About Us

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

At Gems to Jewels Inc., we believe in transforming potential into brilliance just like turning raw gems into stunning jewels. Founded with a vision to uplift and empower, our mission goes beyond aesthetics. We are committed to empowering youth through literacy, mentorship, and reintegration, providing the tools and support they need to thrive in every facet of life.

Our work blends purpose with beauty. While our name reflects the artistry of turning natural gems into refined treasures, it also symbolizes the transformation of young lives nurturing their inner value, guiding them through challenges, and helping them shine with confidence and resilience.

Through community-driven programs, creative expression, and dedicated mentorship, Gems to Jewels Inc. is where empowerment meets elegance shaping not just jewelry, but futures.

Our Mission

We empower, educate, and elevate youth and families impacted by trauma, substance abuse, and detainment. Through literacy, innovative technology, mentorship, arts, wellness, and civic engagement, we create pathways for healing and growth. By strengthening families and fostering resilience, we build stronger, safer, and more connected communities.

Our Vision

A future where all youth regardless of background have the opportunity to read, rise, and reach their full potential.

Our Story

Gems to Jewels was founded from lived experience of personal experiences mentoring children who struggled with literacy, reintegrating formerly incarcerated youth and seeing the power of travel and education in transforming young lives. We are rooted in Newark, NJ, but our impact spans beyond. We believe that if the book you want isn’t on the shelf, you should write it and that every child deserves the pen.

Sharrah Gardner

Founder & President

Sharrah Gardner is the Founder and President of Gems to Jewels Inc., a Newark-based nonprofit transforming the lives of underserved and justice-involved youth through literacy, mentorship, travel, and reintegration programs. A proud product of Newark Public Schools and graduate of Weequahic High School, Sharrah studied Liberal Arts at Essex County College and Criminal Justice at Kean University laying the foundation for her passion for service, education, and advocacy.

With over 15 years of experience as a Human Resources Specialist for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Sharrah has dedicated her life to empowering others especially youth facing barriers to opportunity. Her inspiration for Gems to Jewels is rooted in her personal journey as a mother, community advocate, and mentor. From supporting her son’s reentry after incarceration to ensuring her daughter received early literacy support, Sharrah turned her family’s challenges into a mission to uplift others.

Under her leadership, Gems to Jewels has launched programs like the Next Chapter Gems book club in detention centers, mentorship cycles, educational travel experiences, and back-to-school outreach. Sharrah is also a licensed real estate professional, a Newark Leadership Academy participant, and a recipient of the Prudential Community Grant. Her work continues to build bridges that help youth shine from hidden gems to empowered jewels.

Josianne Josie

Program director

Josianne “Josie” Payoute is a dedicated community advocate, philanthropist, and changemaker committed to uplifting underserved populations and creating inclusive spaces. As a first-generation Haitian American, she proudly leads initiatives that celebrate culture, empower youth, and amplify diverse voices.

Josie is the founder and President of New Jersey Kids Fashion Week and serves on multiple boards, including the Hillside Library Board, Hillside Zone Planning Board, and the Zany Scientist Board. She is also the Ambassador of the Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony in Hillside and an active member of the Kentucky Derby Committee in East Orange.

Through every role, Josie works to connect communities, cultivate leadership, and drive impactful change from the ground up.

Zereisha Culver, RN, LPN

Board Member, Gems to Jewels

Zereisha Culver is a passionate Registered Nurse with over a decade of experience spanning acute care, rehabilitation, addiction recovery, and community health. Known for her compassionate, patient-centered approach, she has served diverse populations in hospitals, clinics, and nonprofit settings—most recently at the Department of Veterans Affairs in East Orange, NJ.

Zereisha is deeply committed to health equity, youth empowerment, and holistic wellness. Her clinical expertise includes IV therapy, wound care, medication management, and chronic disease support. Beyond the bedside, she advocates for underserved communities and believes in the transformative power of education, mentorship, and access to care.

As a board member of Gems to Jewels, Zereisha brings both healthcare insight and a heart for service. She is proud to support the organization’s mission to inspire and uplift young women through leadership, wellness, and opportunity.

Mercedes Chambliss

Board Member, Gems to Jewels

Mercedes Chambliss brings a wealth of financial expertise and community engagement experience to Gems to Jewels. Holding an Accounting Degree, she previously worked for the IRS before transitioning to the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she currently serves as the Chief of the Center for Development & Civic Engagement (formerly VA Voluntary Service).

A transformational leader, Mercedes has reshaped the culture of her department by fostering partnerships and collaborations with the community to provide essential support for veterans and their families. Through her leadership, she has expanded access to food assistance, educational programs, school partnerships, stipends, shelter, and permanent housing solutions for those in need.

Her passion for service extends beyond veterans to empowering youth through literacy, mentorship, and community development. As a dedicated Gems to Jewels board member, Mercedes leverages her expertise in finance, program development, and civic engagement to help create meaningful opportunities for underserved children and families.

Core Values

Pillars

Equity & Access

Literacy & Education

Mentorship & Empowerment

Reintegration & Redemption

Community, Culture & Civic Engagement