Janaiha Bennett
Executive Director
Janaiha Bennett serves as the Executive Director of the Youth Leadership Foundation (YLF). As a D.C. native (Ward 7), Janaiha has always believed in YLF's mission and vision, having begun her journey with the organization as a mentor 18 years ago. Janaiha holds a bachelor's degree in Honors Psychology from The George Washington University, a master's degree in School Psychology from the University of Maryland, and is a graduate of the Nonprofit Management Certificate Program at Georgetown University's McCourt Center for Public & Nonprofit Leadership. She currently resides in Ward 4 with her husband and their six children.
Andrew Castro
Deputy Director
Andrew Castro serves as the Deputy Director of the Youth Leadership Foundation (YLF). After attending seminary, Andrew spent several years in South America and Eastern Europe, where he volunteered in international schools and local churches. With fifteen years of teaching and nonprofit experience, Andrew has held leadership roles centered on developing programs that mentor youth. He and his wife, Adela, are blessed with five children. As a classical educator and homeschool parent, Andrew believes the aim of K–12 education is the cultivation of wisdom (how to think) and virtue (how to act), providing graduates with a strong foundation for life.
Foday Kamara
Community Outreach
Foday Kamara is a native of Washington D.C. with roots that trace back to Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Nigeria. By the grace of God, Foday graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Goucher College in 2020. Foday has a passion for leadership, serving and mentoring people to help them walk in the fullness of their God-given identity. Foday loves working with the youth and currently serves at the Youth Leadership Foundation as Summer Director and Community Outreach Coordinator.
Krista Brown
Character and Mentorship Consulting
A native of Colorado, Krista has spent the last ten years working with youth and vulnerable populations in the non-profit sector in various capacities, particularly within the field of mental health. Additionally, Krista has a background in international and domestic mission-based work and event coordination, and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Krista is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with an emphasis in traumatology. Krista is passionate about forming today’s youth to become tomorrow’s leaders. In her spare time, Krista loves outdoor adventures, trying new things, and good cooking! She and her husband have two children.
Max Rosenblum
Public Relations and Earned Media
Tonnete Abellana
Administrative Support
Hailing from Cebu, Philippines, Tonnete embarked on a decade-long adventure in Dubai, UAE. Her career journey started in the construction industry, navigating from office secretary to site secretary, before culminating as a senior document controller at an interior contracting firm. In 2019, she returned home and transitioned to the role of executive virtual assistant at Awesome Outsourcing LLC, where she honed her skills under the mentorship of Michelle Thompson. Leveraging her extensive experience in administrative support and document control, Tonnete aims to excel in fulfilling her duties. Tonnete enjoys quality time and spontaneous trips with family and friends.
Parent Mentors
Jalila Simons
Anthonia Agwamba
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Interested in becoming a Parent Mentor? Inquire today: admin@helpingkids.org