About Us

Sapphire Youth Development Center is dedicated to empowering youth through academic excellence, artistic expression, character building, and personal development—helping them discover their God-given purpose.

Our Vision

"To build a world where every young person recognizes their God-given purpose and possesses the unshakeable confidence and excellence to pursue it."

Welcome to Sapphire YDC

Our Mission

Sapphire's mission is to empower marginalized and underprivileged youth ages 5–18, creating pathways to success by providing tools, increasing academic excellence, nurturing artistic abilities, and fostering personal growth that instills excellence, integrity, and self-discipline.

The Heart of Our Operations

Guiding Philosophy: Purpose-Driven Excellence

This philosophy dictates that all operations, programs, and decisions must adhere to two core principles:

Excellence as the Standard (The HOW)

The organization commits to operational excellence—in its staff, curriculum, facilities, and mentorship—not as an endpoint, but as the necessary means to fully serve its mission. This means striving for the highest quality in every action.

Purpose as the Driver (The WHY)

All efforts are ultimately directed toward helping each child discover, articulate, and prepare to live out their unique potential. The goal is not just to produce high-achieving students, but fulfilled individuals.

Our Everyday Behaviors

Actionable Core Values

Moving beyond abstract words to daily, actionable behaviors that guide our mentors and inspire our youth.

Awaken Inherent Purpose

Kid Version: "Find Your Spark"
"I am special, and I have unique gifts to share with the world."

The Action: We look past circumstances to identify the unique gifts in every child and provide the spark that helps them see it for themselves.

Embody Unshakeable Excellence

Kid Version: "Always Do Your Best"
"Good enough isn't enough; I put care and effort into everything I do."

The Action: We set the standard by doing our best work in every interaction, teaching that excellence is a habit of moving with precision and care.

Lead with Radical Integrity

Kid Version: "Do the Right Thing"
"I am honest and trustworthy, even when nobody is watching."

The Action: We do what is right, especially when it is difficult or unseen, aligning actions with words so youth have a consistent map to follow.

Cultivate Discipline as a Foundation

Kid Version: "Master Your Focus" (Self-control is my superpower)
"Practicing self-control helps me unlock my own power and reach my goals."

The Action: We practice the daily habits of focus and self-control, teaching our youth that mastering themselves is the first step toward mastering their future.

Champion Pathways for Others

Kid Version: "Lift Others Up"
"We succeed together by helping others and clearing the path for our friends."

The Action: We don't just succeed alone; we actively clear obstacles and build bridges so that those behind us have a clearer, smoother path to their own success.

How We Operate

Core Guiding Principles

Principle Meaning for the Child Action for the Organization
Commitment to Excellence "I will give my best effort in every endeavor." Set High Standards: Demand quality from every team member and program, teaching children that excellence is a habit.
Unlocking Purpose "My life has inherent value and direction." Individualized Development: Focus on the unique talents, passions, and inner drive of each child rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Integrity & Growth "How I achieve my goals matters more than the achievement itself." Foster Character: Emphasize character development, self-discipline, and ethical behavior as foundational to fulfilling purpose.
Meaningful Contribution "My purpose is tied to serving others and making a positive impact." Cultivate Citizenship: Provide leadership and community service opportunities, teaching that purpose extends beyond personal success.
Sapphire YDC Programs
501(c)(3) Charitable Organization
Community Impact

Empowering Youth Across Gwinnett County

Sapphire is solely funded by donations and grants. Our goal is to raise enough funds to change the lives of our youth and enrich and deepen their growth and development. To date, we partner with local school systems as a part of their community school division.

5 - 18 Ages Served
4 Core Program Pillars
30+ Years Performing Arts Leadership
Partnered with Local Community School Divisions
Comprehensive Academic, Mentoring & Arts Programs
Leadership & Governance

Our Leader & Board of Directors

Dedicated leaders, executives, and educators bringing decades of experience in youth development, corporate governance, finance, and education.

Robyn Higgs - CEO & Executive Director
Executive Leadership

Robyn Higgs

CEO & Executive Director, Sapphire Youth Development Center

Robyn Higgs is the CEO and Executive Director of the Sapphire Youth Development Center, dedicating her leadership to empowering youth and fostering positive community development. Robyn was born and raised in NY. At the age of 13 she started her career in dance at the Venettes Cultural Workshop and the Long Island H.S for performing arts (B.O.C.E.S). Upon graduation from high school, she was awarded a scholarship with the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater where she trained and performed. After leaving Alvin Ailey she toured the U.S and Europe as a principal dancer with the “Dance Brazil” dance company. Robyn also performed as a background dancer with several prominent R&B recording artists.

In 1994 Robyn relocated to Georgia and shifted her focus to dance education. Throughout her 30 year career, Robyn has held the title of director and lead choreographer at several Dance Studios and programs. She is an invited speaker, facilitator, and choreographer at dance conferences throughout the United States and abroad. Robyn is also a former NY runway model.

Go to Full Bio
30+ Years Experience
Alvin Ailey Alumna
CEO Founder & Leader
Governance & Guidance

Board of Directors

Distinguished community and industry leaders serving on the Sapphire Youth Development Center Board.

Barnès Chatelain

Barnès Chatelain

Executive Director / Managing Partner, Legend BLC Enterprises, LLC

Joining the board following a successful 30-year career in Risk Management, Insurance, & Legal Investigations. Double major in English & History from University at Albany and Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Active mentor in Gwinnett County Public Schools' Community Mentoring Program.

Tiffany Crawford

Tiffany Crawford

Head of Marketing, UCB Pharmaceuticals

Seasoned Pharmaceutical Executive with over 25 years of experience spanning engineering, marketing, and sales leadership roles at Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, and Procter & Gamble. Recipient of multiple Marketing & Launch Excellence Leadership Awards.

Steven Jones

Steven Jones

Senior Director, Cybersecurity GRC & M&A, Cox Enterprises

Directs cybersecurity risk, compliance programs, and strategic investments at Cox Enterprises, ensuring regulatory adherence, data protection, and secure compliance implementation across emerging business entities.

Lisa Robinson

Lisa Robinson

VP for Finance & Administration / CFO, SACSCOC

CFO for Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges with 25+ years in higher education finance (UW Florida, UTMB, GWU, Georgetown). Holds a BS in Accounting and MBA from Troy University; member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Ronda Youngblood, MBA

Ronda Youngblood, MBA

CEO / Owner, Brainiak Academic Services

Lifelong educator and entrepreneur bringing 25+ years of experience. Founder of Infinity Learning / Brainiak Academic Services (5-time Best of North Atlanta winner), with a long tenure on the Sapphire YDC board and active leadership in BNI and civic organizations.

Derek Higgs

Derek Higgs

Co-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, Sapphire YDC

Certified coach, trainer, speaker, and Learning Consultant at PuzzleHR with 25+ years of corporate experience in leadership development. Co-founded Sapphire Youth Development Center to equip young people toward lifelong success.

Our Leadership Philosophy

We offer a wide variety of after school programs promoting positive youth development, recognizing their developmental needs, and encouraging the expansion of their minds during various phases of their social, physical, and intellectual maturation.

Creativity & personal development focused
Positive youth-centered mentoring & support
Community school partnerships & lifelong impact