Our Board Members
Meet the dedicated leaders driving our mission forward. Their vision, expertise, and passion empower youth to achieve their full potential.
Valleix Herard / CEO
Valleix Herard is a U.S. Navy veteran, multimedia entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to service, structure, and storytelling. As a former Customer Success Manager for a Fortune 500 government software firm, he now applies his expertise to empower underserved communities across NYC. Valleix collaborates with elected officials, serves as a civic liaison, and inspires through public speaking and authorship. As a Guided Futures NYC board member, he brings strategic insight, mentorship, and a results-driven approach to youth empowerment.
Nalini Thomas / CEO
Nalini Thomas is a Guyanese-born creative, women’s activist, and Co-CEO of BYBNYC. As a freelance photographer, producer, and event planner, she fuses her Caribbean roots with a bold artistic vision. Nalini teaches photography, leads impactful projects, and champions women’s voices through storytelling, production, and purposeful events that inspire and empower.
Jimmy McMillian, M.Ed
Director of Academic
Jimmy McMillian is an educator and entrepreneur from Harlem and South Jamaica, Queens. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in English from Queens College (CUNY) and a Master’s in Education Policy from Teachers College, Columbia University.
At 19, Jimmy and his wife Ashley started McMillian Tutorials, a faith-based tutoring and mentorship company serving students across New York City. The company supports learners from ages 5 to 40 with K-12 tutoring, college prep, interview coaching, and résumé building.
Today, McMillian Tutorials has partnered with local organizations, helped over 50 families, and built a team of 15—including seven current Queens College students. Jimmy’s goal is to make McMillian Tutorials a top virtual tutoring platform for families nationwide.
Reginald Hawkins
Determined, Passionate and Tenacious are qualities that describe Louisiana native, Reggie Hawkins. His love for music and radio has always been embedded in his DNA. After obtaining his bachelor degree in Mass Communications from New York University, Reggie began his career with Emmis Communications and moved through the company ranks, ultimately becoming WQHT-FM (Hot97) Programming Coordinator and Associate Morning Show Producer for their #1 rated Morning Show. In 2004, Reggie moved on to SiriusXM, serving as Format Manager for the Hip Hop Nation channel and Talent Manager for Eminem’s channel, Shade 45, where he has groomed A-list on-air talent including Angela Yee, Sway Calloway, Amanda Seales, DJ
Marc Labossiere
Marc Laboss is a seasoned marketing and advertising professional with over 15 years of experience executing impactful print and digital campaigns across New York City. A proud Haitian American, Marc was born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, and is a graduate of Queensborough Community College, where he studied Liberal Arts and Communication.
Known for his deep-rooted relationships and community ties throughout NYC, Marc has earned a reputation as a trusted connector and liaison—someone people consistently turn to when they need access, insight, or opportunity. His ability to bring the right people together has contributed to the success of numerous events, campaigns, businesses, and partnerships across the city.
Marc is also a devoted community service advocate. As a youth, he was active at Monastery Catholic Church, both spiritually and socially, playing for the church team and participating in local programs. He is the youngest of three brothers raised by a strong mother and is now a proud father himself. He has recently guided his son—a high school football player—through the transition to college as a freshman, offering him the same mentorship and encouragement that Marc has offered so many others.
With a strong passion for people and progress, Marc continues to be a powerful force in New York City, committed to uplifting his community and building bridges that lead to opportunity.
Joshua Michael Howard
Joshua “JYJWLZ” Howard is a Queens-based artist, producer, videographer, and founder of JwlrBrand Productions. With roots in piano, beat-making, and visual storytelling, he blends music, video, and education to uplift creative voices. A former intern for Grammy-winner !llmind, Joshua has worked with artists like Pop Smoke, Method Man, and Freeway, and currently shoots for BYBNYC. He also teaches music production to youth at York College and curates Moshun Sessions, a performance platform for emerging talent. Joshua is signed to MadeByUs Music with sync credits including Microsoft, and continues building a bold creative legacy across media.
About
Guided Futures
Guided Futures is a mentorship and educational support program dedicated to empowering underprivileged students and young adults with the guidance, exposure, and resources they need to succeed. We build structured pathways for academic, professional, and personal growth, ensuring every participant—regardless of background—can navigate their future with confidence.
Through hands-on experiences, academic support, and access to industry professionals, Guided Futures opens doors to higher education, career pathways, and leadership development. We focus on helping students not just graduate, but thrive—academically, professionally, and personally.
Our work is about more than education—it’s about transformation. By investing in students’ mentorship, career exposure, and financial literacy, we are breaking generational cycles and building a pipeline of leaders who will reinvest in their communities. A thriving student population means a stronger local economy, more role models for younger generations, and a future where opportunity is accessible to all.
Guided Futures is more than a program—it’s a movement. We are creating a home where underrepresented students are valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their fullest potential, proving that success doesn’t require leaving your community—it begins by believing in it.
