Desiree A. Byrd, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Pathology at the Mt Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.Trained as a clinician-scholar at the UCSD/SDSU Joint Doctoral Program in clinical psychology, she completed her predoctoral internship at Brown University and a post-doctoral fellowship in Cognition and Aging at Columbia University. Since completing her training, she has maintained an active research program as a neuropsychologist. Her primary research interests are in the neuropathogenesis of HIV-associated cognitive dysfunction and the sources and consequences of culture-related differences in neuropsychological test performance among American ethnic groups.

Sgt. Marcus Calliste Sr. is a Photojournalist for the United States Air Force. He is a highly experienced and dedicated leader with a strong background in operational, project, and program management. Able to plan, staff, budget, and supervise operations involving hundreds of employees and millions of dollars worth of equipment and facilities. Prepare and deliver precise reports and collaborate with senior managers, including local, state and federal officials. His experiences enable him to motivate, coach, and evaluate staff. He thrives in stressful environments, ensuring focused decision making and excellent management and leadership at all times. Mr. Calliste currently holds Department of Defense (DoD) Top Secret: (TS/SCI) Security Clearance.

Juan DelaCruz

In 1991 Juan De La Cruz Joined the McDonald's system as a "Registered Applicant" (management training for the future owners). He attended Hamburger University in Chicago and won the Distinguished Hat Award. In 1997, he was awarded his first store at Knickerbocker Avenue in Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY. and in 2002 he was awarded his second store on Broadway in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY. He is the proud owner of these restaurants with a total of ninety five employees. Juan is actively involved in the community. He believes community involvement is not only good for business, but also it is the right thing to do.

LAURA LARIMER
Laura Larimer is the Regional Director of Development for College Summit New York and oversees fundraising activities for the organization in New York. She joined College Summit from the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), where she served in several capacities for the New York Metro region, including Director of Development and Acting Co-Regional Director. Over eight years, her accomplishments include tripling the region’s annual fundraising performance and implementing a strategic plan that resulted in 150% growth in students trained annually in New York. Previously, Laura managed communications campaigns for educational and nonprofit clients at Widmeyer Communications, a leading public relations firm in Washington, DC.

BARNABAS SHAKUR

Click here to view Barnabas' full bio

SID WATSON

Sid Watson was born in Portsmouth, Virginia and raised in Far Rockaway, New York.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Norfolk State University and his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Regent University.  He has taught secondary mathematics in Chester, PA, Virginia Beach, VA, Norfolk, VA and currently Stamford, CT.  During his career as an Educator, Mr. Watson has received several awards including receiving twice the Commendation of Distinction School Board Award, from Norfolk Public Schools, for starting the “Bridging Fathers, Sons, School and Communities” all male forum.  He also received the School Bell Award from Norfolk Public Schools for showing a commitment to the education profession by presenting at district math conferences.  Sid Watson has a passion for delivering quality education to all students regardless of their ethnic background.  Mr. Watson is also a published poet who has written two books of poetry: “Unleashing the Leash” and “From the Inner Chamber.”  Mr. Watson’s poetry has been said to have, “the essence of a modern-day Langston Hughes.” Currently, he resides in the Bronx. 




CHARLENE TURNER

Charlene Turner, SPHR is the Director of Organizational Development for The Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education. Prior to joining the non-profit in 2008, she founded and managed a small business supporting entrepreneurs by developing online marketing plans and helping to streamline business practices. With more than 8 years corporate human resource management and support service experience, she specializes in improving business efficiencies by leveraging technology and best-practice project management processes.

Charlene studied sociology at Hunter College in New York City, received certification in Human Resource Management from New York Institute of Technology, and achieved the Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) designation in 2010. She is a long-time member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Passionate about volunteerism and youth leadership, Charlene previously served as a youth volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club of America, and is currently on the advisory board of Project Regeneration (PR-G) in Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn.

SHEENA HAZEL

Bio to be submitted

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

Due to PR-G's program success and Media coverage, including and a grant from Google, which gives our organization a strong presence on the web, PR-G receives many requests for board membership;PR-G's board has instituted a policy in which  prospective members are selected from PR-G supporter groups including: members of our 1000 People whoBANG and Foot Soldiers Services. This ensures that as an organization we spend our time working with individuals who already support Our Mission & Vision.

Requirements:

Time
•    Board meets six times each year - attend at least four (4) board meetings. Early December meeting is required
•    Attend at least two (2) PR-G youth programs per year
•    All board members must attend at least one Nonprofit workshop per year

Fundraising
•    Through our 1000 whoBANG campaign recruit and maintain 20 recurring memberships through your personal and business contacts ; or give, get, or help get $2,500 annually. For more information about 1000 WhoBANG click here:
o    Join 1000 whoBANG - at least $25 quarterly
•    Give an annual financial gift at a level which is personally meaningful according to your own circumstances – utilize your contacts to develop institutional support for PR-G from corporations, foundations and government resources

Governance
•    Monitor PR-G’s Programs and Services
•    Support the Executive and review his or her performance
•    Determine the Organization's Mission and Purpose

Policies
•    Ensure financial policies are in place and properly functioning
•    Ensure program policies are in place and properly functioning
•    Ensure hiring policies are in place and properly functioning

Leadership
•    Ensure Effective Organizational Planning
•    Enhance the Organization's Public Image
•    Manage Resources Effectively