About Us

Janay Banner, Founder and Co-Director of Local Love is new to advocacy; however, she is very passionate about community engagement and positively impacting her community. Janay holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion from Grambling State University. Currently, she is pursuing her Master's in Public Health with a concentration in Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid at the University of South Florida.  Janay has hosted multiple events that create a space for collaboration and empowerment. 

Melissa Banner, Director of Local Love, has been an advocate for culturally diverse adolescents, as well as those youth – in - need for over 10 years. Melissa has created programs that increase service opportunities to students impacted by homelessness and abuse. She has dedicated herself to the advancement of these students as they transition from High school to Higher Education.

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies- Concentration Education and a minor in Humanities from Florida A & M University, and a certification in Child Protection from Harvard University. Melissa regularly partners with agencies that support homeless youth and families, and non-profit organizations that offer quality consulting and advocacy services. Melissa’s motto has always been “Create your own Narrative, Produce your own Power, and Generate your own Magic”!