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PHIL TAITT
CHAIRMAN & PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Phil Taitt is a two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, community strategist, and Founder of Dream Reach Inspire. A Brooklyn native, Phil established Dream Reach Inspire with a simple but powerful mission: to empower young people through positive programming, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities that inspire them to dream beyond their circumstances and reach their full potential.
Under Taitt’s leadership, Dream Reach Inspire has developed impactful programs and community events designed to provide underserved youth and families with access to resources, professional role models, educational experiences, and pathways to success. His vision, spanning a decade, is rooted in the belief that every young person deserves exposure to opportunities that build confidence, ambition, and hope for the future.
As Chairman and President of the Board, Phil provides strategic leadership and oversight to advance the organization's mission, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure long-term sustainability and impact.
Phil earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications, with a concentration in Public Relations and Advertising, from St. Francis College. Throughout his distinguished media career, he has worked with several leading news organizations in the New York market, including FOX 5 New York, Spectrum News NY1, News 12, and WABC Eyewitness News, where he serves as a morning reporter dedicated to covering stories that matter to communities across the region.
PAMELA REFUSE
SECRETARY | DOCUMENTATION & COMPLIANCE
Pamela Refuse holds a degree in Human Services with a minor in Social Work and currently serves as a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, facilitating evidence-based programs and workshops that support youth and families in making healthy, informed decisions.
As a Board Member and Event Coordinator for Dream Reach Inspire, Pamela helps develop educational, mentorship, and community engagement initiatives that empower young people to reach their full potential.
She is also a co-founder of the Haitian American Foundation for Education and Cultural Exchange (HAFCE), a family-founded organization dedicated to promoting education, cultural preservation, and opportunities for Haitian American youth.
KEANU HYPOLITE
TREASURER
Keanu Hypolite holds a B.B.A. in Business Administration from Hofstra University and brings a diverse background spanning education, financial advisory, corporate finance, and investment banking. As Founder of KRH Equity, he combines his passion for financial education and community impact by developing programs that promote financial literacy and empower underserved youth, families, and communities to make informed financial decisions.
As Treasurer and Board Member of Dream Reach Inspire, Keanu provides financial oversight and supports the organization's governance responsibilities. He works closely with the Board of Directors to help ensure sound financial stewardship, accountability, transparency, and alignment of resources with the organization's mission. In addition to his role with Dream Reach Inspire, he has experience serving on nonprofit and educational boards, contributing to strategic planning, governance, and community-focused initiatives.
MALISSA REDMOND
EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT
A Brooklyn native with a passionate heart for service, faithfully participates in humanitarian efforts throughout the community, country, and internationally. Whether through speaking or singing, her presence is invaluable, and her services are unmatched. President and CEO of ForSmiles Consulting Services. She's a multifaceted leader, award-winning singer, and best-selling author of her first literary work, "Overcomer," a sought-after motivational speaker, NYS Chaplain, mentor, entrepreneur, and consultant. I dare to dream because my faith in God and commitment to hard work remind me that everything is possible.
ELIJAH AHMAD LEWIS
BRAND & VISUAL MANAGER
Elijah Ahmad Lewis is an internationally recognized entertainer, recording artist, and graphic branding concept designer. Since founding Lae® Creates in 2006, he has specialized in visual brand management for artists, events, companies, and creative concepts. His creative portfolio includes Broadway's Motown The Musical, Ain't Too Proud, A Wonderful World, The Wiz 50th Anniversary Revival, NBC's The Wiz Live!, iCrownedMe, Mama's One Sauce, and branding work for clients including Bevy Smith and Terrence Terrell.
As a brand manager, Lae® transforms ideas into compelling visual identities, bringing each brand's essence, voice, and story to life while strategically building, elevating, and sustaining its long-term presence. laecreates.com @lae.creates