Our Founder
Kenshara Cravens, Executive Director
Kenshara Cravens believes everyone is capable of change. It’s this tenet that has led to her pursuing her calling in Social Work. With a singular goal of empowering as many individuals as she can, she finds ways to contribute through service, mentorship, and compassion.
A first-generation college student, Kenshara understands all too well the value of knowledge and the struggle involved in overcoming diversities. As such, she continuously seeks opportunities to further expand and develop her education.
Cravens to earned her Ph.D. in Social Work from Walden University in 2023. Her dissertation is titled: Experiences and Perceptions of Hospital Social Workers, wherein she explores the commonly misunderstood world of social work in the hospital arena. A subject she knows well as she’ll also be earning the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) this year.
OUR FOUNDER
Kenshara Cravens, Executive Director
Kenshara Cravens founded the nonprofit organization Craving For A Change Foundation Inc. in 2019. As a first-generation college student, Kenshara struggled to find necessary resources to complete college applications, FAFSA requests and more. From that experience, Kenshara formed the vision.
The Craving For A Change Foundation offers transitional assistance to adolescent youth and young adults. Assistance includes but is not limited to social emotional learning, life skills training, resume building, career exploration, college readiness, tuition and scholarship assistance.
We seek to inspire the future generations of our community with essential programs, resources and scholarship funding necessary for success.
Desjambra Jackson, MSW Intern
Desjambra Jackson is a MSW Student at the University of Texas at Arlington. Desjambra resides in Charleston, SC, and holds a Bachelors of Science in Sociology from Lander University. She has a passion for mental health and assisting others in any way she can.
Devon Garcia, BS, Youth Coordinator
Devon Garcia is a licensed social worker and our youth program coordinator. Devon has been with the foundation since 2021, starting out as an intern while working on her MSW at OLLU. Devon received her bachelor's from PVAMU and is currently working towards her doctorate's degree at ASU. She enjoys engaging with our youth students and creating curriculum for their development.
Paisley Small, MSW, Group Facilitator
Paisley Small is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University where she received her Masters in Social Work, and Grambling State University where she received her Bachelors in Social Work in 2015.
Christian Cravens, President
Christian Cravens takes pride in being able to educate and mentor individuals, making them the best they can be. Christian is currently working on her degree in Business Administration. She has always had a passion for educating others.
Shanikqua Miller, LVN Treasurer
Shanikqua Miller graduated from College of the Mainland with a certificate in Medical Assistant in 2014. Shanikqua is a 2021 LVN graduate of Galveston College. Shanikqua has a passion and talent for helping and caring for those in need.
Ja'Quavia Demus, MED-CMHC, CDP, LBSW, LCDC(I), SECRETARY
Ja’Quavia Demus graduated from Texas Southern University with a Bachelors of Liberal Arts degree is now a licensed in Social Work. From Lamar University, she received a Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ja’Quavia strives to provide tools that help others navigate their worlds more effectively through education and resources.
Devon Garcia, BS, Youth Coordinator
Devon Garcia is a licensed social worker and our youth program coordinator. Devon has been with the foundation since 2021, starting out as an intern while working on her MSW at OLLU. Devon received her bachelor's from PVAMU and is currently working towards her doctorate's degree at ASU. She enjoys engaging with our youth students and creating curriculum for their development.
Paisley Small, MSW, Group Facilitator
Paisley Small is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University where she received her Masters in Social Work, and Grambling State University where she received her Bachelors in Social Work in 2015.
Devon Garcia, BS, Youth Coordinator
Devon Garcia is a licensed social worker and our youth program coordinator. Devon has been with the foundation since 2021, starting out as an intern while working on her MSW at OLLU. Devon received her bachelor's from PVAMU and is currently working towards her doctorate's degree at ASU. She enjoys engaging with our youth students and creating curriculum for their development.
Paisley Small, MSW, Group Facilitator
Paisley Small is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University where she received her Masters in Social Work, and Grambling State University where she received her Bachelors in Social Work in 2015.
Shanikqua Miller, LVN Treasurer
Shanikqua Miller graduated from College of the Mainland with a certificate in Medical Assistant in 2014. Shanikqua is a 2021 LVN graduate of Galveston College. Shanikqua has a passion and talent for helping and caring for those in need.
Ja'Quavia Demus, MED-CMHC, CDP, LBSW, LCDC(I), SECRETARY
Ja’Quavia Demus graduated from Texas Southern University with a Bachelors of Liberal Arts degree is now a licensed in Social Work. From Lamar University, she received a Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ja’Quavia strives to provide tools that help others navigate their worlds more effectively through education and resources.