Board Members

Genette Comfort, CFRM

Chair

Genette Comfort has more than twenty years of experience working in the corporate and nonprofit sector focusing on philanthropy, capital campaigns, special events, marketing and communications and organizational management. During her career in philanthropy, she elevated revenue goals for national organizations such the United Way of America, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and Neighbor Works America. She successfully increased and exceeded revenue goals for a number of nonprofits organizations such as National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), INROADS, Tuskegee University and Capital Partners for Education (CPE).

Currently, Genette serves as the Vice President of Philanthropy for the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington where she is responsible for creating and sustaining a comprehensive and philanthropic culture among seventeen YMCAs and program centers in metropolitan Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. She is skilled in managing strategic partnerships and developing tactical infrastructure to help build solid partnerships and organizational leaders. Genette has planned and launched innovative and effective philanthropy campaigns, which led to top tier corporate and private foundation partnerships and organizational sustainability.

Genette enjoys the performing arts, listening to all music genres and nature walking.

Karl Prevost

Vice Chair

STATEMENT:

I know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, New King James Version). My work as a licensed specialist in school psychology, both as a practitioner and a researcher, has provided me ample opportunity to create safe spaces for others to exercise agency over their lives. Over the years I have had the privilege to work with chapters of the 100 Black Men of America and the Boys & Girls Club in their efforts to empower underprivileged and at-risk, male youth. I have also functioned as a mentor both inside and outside of the school systems of the greater New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Atlanta, and Houston areas assisting youth in personifying their own definitions of success. This reaffirmed a desire in me to pursue affiliations that furthered a vision of empowering the disempowered, giving a voice to the voiceless. I am forever grateful to be a part of helping Second Chance Living: PMI, Inc. manifest its vision to innovatively impact women’s successful transition back into their communities.

PASSION:

When it comes to purpose, Benjamin E. Mays said it best, “Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive, and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done.” Thus, I function within the belief that every child is a story waiting to be told. My most influential experience is also the most practical: my matriculation through the subpar education systems of the New Orleans area gave me a first-hand look at the increasingly difficult circumstances that subjugate our communities and impair youths’ senses of self-determination. As a result, empowerment of others through model-mentorship has been an enduring passion of mine. Bottom line: People do what they know. Thus, it is the collective responsibility of those who are privileged, in any form, to utilize that privilege responsibly and for the benefit of others.

Trelise Baker

 President & CEO

Trelise Baker co-founded 2nd Chance Living PMI in 2017. She serves as President and CEO and is dedicated to providing resources and advocacy for women who have been in the pennial system and deserves support and resources to start again. 

As a business owner and community leader, Trelise is knows first-hand what it takes to lead and inspire women to be successful in life and work.  She leads a dedicated staff and volunteers in planning the strategic focus for the organization’s program, fund development and sustainability.

Her education background included an Associate Degree from Lone Star College she also is attending school for her bachelors. She believes in not complaining about what needs to be done but focus on more on outcome.

Roger Webb

Secretary

STATEMENT:
In a country where there are more prisons per capita in the world, we live in a society that has been conditioned to believe that “Rehabilitation is an option…”, there should be no option. Second Chance Living Project Mass Incarceration’s mission is to engage those women who are exiting a highly structured system and equip them with the tools they need to re-orient themselves to their new-found freedoms. I personally believe that fluidity is the key to success, and that a natural progression allows us to accomplish more than the rigidity of most societal norms. Quite frankly, the worst insult you can ever throw my way is “you’re normal”… because there is no normal. Our clients will be treated with respect and dignity – not a “one size fits all” curriculum.

PASSION:At a very young age (8 months old), I found myself in a system that viewed children as a number. Being the lucky one, I was adopted, yet outside of control of what was happening to me. Because of this, I realized how real life can get from the stories that my siblings told me about their experiences growing up. This caused me to commit my time, talent, and treasure to helping those in a genuine need in my early teens… so much so, that I will be a day late and a dollar short all day long – when I’m on time for people. I was given a second chance before I even realized it, thus I intend to provide another chance to anyone who is ready to cast off the bad habits of their past and progress with a positive mindset today.

Akaiaya Martin

Treasurer

STATEMENT:

Why 2nd Chance Living PMI?
We have four core values, Faith, Discipline, Integrity, and Consistency (FDIC). Have Faith in yourself, you can do whatever you put your mind to. Have Discipline, it may not be easy, but it is necessary for your growth. Have Integrity, be honest with yourself, hold yourself to a higher standard. Be Consistent, learn new habits and apply them every day. Most importantly, Love yourself! Every day is a chance to start over.

PASSION:

I have always had a passion for helping others, even when I couldn’t help myself. Just knowing I helped someone, has always been a reward in itself. Living in a youth shelter from the ages of 19-22, and being on the receiving end of a nonprofit, I know this program will do for women what Covenant House of New Orleans did for me. I feel it’s my calling to help others in need. 2nd Chance Living PMI has given me the opportunity to do that.
“Don’t be pushed by your problems, be led by your passions.” Akaiaya M.

Brenna Ferrell

Board Member and MarCOMM Chair

I have been teaching in some form or another since I was sixteen and I received my certification as a swim instructor; I’ve discovered, with time, that I have learned more from all of my students than I could have ever taught them. They’ve taught me to be a life-long learner, to take what I’ve learned and educate others, and to never stop advocating for those who have not equitably received opportunities to learn. I believe all roads to success lead through the schoolhouse, which is why I believe in Second Chance Living PMI and our commitment to educate others so that they may find their purpose, and we can then motivate each other to innovate a new and better way of life together.