MEET THE BASKIDS TEAM, WORKING TOGETHER TO GROW A GENERATION OF READERS!
Lesley Edwards is the Co-founder and President of Baskids. She has worked with children and teens for 12 years with Prince George's County Public Schools and Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission. Her positions have varied from substitute teacher, teen advocate leader, camp counselor, tutor and administrative assistant of 3 sites.
Lesley has always been heavily involved in her community and giving back. She's very passionate about advocating for mental, emotional, and educational well being of children in her community. She deeply believes she was placed on this earth to make a difference.
Her dedication to children and community outreach encouraged her to obtain a Bachelors of Social Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Social Justice at Bowie State University. She is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Human and Social Service - Humans Service and Nonprofit Admin at Walden University to further her passion.
Favorite Children’S Book: American Doll series of Amer by Connie Porter
Jasmine Butler is the Co-founder and Vice President of Baskids. Her passion for children began at a very young age with volunteering at her local elementary school and children's ministries at church. Reading has been a favorite past-time for Jasmine as a child and continues today.
"Finding a book that you love because you can relate to it, or because it excites you is so important. Exercising that part of your brain, having that time with yourself and your own imagination is just so critical. It's a feeling that everyone should be able to experience."
In addition to working with Lesley to create Baskids and connecting with youth she is an Event Manager at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), where she organizes, plans and executes all center-wide events as a member of the Communications team.
She earned a B.S. in Communications, with a concentration in Public Relations from Bowie State University where she also interned in the office of University Relations and competed on the Track and Field team.
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK: I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Jeanette Butler-Pugh is a native Washingtonian, a wife, mother and boss. Jeanette read to each of her children every night to create a bond with them while they grew a love for reading books, imagination and creativity. Her developed her experience in business operations during her twenty year tenure as the Clinical and Human Resources Coordinator at Scott Orthodontics. She and her husband are also co-owners of Clowntown Entertainment Incorporated, a family business founded in 2001.
Jeanette is very passionate about her family, as she believes that God has entrusted them to her. She and her husband Colin are the proud parents of four wonderful children, Lamonica, Jasmine (co-founder of Baskids) Colin III and Jackson.
Although Jeanette’s family, career and ministry keeps her busy she always finds time for traveling, cooking, and reading!
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK: The Berenstain Bears Collection by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Kylie Brock is originally from New Jersey and attended Rutgers University for undergraduate and graduate school. She received a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Public Health and Psychology and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Leadership.
Throughout the last seven years, Kylie has committed her career to work within organizations that support child and community development, which is why she was thrilled to join the Baskids team.
In 2018, before becoming official connecting with Baskids, while working as a Family Grants Project Director at Community Connections, Kylie, Jasmine, and Lesley partnered with the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health and was able to give out books to over 25 families for their first annual Christmas party.
Kylie believes that early intervention in education can drastically change a child’s trajectory and that the Baskids mission aligns perfectly with this notion. Kylie is committed to supporting Baskids and making it a household name within the D.C. Metro area.
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK: Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
Jada Carter, a senior accountant at Arcadia, Inc. in Washington, D.C, is joining the Baskids organization as the treasurer, fundraiser chair, and much more. Jada is originally from Bowie, MD and graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Later, received her MBA from University of Maryland University College. Jada has severed as treasurer for her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and has been in financial positions professionally for the last 7 years. A mom of one beautiful daughter, Jada is excited to give back to the youth and help develop scholars at all levels.
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK: One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Suess
BOARD MEMBERS
Dior Ginyard is currently a Senior Player Manager at the NFL Players Association. In his role, Dior implements and oversees innovative initiatives, programs, and resources that are designed to equip players with the skills needed to make a successful transition in, through and beyond the NFL.
He was recognized by Washington Business Journal and was listed on their 2018 Top 40 Under 40, and Forbes as a Top 30 Under 30 honoree in the sports category. In addition, he has been featured by Forbes and ESPN for the work he does helping players succeed off the field.
Dior overcame a severe brain injury to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Bowie State University, and Master’s in Marketing from University of Maryland University College. He was born and raised in Prince George’s County, MD and has one son – Carter. Dior’s favorite author is Rick Warren, and he credits the book Purpose Driven Life with having a huge impact on his life.
Jamellah Owens has is passionate about early education for children ages birth to 5 years of age, and is proud to share 17 years of knowledge and expertise in leading and managing community-based organizations (summer camps, child development centers, family childcare, etc.).
Jamellah holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Program Administration. She has a proven track record in supporting quality child care for all children under the age of 5. As the President and Lead Consultant of Growing to Lead, LLC, Education Consulting company. I am passionate about supporting high-quality learning environments for young children and their parents.
Mrs. Owens serves as an independent consultant for the state of Maryland’s and the District of Columbia’s quality rating improvement systems (QRIS), which consist of working with private and publicly-funded childcare programs. Some of my recent desires are learning design and technology and supporting program improvement for small businesses as they are looking to start or scale their business. In my free time, I enjoy cooking new meals, reading, and exploring new ways to stay fit.
Katryce Pedro is the Founder of The Funny Momma (a community of 12.5k mothers who uplift, support and inspire one another) and Fete Posh (A Prom for Moms). She has over 12 years experience in the event and marketing field, 4 of which were spent as Chief of Staff for the Baltimore African American Festival that hosted over 350,000 guests. Katryce is currently an Event Producer for NASA and a Marketing Director for Dynamic Health Care. As a mother of 3 boys (one of which has severe developmental delays), she understands on a personal level the importance of encouraging strong reading skills beginning at a young age and is passionate about educating both children and their parents of the benefits of literacy development.