience in international travels and education, newcomer transition, culturally affirming curriculum development, BIPOC girl-centered program management, and performing arts.
With a lifelong passion for dance, she embarked on her journey at the age of 2, immersing herself in ballet, jazz, and Haitian folklore. Her dance trajectory took an exciting turn at 13 when she discovered Latin dances, with salsa becoming a particular favorite due to its blend of rhythm and flavor. Over the past 8 years, she has honed her skills in Salsa, and Afro-Cuban rhythms through professional training at Rumba y Timbal, transitioning into performance and teaching. Most recently, she discovered her true purpose and identity in Christ through praise dance fused with African musical cultural elements.
Driven by her love for dance, community, and belonging, Clauder founded a cultural dance group that began at Malden High School and blossomed at Suffolk University, notably contributing to their 11-year milestone this past January 2024. She has also earned her master's degree in Gender and Cultural Studies, where she dove deep into salsa's Black roots, seeking to uncover its profound significance to her and the narratives of young Black and Brown girls. Recently, she has immersed herself in praise dance and combining it with African-inspired songs and movement to find healing and joy.
She served as the Director of Programs at a girls of color serving nonprofit organization, where she has been instrumental in expanding culturally affirming programs across three regions in Massachusetts in person and virtually through the US. As a dedicated professional and artist, she emphasizes on culturally relevant workshops and Afro movement through praise and empowers young melanated Queens to embrace their identities, realize their potential, and share their unique stories through community and artistic expression.