Kassandra Mindingall is a fourth-generation member of Bethel Baptist Church with a degree in Criminal Justice and minors in Psychology and Health Sciences. She has experience in education, youth programs, and leading initiatives like the Youth and Police Initiative (YPI). She now works full-time at the White Plains Youth Bureau, focusing on empowering youth and strengthening community relationships.
Alvenia Smith is a Westchester County resident and longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church in White Plains for over 50 years. She studied at College Prep in Waltham, MA, and earned certifications and degrees from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY. A Board Member and Treasurer of Passage to Excellence for over 12 years, she oversees budgeting, financial records, and reporting to support the organization’s operations.
Michael Young joined the Passages to Excellence board in 2018 and brings over 30 years of experience working with children and youth. He has taught, coached, and held administrative roles at institutions including Bronx Community College, Westchester Community College, Mercy University, and K–12 schools in NYC and Yonkers. His experience gives him strong insight into the needs of the young people the organization serves.
Taylor Ridgway is a graduate of Manhattanville College with a degree in Creative and Professional Writing and works in risk management within the Employee Benefits division at Gallagher Insurance. She is dedicated to education and mentorship, tutoring students and guiding them through the college application process. A Trustee and choir member at Bethel Baptist Church and Secretary of the Passage to Excellence program, she is committed to supporting youth and strengthening her community.
Michael Rhodes is a graduate of North Carolina Central University with a degree in Business Administration and has worked for the Department of Social Services for over 19 years. A longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church, he is also the co-founder of Exquisite Taste Catering and the Exquisite Foundation. He is committed to public service and aims to make a meaningful impact through his role on the board.
Frank Williams, Jr. is the Executive Director of the White Plains Youth Bureau, where he leads nationally recognized programs focused on youth development, health, and career readiness. He has held senior leadership roles across New York and Connecticut and currently serves as President of the New York State Association of Youth Bureaus. A highly awarded leader, he holds degrees from Tougaloo College and Fordham University, along with an honorary doctorate, and remains committed to empowering youth and strengthening communities.
Dr. Edward O. Williamson is the pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in White Plains, New York, and a dedicated community leader. He serves in several civic and faith-based roles, including the Ministers Fellowship Council, the NAACP, and as a chaplain for the White Plains Public Safety Department. A recipient of numerous awards, he is committed to service, guided by his belief that “We’re all in this together.”
Schneider Thompson was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and moved to White Plains, NY at age 9. She earned degrees in Business Administration and International Business from The College of Westchester and Mercy College while building her career, and currently serves as Corporate Logistics Manager at USA Central Station, where she has worked for over 23 years. She is an active member of Bethel Baptist Church, serves as Church Clerk, and is a proud board member of Passages to Excellence.
Deacon Dewitt Roy Smith is a longtime White Plains resident and dedicated community leader who worked for the U.S. Postal Service and retired from DHL after many years of service. A faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including Deacon, Trustee, and Vice President of Passages to Excellence, while also contributing to youth and community initiatives. Recognized with numerous awards for his service, he remains actively involved in civic and faith-based organizations, committed to strengthening his community.
Jennifer Lee is a lifelong resident of White Plains, NY. A longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church and graduate of White Plains High School, she went away to attend and graduated from University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. But she then came back to the White Plains area to work in her family’s now 111-year-old funeral home, Lee’s Funeral Home, LLC, where she’s worked, and helped serve and educate the community over 30 years, and is current manager & part-owner. She believes in giving back to the community, as well as believes in the betterment of our youth, and thus has been a part of Passage to Excellence since it’s inception.