Our Team

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Dr. Jamil Bey is the founder and Strategic Director of UrbanKind Institute. 

Driven by his desire to change the outcomes of marginalized and overburdened communities, Dr. Bey believes that cities should be kind places for people. He is inspired by the many young people he works with, challenging himself to do better, work smarter, and find new ways to create space and opportunities for these future leaders to shine. He is on a mission to promote ​political, economic, housing, educational, environmental, and social justice through improving communities and driving change. His ultimate goal is to establish Southwestern Pennsylvania as a place where Black children and families can prosper and thrive and white supremacy is eradicated.

Dr. Bey stirs critical thinking by facilitating tough conversations around race, equity, and systemic change. In addition to Dr. Bey's role as UrbanKind's visionary, he serves on many boards and councils throughout Pittsburgh, to drive real systemic change in policy and programming that affects underserved populations. Additionally, Dr. Bey is the founder of the Black Environmental Collective.

He earned a PhD and a Master of Science at Penn State University in Geography.  He also holds a bachelor's degree in Education, which allows him to connect with people and see the world around him through a unique lens. 

In his free time Dr. Bey enjoys gourmet cooking, gardening, off-road driving, and hosting friends and family. Dr. Bey’s friends would describe him as witty, charismatic, and passionate.

Dr. Janora Bey serves as the Deputy Director of the UrbanKind Institute.  

Dr. Bey leads program management and strategic operations, driving impactful initiatives in social and environmental justice. She integrates equitable principles into every collaboration, contract, and program. With over a decade of experience in human services, Dr. Bey excels in designing and implementing customized curricula and training programs, facilitating equity-focused discussions, and conducting thorough program evaluations to promote inclusivity across organizations.

Dr. Bey earned her PhD in General Psychology, focusing her research on the experiences of Black motherhood. She also holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Capella University and a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Penn State University.

A proud Pittsburgh native, Dr. Bey is passionately devoted to her community and the mission of the UrbanKind Institute. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a committed mother and an adventurous world traveler who delights in exploring diverse cultures and cuisines.

Jaquaya Mills is the Community Engagement Manager at UrbanKind Institute.

Jaquaya Mills is our community engagement manager, and an UrbanKind alumni!  

Jaquaya is mission-oriented and dedicated to community, health, art, and education. She is broadly trained, with a career path heavily influenced by human services. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Point Park University, and has experience in property management, mental health, supportive housing, facilitation, transportation and as well as performing spoken word. Her diverse work history exhibits flexibility that accommodates multiple capacities.

As a Community Engagement Manager and a key member of the evaluation team, she exemplifies active listening, empathy, and exceptional interpersonal skills. She fosters meaningful connections among data justice advocates, education leaders, community organizers, stakeholders, and residents. Driven by her passion for culture and creativity, Jaquaya is committed to promoting sustainability. She firmly believes that art plays a pivotal role in solving many challenges and is dedicated to preserving peace, encouraging healthy practices, and maintaining grace under all circumstances.

In her free time, Jaquaya enjoys playing board games and solving puzzles with her family, exploring the outdoors, and writing poetry.

Brenna Bearce is our dedicated Administrative Assistant at UrbanKind Institute. 

She leverages her diverse experience in customer service, care, and education to support the organization's mission of fostering inclusive communities.

Before joining UrbanKind, Brenna gained expansive experience in various roles that honed her interpersonal and organizational skills. Brenna's position here involves managing communications, coordinating schedules, and ensuring efficient operations, all while providing exceptional support to both staff and clients. Her resilience and adaptability shine through, especially in high-pressure situations, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

Brenna is a first-generation Mexican American on her maternal side and identifies as neurodivergent. These personal aspects fuel her passion for advocating for the inclusion of BIPOC neurodivergent individuals in all spaces. She believes that diverse perspectives enrich our communities and is committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and understood. Her experience informs her desire for supporting and uplifting neurodivergent voices, ensuring they have a place in every conversation.

Outside of work, she enjoys biking, camping, and baking with her children.