About us
A Message from Our Founder
Thank you for visiting our Website. I believe as you peruse through our story, you will be moved with compassion and compelled to be apart of and support our mission. Whether you choose to be an ambassador, volunteer, sponsor, donor, or advocate, it moves us closer to our goals - improving the lives of young people.
This organization was not started on a whim but on the foundation of Spiritual guidance and my years of experience working with the youth. I was a mentor to children and youth since the age of 21 through the Girl Scout program, Young Life, and church. I carefully selected a Board of Directors with outstanding ethics and committed to the mission and an advisory board of educators dedicated to the academic success of students. The boards are an asset to the development and implementation of our programs.
I have spent tireless hours developing plans which address the individual and corporate needs of the students and families we serve. Those hours include attending conferences, meetings, researching, networking, and late hours of preparation of resources.
To sustain and provide our services free to students, we depend on funding from individual donors like you and foundation grants. Your individual donation is applied in total towards the direct support of our programs. We are a volunteer-based operated organization. We depend on volunteers to provide their time, experience, and knowledge with our students.
Your generosity is truly appreciated!
Lynda Wright Gittens
Founder and Executive Director
our vision
BYCE envisions an academic world that embraces students with unique learning styles, providing enriched instructional programs to enhance their future
“We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.”
- Mary Dunbar
our MIssion
To nurture the development and aid of Grades 1-12 students with learning disabilities and differences in improving grade-level skills and test scores, reduce high school dropout rates, and prepare them for higher learning through specialized academic instructional and life skill programs. We journey with them from the Classroom to College to Careers to Community Involvement while helping remove social, economic, and educational obstacles to our students’ success.
“We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn.”
- Mary Catherine Bateson, Writer
OUR HISTORY click here
The Board
Dr Lynda Wright
President and CEO
Dr. Lynda Wright Gittens is the founder and CEO of Babies Youth Children Empowerment, Inc. (BYCE), a nonprofit organization. Her impact on the community has made her a sought-after advisor and supporter for parents and families. A woman of deep faith, Dr. Lynda is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a proud mother of two daughters, an ordained minister, a loving sister, a cherished friend, and a maternal figure to many.
Dr. Lynda holds degrees from Texas Southern University (Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting), Houston Graduate School of Theology (Master of Divinity), and Portland Seminary (Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives). She brings over 50 years of experience mentoring young people through organizations such as Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Children and Youth Ministry, Munger Avenue Baptist Church Youth Ministry, Girl Scouts of America (Houston and Dallas), Young Life, and Junior Achievement. These roles have solidified her dedication to empowering youth toward a bright future.
Driven by unwavering faith, a commitment to youth empowerment, and a belief in the transformative power of education and mentorship, Dr. Lynda's motto is "I'll never give up on a child."
Sharleyne Silcott is a Finance Advisor at ExxonMobil with over 15 years of experience in accounting and finance. She holds a B.S. in Accounting from Drexel University and an MBA from Cornell University. As Treasurer of BYCE, Sharleyne is passionate about giving back to the community by using her financial expertise to support the organization’s mission of advancing educational opportunity.
Sharleyne Silcott is a Finance Advisor at ExxonMobil with over 15 years of experience in accounting and finance. She holds a B.S. in Accounting from Drexel University and an MBA from Cornell University. As Treasurer of BYCE, Sharleyne is passionate about giving back to the community by using her financial expertise to support the organization’s mission of advancing educational opportunity
Sharleyne Silcott
Treasurer
Executive Committee Member
Finance Committee
The Board Members
Sharleyne Silcott is a Finance Advisor at ExxonMobil with over 15 years of experience in accounting and finance. She holds a B.S. in Accounting from Drexel University and an MBA from Cornell University. As Treasurer of BYCE, Sharleyne is passionate about giving back to the community by using her financial expertise to support the organization’s mission of advancing educational opportunity.
Sharleyne Silcott is a Finance Advisor at ExxonMobil with over 15 years of experience in accounting and finance. She holds a B.S. in Accounting from Drexel University and an MBA from Cornell University. As Treasurer of BYCE, Sharleyne is passionate about giving back to the community by using her financial expertise to support the organization’s mission of advancing educational opportunity
Karren Edwards
Board Member
Rose McCormick, MPA, Rose brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role, particularly in program operations, community outreach, staff retention, and resource acquisition for families. Her extensive background positions her as an asset to our organization.
Rose previously held the position of an area manager with a large regional Head Start grantee, further enriching her understanding of program operations and the unique needs of children and families in these settings. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences and Health Care Administration and a Master of Science in Public Administration from the University of West Florida. Outside of work, Rose serves on the board of directors for Frank H. Peterson High School as an early childhood consultant, demonstrating her commitment to the broader educational community. Rose's leadership and expertise play a crucial role in delivering exceptional services to our families.
Rose McCormick
Board Member
Governance Committee
A native Houstonian with a passion for equity and empowerment, Tameka Fraser brings over a decade of experience in program management, research administration, and grant development to her role as Funding Development Chair at BYCE. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a Pre-Physical Therapy emphasis (2011), a Master’s in Kinesiology (2013), and an MBA with a concentration in Leadership (2020).
Professionally, Tameka works in healthcare administration, where she leads complex research initiatives, manages cross-functional teams, and supports strategic growth through effective grant development and compliance. Her work reflects a strong commitment to operational excellence and community impact.
Outside of her career, she actively volunteers and enjoys learning new line dances in her free time. Her dedication to service and strategic development aligns seamlessly with BYCE’s mission to uplift and empower youth and families.
Tameka Fraser
Board Member
Funds Development
Ursula Hall
Board Member
Paula Faison Johnson
Board Member
ACADEMIC ADVISORY
BOARD
-
Dr. Lynda Wright Gittens, Lead
-
Tomeshia S. Beckett, J.D., L.L.M.
-
Veronica Gilmore Ford
-
Adriane Gay
-
Dr. Barbara Gordon
-
LaKeishia Lewis
-
Dr. Ada Osorio
Shahara Wright Menchan
Attorney,
The Wright Law Firm
