Project Me Foundation Inc.

Christopher D. Naraine-El (also known as Reco Suave) is the Founder of Project Me Foundation Inc., a New York-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to youth mentorship, violence prevention, and workforce development across Oneida, Onondaga, and Herkimer counties.

Born and raised in San Bernardino, California, Mr. Naraine-El entered the juvenile justice system at age 12 and later the foster care system. A graduate of Boys Republic High School, he experienced many of the challenges faced by system-involved youth, including instability and negative peer influence, often without consistent support. He exited both systems at 18 and transformed those experiences into a trauma-informed, lived-experience approach to youth development, prevention, and reentry support.

After relocating to New York, he joined the Moorish Science Temple of America, Inc., Subordinate Temple #10 in Syracuse, deepening his commitment to service, discipline, and community leadership. He went on to found Project Me Foundation Inc., focusing on early intervention, mentorship, life-skills development, violence interruption, and long-term stability for at-risk and transition-age youth.

In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Mr. Naraine-El is a multi-state recognized recording artist performing as Reco Suave. He has been featured in FOX-, NBC-, and CBS-affiliated media outlets and Jamsphere Magazine, with music reaching tens of thousands across streaming platforms. His creative work serves as a tool to engage youth, promote identity development, and encourage positive decision-making.

He has collaborated with organizations such as the Chicano Elegance Foundation and worked alongside advocates including J.J. Villar and Bob Walsh to advance youth empowerment and community-based alternatives to incarceration.

Today, he is a public speaker and mentor, as well as a business owner and father whose work reflects resilience, accountability, and a deep commitment to creating pathways to success for the next generation.

Jason Stephenson serves as Interim President of Project Me Foundation Inc., where he envisions the development and delivery of programs focused on youth growth, discipline, and creative expression.

Having grown up in unstable home environments, Jason faced significant challenges during his early years, often struggling with emotional regulation and behavioral issues. Through reflection and personal growth, he developed discipline through martial arts training and artistic expression, with military service also shaping his approach to resilience, accountability, and self-development.

Jason has been deeply involved in the creative and music community for over 20 years, producing and releasing music under the moniker Cepheid Variable. His work spans multiple platforms, including Bandcamp, Beatport, and Apple Music, reflecting a long-standing commitment to artistic expression and independent production. He has also contributed to digital art and design communities through platforms such as DeviantArt and Behance.

In addition to his creative work, Jason has a strong passion for technology, particularly in computer systems, the Linux ecosystem, and digital environments. Much of his knowledge is self-taught, driven by curiosity, patience, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Through his role at Project Me Foundation Inc., Jason brings lived experience and discipline together with creativity and technical skill, helping guide youth toward self-awareness, resilience, and personal development.

Sharif Anael-Bey serves as Vice President of Project Me Foundation Inc., contributing to strategic direction while supporting program development rooted in discipline, knowledge, and cultural awareness.

A respected scholar, martial artist, and thought leader, Sharif is known within conscious and metaphysical communities for his work exploring history, religion, and esoteric sciences. He is the founder of Ali’s Men, a research and think tank initiative dedicated to the study of historical, spiritual, and philosophical systems.

Sharif also has an extensive background in film and media production, serving as a writer, director, producer, actor, and action director/fight choreographer. His credits include ENUF, 211: Robbery in Progress, Basilio, When Dragons Awake, and My Asian Auntie: Yes Auntie. He is a multi-time award recipient at the Urban Action Showcase and Expo (HBO/Cinemax), earning recognition for Best Action Choreography and Best Action Comedy.

In addition to his creative work, he has held leadership roles with Finally Focused Films, contributing to efforts aimed at training and placing minority talent in the film industry.

Sharif has been featured in lectures and discussions alongside figures such as Billy Carson, contributing to conversations on consciousness, history, and personal development. Through his work with Project Me Foundation Inc., he brings scholarship and creative experience into mentorship that helps guide youth toward self-awareness, critical thinking, and positive life pathways.

Sabrina Vedder serves as Executive Events Director for Project Me Foundation Inc., supporting organizational operations and program coordination.

Raised in New York within the foster care system, juvenile justice system, and group home environments, she brings a deeply personal understanding of the challenges faced by at-risk youth. Through resilience and determination, she built a successful career spanning more than two decades in the hospitality and events industry, with experience in New York and Las Vegas.

A seasoned event professional, Sabrina has worked with artists such as Steve Aoki, Nicki Minaj, Snow Tha Product, Too Short, and Justin Bieber, as well as major productions involving the Las Vegas Raiders and the iHeartRadio Music Festival.

Taj Smith serves as Special Programs Director of Project Me Foundation Inc., where he leads innovative programming that connects artistic expression with personal growth, workforce readiness, and real-world skill development.

A creative leader, mentor, and visionary, Taj is the founder and CEO of Finally Focused Films, developing independent film and television projects while creating pathways for emerging talent. His work includes Juug Gone Wrong, The Senate Documentary, 211: Robbery in Progress, and YoungGawdz, along with contributions across multiple productions in roles such as set design, camera, and production support.

He has been involved in projects connected to major artists such as French Montana, Juelz Santana, and Swizz Beatz, with content reaching audiences on platforms like Tubi.

Grounded in resilience and discipline, Taj uses authentic mentorship, workshops, and creative collaboration to help youth build confidence, develop skills, and access opportunities within the creative economy.

Kamesha Graves, LPN, is a nurse director and community advocate with a background in patient care and clinical leadership, including staff development, quality improvement, and healthcare compliance.

She currently serves as Nurse Director for Menorah Park’s Rothschild Adult Day Health Program, where she helps oversee daily clinical operations and multidisciplinary teamwork, along with regulatory standards and patient engagement.

Kamesha also brings a strong record of community leadership, including service with Delta Alpha Gamma Zeta Amicae of Onondaga County, LeadingAge, ARISE & Exceptional Family Resources, and advocacy connected to lupus awareness, maternal wellness, mentorship, equity, and women in healthcare leadership.

Stacey M. Bailey is a community advocate, educator, consultant, nonprofit leader, and holistic wellness practitioner dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and creating healthier communities. With extensive experience in youth development, public health, environmental justice, maternal and child health, kinship advocacy, and community engagement, she has built a career centered on service, leadership, and meaningful systems change.

Stacey currently serves as a Healthy Community Specialist with LeadSafeCNY Coalition and is the founder of several community-focused initiatives, including The BFLY Initiative, Maiya B Kinship Justice Alliance, and Insightful Drip Consulting. She is also the owner of Haus of Honey and Roots & Honey, where she integrates holistic wellness, herbal education, and healing-centered practices into her work with individuals and families.

Her work focuses on developing innovative programs and building strategic partnerships while connecting people to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

A respected leader in both professional and civic spaces, Stacey serves as the New York State Amicae Parliamentarian and has held leadership roles including President of Zeta Amicae of Syracuse and Secretary of Delta Alpha Gamma Zeta Amicae of Onondaga County. She is recognized for her expertise in governance, program development, advocacy, public speaking, and community engagement.

As a mother of five and grandmother of five, Stacey brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work as a mentor and servant leader. Her leadership is rooted in compassion and authenticity, with empowerment and service guiding the work. She remains committed to helping others recognize their potential, overcome barriers, and create lasting positive change within their lives and communities.