YouthBuild’s staff is composed of committed educators, administrators, counselors, vocational instructors and AmeriCorps members. We are a diverse team of professionals, united in our high standards and commitment to serving the best interests of the students.
No matter their role at the school, every employee at YouthBuild plays a part in creating a safe and positive educational environment where amazing transformations can take place.
Got a question for us? Fill out our contact form and we’ll direct your inquiry to the right person.
Leadership
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Le’Yondo Dunn is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School. His passion for working in education stemmed from his own experiences, which mirror many students attending YouthBuild. He firmly believes that all students should have access to a high-quality education and educators who believe endlessly in their potential regardless of their zip codes.
His excitement about leading YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School arises from its inspiring mission and the opportunities it provides young adults. The school’s commitment to fostering an environment of love, support, and respect for the whole person deeply resonates with him. By empowering students with vital skills and connecting them to opportunities, YouthBuild equips them to graduate high school successfully and transition to college and career paths as critically conscious leaders devoted to positive change for themselves and their communities.
Before assuming the role of CEO at YouthBuild, Le’Yondo made significant contributions to the field of education during his time as the principal at Simon Gratz High School in North Philadelphia. There, he spearheaded an impactful anti-gun violence initiative, leading to its subsequent adoption by the entire Mastery Charter system, implemented across all secondary schools. For the first time since 2012, Le’Yondo successfully united Gratz as a comprehensive 9-12 high school under one leadership team, bringing improved educational opportunities. He also launched Career and Technical Education programming to ensure students have multiple pathway options when transitioning to their postsecondary paths. Prior, he worked as a school administrator in several other large, high-performing charter management organizations.
Le’Yondo’s dedication to education advocacy began in Southeast Louisiana, his home state, where he first recognized the power of education to create positive change. He also played a crucial role in supporting the founding of one of the first charter schools in the state of Washington, where he witnessed the transformative potential of alternative education models. Mr. Dunn attended the University of New Orleans and St. Joseph’s University. Le’Yondo resides in Germantown with his wife, who is also an educator, and son.
Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Adesanya is an energetic, results-oriented, and mission driven Senior Management Professional with more than 20 years’ progressive experience leading finance and operations, global projects, and grants administration for large domestic and international non-profit organizations. She has a proven track record in reorganizing, streamlining, and strengthening operations to maximize performance. She is a collaborative, creative problem solver that enjoys working with a forward thinking mission-driven team in a fun fast-paced environment.
Adesanya is a world traveler and has worked in many countries, including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Peru, Haiti, and Thailand.
In her spare time, Adesanya enjoys relaxing at the beach, studying positive psychology, and hanging out with her dogs.
Principal
Kazmir Davis joined YouthBuild Philly Charter School in June 2023 as Principal, overseeing the organization’s program team. A Philadelphia native and Temple University graduate, Kazmir earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Kazmir began her teaching career in Prince George’s County, Maryland in 2005. Kazmir continued graduate studies at the University of Maryland concentrating on Teacher Leadership in School & Minority and Urban Education. She completed graduate studies and obtained a Masters of Educational Leadership degree from Holy Family University. Over the course of her twenty years in the urban education space, Kazmir has passionately served the students and families of Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, the School District of Philadelphia, KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools and Mastery Charter Schools as both a teacher and school leader. Kazmir possesses a relentless desire for her students to succeed as she guides them on a journey to self-discovery, development and academic achievement. She consistently demonstrates her commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure every moment matters for every young person. In her role, Kazmir provides a clear vision for learning for all students; ensures a safe, secure, and orderly learning environment; and cultivates strong relationships with and acts in service to diverse stakeholders, including families and communities. Kazmir enjoys family time with her husband, Terrence, and their precious sons, Zion Isaiah and Zamir Elijah.
Chief Operating Officer
Taylor Uyehara is the Chief Operating Officer at YouthBuild Philadelphia. He is a passionate life-long educator who is committed to ensuring that all students have equitable access to high-quality educational supports that empower them to achieve their postsecondary goals.
Prior to joining the YouthBuild team, Taylor served as Assistant Principal of Instruction at Simon Gratz High School for 6 years, supporting the math, science, foreign language, postsecondary, and career & technical education departments. Before that, he served as a math teacher, teacher coach, and assistant principal at Olney High School for 7 years.
Taylor was born and raised in California and has a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics and Global Studies from UC Santa Barbara and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University. Outside of work he loves to travel, spend time outdoors with his wife and two children, and follow the Warriors and 49ers.
Strategic Engagement
Director of Strategic Engagement & the CEO’s Office
Rae Robinson is the Director of Strategic Engagement & the CEO’s Office at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School, where she is passionate about empowering young people to reach their full potential. Originally from East Stroudsburg, PA, Rae holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Temple University and has a professional background in case management. Her commitment to YouthBuild stems from a deep belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of providing opportunities for growth to every student. In her free time, Rae enjoys embracing a lifestyle that values discovery, creativity, and well-being. Some of her hobbies include traveling, fitness, interior design, and cooking.
Human Resources
Senior Director of Human Resources
Megan Gundogdu is the Senior Director of Human Resources at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School. She is a passionate, progressive educator who has served Public and Charter School Students and families in New York City and Philadelphia for over 20 years. She believes that all students should have highly-qualified, engaging adults guiding them to be critical citizens of their community and believes that a people-centered workplace environment can provide all members of the community the opportunity to learn and thrive.
Megan loves to stay active in both fitness and travel, adventuring near and far with her four children and partner. She spends a lot of time in her partner’s home country of Turkey and encourages anyone she can to visit!
Megan has a Bachelor’s degree from Sweet Briar College and Masters degrees from Fordham University and Mercy College.
Advancement
Senior Director of Advancement
YouthBuild Philly has been named a Top Workplace in Philadelphia for six years running. Interested in working with us?
