(She/Her)
FOUNDER/DIRECTOR

"It wasn’t until I had the privilege to create Bravehearts, that my traumas finally found a realm where they could be safely held & heard in order for me to truly begin to heal. Not all of us are fortunate enough to experience safety in our homes. Bravehearts is my village, my family of choice, and for the past two decades of my advocacy journey, I have found healing & hope, through helping confront & comfort the ‘hurt of system silence’ others just like me have braved through, to experience a healing breakthrough".

(She/Her)
BRAVEHEARTS PROGRAM MANAGER

“I deeply value the power and passion that lives within community. Being able to experience joy, fear, sadness, and hope alongside a collective of souls who have overcome life’s greatest obstacles, reminds me that healing is real! As a survivor, a student, a mother, and a supporter, I pride myself in creating meaningful connections for youth through a lens of wholehearted compassion, and lasting self-advocacy".

(He/Him)
BRONX BRAVEHEARTS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

"My lived experiences with adoption, fuel my passion to help others. Through community, court, peer and family advocacy, I work relentlessly to uplift the voices of those seeking to find their own sense of self. I pride myself in leading a 'pride' of empowered hearts, by creating a brave space for young adults in New York City to feel safe enough to be their true, authentic selves without fear or judgment. Belonging matters".

(He/Him)
CAMPUS BRAVEHEARTS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

"As a young person growing up in NYC, I found myself impacted by placements and facilities. I was surrounded by strangers more than my friends and family. As I got older, I understood how important healing was and vowed to dedicate my career to ensuring young men don’t have to face hard moments alone! I am able to help young people find their voice. By helping them understand their traumas, I am healing my own".

(She/Her)
HEARTLINE RELATABLE RESPONDER

"I do this work and offer my voice to give youth in care, as well as alumni of care true support. Especially as someone who could’ve used it as well during my youth, this work is necessary for young adults to be heard".

(She/Her)
HEARTLINE RELATABLE RESPONDER

"The world needs more kindness and empowerment. I do this kind of work because for me, it feels like another day helping someone out and doing something good in this world, rather than just work a job".

(She/Her)
HEARTLINE RELATABLE RESPONDER

"The negative effects on my life caused by the system, are what fuel my passion for change. I believe that what I experienced as a child in foster care is what's needed to make a real difference in what children experience in the future, and I’m dedicated to achieving that".

(She/Her)
HEARTLINE RELATABLE RESPONDER

"I do this work because I genuinely enjoy helping others and giving them power back that they may feel was lost, taken, or never had".

(She/Her)
HEARTLINE RELATABLE RESPONDER

"I know first-hand how it feels to be a child in the system without a voice, and I want to do everything in my power to give voice and be a voice for those who need it the most. We all deserve to be HEARD".  

(She/Her)
BRONX BRAVEHEARTS PEER NAVIGATOR

"I am a lived expert who is currently a psychology student with experience in youth and human services settings. I am passionate about supporting young people’s development, mental health, and overall well-being. I bring strong communication, empathy, and reliability to my work ".

(She/Her)
PROGRAM VOLUNTEER

"What keeps me connected to the work is the personal passion I have for helping and caring for the youth. I have been in their shoes and have overcome many challenges and obstacles in my life. If I can do it, they can too".

(She/Her)
PROGRAM VOLUNTEER

"I have been a Braveheart for 9 years and most recently, have the honor to serve as the first Braveheart to become a licensed foster parent! My hope is to keep children safe and nurtured while birth parents are utilizing their time to heal and be the best they can for their children. I hope to advocate for and empower other young adults who have experienced foster care to consider fostering".

(She/Her)
PROGRAM VOLUNTEER

"Loneliness was an all too familiar feeling for me growing up due to the harmful effects of generational traumas & system impact. To cope, I would write, pray & help others in need. I have since turned my pain into purpose, by overcoming my obstacles and becoming an author and small business owner, bringing comfort through food to my community. Assuring that youth have access to healing, housing & hope, has kept me on my journey to serve others through faith & authenticity".