ABOUT US

Josephine Rodriguez is the founder of BYL, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people through education, advocacy, and support. Inspired by her work with Building Young Professionals (BYP)—a youth program she launched to serve Bronx elementary schools—Josie created BYL to expand opportunities for students and their communities. With over a decade of experience as a youth program director and school counselor, Josie is committed to fostering academic success, social-emotional growth, and leadership development. She leads BYL’s operations, ensuring high-quality programs, policy implementation, and advocacy efforts, particularly in anti-bullying and student empowerment. Josie is bilingual in English and Spanish and holds a B.A. in Sociology from SUNY Old Westbury and an M.Ed. in School Counseling from LIU Brooklyn. She is currently pursuing her Administrative License to further her impact in education.

Email: jrodriguez@byl.community

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 activist who has spent his career securing resources and and identifying opportunities for historically marginalized communities across the city. As BYL’s Development Officer/Intrapreneur, he brings an indefatigable drive and nonprofit business acumen to securing funds and resources for the neighborhoods that need them most. His background has etched a unique roadmap of service across the city. Charles has held leadership roles across the socio-economic terrain—from facilitating youth empowerment and academic equity at Hudson Guild, and leading youth and family programs at the Harlem YMCA, to matching retired professionals with under-resourced organizations at Community Service Society, and supporting advocacy for people with disabilities at United Cerebral Palsy. This diverse experience has enabled him to see the connective tissue between disparate sectors. He understands that a thriving community requires strong support in health, opportunity, and education alike. Charles is always prepared to do the work required to create social change. He specializes in securing supplementary funding for under-resourced Title I public schools and youth organizations. He successfully navigates the complexities of securing government funding and private backing. Whether he is partnering with public officials or local chambers of commerce, his goal is consistent: keeping doors open and creating opportunities for the next generation. In addition to his development work, Charles is committed to preserving culture and treasured artifacts as the co-managing partner at Archiving Hip Hop History LLC and co-author of the I Am Hip Hop Children’s Book Series. He holds a BA in Applied General Studies from NYU and an MS in Health Care Management from St. Joseph’s College.

Email: ctaylor@byl.community

Oscar Gell is a professional tennis coach with a deep passion for developing young talent, both on and off the court. With 23 years of experience as a dedicated teacher, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in mentorship, discipline, and skill development. His coaching philosophy emphasizes not only technical proficiency but also mental resilience and strategic thinking, helping athletes reach their full potential.In addition to his work in tennis, Oscar has vast experience in technology, using innovative tools to enhance both education and athletic training. He integrates modern technology to improve learning experiences and coaching strategies, ensuring his students and athletes stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. His combined expertise in teaching, tennis, and technology allows him to create dynamic and effective training programs tailored for success.

Dr. Trina Nurse, DSW, MSW, SIFI, is an education and social work leader committed to transforming schools into ecosystems of healing, partnership, and opportunity. She serves as an Administrative Education Officer NYC Public School Office of Community Schools, overseeing 29 community schools across Manhattan with a focus on fiscal compliance, collaborative planning, and culturally responsive programming. A Doctor of Social Work from Long Island University and Columbia MSW alumna, Dr. Nurse integrates expertise in education policy, restorative practices, and family engagement to design professional learning and SEL coaching for educators and leaders. She is also a 2025 cohort member of Teachers College’s Summer Principals Academy, pursuing School Building Leader certification and serves on the Columbia Alumni Association Board. Her noble goal is to build equity-centered ecosystems where families are partners in power and schools are reimagined as healing communities. Beyond her professional roles, she is the proud mother of four, grounding her leadership in both lived experience and a deep commitment to family-centered transformation.

Born in Washington Heights and raised in the Bronx by her Dominican mother, Prettystar Lopez is a proud product of her hardworking family, the vibrant Mount Eden community, Bronx public schools, and public assistance programs. She is an HEOP (Higher Educational Opportunity Program) graduate of Fordham University, where she double-majored in Latin American Studies and English with a concentration in Creative Writing, and minored in Music. Prettystar has worked for elected officials across local, state, and federal levels of government, supporting constituent services, community-building events, scheduling, and policy research. Most recently, she served as a Field Supervisor for a successful City Council District 17 campaign, where the winning candidate secured 61% of the vote after all ranked-choice voting rounds. She currently works as an STH Community Coordinator, supporting students living in temporary housing and developing governmental partnerships and programming initiatives at her former elementary school — Go Falcons! Prettystar is now joining Building Young Leaders as a Grants and Outreach Volunteer, where she looks forward to deepening her experience in grant writing, nonprofit operations, and program development.