MEET THE TEAM

Mr. Al Mathieu

Founder, CEO

Al Mathieu is the founder and CEO of Brownsville Think Tank Matters Inc. BTTM, an innovative social enterprise committed to empowering individuals and communities in the Brownsville, Brooklyn, and beyond. Under his leadership, BTTM has become a recognized force in creating sustainable solutions that address the unique challenges faced by his community. The organization focuses on enhancing education, youth development, community engagement, public safety, and economic opportunity through collaborative, grassroots approaches. A dynamic entrepreneur with deep ties to the community, Al founded BTTM in response to the systemic issues facing Brownsville residents. His vision is rooted in the belief that local communities should have the power and resources to shape their futures. Through BTTM, Al works tirelessly to provide individuals with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to create long-term change. Al is an advocate for access to education, youth empowerment, and social justice. His work extends beyond the walls of BTTM, where he partners with local schools, businesses, and organizations to drive initiatives that tackle the root causes of gun violence. In addition to his work with BTTM, Al is a workshop facilitator, Master Barber, and community leader. His life experiences, thoughtful leadership, and advocacy have made him a trusted voice in the movement for anti gun violence work.

Triumphant Thinking! Triumphant Thinking!

One piece of advice that I would give for Triumphant Thinking in the community would be: 1. Only be in competition with the person you were yesterday. Reflect and look for how you can learn from any mistakes you made, use those lessons and experiences be the spark that ignites your drive. 2. Find people who will motivate you and inspire you to want to grow and don't be afraid to be challenged, it's all for your growth and development. 3. Read, study, learn, and seek to gain a bigger understanding of the past, connection to the present, and creation of the future. Everything in the world was created using the mind, as you develop your mind you can join the movement.... Developing a Righteous United Movement!

The Brownsville Think Tank Matters Staff

Chief Of Staff

Lyneese Straws

I am Lyneese, and I am the Chief of Staff at Brownsville Think Tank Matters. I am highly enthusiastic to be a part of this field of work. Engaging and being involved with the communities of Brooklyn is amazing, and I have been working with different communities in New York for over 5 years. What motivates me to do this work is my commitment and passion to help people, of all ages, transition into something greater in their lives. In my spare time, I love listening to music, helping others discover their passion to start their own business, marketing, and most of all, maintaining my love for God.

Administrator

Portia Augustine

I am Portia and I am the Administrator at Brownsville Think Tank Matters. I have been engaged in this field of work for over 7 years. What motivates me to do this work is helping to make our community a better place. In my spare time, I enjoy dancing, listening to music, and spending time with family

Administrator

Kelsea Dance

I have worked as an administrator/youth advocate for the past 15 years. I value working as an administrator mostly due to the fact that I enjoy managing operational systems where I can aide its success. If you couple my administrative work with my passion for youth and young adults; you have a match made in heaven. I take pride in problem-solving, streamlining processes and ensuring that details are managed with care. In my spare time, I enjoy building brands, riding horses and spending time with my family.

Education and Employment Specialist

Jodi Asante

REPLACE

Program Manager

Warren Flemming

I am Warren and I am the Program Manager at Brownsville Think Tank Matters. I have been engaged in this field of work for 3 years. What motivates me to do this work is helping people in my community. In my spare time, I enjoy writing.

Solution Focused Therapist

Leslie Brooks

I am Leslie and I am the Solution Focused Therapist at Brownsville Think Tank Matters. I have been engaged in this field of work for almost 2 years. What motivates me to do this work is helping people to see that they are able to turn their lives around. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to audiobooks, exploring nature, and going to the beach.

Community Event Coordinator

Stephen Thomas

I am Stephen and I am the Event Specialist/Community Coordinator at Brownsville Think Tank Matters.I have been engaged in this field of work for 3 years. What motivates me to do this work is engaging with the community, developing relationships, and mentoring youth. In my spare time, I enjoy working with my hands.

Education & Employment Specialist

Brandon Smith

I am Brandon and I am the Education & Employment Specialist at Brownsville Think Tank Matters.I have been engaged in this field of work for over 2 years. What motivates me to do this work is when community members share their success stories knowing that I had a part to play. In my spare time, I enjoy studying numerology, astrology, and energy healing.

Media/CEO Assistant

Miracle Chirse

I am Miracle and I am the Media Director and CEO Assistant at Brownsville Think Tank Matters. I have been engaged in this field of work for over 5 years. What motivates me to do this work is my love for the community that I live in. In my spare time, I enjoy photography, fashion styling, soccer, and doing makeup.

Outreach Worker Supervisor

Michael Warren

I am Michael and I am the OW/VI Supervisor at Brownsville Think Tank Matters in the Flatbush office. I have been engaged in this field of work for over 5yrs. What motivates me to do this work is reflecting on my past and the journey of reshaping my mind, I'm proof that transformation is possible. In my spare time, I enjoy catering, and motivational speaking.

Outreach Worker Supervisor

Jason Fields

I am Jason and I am the OW/VI supervisor at Brownsville Think Tank Matters. I have been engaged in this field of work for over 3 years. What motivates me to do this work is helping young people stay motivated to do the right thing. In my spare time, I enjoy basketball.

Mobile Trauma Unit Driver

Stewart Dowtin

I am Stewart and I am the MTU driver at Brownsville Think Tank Matters. I have been engaged in this field of work for four years. What motivates me to do this work is meeting community members that appreciates our work. In my spare time, I enjoy anything that is positive and helpful to myself and others.

Outreach Worker/School Based Support

Richard Bonner

I am Richard and I am an outreach worker at Brownsville Think Tank Matters. I have been engaged in this field of work for over 6 years. What motivates me to do this work is assisting the youth to navigate various challenges to achieve their goal. In my spare time, I enjoy sports and learning

Violence Interrupter

Derrick Adams

I am Derrick and I am a violence interrupter at Brownsville Think Tank Matters. I have been engaged in this field of work for a year. What motivates me to do this work is giving back to the community. In my spare time, I enjoy sports.

Outreach Worker

Matthew Javois

I am Matthew and I am an outreach worker at Brownsville Think Tank Matters. I have been engaged in this field of work for 2 years. What motivates me to do this work is my lived experience as a troubled youth, the knowledge and experience gained, and desire to see others do better. In my spare time, I enjoy music sports and literature adventures

Outreach Worker

Kyle Halsey

replace

Community Event Coordinator

N'dia Brissett

REPLACE

Violence Interrupter

Rudy Sylvain

I am Rudy and I am a Violence Interrupter at Brownsville Think Tank Matters. I have been engaged in this field of work for over 3 years. What motivates me to do this work is keeping my community safe. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising.

Violence Interrupter

Minnie Gibson

REPLACE

Mr. Al Mathieu

Meet the Team

JOIN THE MOVEMENT!