ABOUT US

Josephine Rodriguez is the founder of BYL, along with her twin sister - Dery Rodriguez  The inspiration to start a non profit came from having a for profit organization called building young professional that Josie is a founder of. BYP is youth program that provides services to two elementary schools located In the BX.  Josie has been the director of the program for over 10 years and has been recognize by the school District for providing outstanding youth services to the community she was also awarded a city citation for the work she’s has done to help the student succeeds she is also a dedicated elementary/ middle school counselor, skilled at providing support for students’ academic, social and emotional well-being. Josie’s scope of work includes small and large student group counseling sessions, parent engagement workshops, and staff professional development sessions for child abuse/neglect and anti-bullying. Josie oversees BYL operations, certifications, policies and procedures and quality assurance. She is a tireless anti-bullying advocate who is committed to empowering young people to overcome fear, stand up and speak out. Josie is bilingual in English and Spanish, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at SUNY Old Westbury and a Master’s in Education School Counseling at LIU Brooklyn. Email: jrodriguez@byl.community

Sammy Aris Ferguson is the Director of Youth Programs, where he oversees the enrichment club. Starting as a youth volunteer at the age of 16, working in sports clubs, Sammy has advanced to his current role through his dedication and passion for youth development. His commitment to fostering growth and creating opportunities for young people continues to drive his work.

Chasidy Kennedy is a certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in the New York City area. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Buffalo State and obtained her master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Howard University. From a very young age, Chasidy developed an interest in education. While studying at Buffalo State, Chasidy was a McNair scholar and conducted research on prenatal drug exposure and its effect on speech and language development. While at Howard University, Chasidy was chosen to take part in a grant, which focused on conducting research on multicultural issues and concerns within the field of Speech-Language Pathology. Currently, Chasidy provides speech and language services at a private preschool for children with autism and developmental delays. These experiences, along with her formal education, provide Chasidy with the skills and knowledge required to effectively perform as BYL's Early Childhood Education Officer. One of the main responsibilities of this role is to ensure that BYL students are provided with high quality instruction, focused on establishing a strong foundation in the area of language and literary development. Chasidy assists in the planning and development of the program's language and literacy curriculum. She will train program-based staff on how to adapt instruction to meet the needs of the students, while ensuring implementation of instructional activities focused on strengthening the language and literacy skills of the students. Additionally, she will facilitate professional development workshops regarding speech and language, in addition to a variety of related topics for program-based staff, parents and community-based facilities. It is Chasidy's strong belief that every child, regardless of race, native tongue or economic status, deserves to have access to a high quality and well-rounded education. Email: ckennedy@byl.community  

Charles Taylor is a community development practitioner with program and fund development experience in nonprofit management and mission achievement across the socio-economic terrain of some of New York City’s most challenged neighborhoods. BYL’s Development Officer/Intrapreneur, Charles has held long-term leadership positions including Associate Executive Director at EARS, a citywide public school peer mediation and conflict resolution program; Director of Community Development at Phipps Houses, Inc.; Assistant Director of Intermediate Care Facilities at United Cerebral Palsy of NYC; Professional Project Manager at Community Service Society’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program; Director of Fund Development, Communications and Youth and Family Programs at the Harlem YMCA; Development Consultant at the Allan Houston Foundation, Inc., and Development Associate at the Association of Black Foundation Executives, Inc. Charles has secured funding from numerous city, state and federal agencies, foundations, corporations and private donors, while ensuring meticulous program oversight and stewardship reporting. Charles has successfully solicited elected officials citywide for expense and capital funds. He specializes in supporting under-resourced Title I public schools and youth organizations located in communities of color. Charles has partnered with various chambers of commerce, local community boards and business communities to secure funding and resources. He has extensive experience writing proposals, strategic plans and media for fundraising. Charles has a BA degree in Applied General Studies from NYU and a MS in Health Care Management from St. Joseph’s College. Email: ctaylor@byl.community

He oversees international program in DR and and provides training to youth staff. With 20 years of experience as a public school teacher, Oscar brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He is also a professional tennis coach, further enriching his ability to mentor and support the development of young talent in both educational and athletic contexts