Camping to Connect facilitators

 

About Us

 

Camping to Connect uses outdoor recreation and nature immersion to address the diverse issues faced by young men of color in America’s cities—from mental health to healthy masculinity. We provide a safe space for meaningful conversations, connecting youth ages 13+ with nature, their peers, and dedicated mentors. Our leaders reflect the backgrounds of our youth participants, fostering a vital paradigm shift in their self-perception and understanding of their place in the world.

Camping to Connect is a program of the Young Masterminds Initiative, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by members of Mastermind Connect, a collective of progressive men of color who believe in inspiring change by nurturing camaraderie, fostering accountability, and cultivating trust, leadership, and support.

Young Masterminds Initiative’s

Board of Directors and Officers

 

Manny Almonte (He/Him)

Founder and CEO

Manny Almonte is the founder of Mastermind Connect and the Young Masterminds Initiative, creating transformative experiences that empower men of color to connect with their passions and inner selves. His work, including the award-winning short film Wood Hood, promotes leadership, mental health advocacy, justice, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors. Manny has been recognized by the NYC Department of Education and the Brooklyn Borough President for his dedication to empowering Black and Brown men and received the 2023 Robert W. Crawford Achievement Prize from the National Recreation Foundation for his creativity and steadfastness in increasing outdoor access and inclusion for youth from underserved communities.

J.D. Weatherspoon (He/Him)

Board Member, Secretary, Curriculum Director

Globally-minded, grassroots-driven human catalyst and all around renaissance man, JD has played a hand in numerous initiatives and programs both domestically, and abroad. His field of expertise spans from peer education and youth mentoring, to program development and project management. A few of his exploits include the Harvard Center for AIDS Research (HUCFAR) "Forgotten Epidemic" project, the US Refugee Processing Center, El Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje, and the US Peace Corps (Cambodia). Also a co-founder of Mastermind Connect, JD now heads up the its development branch.

Andy Isaacson (He/Him)

Board Member, Partnerships and Marketing Director; Co-Founder, Camping to Connect

Andy Isaacson is a journalist, educator and producer. His writing and photography have appeared in The New York Times, National Geographic, and numerous other publications, and he’s currently on the faculty at the School of The New York Times Summer Academy, where he teaches immersive journalism courses to high school students. He produced “Wood Hood,” an award-winning short documentary about Camping to Connect that explores themes of race, identity, and the power of nature to nurture and heal. As a kid raised in Brooklyn, Andy grew up hiking in upstate New York; Camping to Connect was born from his belief in the value of gathering men in nature to connect more deeply to themselves and to others.

Elizabeth Bacelar (She/Her)

Director of Communications (She/Her)

Liz Bacelar is a global tech innovation leader, serial entrepreneur and the first Latina to become a W46er, a climber who summited the 46 high peaks of New York State in full winter.

She created the Global Tech Innovation Team at The Estée Lauder Companies. Liz also founded and led two fashion and technology companies to acquisition. Before jumping into tech, Liz was an Emmy-nominated journalist at CBS and NBC News.

Liz is passionate about helping others develop an appreciation for hiking high peaks - mountains over 4,000 ft. For her, these long-distance hikes are a way to to reconnect with nature and strengthen the mind. She was born in Brazil, in the mountain city of Belo Horizonte, and grew up in New York, where se lives with her family, hiking with her kids as often as possible.

Brandon Slaughter (He/Him)

Board Member, Treasurer

For the past decade, Brandon has worked to improve education outcomes for young people through strategy, innovation, and leadership. Brandon's tenure in education has included a variety of roles and experiences both within nonprofits and public education. He began as a High School History Teacher in the Boston Public Schools and would go on to serve in a variety of roles both in Boston and in the NYC Department of Education including: Director of Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Programs for BPS, Interim Acting Director of NYC's My Brother’s Keeper, and a Chief of Staff for the First Deputy Chancellor.

David Lopez, Esq. (He/Him)

Board Member and Legal Counsel

David is an attorney by trade, but an adventurer at heart. David graduated from Syracuse University in 2004, receiving a Bachelor of Arts, History and a Bachelor of Science, Political Science, magna cum laude.

David is an avid outdoorsman who is always looking for his next big adventure. His volunteer work with organizations such as YMI have given him an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young men of color. By sharing with them his love for the outdoors, David has learned the value of mentorship. David’s goal as a mentor is to lead and facilitate outdoor adventures for young men of color who are seeking to challenge themselves and expand their horizons.

Our Leadership Team

  • Jalen Bazile

    PROGRAM DIRECTOR (He/Him)

    Jalen brings a decade of experience as a dedicated facilitator, organizer, and outdoorsman to his role at Camping To Connect, where he is committed to creating inclusive spaces for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. With a background in outdoor education and positive youth development, he actively mentors young individuals across the great outdoors. Based in Colorado, Jalen orchestrates nature-based community events and specializes in activities such as climbing, cycling, and overnight trips. As the founder of Travl Wide, a bikepacking outfitter, he channels his passion for nature into helping others deepen their connections with themselves, their community, and the land. Jalen's love for the outdoors fuels his mission to foster meaningful connections between people and the natural world.

  • Carlos Davila (He/Him)

    SENIOR MENTOR AND MENTAL HEALTH LEAD (He/Him)

    Carlos Davila is an Adjunct Professor (Psychology) at John Jay College, group exercise instructor and Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Fhitting Room (a boutique HIIT studio), received his 200 hour YTT from Men Care Now and is a Level 1 Precision Nutrition Coach. Carlos is also a faculty member and Executive Coach with the National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators. Carlos is also a founding member of Mastermind Connect men’s collective and a parent of two young men that are part of the Young Masterminds Initiative in New York City. As a psychologist, DEIB advocate and someone who has found new appreciation in nature as a space for healing and catharsis, Carlos is acutely aware of the need for greater diversity and equity in the outdoors.

  • Jamian C. Polk

    CHAIR OF ADVISORY BOARD (He/Him)

    Jamian C. Polk joined Microsoft in July 2018 and is a Director at Microsoft for their global financial services business unit for modern work.

    Since 2017, Polk has been an angel investor in early-stage and Series B technology and film companies. He currently operates as a founding partner of an angel investing syndicate, 1921 Ventures, structured to provide access to capital and advisory to early-stage companies across an array of industries.

    Polk received a bachelor’s degree in business administration in computer information systems and international business from Appalachian State University and an international certificate of excellence from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications.

 Young Masterminds Initiative Non-Discrimination Policy

Statement of Policy:

At Young Masterminds Initiative, including our Camping to Connect program, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our commitment extends to all persons involved in our operations and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type, irrespective of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Practices:

Admissions: We admit participants to our programs based on merit and the potential to benefit from the transformative experiences we offer. We do not discriminate against applicants for any reason other than their suitability for our programs.

Employment and Volunteerism: All employment and volunteerism decisions are based on institutional need, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We actively encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply.

Programs: Our programs are designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring that all participants have equitable access to benefits. Relatable mentorship, crucial for personal development, is offered to all, irrespective of their backgrounds.

Partnerships: We only partner with organizations that align with our non-discrimination policy and commitment to fostering a diverse community.

Reporting and Accountability:

All staff, volunteers, and participants are responsible for upholding this policy.

Concerns about discrimination or harassment should be promptly reported to the designated authority within the organization. Measures will be undertaken to resolve such issues in a confidential manner, to the extent permissible by law.

Amendments:

This policy may be reviewed and amended at the discretion of the board of directors, with changes communicated in a timely manner.

By embracing this policy, Young Masterminds Initiative continues its commitment to enact meaningful change, fostering a community where everyone, irrespective of their background, can thrive.