About Us
DC Youth Talent Bridge connects young people across the District with the jobs, training, and support they need to build lasting careers.
Our Mission
Empower, educate, elevate, and connect DC youth to meaningful work and lifelong opportunity.
Who We Serve
Young adults, students, returning citizens, and the employers ready to invest in them.
Our Values
Dignity, access, and accountability every step from first resume to first promotion.
Why DC Youth Talent Bridge Was Created
Teauna Drake
Founder & Board Chair
Founder's Story
DC Youth Talent Bridge was founded by Teauna Drake, a human resources and workforce development professional who has spent more than a decade helping organizations recruit, hire, develop, and retain talent.
Throughout her career, Teauna witnessed a recurring challenge: employers struggled to find qualified and motivated talent, while many young people struggled to access opportunities that could launch meaningful careers. Too often, talented youth were overlooked because they lacked professional networks, work experience, guidance, or access to resources that could help them succeed.
As a community advocate and volunteer, Teauna saw firsthand how many young people in Washington, DC had tremendous potential but lacked clear pathways to employment, mentorship, and career development. She recognized that with the right support, training, and opportunities, these young individuals could become future leaders, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals.
Inspired by a passion for helping others achieve economic independence and career success, Teauna established DC Youth Talent Bridge to serve as a connection point between youth and opportunity. The organization was created to bridge the gap between untapped talent and employers seeking motivated workers while providing young people with the tools, confidence, and support needed to thrive in today's workforce.
DC Youth Talent Bridge is more than a workforce development organization it is a commitment to creating brighter futures, strengthening communities, and ensuring that every young person has access to opportunities that can transform their lives.
Teauna believes that when young people are equipped with the right resources, mentorship, and career opportunities, they not only change their own lives but also positively impact their families, neighborhoods, and communities for generations to come.
That belief continues to drive the mission of DC Youth Talent Bridge every day.