About
THE RAYMOND BANKS ‘A WAY WITH WORDS’ FOUNDATION - FOUNDED 2019
Early on, Jennifer Rae Myers was inspired by her father to use words not only to express herself creatively but as a way to go beyond expectations. As a low-income inner city kid, her expressive talents both creatively and professionally afforded her many opportunities that otherwise would not be possible. Years later, in honor of her father, Jennifer Rae created the Foundation in hopes to provide “a way with words” for others like herself. By creating opportunities through the expressive arts, the purpose of The Raymond Banks ‘A Way With Words’ Foundation is to empower underserved communities by fostering vocational and artistic self-expression.
The Foundation’s Foundation
Dr.Jennifer Rae Myers, Founder & Executive Director
Jennifer Rae Myers is a research communication scientist with a focus on cognitive-communication as well as linguistic markers of cognitive and emotional processing. Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders at Bowling Green State University and also attended Howard University to earn her master’s in Communication Sciences & Disorders. After working as a speech-language pathologist for several years, she later earned her doctorate in Neuropsychology with a minor in cognitive psychology. A self-proclaimed ‘Word Artist’, Jennifer Rae has won several awards in poetry and prose and has performed for various organizations across the nation.
Ms. Chloe Beck, President
Chloe Beck is the director of equity, diversity, and inclusion for the broadway musical, Moulin Rouge. Chloe earned her bachelor's degree in Telecommunications with a focus on Radio and a minor in Ethnic Studies from Bowling Green State University. She later earned her M.Ed in College Student Personnel from Ohio University. Some of her interests includes podcasting, a youtube channel as well as writing contributions to numerous online magazines with topics ranging from weight loss to Whitney Houston. She's a know it all, who gladly acknowledges that she doesn't know anything at all.
Mrs. Ashley Wilson, Secretary & Treasurer
Ashley T. Wilson is a Brooklyn native who specializes in Communication Disorders as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Maryland. Ashley provides skilled services focusing on improving cognitive- linguistic function post neurological events. Ashley earned her bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and her Master's degree from Howard University in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Ashley's goal is to facilitate essential communication strategies to further improve an individual's overall quality of life.
Mr. Raymond Banks, Community Outreach Officer
A NY native, Raymond has over 20 years of experience working in the community as a social justice advocate and writer. One of his most notable projects was the creation of a writing group at John Heuss House, a homeless drop-in center located near Wall St. The success of the group prompted the creation of a monthly newsletter, “Off the Wall” that highlighted the works of those involved in the group as well as the importance of self-expression for healing. Nowadays, Raymond is a freelance writer/poet with an emphasis on social issues and reform for the historically disenfranchised.
We currently have 2 vacancies and would love individuals invested in the success of our community to join us. Interested? Please send an inquiry to COMMUNITY@raymondbanksfoundation.org
Diversity Statement
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of all we do.
Our commitment to these values is unwavering – across all of our outreach. Our mission is to create and elevate community-focused opportunities through the power of the expressive arts.
We believe that the arts are pivotal to creating understanding, educating and championing free expression. We foster this by living our values of freedom of expression, empowerment, and opportunity. The Raymond Banks foundation centers the voices of those who are both marginalized and underserved. Bringing many safe space opportunities for creativity and expression. They are central to our mission and to our impact and we encourage varied narratives to help generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing—and increasingly diverse—world.
Your story matters and we work to make spaces for them to be told.