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.

Board of directors:

Dr.Jennifer Rae Myers, Founder & President

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 as well as performed for various organizations across the nation.

Ms. Chloe Beck, Vice President

Chloe Beck is a Residence Hall Director at New York University. 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. Along with Chloe's love for the college student experience on college campuses, she also has an avid passion for all things media and popular culture. Some of her work 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.