The iYes Foundation was founded in May 2016 by Dr. Simeon and Stephanie Hinsey in Springdale, Arkansas, with a mission to invest in young people through education, sports, leadership, and cultural exchange.

Born in The Bahamas in 1980, Simeon moved to Northwest Arkansas in 1995 to attend Fayetteville Christian School. That opportunity opened the door for him to earn a basketball scholarship to John Brown University, where he enrolled in 1997 and majored in Digital Media and Broadcasting. It was at JBU that Simeon met Stephanie, who was also attending on scholarship as a basketball student-athlete.

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After graduating in 2002, Simeon began working in the media industry, and he and Stephanie married later that year. Stephanie began her career as an elementary school teacher, while Simeon continued building his professional path in media, athletics, and higher education. In the years that followed, both earned master’s degrees—Stephanie in Educational Administration and Simeon in Sport Management. Stephanie later became Assistant Principal at Elmdale Elementary in Springdale, while Simeon returned to JBU as Sports Information Director and Director of Intramurals. During that season of life, they also welcomed their two sons, Sammie and Seth.

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After six years at JBU, Simeon transitioned to the University of Arkansas, where he pursued a doctoral degree in Recreation and Sport Management. While completing his studies, he worked with the Razorback women’s basketball program in several roles, including serving as interim assistant women’s basketball coach during the 2014–15 season. Simeon completed his doctoral degree in December 2015 and soon after felt called to launch the iYes Foundation as a vehicle to serve young people in Northwest Arkansas and The Bahamas.

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In July 2019, the vision expanded when iYes Bahamas was officially established as the sister organization to iYes NWA. Its purpose is to support community development in The Bahamas while creating pathways for young people to access knowledge, opportunity, and post-secondary education.

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From working at summer camps as teenagers to serving as educators, coaches, administrators, and mentors, Simeon and Stephanie have spent much of their lives investing in young people. They are passionate about helping students from all races, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds grow through education, sports, leadership, and meaningful life experiences.

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The vision of iYes is bigger than a program. It is a movement to help young people believe in themselves, discover their purpose, and build a brighter future. At its core is a simple declaration:

 

"Yes I can. Yes I will. Yes I must build a brighter future."