About Us

Growing up, my mom had a passion for working in schools that were Title 1. This meant that the schools were from areas that were under served. My mom found unique ways to get involved with the communities and families. In my early 20's I took a long term substitute position at Witter Elementary. Witter is also a Title 1 school. My mom was the AP at the time and I absolutely fell in love with the kids and the area. I had one student that I tried to follow throughout the years. His path was dark and unfortunately without the support he deserved, he is spending most of his life behind bars.. When I found out the path his life took, I felt a strong calling to get involved in a bigger way. I joined Tampa Urban YoungLife as a volunteer and then as a staff leader working with middle schoolers in the University Area. Watching the youth "age out" made me want to provide services to young adults in the area and continue to be an area of support and service, 

A native of Tampa,  Paulette Upshaw-Wells, has a passion to inspire, uplift and encourage youth and young adults of all ages. Her involvement in the Tampa Bay and surrounding areas has lead to the success and well being of many, as she continues to support and engage youth from Elementary to High School including College Students. Her purpose and passion is heartfelt and is demonstrated daily by her greatest motivation, her parents who instill family-oriented values. Being the 5th daughter of 6 girls, married to her husband, Tyrone for over 21 years, her love for people is transparent. 

Mrs. Paulette, extends her self in the community as a Choir Director for Grace Mary and for the Progressive M & E Baptist Convention of Florida serving well over 250 youth. Providing an avenue for youth to express their gifts and talents, she is also a choreographer for Dance/Mime team at her local church. She is the C.O.O. of Tampa Bay Gospel News and Awards, serves on the Community NFL Advisory Board for the Glazier Foundation, in partnership of the Jackson Heights Youth Education Town Center, also actively assist with the arranging of the Anthem participants for Entertainment for the Buccaneers (NFL), A Youth Counselor for (O.T.A.Y) Outreach to America’s Youth, under the leadership  of RV & Frances Brown.

Her willingness to give all she can, while she can is limitless. Seeing Youth and Children develop into their greatest potential brings an overwhelming joy. In humbleness, her favorite passage of scripture is Matthew 25:40.