BPSOS - Asian Youth Empowerment Project(AYEP)
Minh Nguyen, Program Coordinator, is currently a student at Temple University, majoring in International Business/Legal studies, with a minor in Dance. He is the Asian Youth Empowerment Project Organizer and has been with BPSOS for about 2 years.
Minh was born in Vietnam and lived in a transitional center in the Philippines for a year and a half when he was 2 years old. While he was there, the volcano named Mount Pinatubo, on the island of Luzo, erupted and destroyed his village, causing him and his parents to flee and evacuate to America.
In his spare time, he loves to play tennis(4.0 NRTP Rating), travel, dance, eat good food and drink fine wine, and of course, BIKING! He has traveled to many countries and have lived in many cities including Tokyo, Saigon, New York City and his current home, Philadelphia.
"BPSOS has given me the opportunity to work with amazing youth throughout the last 2 years and I am truly blessed to be affiliated with such an innovative organization and to be associated with such awesome youth!"
- Minh Nguyen
Minh was born in Vietnam and lived in a transitional center in the Philippines for a year and a half when he was 2 years old. While he was there, the volcano named Mount Pinatubo, on the island of Luzo, erupted and destroyed his village, causing him and his parents to flee and evacuate to America.
In his spare time, he loves to play tennis(4.0 NRTP Rating), travel, dance, eat good food and drink fine wine, and of course, BIKING! He has traveled to many countries and have lived in many cities including Tokyo, Saigon, New York City and his current home, Philadelphia.
"BPSOS has given me the opportunity to work with amazing youth throughout the last 2 years and I am truly blessed to be affiliated with such an innovative organization and to be associated with such awesome youth!"
- Minh Nguyen
SYBEP Youth
Mark Jomer Depaz - Youth Participant, is a student at South Philadelphia High School turning Senior this fall 2011. He was born and grew up in Manila, Philippines and lived with his mom and two sisters. When Mark was about 8 years of age, his father worked abroad to support his family back home. His mom worked hard to give them support during their studies in Manila. When his father returned home, they decided to migrate to United States with his family.
He's a current U.S. Army JROTC Cadet in South Philadelphia High School who received over three certificates, five ribbons, one medal and one certificate called the "Military of the Purple Heart," issued by the National Commander of the U.S. Army. He achieved these awards within one year of his enrollment in South Philly High.
Mark has a solid discipline record, leadership potential and active involvement in the community. He likes participating in different events, workshops and serving at mass in church. His outstanding achievements, tireless efforts, commitment and dedication brings a greatness upon himself.
"BPSOS SYBEP gives me more knowledge, intiative and the opportunity to work as a team and to set a good example for my peers to emulate within the community."
He's a current U.S. Army JROTC Cadet in South Philadelphia High School who received over three certificates, five ribbons, one medal and one certificate called the "Military of the Purple Heart," issued by the National Commander of the U.S. Army. He achieved these awards within one year of his enrollment in South Philly High.
Mark has a solid discipline record, leadership potential and active involvement in the community. He likes participating in different events, workshops and serving at mass in church. His outstanding achievements, tireless efforts, commitment and dedication brings a greatness upon himself.
"BPSOS SYBEP gives me more knowledge, intiative and the opportunity to work as a team and to set a good example for my peers to emulate within the community."
SYBEP Youth
Nancy Trinh - Youth Participant
Nancy Trinh is a recent graduate of Central High School and will be attending the University of Pennsylvania in the Fall. Her interests lie in business, psychology, and visual arts, and she aims to study abroad in China during college to improve her language skills. Nancy was born in Springfield, Massachusetts to immigrant parents from China and Vietnam.
Nancy endeavors to help shape the world into a better place, and strives to cultivate new friendships while making every effort to preserve and strengthen existing ones. She is highly motivated individual and is very excited for the work the youth have done at SYBEP
"Participating in SYBEP opened my eyes to the extent of the injustice that was happening in our communities and motivated me to work to speak up for those who do not have a political voice. The program also made me realize how beautiful Philadelphia is already, and how much potential it holds for further development. Before this program, I felt daunted by the huge challenge of enacting social change. Now, I only continue to grow more confident in our ability to make a significant impact on our city and on people's lives."
Nancy Trinh is a recent graduate of Central High School and will be attending the University of Pennsylvania in the Fall. Her interests lie in business, psychology, and visual arts, and she aims to study abroad in China during college to improve her language skills. Nancy was born in Springfield, Massachusetts to immigrant parents from China and Vietnam.
Nancy endeavors to help shape the world into a better place, and strives to cultivate new friendships while making every effort to preserve and strengthen existing ones. She is highly motivated individual and is very excited for the work the youth have done at SYBEP
"Participating in SYBEP opened my eyes to the extent of the injustice that was happening in our communities and motivated me to work to speak up for those who do not have a political voice. The program also made me realize how beautiful Philadelphia is already, and how much potential it holds for further development. Before this program, I felt daunted by the huge challenge of enacting social change. Now, I only continue to grow more confident in our ability to make a significant impact on our city and on people's lives."
SYBEP Youth
Jiansheng Gou - Youth Participant, is a rising junior at G. W. Carver High School of Engineering and Science. He prefers people to just call him Jay. He loves riding around the city with his fancy Fixed gear bike, He also likes to play basketball and break dance, and he is one of the best self-declared bike riders in the program.
Jay is strongly interested in bikes and would like to further devlelop his knowledge of bikes and of the importance of the quality of bike lanes in the city, while improving his biking skills and transferring that knowledge to other group members. He is also one of the three students who were sent to Neighborhood Bike Works to help run a summer camp, teaching kids how to ride bikes safely and how to fix their bikes. Jay is very proud that he joined the BPSOS Summer Youth Bike Exploration Program(SYBEP).
"I'm glad that I joined this program. During these six weeks, I have learned a lot from other students and myself. We are not just a group that work in a office -- we are also a family. I love riding with all of you guys. FIXED GEAR ALL DAY!!!LEGGO~"
Jay is strongly interested in bikes and would like to further devlelop his knowledge of bikes and of the importance of the quality of bike lanes in the city, while improving his biking skills and transferring that knowledge to other group members. He is also one of the three students who were sent to Neighborhood Bike Works to help run a summer camp, teaching kids how to ride bikes safely and how to fix their bikes. Jay is very proud that he joined the BPSOS Summer Youth Bike Exploration Program(SYBEP).
"I'm glad that I joined this program. During these six weeks, I have learned a lot from other students and myself. We are not just a group that work in a office -- we are also a family. I love riding with all of you guys. FIXED GEAR ALL DAY!!!LEGGO~"
SYBEP Youth
Fatoumata Karamoko - Youth Participant
She is a rising Senior student at South Philadelphia High School. She works as an employee in the Summer Youth Bike & Evironmental Program at BPSOS.
Fatoumata is 17 years old and was born in Ivory Coast, West Africa. She lives in South Philly with her Guardians for four years now. Fatoumata's education is her first goal to accomplish. She is always thinking about going to college and wants to be a doctor in the future. She always try her best on everything she want to do. She is in the National Honor Society and also a mediator at her school. She has participated in Soft ball team and track& field in her 10th and 11th grade.
Fatoumata always want to learn more things around her. She loves participating in community services and also loves to work with group of people from different background. She is a happy person and she loves to help everybody. In her free time, Fatoumata loves to hang out with her friends, cooking for her family and babysitting.
"I am very happy working at BPSOS. I had so many experiences in my community learning different things around us. this is my favorite summer ever. I have so much fun and I am very proud of the hard work I've been doing to help my community develop."
She is a rising Senior student at South Philadelphia High School. She works as an employee in the Summer Youth Bike & Evironmental Program at BPSOS.
Fatoumata is 17 years old and was born in Ivory Coast, West Africa. She lives in South Philly with her Guardians for four years now. Fatoumata's education is her first goal to accomplish. She is always thinking about going to college and wants to be a doctor in the future. She always try her best on everything she want to do. She is in the National Honor Society and also a mediator at her school. She has participated in Soft ball team and track& field in her 10th and 11th grade.
Fatoumata always want to learn more things around her. She loves participating in community services and also loves to work with group of people from different background. She is a happy person and she loves to help everybody. In her free time, Fatoumata loves to hang out with her friends, cooking for her family and babysitting.
"I am very happy working at BPSOS. I had so many experiences in my community learning different things around us. this is my favorite summer ever. I have so much fun and I am very proud of the hard work I've been doing to help my community develop."
SYBEP Youth
George Lam - Youth Participant, is a recent graduation of Central High, class of 270, and will be attending Drexel University in the Fall. George's interest span from a variety of subjects; from biomedical engineering to cinematography. In Drexel, George will be attending the in the Engineering school, hopefully studying in nanotechnology and it's applications in life.
George has just recently learned how to ride a bike for the BPSOS Summer Youth Bike and Environmental Program. From this Program, George's view of bikes and the life in Philadelphia has changed tremendously from being in the program George enjoys traveling via bicycles ever since the program. His views on the city have changed due to the social injustices that he has learned in the program.
"It's only been six weeks since I've learned to ride a bike, and now it is one of my favorite and main modes of transportation. This program has open my eyes to the environment and community around me. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the first BPSOS SYBEP internship, and I hope it continues to inspire more youth later on."
George has just recently learned how to ride a bike for the BPSOS Summer Youth Bike and Environmental Program. From this Program, George's view of bikes and the life in Philadelphia has changed tremendously from being in the program George enjoys traveling via bicycles ever since the program. His views on the city have changed due to the social injustices that he has learned in the program.
"It's only been six weeks since I've learned to ride a bike, and now it is one of my favorite and main modes of transportation. This program has open my eyes to the environment and community around me. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the first BPSOS SYBEP internship, and I hope it continues to inspire more youth later on."
SYBEP Youth
Tri Vong - Youth Participant, is 20 years old. He was born and grew up in a small town, called Binh Loc – Dong Nai – Viet Nam. His life has totally changed when he started to bike at the age of 11. In his secondary school, Tri always took a 10 km bike trip to his school. When Tri went to high school, the bike trip to his school became longer. However, Tri really enjoyed biking to school because it was fun and healthy. Soon, Tri became a professional bike rider. Tri's life continued to change when his family migrated to the US. Tri began to attend South Philadelphia High School. Tri enjoyed walking to school because the school was near, but Tri always missed the fun biking to school in Vietnam; therefore, he bought his bike with his own money that he earned from his first job and continued his biking journey on the weekends.
In the summer 2011, Tri became a part of BPSOS Summer Youth Bike and Environmental Program. The program has helped provide him with so much knowledge. His main job in the program is to help run the summer camp in Neighborhood Bike Works, by teaching kids about bike repair and safety. Tri's favorite color is blue because it represents hope. Tri likes to sing, cook, and listen to music. He also likes trees, animals, and especially travelling on his bike.
“I really love to meet and work with every member of SYBEP 2011 and all the instructors and coordinator. I learn a lot from you all. I want to help build a strong and a better community, a clean and beautiful neighborhood. Most importantly I want more bike lanes on every street. My dream never will not come true without everyone’s support.”
In the summer 2011, Tri became a part of BPSOS Summer Youth Bike and Environmental Program. The program has helped provide him with so much knowledge. His main job in the program is to help run the summer camp in Neighborhood Bike Works, by teaching kids about bike repair and safety. Tri's favorite color is blue because it represents hope. Tri likes to sing, cook, and listen to music. He also likes trees, animals, and especially travelling on his bike.
“I really love to meet and work with every member of SYBEP 2011 and all the instructors and coordinator. I learn a lot from you all. I want to help build a strong and a better community, a clean and beautiful neighborhood. Most importantly I want more bike lanes on every street. My dream never will not come true without everyone’s support.”
SYBEP Youth
Jiayu Zhang - Youth Participant, is a rising junior at G. W. Carver High School of Engineering and Science. She works at BPSOS Summer Youth Bike and Environmental Program 2011.
She was born in Southern China and immigrated to United States in 2008 with her family. When she first came to Philadelphia, she enrolled into a bilingual program at McCall Elementary School to study English. In the future, she wants to become an accountant. She wants to use her education to help other people who have struggled with their daily lives.
Jiayu loves to learn new things and travel. In the summer 2011 she decides to join BPSOS SYBEP to fullfil her desire of traveling; more importantly she wanted to gain more knowledge to broaden her mind and perspectives through her participation in the program. She always hopes to be able to help others as much as she can.
She was born in Southern China and immigrated to United States in 2008 with her family. When she first came to Philadelphia, she enrolled into a bilingual program at McCall Elementary School to study English. In the future, she wants to become an accountant. She wants to use her education to help other people who have struggled with their daily lives.
Jiayu loves to learn new things and travel. In the summer 2011 she decides to join BPSOS SYBEP to fullfil her desire of traveling; more importantly she wanted to gain more knowledge to broaden her mind and perspectives through her participation in the program. She always hopes to be able to help others as much as she can.
SYBEP Youth
Uyen Pham - Youth Participant, is a graduate student from South Philadelphia High school in July 2011 at the age of 19. She is going to attend Temple University in Fall 2011.
Uyen was born in Vietnam and migrated to America in 2008. She used to live in a village called Binh An in South of Vietnam. She learned to bike since she was a little girl, and became a very good biker because she used to bike everyday to her school in Vietnam. Uyen likes to play badminton. During her high school, Uyen used to be a captain of her school badminton team for one year and was recognized as one of the best players in the All Public Baminton Tournament in 2010 and 2011.
In her spare time, Uyen likes to sing, dance and play the organ. Uyen believes that playing music is a form of communication with sound and melody.
"I am very happy to meet and know all the bike students in the SYBEP program. It's been a great experience working in the program which I can learn from others youth and expand my knowlege."
Uyen was born in Vietnam and migrated to America in 2008. She used to live in a village called Binh An in South of Vietnam. She learned to bike since she was a little girl, and became a very good biker because she used to bike everyday to her school in Vietnam. Uyen likes to play badminton. During her high school, Uyen used to be a captain of her school badminton team for one year and was recognized as one of the best players in the All Public Baminton Tournament in 2010 and 2011.
In her spare time, Uyen likes to sing, dance and play the organ. Uyen believes that playing music is a form of communication with sound and melody.
"I am very happy to meet and know all the bike students in the SYBEP program. It's been a great experience working in the program which I can learn from others youth and expand my knowlege."
SYBEP Youth
Jaimon Jacob - Youth Participant, is a recent graduate of Central High, class of 270, and will be attending Drexel University in the Fall. Jaimon will be doing the 5 year 3 co-op and will be majoring in Engineering. He was born in Kerala, India. He came over to America 6 years ago. He visits India every other summer to keep in touch with his family and friends he left behind. This summer Jaimon decided to explore the city and get more involved. He became one of the fortunate interns who got to work for the BPSOS Program.
The BPSOS SYBEP Program changed this youth’s perspective on life. The program has made Jaimon’s summer a wonderful and memorable experience. Jaimon got to experience and learn about the beautiful bike trails and bike lanes in Philly.
“I wish I got involved in this program earlier. During these six weeks this program took me on a great journey. This program has a lot to offer and it is beneficial to people of any age, any race, and any culture".
The BPSOS SYBEP Program changed this youth’s perspective on life. The program has made Jaimon’s summer a wonderful and memorable experience. Jaimon got to experience and learn about the beautiful bike trails and bike lanes in Philly.
“I wish I got involved in this program earlier. During these six weeks this program took me on a great journey. This program has a lot to offer and it is beneficial to people of any age, any race, and any culture".
SYBEP Youth
Jiahong Zhang - Youth Participant, is a student at Bok Technical High School in South Philadelphia. He and his family moved here from China 3 years ago. He is currently 16 years old and likes to watch movies of all kinds and study. He is an active community member and helps his neighbors with cleaning the neighborhood. This summer, Jiahong is planning curriculum and working work youth ages 8-12 in Neighborhood Bike Works' Summer Camp.
The NBW interns help plan curriculum and implement 2 weeks of bike safety and bike repair workshops for kids.
"I am so happy working in BPSOS; this is the best summer job ever!"
The NBW interns help plan curriculum and implement 2 weeks of bike safety and bike repair workshops for kids.
"I am so happy working in BPSOS; this is the best summer job ever!"
Land Use and Environmental Justice Instructor
Juliette Honsinger, SYBEP Environmental Justice and Urban Planning Instructor, is a recent graduate of West Chester University, with a bachelor's degree in History and minors in French and Geography and Planning. She was the instructor for the first week of the SYBEP program, which actively involved students in topics relating to urban planning, land use, advocacy, and environmental justice, and how these topics influence the location and prevalence of bike lanes throughout the city. She has been involved in environmental justice and advocacy groups for about 4 years, centered in her current city of West Chester, PA. Her area of extended study includes the relationship between housing, environmental quality, and health.
When not at work, she enjoys travel, exercise, literature, and films. Her plans include going back to school to attain certification in Secondary Social Studies Education and continuing involvement in environmental advocacy and research.
When not at work, she enjoys travel, exercise, literature, and films. Her plans include going back to school to attain certification in Secondary Social Studies Education and continuing involvement in environmental advocacy and research.
Bike Coalition of Greater Philadelphia
Steve Taylor, Safe Routes Philly Community Representative, began his journey as a
walking and bicycling adventurer in the rolling hills of Columbia County,
Pennsylvania, where he started hiking and long distance bike touring and racing.
Fate and college next carried him to Washington, DC, where he used his bike to
explore the metropolitan area, to commute to National Public Radio, and to
deliver packages as a professional courier. After stops in the communications
departments of several academic associations in DC, Steve established a home—and
a perennial herb garden—in Philadelphia. His work in the City of Brotherly Love
has included teaching English as a Second Language, serving as the marketing
director for the Incheon Trade Office (promoting cultural and commercial
exchange with our South Korean sister city), and driving a pedicab.
A Philadelphia
resident for over twelve years, Steve has been a passionate explorer of and
advocate for this amazing city. Among the organizations where he has volunteered
his time are the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, several local arts
organizations, and his church, Broad Street Ministry.
Bike Coalition of Greater Philadelphia
Cy Maramangalam, Safe Routes Philly Instructor, teaches students in Philadelphia how to be safe and have fun while riding their bike around town. He was raised in Northern NJ and has degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida and Ramapo College in NJ. He has an educational background that covers engineering, human factors, psychology, math, physics, and education, and has been involved in many non-profit organizations and events.
As a Philadelphia Teaching Fellow, Cy has gained invaluable experience as a high school mathematics teacher at Kensington Creative & Performing Arts High School. He has had the opportunity to inspire many of his students, and he also created the Breakdance Club, which continues to be a hit.
Cy loves cycling for fun and for his commute, and plans to cycle across the country one day. His other hobbies include rock climbing, mountaineering, snowboarding, scuba diving, surfing, and playing his guitar. He is very excited to work for an organization that combines his love for teaching, his passion for the outdoors, and desire to work in the non-profit sector.
Bike Coalition of Greater Philadelphia
Diana Owens, Assistant Director of Education, is an alumnus of the 2009 Bicycle Ambassadors. Prior to her work with the Coalition, she completed her tenure as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia, where she worked with her local community in fostering sustainable growth through recycling and reforestation. Following the completion of her master’s degree at Drexel University, Diana worked with the Environment, Stewardship and Education Division of the Fairmount Park to ensure that Philadelphia's greenspace remains healthy and vibrant for future generations. Diana is excited to be a part of BCGP's new youth based bike safety program, Safe Routes Philly, and looks forward to expanding the educational opportunities available for the Philadelphia community.
A West Philadelphia resident for almost ten years now, Diana regularly commutes to work on her bike and has recently gotten into long distance touring. She is an avid traveler and fluent in the Spanish language.
A West Philadelphia resident for almost ten years now, Diana regularly commutes to work on her bike and has recently gotten into long distance touring. She is an avid traveler and fluent in the Spanish language.
Neighborhood Bike Works
Joseph Tirella, Urban Youth Leadership Coordinator, is currently working at Neighborhood Bike Works. Since childhood, I have been a fan of bicycles. My very first ride was a new red Schwinn with a ruby colored banana seat... and training wheels. My love for two wheeled vehicles has never subsided. In 2007 I returned to school to continue my formal education and am now currently a student at the University of Pennsylvania, studying political science and international relations. Since arriving at Neighborhood Bike Works in June of 2010, I have been involved with the Earn-a-Bike Summer Camp program. I had the option to take of Directorship of the program and jumped at the chance to become an integral part of the organization. This year has provided a new opportunity to work collaboratively with BPSOS to create a new experience for Philadelphia youth, one for which I am very excited.
Multi-Media Instructor
Marie Alarcon, University of Pennsylvania Tech, Marie Alarcon is a Philadelphia based media artist who's work interrogates notions of authenticity, community, and violence. She began doing community documentary work in 2000, and has since filmed and produced various short documentaries and collaborative non-fiction projects, with a focus on youth and community based media. She studied documentary production and post-colonial theory at the Evergreen State College, where she produced and directed the documentary Freedom Country. Created in conjunction with the Arab American Community Coalition (AACC) of Seattle, it was supported by a research fellowship from The University of Chicago and has been used as a teaching tool at conferences and in classrooms. In 2009 she received a Leeway Foundation, Art and Change Grant ('09) to work with youth at the Youth Health Empowerment Project (Y-HEP), and is an upcoming resident artist at 40th Street AIR, where she's will be working on post-digital technology and radical autonomy in the context of public art.
Multi-Media Instructor
Zophar Bussie, Pharree Media Productions, is a graduate of Full Sail University. He has worked for Nickelodeon Games and Sports in Orlando Fl, before moving on to MTV studio in New York City. After MTV, he began doing freelance Production work and has worked on a number of independent films, including “Black Wine the Movie,” and the critically acclaimed “SIGNS.” In 2008, he started Phar Ree Video Production Company, which offers a wide range of multimedia Video Production and Web support. He specialize in Directing, Writing, Producing & Creation concepts for Clients’ Video needs. Phar Ree Video sets itself apart from their competitors by working with his clients to come up with unique marketing strategies for Web promotion and Video Marketing. He is a proud member of “The Business Pros,” a non-profit business group created to educate small business owners and is constantly working hard to help others make their Dream come true through Media.
