OUR TEAM

Dr. Sonia Toledo

Board Chair

Dr. Sonia M. Toledo is a social entrepreneur and emotional intelligence expert who founded Dignity of Children® and Ideas by Youth, Inc. With over two decades of experience in youth development, she created Ideas by Youth in December 2022 to empower young leaders to tackle global challenges through social entrepreneurship. The program helps students develop innovative solutions to pressing issues, guiding them with real-world experiences and mentorship. Dr. Toledo’s work continues to inspire the next generation of resilient, socially conscious leaders ready to make an impact.

David Johnson

Board Vice President

David Johnson is a seasoned executive and technology sourcing leader with more than two decades of experience driving innovation, operational excellence, and strategic transformation across global enterprises. As Vice President of the Board, he brings a rare combination of business acumen, mentorship, and community-minded leadership to advancing youth development and economic empowerment. Deeply committed to creating pathways for future leaders, David focuses on equipping young people, particularly those from underserved communities, with the skills, tools, and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s economy. His work bridges the gap between the corporate and nonprofit sectors, using strategic planning, partnership development, and digital innovation to create sustainable impact. Whether building procurement strategies for multinational organizations or mentoring the next generation of changemakers, David brings purpose, clarity, and compassion to every endeavor. He believes that investing in youth is the most powerful lever for long-term social and economic transformation.

Jason Plant

Board Treasurer

Jason Plant is a mission-driven serial social entrepreneur whose ventures span from clean water to clean energy. In 2020, he co-founded HydroPhos Solutions, a Techstars-backed circular economy startup focused on restoring waterways and extending the longevity of the global food supply. He went on to launch Green Lightning Energy, a Certified B Corporation that dramatically reduces the cost of high-quality solar installations through an innovative, impact-oriented business model.

Today, while serving as an active Board Member and Advisor to both companies, Jason plays a key leadership role as CFO at Sensorium Technological Laboratories—a cutting-edge nanophotonics company serving the semiconductor industry—where he oversees finance, fundraising, and HR. Through founding and running multiple startups from the ground up, Jason has developed a broad skillset spanning across every area of business. He is passionate about sharing these experiences through mentorship and community engagement, always with a focus on building systems that create lasting social and environmental value.

Jasmine Meniam

Project Manager Volunteer

Jasmine Meniam is a Project Manager Volunteer focused on building the foundation for cohort development and program operations. She is deeply passionate about empowering youth by amplifying their voices and fostering creativity, with the goal of helping shape a more equitable and innovative future.

Alex Min

Marketing Volunteer

Alex Min is a Marketing Volunteer focused on website updates, messaging, and digital outreach for the program. He is passionate about community engagement and making an impact.

Jonathan Davis

Research & Fundraising Volunteer

Jonathan Davis is a recent graduate from Boston University, who is dedicated to public service work. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in ethics, and plans to begin law school in the Fall of 2026. He was eager to join our team at Ideas by Youth as a Research & Fundraising Intern because he recognizes the important social impact that businesses play in society, and feels a strong calling to be a part of it.