State Senator Scott Wilk, District 21 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
State Senator Scott Wilk, District 21 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) has recognized Antelope Valley community leader De’Chane “Dey” Yusef as Senate District 21’s 2024 Woman of the Year. Senator Wilk presented Yusef with a California Senate Resolution at a celebration event held at Antelope Valley Winery on Friday, May 17.
“Dey is a remarkable woman dedicated to uplifting and giving back to underserved communities throughout the Antelope Valley. Her strong faith, and emphasis on love and family, have enabled her to overcome difficult challenges and use those experiences to help others,” said Senator Wilk. “Government can’t do it all, which is why I have great respect for nonprofits. They fill a critical gap between people’s needs and getting services. Dey strives to do this every day through her nonprofit, which is why it’s my pleasure to recognize her work. Congratulations!”
Yusef is the Founder and Executive Director/CEO of E&E Love Foundation, where she works to help foster youth and struggling families with putting loved ones to rest. That help can come in the form of grief support, burials, celebrations of life, and assistance with financial obligations. E&E Love Foundation also supports the foster youth community by helping them with housing, daily necessities, and other services.
The nonprofit was born out of Yusef’s experience caring for her mother while she battled cancer. At the same time, she was taking care of her own family and four children. Despite that challenge, Yusef set a positive example for her kids on how to live with purpose and benefit one’s community.
A firm believer in the saying “it takes a village,” Yusef wants to help “motivate, protect, and shelter all of God’s little ones.” She says, “It is necessary that we teach, protect, and increase the children of this generation and the next. I am a protector and I guard with excellence and love.”
Coupled with her passion for giving back, Yusef also has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
After high school, she studied computer science and went on to earn her liberal arts associate's degree from Chaffey College. Following that, she earned dual master’s degrees in Public Administration and Political Science from Cal State Los Angeles; bachelor's degrees from Cal State San Bernardino in Liberal Studies, Political Science; Paralegal Studies; a law degree from Loyola Law School; and a Doctorate in Humanities.
In addition to her work with E&E Love Foundation, Yusef serves on several Antelope Valley nonprofits:
- MomsHouse: Board of Directors
- Center of Alternative Meditations: Executive Board Treasurer & Certified Mediator
- AVCC: Executive Board of Directors
- D & J Consulting Group: Legal Consulting/Consigliere
- Managing Partner: Fesuy Management
- AV Tribal Council NP
"I'm incredibly honored and humbled to be nominated for Woman of the Year 2024 and selected by Senator Scott Wilk,” Yusef said at Friday’s ceremony. “This recognition speaks volumes about the collective effort and support behind my work. I'm grateful for the acknowledgment and eager to continue making a difference. Thank you for recognizing my efforts; I'm excited about the work that lies ahead."
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