Program Participants
NYC FutureForward Program: Building Pathways for Young Justice Leaders
The NYC FutureForward Program is Canary Impact’s newest initiative created for justice-involved young people ages 18–25 living in New York City. This program provides mentorship, resources, and skills that help participants turn their lived experiences into leadership opportunities and community-driven impact. Through a mix of in-person gatherings and virtual sessions, FutureForward offers a flexible space where participants can grow, connect, and lead change.
2025 Participants
Khallid Barber (he/him)
Khallid Barber is a motivated professional with experience in youth development, team leadership, and technology. He is a senior scholar completing his B.S. in Computer Information Systems at SUNY Buffalo State. With leadership roles spanning aerospace and nonprofit sectors, Khallid has successfully managed operations, trained staff, and delivered measurable process improvements. As a justice-impacted individual, Khallid has transformed his lived experience into a mission to break barriers to employment for returning citizens through technology-driven solutions. He is currently developing an app that connects justice-involved individuals with fair-chance employers and training programs, while remaining active as a mentor and community leader in New York City.
Jesiah Fernandez (he/him)
Jesiah Fernandez is a 23-year-old professional from Manhattan, New York, with deep roots in the Lower East Side. A former collegiate basketball player, he now works in union healthcare, where he supports working families in accessing vital benefits and resources. Beyond his career, Jesiah is developing a community-based music program that blends mentorship, creativity, and skill-building to open doors for young people who often face limited opportunities. Having grown up in environments where change and growth were not always easy, Jesiah draws on his lived experience to inspire others to pursue education, leadership, and personal growth. He is deeply committed to resilience, community development, and showing the next generation what is possible through perseverance and purpose-driven action.
Charles Nival (he/him)
Charles Nival is a 23-year-old mentor, facilitator, and community leader from the Bronx who understands firsthand the challenges of growing up in underserved communities. As a graduate of programs such as the Bronx Osborne Gun Accountability & Prevention Program (BOGAP) and Good Shepherd Services, he experienced the transformative power of mentorship, accountability, and second chances. Today, Charles channels those lessons into supporting youth, justice-impacted individuals, and adults through mentorship, workshops, and community initiatives. He currently serves as a mentor and trainer at his former schools and facilitates programming with BOGAP and the Haywood Resilience Project. His work is rooted in breaking cycles of incarceration and violence by creating spaces for healing, resilience, and opportunity. Guided by his lived experience and deep commitment to his community, Charles is building a legacy of leadership, hope, and change for the next generation.
Tykim Perry (he/him)
Tykim Perry is a dynamic leader with a passion for creativity, innovation, and community support. With experience working alongside young people and grassroots initiatives, he is committed to designing projects that inspire growth, learning, and opportunity. His current work focuses on developing creative programs that blend mentorship, skill-building, and community engagement, giving youth the tools they need to succeed both personally and professionally. Rooted in a belief that breaking barriers opens doors for future generations, Tykim strives to make a lasting impact by uplifting others and fostering spaces where imagination and leadership can thrive. He envisions a future where every young person has the chance to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their community.
Sulaiman Sesay (he/him)
Sulaiman Sesay is passionate about uplifting underserved communities and equipping young people with the tools to succeed. For the past three years, he has worked closely with youth across the city and currently serves as a Student Success Coach with City Year. Through his initiative, Prevent and Prosper, Sulaiman focuses on teaching digital and financial literacy to foster independence and long-term success for the next generation. He is deeply committed to mentorship, entrepreneurship, and community leadership as pathways to lasting change, with the goal of building bridges that empower young people to thrive.