https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/events daily 0.75 2026-03-17 https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/events/event-two-cj7b2 monthly 0.5 2025-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/7a3c1a5d-4059-4b01-9d72-95d84e0b0bfa/Gowanus+LSTAT25+Flyer+_+V2+%282%29.png Events - Gowanus Houses 2025 Local - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/home daily 1.0 2026-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/ed6436df-a349-4f3a-9809-6bbbb55ae99e/Home_Page_Schools_Thumbnail.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/606f9aad-e05e-49fd-a61a-c4a1aedf20da/Home_Page_Hospital_Thumbnail.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/a6cd25c5-dfc2-464a-81f0-6ff6bf4f3638/Home_Page_Community_thumbnail.jpeg https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/get-involved daily 0.75 2026-03-13 https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/our-mission daily 0.75 2026-04-02 https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/our-team daily 0.75 2026-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1759208065537-BM6NVLKFF4KK1J2NWTCX/DSC00033.JPG Our Team - Anthony Buissereth, Co-Executive Director Anthony Buissereth is a veteran of New York City’s nonprofit sector with more than 16 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, program development, advocacy, and government and community relations. Anthony comes to KAVI after four years of serving as the Executive Director of North Brooklyn Neighbors (NBN), an environmental and community planning organization based in Williamsburg. A native New Yorker, Anthony was recently elected chair of Brooklyn’s Community Board 3, where he previously served as its first vice-chair. He is also an at-large member of the Brooklyn NAACP’s executive committee and the board treasurer for MUSA – a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening swim abilities in communities of color. Anthony holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and a master's from Long Island University - Brooklyn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1754328731866-EL8U9BGU7YV49FDQLSMM/1685619108596.png Our Team - Esaie St-Vil, MAP Engagement Coordinator Esaie (pronounced e-sigh) is the Mayor's Action Plan Engagement Coordinator for Wyckoff Gardens and Gowanus. As the MAP Coordinator he meets with residents weekly to address crime in both communities. Part of his role is hosting and organizing quarterly resident-led development-wide communities with support from key organizational staff, and government partners. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1741967167917-GGJH7YOUISFMIJYOLY8R/rjw1-1.png Our Team - Ramik Williams, Co-Executive Director Ramik Williams became affiliated with KAVI in 2022, serving as an esteemed expert, advocate, and champion within K-16 Education and Workforce & Youth Development domains. Throughout his professional journey, he has steadfastly committed to addressing and creating economic, educational, and health opportunities. Before his tenure at KAVI, Ramik assumed executive and senior roles within regional and national philanthropic entities, research institutions, and service organizations. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Ramik serves as an Adjunct Professor at the City University of New York. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Secondary Education and has pursued graduate studies in Public Administration, Public Affairs, and Nonprofit Management. Recently, Ramik gained admission to the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University, where he intends to pursue a Doctorate of Education. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1741967373360-B8YRRW26A00VTOK5FYV7/MC_01.jpg Our Team - Mariama Coulibaly, Program Director Mariama Coulibaly is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, specializing in program development and community engagement. Born and raised in Queens, NY, she pursued her education at Oneonta State College before earning her Master’s from Binghamton University. Passionate about social impact and policy change, she is working on her dissertation, which focuses on evaluating strategies for reducing gun violence in large urban areas across New York State. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1754329516448-IZ6639C1F1U6AIKJTX0O/Taylor_Barbuto.png Our Team - Taylor Barbuto, Program & Communications Associate Taylor Barbuto is an emerging communications professional with experience in the non-profit sector, specializing in graphic design and marketing. Her time with the New York State Assembly has strengthened her ability to communicate effectively with diverse demographic populations across central and northern Brooklyn. A lifelong Brooklynite, Taylor earned her bachelor's degree in the Business and Technology of Fashion from CUNY New York City College of Technology, where she was among the first to study the newly introduced curriculum. She is a proud member of the Brooklyn Chapter of the NAACP and an Associate Member of the National Association of Black Military Women. Beyond her professional pursuits, Taylor is a devoted cat parent to a surly 10-year-old tabby and is always seeking new ways to expand her creative expression https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1773782209460-ZWJG42N7L8M1SRDN4W6L/2024-05-08%2B22.04.17-1.jpg Our Team - Azeez Alimi, Director of School and Community Programs Azeez Alimi is a recent MSW graduate from Columbia University where he concentrated on Leadership, Management, and Entrepreneurship (LME) with a specialization in youth development. His passion for working with youth stems from his experience working in childhood centers as a young person. There he was exposed to some of the positives and opportunities related to care at this developmental stage. This understanding led him to be curious about ways to support all youth in a sustainable way. With a background in student life and development, Azeez seeks to find innovative and creative ways to engage NYC’s youth to ask the tough questions while they grapple with the idea of the right answer. Azeez's dedication to education, mentorship, and community development exemplifies his steadfast conviction in the capability of young individuals to effectuate significant transformation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1741967422646-JT8FOVM9NMK4B6SVO54C/KVI_0328.JPG Our Team - Jerome Louison, Data & Evaluation Manager Jerome Louison bridges STEM and social justice. Having spent a decade in the non-profit sector, Jerome uses data analytics to inform organizational strategy, revenue generation, and program evaluation. He received his Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Brooklyn College, CUNY, and his Master’s in Applied Urban Science and Informatics from New York University. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1741967271243-E49AYVZBAGQODWQNX4H1/KVI_0343.JPG Our Team - Yahsef Johnson, Program Administrator Yahsef Johnson joins KAVI as a Public Health graduate from SUNY Downstate Medical Center. As the Hospital and Clinic Program Manager, Yahsef oversees the systems and staff of KAVI’s hospital response team, coordinates violence intervention programs, and fosters partnerships among health care institutions and community organizations. Yahsef is deeply committed to integrating social equity policy and restorative justice practices into healthcare environments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1743783377206-5H3645OE0V70U9ANCKUX/James_Peele.jpg Our Team - James Peele, Hospital and Clinic Program Manager James Peele is a social work professional that specializes in social justice efforts and policy evaluation. James has done work in many sectors, most recently being the New Jersey State Attorney's Office, working in reentry services for participants with federal court experience. James began working with KAVI directly after his master's program, and began working as a social worker within the organization's hospital program. James now serves as the program coordinator for KAVI's newest office, the Pathways: Crime Survivors Assistance Program. James received his bachelor's degree in sociology from Morehouse College, and his MSW with a concentration in leadership, management and entrepreneurship for social justice from Columbia University. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1741967321376-84ERVB3N7Y2WFKTUU7UC/2024-05-08+22.09.34.jpg Our Team - Ashley Cruz, School & Community Programs Assistant Ashley Cruz is a recent graduate of Trinity College with a strong commitment to youth empowerment and community engagement. At KAVI, she supports school and community programs by assisting with outreach, event planning, and program development. Through her work, she helps create impactful initiatives and strengthen partnerships that promote youth well-being. Ashley is eager to continue growing in the field and is preparing to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1759208505998-BQBFWGX2GY1Q99QTG9U8/IMG_4068+Jessyca+Gilyard.jpeg Our Team - Jessyca Gilyard, Pathways Program Coordinator Jessyca Gilyard is a dedicated and compassionate professional with extensive experience supporting individuals affected by trauma, domestic violence, and the justice system. Currently serving as a Pathway’s Survivor Services Program Coordinator at KAVI Brooklyn, Jessyca advocates for clients by organizing wraparound services, conducting progress assessments, and managing referrals to ensure comprehensive care and empowerment. With a solid background in case management, crisis intervention, and youth advocacy, Jessyca’s work has focused on promoting safety, stability, and positive outcomes for vulnerable populations through trauma-informed and client-centered approaches. Jessyca holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice/Criminology from Virginia Union University. Her academic and professional experiences demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing equity, rehabilitation, and reform within the criminal justice and mental health systems. Passionate about social justice and community empowerment, Jessyca continues to build a career that bridges advocacy, rehabilitation, and public service. https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/work-with-us daily 0.75 2025-11-16 https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/hospital daily 0.75 2026-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/dfbf80b9-884d-4937-8ac9-a8ed36957412/dr-rob-gore-in-kavi-session.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/69e650e1-673f-42aa-9114-3c79bfe3b036/kavi-students-gathered.jpg https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/community daily 0.75 2026-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/e7d782e2-84a9-4615-bc1f-752d1d1417a3/kavi-community-outreach.jpg https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/school daily 0.75 2026-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/daa91020-86d1-4de9-9979-53c18104652a/kavi-students-in-discussion.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/af247c03-783f-4051-9b1e-255ea957d835/kavi-school-program-in-session.jpg https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/testimonials daily 0.75 2026-03-17 https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/news-and-press daily 0.75 2026-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/6ba434f8-24a8-488a-8430-0c9a9824885b/nytimes.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/39bcbfc7-7a24-49da-903a-6e663dae9abf/cnn.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/ebdbf260-e413-4152-9983-353e8103e2a7/historychannel.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/8602f12b-b0d7-48ce-8521-ac97ef53db0e/ted-residency.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/5b61faf5-5934-4e52-81e4-fe0836d38693/nowthis.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1740158212585-V288YN34ZFI2JTTMW7PH/spark-2023-03-17-bk02-1200x800.jpeg News & Press - Brooklyn Community Foundation’s Spark Prize gives $100K to five Brooklyn nonprofits The Brooklyn Community Foundation announced the winners of their annual Spark Prize, and has donated $100,000 each to five Brooklyn-based nonprofits to aid in their extraordinary work advancing important causes affecting millions of borough residents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1740158618809-ZPJNJBZ3JVPHWRODXL24/dr-gore-ted-talk-violence-intervention.png News & Press - Rob Gore: Healing inner-city trauma Payback is a killer. The No. 1 cause of death among African-American men 15 to 34 is homicide. Dr. Rob Gore, an emergency medicine physician who grew up in the Brooklyn, NY, community where he works, saw that if he could treat his patients’ trauma, he could perhaps quell their impulse to seek retribution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1740158432788-NQ42V3D3AFOP5IHZ1OLS/013114-health-icon-mann-Dr-Robert-Gore.jpg News & Press - On the Record With…Dr. Robert Gore KAVI is a hospital, school and community-based youth violence intervention, prevention and empowerment program working to create opportunities for young people injured as a result of violence or at risk to engage in violent behavior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1740158691016-WC38189LOAEN4ZJAQHNR/rob-gore-kavi-school-intervention.png News & Press - Kings County doctor mentors Brooklyn students Fort Greene native Dr. Rob Gore started the nonprofit Kings Against Violence Initiative (KAVI) to help students learn how to effectively handle conflict and develop skills to prepare them for success inside and outside of the classroom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1740158511615-UFU6BKTA0ZL1SHMYBKM1/02SIDE-jumbo.jpg News & Press - In Fight to Save Young People, Brooklyn Doctor Treats Violence as a Public Health Issue Dr. Robert Gore was stirred awake one morning in July by an urgent phone call from work. That was not unusual, given his job in the emergency department at Kings County Hospital Center in Brooklyn, a level-one trauma center that provides the highest level of care. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1740158739485-2BI9VCZNZTT5T29XXSZL/saving-youth-through-intervention_0.png News & Press - Doctor works to save youth from violence before they reach his ER As an emergency physician at Kings County Hospital Center, Dr. Rob Gore has faced many traumatic situations that he'd rather forget. But some moments stick with him. https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/our-mission-1 daily 0.75 2025-02-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg Events https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/our-board daily 0.75 2026-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1763324359194-3M27QY25021A0YFXZPKI/Brandon+Gibson.jpeg Our Board - Brandon Gibson, Real Estate Developer, Tech Co-Founder Brandon Gibson serves as the Co-Founder/Head of Real Estate of Flume Internet Inc., an enterprise striving to establish the largest asset-light fiber internet provider in the United States. The company utilizes and maps under-utilized data centers and fiber infrastructure to develop gigabit broadband services nationwide, primarily targeting residential multifamily properties. Mr. Gibson was introduced to KAVI through a referral and previously served as Program Manager at the Crown Heights Mediation Center, where he initiated and oversaw the “Make It Happen!" program, mentoring young men affected by gun violence, whether as victims or perpetrators. In addition to his role at Flume Internet, he is a real estate developer and holds the position of Senior Advisor at the Steinbridge Group. Mr. Gibson is an alumnus of York College and Harvard University. He resides in Brooklyn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1753994360095-V0FRGYLLN4BPPXGYXJRQ/Screenshot-2025-02-05-at-12.55.21-PM.png Our Board - Russell Frederick, Photojournalist Russell Frederick, Photojournalist, Freelance: Is a founding KAVI Board of Directors member. He has dedicated his life to uplifting and capturing the spirit of his community through mentoring and photography. In addition to his photography work, Russell is a guest lecturer and has spoken on the campuses of many colleges and universities, including NYU, The School of Visual Arts, The International Center of Photography, Columbia University, The CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, and Monroe College. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1754326992788-0Y5XABZZVRB2JMJ880R2/keith%2Bin%2Boffice.png Our Board - Keith White, Esq, Defense Attorney Keith White, Esq, Defense Attorney, Private Practice—8 years of service: Dr. Keith White, Esq. was born and raised in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, New York. As a member of an underserved and incredibly underprivileged community, Keith is committed to the universal struggle for human equality. This commitment exists in the courtroom and extends to many of his charitable and civic engagements. While a trial attorney at heart, Keith has worked in various fields of discipline. Dr. White began his career as an educator at Boys & Girls HS (while attending Law School) and then as a Prosecutor in The Kings County District Attorney’s Office. Since leaving the DA’s Office, Keith started his private practice, worked as Independent Counsel for Brooklyn Pastor and city leader A.R. Bernard, and has worked with NYCHA, HPD, and HUD to develop and build affordable housing for thousands of disadvantaged members of the Brooklyn and New York City community. With unrelenting ideals, hope, and hard work, Keith believes that "we can achieve fairness, equity, sustainability, and love in our society." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1753994525648-B9I5S5B6RT8YWUAYTB1M/Screenshot+2025-07-31+at+1.41.48%E2%80%AFPM.png Our Board - Dr. Robert Gore, Medical Doctor Robert Gore, Medical Doctor, Kings County Hospital Medical Center—Dr. Rob Gore is the founder of KAVI and an Emergency Room Physician. He graduated from Morehouse College and earned his medical degree from SUNY Buffalo. Dr. Gore completed his residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Gore is a member of the 2016 inaugural class of TED Residents. He was one of the Root’s 100 most influential African-Americans in 2020. He is among the top ten 2018 CNN Heroes and other humanitarians worldwide. He is also a 2018 Presidential Leadership Scholar (a leadership program for people doing social impact work, coordinated by the presidential libraries of past U.S. presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush and Lyndon Johnson). Dr. Gore is also the founder and director of the Minority Medical Student Emergency Medicine (MMSEM) Summer Fellowship, a mentoring and enrichment program for under-represented minorities interested in Emergency Medicine, focusing on project development. Rob spends time with his wife Hibist and son Araya when he's not working. He is an avid snowboarder and is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a yellow belt in Judo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1753994605272-CM9R1TYO0K155K7V1MTM/Ben%2BFormal.webp Our Board - Ben Shuldiner, Educator Benjamin Shuldiner is the Superintendent of the Lansing School District, where in just four years, he has raised the district graduation rate by 26%, the daily attendance rate by 13%, and increased enrollment for the first time in over 30 years. During his tenure, state test scores rose across all subjects and grades. Most notably, from 2022-2024, Lansing had the highest reading score growth out of all 500-plus school districts in Michigan, according to Stanford University’s Education Opportunity Project. Previously, he was a Dean’s Fellow and the Distinguished Lecturer of Education Leadership at Hunter College, City University of New York, where he directed all School and District Leadership programs for the institution. From 2015-2018, Ben served on the New York City Board of Education, the largest school system in America. In 2016 and again in 2017, Ben was elected President of ASCD, the largest education professional organization in the country. Before these roles, Ben was the founder and principal of the High School for Public Service (HSPS), in Brooklyn, NY. Under Ben’s leadership, HSPS received numerous awards for its outstanding success. HSPS was named one of the top 50 high schools in New York City by the Daily News and received a Bronze Medal from US News and World Report, putting it among the top schools in the country. In 2010, HSPS was named the top Title I school in New York, the first time a high school has ever won this award. For his work in education, Ben was awarded the prestigious Jefferson Award for Public Service for an Individual 35 Years of Age and Under and was named a Superintendent of the Year Finalist, by District Administration. Ben received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, and his MSED from Baruch College. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1758069559767-XHD7L308VDP6NBGGX38A/LGE_headshot_2025.jpg Our Board - Dr. Leo Eisenstein, Primary Care Doctor Dr. Leo Gordon Eisenstein is a primary care doctor at NYC Health + Hospitals - Kings County. In the public hospital system, he also works on health equity initiatives such as providing primary care for people with a history of incarceration, improving access to kidney transplant, and enhancing services for patients with sickle cell disease. Leo is a member of the advisory council for the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Coalition to End Racism in Clinical Algorithms. He got his medical degree at Harvard Medical School and completed residency training in Internal Medicine at NYU and Bellevue Hospitals. During residency, he served as a union delegate for the Committee of Interns & Residents (CIR-SEIU). Leo was born and raised on the Upper West Side and now lives in Brooklyn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6775d9d709ce4828dcfd3e24/1753994849335-0ZRCAX8VS2TLH3TA8ZNE/Cyndi_Stivers_%28Internet_Week_2015_in_New_York%29.jpg Our Board - Cyndi Stivers, Director of Curation, TED Conferences Cyndi Stivers, Vice President, TedTalk - 7 years of service: Cyndi Stivers is the encourager-in-chief of the TED Residency, an idea incubator at TED headquarters in New York. She started in hot-type newspapers and has since shepherded media startups and reinvigorated venerable brands on nearly every platform, including magazines, television, radio, and online, right back to the early days of the consumer internet. From 1995 to 2005, while in charge of North American operations for London-based Time Out Group Ltd., she created Time Out magazines, guidebooks, and websites for New York and Chicago. In 2016, she launched the TED Residency at TED headquarters in NYC, inviting 25 people from various disciplines to spend 14 weeks in-house collaborating on projects, crafting TED Talks, and building networks to germinate and develop “ideas worth spreading.” Cyndi is a former professor at Columbia University’s School of Journalism and is a longtime trustee of Barnard College, of which she is a proud alumna. https://www.kavibrooklyn.org/privacy-policy daily 0.75 2026-03-17