Board of Directors
Meet the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors are a diverse group of experienced leaders who provide strategic guidance, oversight, and accountability. Their commitment to excellence and innovation helps drive our mission forward and ensures the long-term success of BCAGlobal
Alex Askew
At 14, Alex received his first job offer as a personal chef through a high school vocational work program. After 6 years of working in a variety of restaurants in and out of New York City he decided to attend the Culinary Institute of America and graduated in 1989.
With a focus on eating lifestyles and trends in new menu alternatives, he began food research, development, and consulting for companies: General Mills, Hilton Hotels, Aramark Corporation, Specialty Restaurants, and a host of private clients.
In 1993, Alex Co-founded BCAGlobal which dedicates itself to Education, Awareness, and Exposure for young minority students seeking careers within the culinary and hospitality industry. The newest core program, “Mindful Eating for the Beloved Community” has gathered national attention for bringing Food, Race, and Social Justice to the forefront while focusing on training chefs of color as Health Equity Ambassadors to produce healthy and whole communities.
Alex has enjoyed guest appearances on Good Morning America, CBS Early Morning Show, and the Food Network. He was a Distinguished Visiting Chef (DVC) for Sullivan University, visiting professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism-Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2011 Business Leader of Year from the Marcella Brown Foundation.
He also continues his work in social change, using food as a nexus and mindful eating as a platform to improve lives with resiliency in the community.
Harriet Taub
Harriet Taub retired from her role as Executive Director at Materials for the Arts (MFTA), NYC’s premier creative reuse center in 2020. While at MFTA, Harriet founded Friends of Materials for the Arts, a non-profit organization which funds initiatives and programs to expand MFTA’s services.
In 2017, Harriet received the prestigious Sloan Award for public service given to a select group of NYC government employees annually for service above and beyond. In 2022, she received a Giraffe Award from students at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Hoboken NJ for her volunteering with The Lighthouse, a local nonprofit that supports recent asylum seekers and refugees. The same year, she was honored by the Children’s Museum of the Arts, NYC at their annual gala for her contributions to arts and arts education in NYC over two decades.
She likes to spend time going to the gym, reading to her Toronto-based grandsons on FaceTime, sewing for a local boutique, studying Spanish, and hosting visitors at her AirBNB. She consults with local non-profits on board governance and best practices and makes herself available to support entrepreneurs starting out in the non-profit space.
Alisa Washington
Alisa Washington is a seasoned and highly motivated professional offering 30+ years of operational and management experience with a background in health information management, medical record administration, business office management, & patient care within a multi hospital health system.
Approachable and enthusiastic leader with a proven history of leading, training, developing, & mentoring high-performance teams. A penchant for creative problem-solving with the ability to identify, develop, and implement strategic process improvements to support organizational goal attainment. Adept at fostering an atmosphere of open communication and building cross-functional relationships that enable access to care and improve health outcomes.
Alisa holds an Associate Degree as a Paralegal and a Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Administration Suny College at Brockport. In addition, she is certified in Mental Health First Aid USA- Adult, Crucial Conversation Master Dialogue and a recent graduate of African American Leadership Program with United Way.
In her spare time, Alisa volunteers with the American Red Cross (National HeadQuarters) and at the National Susan B. Anthony Museum located in Rochester, New York. She is more than delighted to be serving as a board member with BCAGlobal.
Lacey Andrews
Lacey M. Andrews is a seasoned Senior Paralegal at MIO Partners, Inc., bringing over a decade of diverse legal experience across both law firm and in-house environments.
Lacey began her legal career in debt collections, where she honed her skills in negotiation, mastered the intricacies of the NJ, NY, and PA court systems, and learned how to manage tight deadlines and resolve high-stakes conflicts. From the outset, she was determined not to be confined to one area of the legal field.With a strategic mindset and a desire for versatility, she charted a path that would equip her for long-term success.
Her journey has taken her through a wide spectrum of legal disciplines, including Bankruptcy, Landlord-
Tenant, Municipal Bond Contracts and Securities, Mergers & Acquisitions, Employment, Health Care,
Corporate, and Litigation. After over a decade in traditional law firm environments, Lacey made a dynamic pivot into Asset Management and Private Equity. There, she discovered how the diverse experience she had accumulated uniquely positioned her to thrive, contribute, and lead.
Beyond her legal acumen, Lacey is deeply committed to social impact. She is an adv ocate for philanthropic initiatives, diversity, equity & inclusion.
Dr. Watson Baldwin
A chef by nature, Dr. Watson Baldwin made the transition from the culinary industry into hospitality/culinary education and consulting after 15+ years cooking behind the line. Coming up in the industry like most culinarians, working from a line cook to Exec. Sous of a prestigious country club in Dallas, Texas, he took his skills and passion for the industry to the education realm.
As a Culinary Institute of America graduate (CIA), Watson has been trained in a variety of cuisines that include but are not limited to French, Italian, American, Mexican, Japanese, Chinese and Vegan/Vegetarian cuisines. From CIA, he went on to further his education by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Hospitality, and Doctorate in Hotel and Tourism as well as pursuing graduate studies from Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy specializing in Nutrition and Sustainable Food Systems.
Watson has also worked with the Japanese External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Hong Kong Japanese Restaurant Association (HKJRA) on culinary culture research projects on Japanese cuisine in Hong Kong.
His personal goals are to help bring the light of the culinary professional to those who have a passion for food and beverage and gastronomy via education, community outreach and an overall love for the culinary industry.
Briana Brown
Briana Brown is a dedicated healthcare professional with a decade of experience driving performance improvement and strategic initiatives across multiple specialities. She currently serves as a Project Manager in Performance Improvement at Montefiore Medical Center’s Network Performance Group, where she supports efforts to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
In addition to her primary role, she has served as a co-lead for the Community Outreach subgroup of Montefiore’s Black Associates Business Resource Group, reflecting her deep commitment to advancing equity and community engagement.
Briana holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of South Florida—one in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Public Health and another in Integrative Animal Biology with a concentration in Human Biology. She also earned a Master of Science in Medical Science from Hampton
University.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Briana is passionate about the arts, community building, and cultural heritage. She trained in various dance styles for 18 years and continues to find joy in creative expression. A devoted home cook, she enjoys sharing meals with loved ones and incorporating flavors
from her Jamaican heritage into diverse culinary traditions.
Her expertise in performance improvement, strategic program management, and community engagement makes her a valuable asset to any organization committed to equity, quality, and impact.
Jessica Long
With over 18 years of professional expertise spanning both sectors, Jessica Long has established herself as a prominent figure in the field. Currently, she holds the position of Director within an aerospace company’s program management organization, where she provides valuable support for ESG initiatives.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jessica is deeply committed to advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) as well as sustainability. Her passion for these causes is evident in her active involvement and dedication to making a positive impact.
Jessica’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Strayer University. In addition, she has acquired several certifications, further enhancing her skill set. These certifications include Scrum Master, Product Owner, Lean Six Sigma, and Sustainability Management.
As a first-generation American with Panamanian roots, Jessica values her cultural heritage and embraces her multicultural identity. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and has a keen interest in international travel and continuous learning. Jessica currently resides in Connecticut with her loving husband and daughter.
Reginald Mnzava
A native of Tanzania and an accomplished entrepreneur, Reginald Mnzava now serves as the Board Chair for BCA Global. Leveraging his expertise in data analytics and strategic planning, Reginald champions the organization’s mission of advancing racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in the culinary world.
Holding a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Reginald combines his entrepreneurial spirit and global perspective to drive meaningful change.
Joanne Baylor
With family roots in West Point, Mississippi, and an upbringing in historic Harlem, New York, it is no wonder that JoAnn Baylor’s decadent desserts are known for their authentically soulful, homemade flavor. Her baking training began decades ago when she would help her beloved mother, Josephine “Ma” Smith, to create scrumptious dishes and serve guests with detailed service and Southern charm. Later, JoAnn would hone her skills for hospitality management, nutrition and recipe development with Associate and Bachelor of Science degrees from the City University of New York (CUNY) as well as a host of continuing education courses in cake styling.
After launching a successful home-based business selling holiday cakes in 1996, JoAnn expanded her enterprise into “Make My Cake, Inc,” a full-service retail and wholesale bakery that draws thousands of loyal visitors every year. Still family-run and manned by a personable staff under JoAnn’s direction, “Make My Cake” offers their clientele heavenly desserts such as the New York Times’ pick, Red Velvet Cake, Food Network favorite, German Chocolate Cake, and local best-seller, Sweet Potato Cheesecake.
Today with two thriving locations in the heart of Harlem and an ever-expanding international client base, “Make My Cake” continues to make a unique imprint on the baking world and has solidified JoAnn’s legacy as an inspirational and celebrated entrepreneur.