Our Story of Purpose
The Jax Letter writing club was founded in 2024 by kanesha boyette. the mission for this space was very simple, make people feel connected to each other and less alone and give them a space to rest and slow down.
Our Mission
The Jax Letter Writing Club’s mission is to restore connection and strengthen community through the art of letter writing. We provide accessible letter-writing programs, creative workshops, and inclusive spaces that promote literacy, self-expression, and meaningful connection while combating isolation and fostering belonging throughout Jacksonville.
Our Vision
Our vision is a more connected and compassionate Jacksonville where every person has access to spaces that inspire creativity, reflection, and community. We envision a future where the simple act of writing a letter becomes a powerful tool for restoration, storytelling, literacy, and building relationships across generations and experiences.
kanesha boyette
Founder, President
Kanesha Boyette founded the Jax Letter Writing Club in 2024 with a simple vision. The idea was to create spaces where people could slow down, connect authentically, and experience restoration through letter writing. She wanted to see more spaces that met the needs of people in a way that focused on introspection specifically.
A community architect, public speaker, workshop designer, and artist, Kanesha brings more than 12 years of corporate finance experience managing multimillion-dollar portfolios, blending strategic leadership with creative innovation. She has served as President of the Women's March Jacksonville, where she championed civic engagement and community organizing. Kanesha is currently pursing her degree in Communications and Media.
Beyond her nonprofit work, Kanesha is the artist, creative director and stationery designer behind Jax Letter House, the club's sister company, where she designs bespoke and specialty stationery.
As President, Kanesha provides the strategic leadership and vision for the Jax Letter Writing Club, guiding its programs, partnerships, and long-term growth. She leads the organization's mission to build a more connected Jacksonville by creating restorative spaces where literacy, creativity, and letter writing inspire meaningful community and lasting relationships.
Dr. Jasmine Simmons is an audiologist with a doctorate in audiology from Central Michigan University, children's book author, accessibility consultant and public speaker. She is a passionate advocate for disability awareness and inclusion. Living with Usher syndrome, she has dedicated her career to educating others, breaking down disability barriers, and empowering individuals through advocacy, storytelling, and community engagement.
As Vice President of the Jax Letter Writing Club, Dr. Simmons brings a deep commitment to fostering meaningful connection, promoting literacy, and ensuring every voice is heard. Dr. Simmons helps guide the organization's strategic vision, community partnerships, and program development while supporting the overall growth of the Jax Letter Writing Club. She works alongside the President to ensure the club's mission of fostering restoration, literacy, and meaningful connection is reflected in every initiative and community experience.
The Hearts Behind the Mission
dr. jasmine simmons
Vice president
Our Team
dr. Tyrica Young
Community Director
Dr. Tyrica Young is a Jacksonville native, educator, and community advocate dedicated to strengthening connections through literacy, service, and meaningful engagement. With a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction, she brings extensive experience in youth advocacy, literacy programming, community outreach, partnership development, and organizational leadership.
As Community Director, Dr. Young leads community engagement efforts by cultivating partnerships, expanding outreach, and creating opportunities for meaningful connection throughout Jacksonville. She works to ensure the Jax Letter Writing Club remains an accessible and welcoming space for the community, where people can gather, build meaningful relationships, and experience restoration through programming.
Halle Bradshaw
Secretary
Halle Bradshaw is an intersectional feminist, climate advocate, and public policy professional dedicated to empowering communities through education, civic engagement, and inclusive leadership. With academic backgrounds in Climate Policy from Emory University and Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she brings experience in youth engagement, nonprofit leadership, and community-focused initiatives.
As Secretary, Halle oversees organizational records, meeting documentation, and administrative communications to help ensure the smooth operation of the Jax Letter Writing Club. She supports the board and event coordinators by maintaining accurate records, coordinating key organizational processes, and helping advance the club's mission through thoughtful organization and collaboration.
Sherlia Richardson
Program Director
Sherlia Richardson is a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist providing specialized clinical services at a children’s hospital. She is passionate about serving children and families while building stronger, more connected communities through education, service, and meaningful programming.
Sherlia earned her Bachelor of Health Administration from the University of North Florida in 2014. During her undergraduate studies, she served with AmeriCorps, focusing on mentor recruitment and community programming through a local nonprofit. She later completed a post-baccalaureate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of South Florida before earning her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from New York University in 2023.
As Program Director, Sherlia oversees the planning, coordination, and implementation of the Jax Letter Writing Club's workshops, community events, and educational programming. She ensures every program reflects the organization's mission by creating engaging, accessible experiences that foster literacy, creativity and restoration.
Whitney walters
Literary Director
Whitney Walters is a published fantasy author currently working on her third novel. She is a dedicated advocate for the creative writing and literary community. As the founder of the Book Writing Club, she brings aspiring novelists together through community writing workshops that inspire creativity, collaboration, and connection through story building. She is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing, further deepening her commitment to the craft of storytelling.
As Literary Director of the Jax Letter Writing Club, Whitney oversees the literary resources that serve as the foundation of the organization's programming and workshop curriculum. Passionate about literacy, literary restoration, and the transformative power of writing, she ensures participants have engaging, thoughtful materials that help build strong programming. Her vision helps cultivate a welcoming environment where literature, letters, and community come together to create impact.
LeAndra Spates
Treasurer
LeAndra is a finance professional with extensive experience in financial services, contract management, customer relations, and revenue administration. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Finance and Financial Management Services and brings a strong background in financial operations, organization, and accountability.
As Treasurer of the Jax Letter Writing Club, LeAndra is committed to ensuring the organization's financial health and sustainability while supporting its mission to promote literacy, foster meaningful connections, and strengthen the community. Her attention to detail, financial expertise, and dedication to service help ensure the club can continue expanding its impact throughout Jacksonville.