Where Purpose Meets Possibility
At Visionary Philanthropy Group, we believe every person deserves the chance to realize their potential and build a life filled with purpose, confidence, and progress. Whether you’re learning, leading, teaching, or giving back — you’re part of a movement that’s redefining what’s possible.
Mission
Our mission is to empower the 8.1 billion people on this planet—especially at-risk youth, returning citizens, and those in need of opportunities, food, and shelter—by teaching tech and necessary skills all around the world to achieve self-sufficiency and stability.
Vision
Our vision is a world where poverty, recidivism, addiction, violence, homelessness, suicide, and discrimination are significantly reduced—and where underserved communities thrive through expanded opportunities. We strive to build this future alongside like-minded individuals who champion equity and hope for all people, from every walk of life.
Core Values
What We Stand For:
Compassion – Meeting every person with empathy and respect.
Resilience – Encouraging determination in the face of adversity.
Equity – Ensuring fair access to opportunity for all.
Collaboration – Building strong networks and partnerships.
Empowerment – Providing tools and resources to support independence.
Accountability – Delivering on promises with transparency and integrity.
Founder’s Story
The Power of Determination. The Impact of One Vision.
After serving 15 years in prison, Nyene Baker returned home with a mission—to create opportunities he never had and help others rebuild their futures with purpose and pride.
At age 31, Nyene Baker made a life-changing vow: to turn his own journey into a mission that would open doors for others. While serving a 15-year sentence, he studied, planned, and prepared to create something bigger than himself — a nonprofit dedicated to helping others build skills, confidence, and community.
Upon his release, that vision became Visionary Philanthropy Group — an organization built on the belief that potential is never lost. What began as one man’s promise has grown into a movement that has reached more than 7,000 lives through education, mentorship, and second-chance opportunities.
“I made a promise to change one life — and ended up changing thousands.”
— Nyene Baker, Founder & CEO
Recognition & Milestones
Honored for leadership, innovation, and impact in community transformation.
Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award
Selected from more than 500 nominees statewide; one of only three formerly incarcerated recipients and the first from Trenton. (2025)
Trenton Heroes Award
Celebrated for exceptional mentorship and community leadership.
Honored by the City of Trenton
Nyene was recognized by the Mayor for advancing opportunity and empowerment through VPG.
StartUp Grind Conference
A premier Silicon Valley event bringing together entrepreneurs and investors to share insights and fuel startup success.
Forbes Nonprofit Council
Recognized for leadership and innovation in nonprofit management.
Clean Slate Initiative
Nyene was selected as one of the 75 delegates to participate in Clean Slate Initiative’s Congressional Lobby Day on Capitol Hill. (2025)
Board of Directors
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Nyene Baker
Chairman
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Laila Shareef Wilson-McCoy
Vice Chairwoman
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Edna Odukoya
Secretary
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Catrice Kees, PhD
Treasurer
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Anthony Bush
VP, Business Development
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Shariq Marshall
VP, Fundraising
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Austin J. Edwards, Esq.
VP, Community Outreach
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Madeline Mauboussin
VP, Technology
Advisory Board
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Michael J. Frank
Board Advisor
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Richard Achee
Board Advisor
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Paul Martinetti, MD
Board Advisor
Collaboration fuels change.
Our trusted partners and supporters who believe in purpose, progress, and potential.
A Member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council
Forbes Nonprofit Council is an invitation-only community for chief executives in successful nonprofit organizations.
As a member of the Council, VPG has access to a variety of exclusive opportunities designed to help the organization reach peak professional influence. VPG will connect and collaborate with other respected leaders in a private forum. VPG will also have the opportunity to share their expert insights in original articles and contribute to published expert panels alongside other experts on Forbes.com.
Every partnership, donation, and collaboration helps us expand opportunity for the next generation of leaders and change-makers. Join us in turning purpose into progress — one program, one partnership, and one person at a time.