The Team
Second Start is led by New York highschoolers who believe reentry should begin with dignity, practical support, and human connection.
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Yasha Kegeles is a Brooklyn Latin School student and a co-founder of Second Start, with a strong interest in criminal justice, public policy, and economics. He is passionate about using research and community-based work to better understand and address challenges within the criminal justice system.
Co-Founder & Strategic Advisor
Long Hui Jiang is a First-Year at the University of Pennsylvania passionate about social and criminal justice, and building the grassroots infrastructure for systemic change in our carceral systems.
Head of Mental Health
Enzo Ortolani is a Junior at the Brooklyn Latin School with a deep interest in psychology, philosophy, and debate. He is passionate about having a positive mental health impact and trying to improve the world by providing resources for those in need. In his free time he loves to read, meditate, and play guitar in the park.
Community Liaison
Omar is a Macaulay Honors student at John Jay College and Community liaison of Second Start, leading strategic initiatives to expand accessible reentry resources and support networks for justice involved New Yorkers.
Outreach Liaison
Madison James is a Junior at Edward R. Murrow High School with an interest for public policy, law, and advocacy. Through involvement in her community, she has become particularly interested in how systems of law and government can either create pathways to opportunity or reinforce barriers for marginalized communities.
Outreach Liaison
Jarvis McCarthy is a Junior at the Brooklyn Latin School, with interests in constitutional law, political as well as general philosophy, and criminal justice. Through debate, mock trial, and community-based work, he is interested in exploring how legal institutions can better protect individual rights and create meaningful opportunities for people returning from incarceration. He also plays ultimate frisbee for his school team.
Events Liaison
Greyson Goldman Bentinck is a Junior at Aviation High School, with interests in zoology, sequential art, and aviation maintenance. He has found a strong passion for helping others in his community, shaped by past experiences. He's also a member of the National Honor Society and his school's track team.