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.

Marcus Bazemore

Youth Development Leader

Marcus Bazemore is a youth development leader, creative educator, and facilitator with extensive experience designing programs that prepare young people for real-world opportunities. His work sits at the intersection of education, workforce development, and culture.

Marcus has led and rebuilt youth programs that connect high school students to paid learning experiences while helping them build professional, creative, and leadership skills. He has helped launch workforce development initiatives in multiple cities, including Atlanta, and has facilitated programming and training across the country.

As a professional development facilitator, Marcus has trained educators and youth workers throughout New York City on topics ranging from trauma-informed environments and managing difficult behaviors to creating safe spaces and maintaining professional boundaries in youth programs. His work focuses on equipping staff with practical strategies that strengthen program culture and improve outcomes for young people.
Alongside his work in youth development, Marcus is also an artist and music producer who teaches music production and content creation. His creative background allows him to translate industry practices into learning experiences that feel authentic and relevant for young people.

Through program design, facilitation, and creative mentorship, Marcus works to build environments where young people can develop confidence, strengthen their skills, and see clear pathways toward meaningful careers

Sonrisa B. Murray

Project Manager

Sonrisa B. Murray is a dynamic education consultant with a decade of experience in curriculum design, instructional leadership, and program management. Holding a Master’s in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, a Master’s in Youth Studies from CUNY SPS, and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Smith College, she specializes in strategic planning and project-based learning. As Project Manager of Ideas by Youth, Inc., she leads branding, partnerships, recruitment, and nonprofit establishment, working closely with Dr. Sonia Toledo to drive youth empowerment and educational reform within mission-driven organizations.