
FOUNDER/CEO
Earlene Lezama-Taylor
Earlene Lezama-Taylor is from Queens, NY, and embodies resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to community empowerment. With an Associate of Science in Business Management from Metropolitan College, she brings a wealth of expertise in business and mentorship to her endeavors. She is a member of Phi Kappa Honor Society, the NAACP, and the Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized (P.O.W.E.R.). Additionally, she is an Extreme Excellence World Record Holder, a mentor at iCouldBe, and the Co-author of Her World: Wisdom & Inspiration from Women in Business.Throughout her career, Earlene has left an indelible mark on various corporate landscapes, including roles at institutions such as the Screen Actors Guild, Coca-Cola Enterprises, and AMC Networks. Her proficiency spans across diverse domains including administration, office management, mentoring, entrepreneurship and event planning, where she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and leadership acumen. Driven by a deep-seated belief in the potential of young minds, Earlene founded the "Complete Girlz" Mentoring/Empowerment Program over nine years ago. This award-winning initiative, established in 2015 and later incorporated as a 501(c)3 in 2016, empowers young women to navigate their paths to success. Under Earlene's guidance as Founder and CEO, Complete Girlz has garnered acclaim for its impactful workshops held in local shelters, libraries, schools and recreational centers. Complete Girlz dedication to community service and leadership has earned the "Gem Among Us Award" from the Malik Melodies Sisterhood, Inc., Earlene has earned numerous accolades, The "Community Service Award" from The Laurelton Club of The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., the “Queen of Encouragement” award from Sisters N’courage, “The Status of Women Award ” from the Top Ladies of Distinction Queens Empire State Chapter and Notable elected officials such as Senator Leroy Comrie, Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman, and Councilman Member L. Daneek Miller, among others have also recognized her contributions with citations and proclamations, underscoring her impact on the community. As Earlene continues to impact lives through her non-profit work at Complete Girlz, Inc., her future aspirations include furthering her studies in "Women & Gender Studies" and continuing to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the unwavering belief in the potential of every individual.

Advisory Board

President
Phil Andrews
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President of the Long Island Chamber of Commerce
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President at 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc.
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President Emeritus at Black Public Relations Society - NY
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Author

Events/Fundraising Specialist
Mae Ealey
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Mz Social Butterfly Network, LLC
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MZSBN, LLC
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Author
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Board of Directors

Board Chair
OPEN

Charlise Washington
Secretary

Kelia Simpson
Finance

Laura Bentley
Community Engagement Dir.

Simone Harper
Youth Director
Our Team

Yanna Morillo
Program Director

Hetal Patel
Project Manager
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Krystle Paxton-Abel
HR Generalist

Erica Macon
Self-Esteem Director

Charlise Washington
Business Instructor

Esther Tambe
Nutrition Instructor
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Alyssa Schwartzberg
Secretary

Janae Taylor
Self-Esteem Instructor

CMC
Music Instructors

Laura Bentley
Etiquette/Culinary Instructor

Meredith Palermo
Lead Mentor

Juanita Furnam
Beauty Instructor

OPEN
Mentor

OPEN
Youth Embassador

OPEN
Tutor
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Simone Harper
Youth Mentor

Jaedyn Forde
Youth Tutor

OPEN
Grant Writer

OPEN
Event Planner/Fundraising
"Complete Girlz of the Year"

Precious Richardson
2018

Raniesha Saunders
2019

Grace Jean-Baptiste
2020
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Simone Harper
2024

Rachel-Rose Murray
2025

Temani Walker
2025

OPEN
2026
CGI has had a profound impact on my life, helping me grow into a confident, respectful, and well-rounded young woman. Through this program, I’ve gained invaluable life skills such as etiquette, anger management, and entrepreneurship, all of which are essential in the real world. The diverse classes, from public speaking to Life Skills, have taught me how to communicate effectively, maintain professionalism, and take better care of myself and others. CGI provided me with opportunities to lead, volunteer, and uplift other girls, helping me discover my passion for community service. Most importantly, CGI has given me a second family and the confidence to be the best version of myself.
— Precious Richardson


