On Monday, November 11, 2024, Visionary Philanthropy Group Inc., led by Founder and CEO Nyene Baker, celebrated another milestone with its third visit to Google Headquarters in the vibrant Chelsea area of New York City. The trip was a culmination of Baker’s vision to empower underserved Black and Brown youth, offering them opportunities and exposure to environments that foster inspiration and ambition.

This year’s cohort included 16 students aged 9 to 16 who had participated in the organization’s Violence Prevention and Intervention Program and its tech initiatives, such as Girls Who Code and Google’s educational offerings. These programs aim to instill critical life skills, self-control, and technical expertise to help participants envision and achieve brighter futures.

Baker expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizations that made this trip possible, including Building A Better Way, Isles, and the Trenton Community Street Team, who funded the journey through the Trenton Community Street Team Youth Amplification Grant. Baker also extended his appreciation to chaperones Brandi Robinson, CEO and Founder of Still Her, and Jermiron Hardy, a Rider University graduate who Baker gave the opportunity of a lifetime to come along and Visionary Philanthropy Group intern pursuing his Master’s in Information Systems, for their support and dedication.

“This is why I started this vision—to give Black and Brown people opportunities they may not otherwise have access to,” said Baker. “Exposure is the key to greatness. Taking these 16 students to Google Headquarters in NYC for the second time this year is a dream come true. I’m just living my dream.”

A Day of Exploration and Innovation

The day began with a guided tour of Google Headquarters at 111 Eighth Avenue, led by Baker’s Google partner, Richard Achee, Founder of BreakBeatCode. Students explored the dynamic, innovative space, which left them in awe.

After the tour, the group participated in an engaging hackathon led by Achee. During the workshop, students learned the fundamentals of beat-making and music creation, ultimately producing their own tracks. By the end of the session, each participant proudly became an “artist engineer.”

“It was priceless to see the big smiles on their faces,” Baker shared. “Moments like these are unforgettable and life-changing. That’s my goal—to help students dream big and fulfill those dreams.”

Impacting Lives Through Exposure

The trip was especially meaningful for Baker, whose deep connection to the students stems from his upbringing in Trenton, NJ, near Donnelly Homes, a housing project some of his students currently call home. Baker’s mission is to bridge the gap between their current circumstances and greater opportunities by exposing them to transformative experiences like this.

“I feel it’s my duty to take students from the projects—or anywhere, really—and expose them to extraordinary places like Google,” Baker said. “When they see these great places, I want them to know that anything is possible. I hope this trip becomes a lifetime memory that inspires them to pursue their dreams.”

As the group returned to Trenton, Baker reflected on the day’s success, saying, “Today was a great, successful day. It’s moments like these that keep me passionate about what I do.”

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