Meet the Ybb BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Development Committee

Jeanine Armitstead

Charles “Chuck” Borstel

  • Development Committee

    Programs Committee

    Governance Committee

Leroy Browne

Amenyonah Bossman

  • Youth Build Boston embodies the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," demonstrating a deep commitment to empowering youth in the heart of Boston. I've seen remarkable young women and men walk through its doors, gaining confidence and essential skills in the construction industry, which they then bring back to their communities. 

    As a Youth Build Boston board member, I feel honored to be a village keeper for Youth Build, ensuring it remains a vital resource for individual and community growth and success.

Frank Burt

  • YouthBuild Boston is committed to providing training and support to youth so they can use their skills to pursue rewarding careers in the construction and design industries to support themselves and their communities. As a Board member, I am proud be be able to further this important work. 

Troy Depeiza

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Melinda Giovengo

  • I have been involved with the YouthBuild Movement for over thirty years. YouthBuild focuses on young people the traditional systems have failed. The focus on creating REAL pathways out of poverty by giving youth living wage job training and the personal skills to fully participate in the community in proactive positive ways is unique. Having worked in youth development services for 40 years YouthBuild is the most comprehensive and successful I have experienced throughout my career.

Amanda Forde

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Al Gogolin

  • YouthBuild Boston has worked tirelessly for over 30 years to provide the services, mentorship, career direction and support for thousands of area youth who otherwise might not have the support they need to succeed. By focusing these services on career development in the design and construction industries, YBB has been able to ride the wave of growth across the city and launch students into industries that offer solid wages and sustainable careers.  I am continuously impressed by the caliber of the youth participating in YBB programs and enjoy seeing them take on challenges and thrive upon graduation.  I continue to support YBB because I know they make a difference in the lives of every individual who walks through their doors.

Matt Grosshandler

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David C. Harris

  • As a former educator, I know that traditional academic education is not for everyone. The incredible team at YouthBuild Boston continues to open the opportunity to pursue high paying careers (that will not be replaced with AI) for young people in the City of Boston. The communities we serve would otherwise have limited options to experience a middle class or better lifestyle.

Scott Harrington

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Jill Lacey Griffin

  • I have seen firsthand how Youth Build Boston opens the door to opportunity and transforms lives of young men and women living in poverty through the introduction of new careers in the building trades.  Youth Build’s caring staff mentor and teach participants academic, leadership, professional and technical skills through hands on skills building. I am committed to ensuring the program deepens it’s impact.

Ellen O’Connor

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Edward Ransom

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Liem Tran

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Melvin A. Viera Jr.

  • YouthBuild holds a special place in my heart because it empowers young men and women in the community, giving them a chance to succeed when the odds are against them. It equips them with lifelong skills to support themselves and build better futures. What truly stands out is the dedication of the staff, who give far more than 100%—showing these young individuals that they aren’t just there for a paycheck, but to make a lasting impact. 

Shelley Webster

  • First and foremost, YBB’s track record of success in preparing Boston’s young men and women for careers in the construction industry is unmatched.  The guidance, training, and direction that the students and pre-apprentices receive is relevant and sincere, and each time we bring students to job sites our construction partners comment on how engaged and focused the groups are.  Additionally, the staff are deeply committed to YBB’s students and mission, and do a fantastic job engaging, strategizing, and partnering with industry partners like InOrder.  There are lots of different ways for us to engage with YBB, such as PA and Designery, which means that for any project IOB is involved in there is usually an opportunity to partner.

     

    Keep up the great work, and I look forward to our continued partnership!

Kenneth Willis

  • YouthBuild Boston’s programming and wrap around social services serve as a vehicle to transform the lives of youth so that they can earn a livable wage in the construction and trades industry, give back to their local communities, and be productive members of society.

Brooke Woodson

  • I support YouthBuild because the construction industry is facing a severe lack of new talent and YBB is training the next generation of a diverse and talented workforce.

“At YouthBuild Boston, we believe in the transformative power of education and hands-on experience to unlock the potential in every young person. By providing the tools, skills, and support they need, we not only help build careers but also stronger, more resilient communities. It’s a privilege to support an organization that empowers our youth to shape their future and the future of Boston. I encourage others to join us in supporting YouthBuild Boston—by investing in these young leaders, we are investing in the future of our neighborhoods and our city.”
— Amanda Forde, Board Co-Chair