Stacy Bailey-Ndiaye
Executive Director, Co-Founder 
Mark Hoosier
Program Specialist Our Place at Ben Washer Park Cafe 
Dr. Felix Nyamedor
Coordinator for Bridge Kids Groups 
Jerald Smith
Program Specialist STEM & Sustainability |
Stacy Bailey-Ndiaye is the executive director and co-founder of Bridge Kids International. In 2014, she left a 23 year career in higher education to focus on Bridge Kids. She served as executive director of the Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of Louisville and the directors of Multicultural Affairs and Student Activities at Manhattanville College. She has also held a variety of positions in student development and multicultural affairs in colleges and universities in the US. For several years, she was the executive director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Institute for Nonviolence in Westchester, NY. Ms. Bailey-Ndiaye has served in a number of community organizations and on non-profit boards related to social justice and international relations. In addition to her work with Bridge Kids, Stacy is a trustee of the James H Bailey Sr. Family Heritage Project. Stacy has managed global projects, federal grants, and has traveled extensively building relationships between people and institutions.
Stacy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Race and Ethnic Relations from Ithaca College and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University at Albany. Originally from New York City, she lives in Louisville, Kentucky and has one son. Mark Hoosier is a young chef trained in Western High School’s Culinary Arts Program. He has served in a variety of positions in the restaurant industry including cook, baker, and barista. Mark also studied under renowned chef Edward Lee and interned at MilkWood and 610 Magnolia. Mark is also the founder of Hearthfire Kitchen, a nonprofit organization with the goal of providing cooking lessons with an educational emphasis on health, frugality, and applicability to the average home kitchen. In addition to leading BKI's Cooking with Kin program, Mark is helping to develop the Our Place at Ben Washer Park Cafe, where he will serve as Cafe Manager. Felix Nyamedor served as the advisor for Bridge Kids Ghana for several years and is now the Coordinator for Bridge Kids Groups globally. He is the co-author of The Bridge Kids: An African Heritage Family Activity Book. He believes the young people of Africa can change the stories around them and can be the best in the world. Felix has a strong socio-cultural and scientific research training and experience in Africa and the Diaspora. Felix is a social leader for young people with development driven innovation at the grassroots to urban settings in environmental change, youth advocacy and women empowerment. Felix Nyamedor has written journals and co- authored books published to help young people. Felix recently earned his Ph.D. in Leadership and Theology. He resides in Ghana and is a minister of God for good with a desire to help others discover their best selves. As BK Groups Coordinator, Felix provides support to all BK Groups around the world, organizes meetings of group leaders, and assists in developing strategies for group development. Jerald Smith is a chemist, entrepreneur and educator. Jerald holds a B.S. in Chemistry and has served as a lab technician and community science educator. He is the owner of Nice Cream, a liquid nitrogen ice cream business and is the STEAM Chemist who does educational programs for children and youth. He is a long-time member of Bridge Kids International and serves in the part-time position of Program Specialist - STEM & Sustainability where he is helping to plan the sustainability and Well Building components, educational programs, and Nice Cream partnership at Our Place at Ben Washer Park. Jerald also runs the STEAM Club and is the Director of BKI’s 7 Generations African Heritage Culture Camp. |
