Our Team
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Our Team
The Hearts Behind the Mission
At The B.E.S.T. Inc., our team is made up of passionate mentors, facilitators, and community advocates who believe in the power of healing, guidance, and second chances. We come from diverse backgrounds, but we are united by one purpose—to empower young people to rise above their circumstances and discover their true potential.
Matthew Harris
Founder/Executive Director
Message From The Founder
“I am deeply committed to walking alongside you, listening, and supporting your needs every step of the way. I believe in a community where everyone has access to the resources, opportunities, and support to truly thrive. My passion is helping break down barriers, fight inequality, and create spaces where our youth, families, and neighbors can grow, succeed, and feel valued. Together, we can lift each other up and build a stronger, more vibrant community for all.”
Nina Harris
Chairman
Nina is an equity and violence prevention advocate, educator, and restorative justice practitioner with over twenty years of experience in higher education administration, student engagement and relationship transformation. She has provided crisis and resource counseling for hundreds of survivors of gender-based sexual & interpersonal violence and identity-based harm, as well as facilitated individual and community-wide peace-building and restorative resolution processes.
Her practice anchors around culturally responsive frameworks of equity and inclusion, leadership development, organizational transformation, strength and resiliency building and trauma-informed praxis for result-driven outcomes. She has formerly held the roles of advocate, crisis counselor & strategist, program manager, educator, resolution specialist, TIX/conduct case manager, and restorative practice lead at Harvard University, Swarthmore College, the University of Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
As a consultant, she has worked with dozens of institutions across the country to provide innovative and engaging educational programming, facilitate restorative processes, and deliver staff training, professional coaching, and expert consultation for strategic initiatives and conflict management. As a campus administrator, she has worked tirelessly to help educational institutions cultivate compassionate and transformative campuses actively engaged in violence prevention and healthy, inclusive community building.
Nina currently serves as the Manager of Adaptable Resolution and Restorative Practices in the Institute Discrimination & Harassment Response (IDHR) Office, serving as MIT’s campus expert and lead on restorative practices and conflict transformation. She works to provide community members with access to holistic pathways to respond to and repair identity-based and interpersonal harm. She also helps campus leaders build skills and capacity to respond effectively and compassionately to the issues that challenge our sense of belonging, safety, and well-being.
Nina Harris is also the principal consultant and facilitator of Restorative Vision, LLC and an affiliate with the University of San Diego’s Center for Restorative Justice.
Leperry Fore
Vice Chairman
LePerry Fore serves as the Program Director at Gloria’s House in Bronx, NY, where he leads youth development initiatives centered on emotional safety, accountability, and meaningful community connection. With a professional background spanning education and healthcare, LePerry brings a holistic, trauma-informed approach to supporting young people and fostering positive outcomes.
His experience in student support, service coordination, and healthcare settings has strengthened his expertise in crisis response, restorative practices, and relationship-building. In his role at Gloria’s House, LePerry oversees program operations, staff development, and youth engagement strategies designed to help adolescents build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills.
Known for his calm, authentic leadership style, LePerry cultivates environments where young people feel safe, respected, and empowered to grow.
Victoria McCoy
Secretary
Victoria McCoy serves as Secretary of The B.E.S.T. Inc. (Build • Empower • Sustain • Teach), where she supports the organization’s mission to dismantle systemic barriers impacting marginalized communities. She plays a vital role in maintaining clear communication, organizational accountability, and effective coordination across board and community initiatives.
Driven by a strong commitment to empowerment, integrity, and collaboration, Victoria is deeply aligned with The B.E.S.T. Inc.’s vision of expanding equitable access to opportunity, safety, and well-being. Her dedication to structure, compassion, and service strengthens the organization’s capacity to build resilient communities and create lasting social impact.
Jafra Wilson
Trustee
Jafra Wilson is a dedicated community leader, public safety professional, and advocate for vulnerable populations. he has committed his life’s work to protecting, empowering, and uplifting individuals and families throughout the community.
With more than 20 years of experience across public safety, emergency management, security leadership, and youth services, Mr.Wilson brings both frontline expertise and compassionate leadership to the organization’s mission. His career has included safeguarding hospitals, protecting travelers within our national transportation system, and supervising residential programs serving at-risk youth. Throughout every role, one principle has remained constant: prevention, protection, and proactive intervention save lives.
In addition to his professional background, Mr.Wilson has devoted significant time and energy to philanthropic efforts that directly support underserved communities. His work has been formally recognized with a Proclamation from the New York State, as well as official Citations from Nassau County and the Village of Hempstead for his ongoing commitment to service and community impact.
A certified professional in CPR/AED, Stop The Bleed, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), and FEMA Emergency Management programs, he combines tactical knowledge with compassionate engagement. He is widely recognized for his ability to de-escalate conflict, respond decisively in emergencies, and build strong collaborative relationships with community partners, local agencies, and public safety officials.
Through The BEST., Jafra Wilson continues to lead with integrity, discipline, and heart — creating safer pathways for youth, strengthening families, and ensuring that protection and opportunity are accessible to all.
Brhyin Williams
Trustee
Brhyin Williams has been a proud resident of Hempstead for over 44 years. After graduating high school, Brhyin enlisted in the United States Army, where he served his country as a member of the 800th Military Police Brigade following completion of Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort McClellan, Alabama.
Upon completing his military service, Brhyin returned home and became an integral part of the Hempstead community. He has worked with numerous youth organizations, including Hempstead PAL Lacrosse, where he introduced many young people to a sport that had previously been unfamiliar within the community through his dedicated recruiting efforts.
Brhyin also helped found and continues to lead the Hempstead Raiders/ Southern State Seminols Youth Football organization. Since its inception, the program has grown into a highly competitive force — not only across Long Island, but nationally — providing youth from the community opportunities to travel, compete, and expand their horizons through sports.
His commitment to service led him to his current role as a Hempstead Fire Commissioner, where he works daily to ensure that facilities, apparatus, and personnel have the resources necessary to protect residents of the Village of Hempstead. In this role, he collaborates on budgeting, works closely with the Mayor’s Office, advocates for the Fire Department, and provides guidance and updates to the Village Board on departmental needs.
Brhyin’s passion for community and youth outreach continued through his work with S.N.U.G., an organization focused on reducing gun violence. In this role, he engages directly with high-risk youth, maintains a presence in impacted areas, builds relationships, and distributes resources and information to support community safety.
Through decades of grassroots service, mentorship, and leadership, Brhyin Williams exemplifies the belief, “I Am My Brother’s Keeper.” In recognition of his unwavering dedication to the community and its youth.
You Can Be The Reason Someone Chooses a Better Future
At The B.E.S.T. Inc., real change happens when a community comes together. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, donate to support our programs, or partner with us as an organization, you become part of a movement that restores hope and transforms lives. Your support helps create safe spaces, provide mentorship, and open doors to brighter futures for young people who need it most. Together, we can break cycles, build confidence, and empower the next generation to rise.
Contact Info
- Hempstead, New York
- (516) 515 0404
- info@thebestinc.org
The B.E.S.T. Inc. — Where healing begins and futures rise.
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