About Us
The Young Masterminds Initiative, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded by members of Mastermind Connect, a collective of progressive men of color who believe in inspiring change by nurturing camaraderie, fostering accountability, and cultivating trust, leadership, and support.
Our Board of Directors
Manny Almonte
Co-founder, President and CEO
Manny Almonte, a passionate advocate for empowering men of color, is the visionary founder of both Mastermind Connect men's collective and the Young Masterminds Initiative nonprofit organization. Through these platforms, he curates transformative experiences, enabling men of color to forge profound connections with their passions, inner selves, and communities.
Manny's notable accomplishments include producing the award-winning, thought-provoking short film Wood Hood, which champions justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the outdoors. As the Principal of MA Reloaded, LLC, Manny also brings his expertise to a boutique web design firm.
J.D. Weatherspoon
Co-founder, Secretary, Program Director (He/Him)
Globally-minded, grassroots-driven human catalyst and all around renaissance man, JD has played a hand in numerous initiatives and programs both domestically, and abroad. His field of expertise spans from peer education and youth mentoring, to program development and project management. A few of his exploits include the Harvard Center for AIDS Research (HUCFAR) "Forgotten Epidemic" project, the US Refugee Processing Center, El Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje, and the US Peace Corps (Cambodia). Also a co-founder of Mastermind Connect, JD now heads up the its development branch.
Brandon Slaughter
Treasurer (He/Him)
Treasurer and Curriculum Development
For the past decade, Brandon has worked to improve education outcomes for young people through strategy, innovation, and leadership. Brandon's tenure in education has included a variety of roles and experiences both within nonprofits and public education. He began as a High School History Teacher in the Boston Public Schools and would go on to serve in a variety of roles both in Boston and in the NYC Department of Education including: Director of Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Programs for BPS, Interim Acting Director of NYC's My Brother’s Keeper, and a Chief of Staff for the First Deputy Chancellor.
Andy Isaacson
Co-founder Camping to Connect Program, External Relations Director (He/Him)
Andy Isaacson is a journalist, photographer, and creative producer who has reported from all seven continents for National Geographic, The New York Times, and many other publications. He also works with Shared_Studios, a company whose global network of immersive spaces, called Portals — placed in public parks, cultural institutions, and refugee camps in more than 50 sites worldwide — allow people from all walks of life to interact in meaningful ways across distances, as if in the same room. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Andy grew up hiking in the state parks of upstate New York, and loves sharing his passion for the outdoors with the youth that participate in Camping to Connect.
David Lopez, Esq.
Lead NYC Mentor (He/Him)
David is an attorney by trade, but an adventurer at heart. David graduated from Syracuse University in 2004, receiving a Bachelor of Arts, History and a Bachelor of Science, Political Science, magna cum laude.
David is an avid outdoorsman who is always looking for his next big adventure. For as long as David can remember, the outdoors have always offered him a sense of peace, grace, and tranquility. Growing up, David was often the only person of color on the trails.
David’s volunteer work with organizations such as YMI have given him an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young men of color. By sharing with them his love for the outdoors, David has learned the value of mentorship. David’s goal as a mentor is to lead and facilitate outdoor adventures for young men of color who are seeking to challenge themselves and expand their horizons.
Jamian C. Polk
Chair of Advisory Board (He/Him)
Jamian C. Polk joined Microsoft in July 2018 and is a Director at Microsoft for their global financial services business unit for modern work.
Since 2017, Polk has been an angel investor in early-stage and Series B technology and film companies. He currently operates as a founding partner of an angel investing syndicate, 1921 Ventures, structured to provide access to capital and advisory to early-stage companies across an array of industries.
Polk received a bachelor’s degree in business administration in computer information systems and international business from Appalachian State University and an international certificate of excellence from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications.
Young Masterminds Initiative Non-Discrimination Policy
Statement of Policy:
At Young Masterminds Initiative, including our Camping to Connect program, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our commitment extends to all persons involved in our operations and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type, irrespective of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Practices:
Admissions: We admit participants to our programs based on merit and the potential to benefit from the transformative experiences we offer. We do not discriminate against applicants for any reason other than their suitability for our programs.
Employment and Volunteerism: All employment and volunteerism decisions are based on institutional need, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We actively encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply.
Programs: Our programs are designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring that all participants have equitable access to benefits. Relatable mentorship, crucial for personal development, is offered to all, irrespective of their backgrounds.
Partnerships: We only partner with organizations that align with our non-discrimination policy and commitment to fostering a diverse community.
Reporting and Accountability:
All staff, volunteers, and participants are responsible for upholding this policy.
Concerns about discrimination or harassment should be promptly reported to the designated authority within the organization. Measures will be undertaken to resolve such issues in a confidential manner, to the extent permissible by law.
Amendments:
This policy may be reviewed and amended at the discretion of the board of directors, with changes communicated in a timely manner.
By embracing this policy, Young Masterminds Initiative continues its commitment to enact meaningful change, fostering a community where everyone, irrespective of their background, can thrive.