Meet
Ailson Lopes Carvalho & Desmond Kennard
Meet Ailson Lopes Carvalho (right) and Desmond Kennard (left), our mental health initiative partners from Young Man with a Plan.
Ailson Lopes Carvahlo and Desmond Kennard understand the transformative power of mentorship and the critical need for spaces where young men feel seen, supported, and empowered.
That’s exactly what they are cultivating at Young Man With A Plan (YMWAP). Their shared passion for youth development and holistic support is deeply rooted in their own experiences and commitment to their community.
For YMWAP Project Manager, Ailson, his path began in Dorchester, a neighborhood rich in culture yet marked by systemic challenges. Growing up, he learned to connect across diverse backgrounds, but also witnessed stark disparities in resources and opportunity. Through the METCO program, he attended Brookline public schools and saw firsthand how differences in neighborhood investment—fewer fast food chains, no corner liquor stores—reflected deeper inequities.
"It really got me thinking—how do these differences shape a community and the opportunities people have?" Ailson shares.
“Hearing their cultural experiences and how they view mental health within their families was very personal for me too.”
This awareness fueled Ailson’s commitment to supporting young men in navigating these complexities. Inspired by the mentors who shaped his path—his mother, coaches, school mentors and now YMWAP colleagues—he strives to be that same guiding presence for others. His dedication aligns deeply with YMWAP’s mission, creating safe spaces where young men can connect, grow, and thrive.
Desmond’s journey to YMWAP began with a simple desire: to be the support system he wished he had as a young student. “I am one of the kids we mentor - someone who didn’t necessarily have someone in their schools to talk to, tell them their dreams and stuff like that,” he reflects.
“That's what I wanted to become.. I wanted to be that counselor, that mentor, that the kids could go to when times are rough, when times are good, when they just need a little advice and a little motivation” Desmond says.
Now, as Director of Operations, he embodies that role, working to understand each young man’s unique needs and aspirations, supporting them as they discover and pursue their passions. This commitment to individualized mentorship is central to YMWAP's work.
"Our mission is to help young men in the middle make academic and social-emotional gains and build sustainable futures," Desmond explains, highlighting the organization's holistic focus.
“I am one of the kids we mentor - someone who didn’t necessarily have someone in their schools to talk to, tell them their dreams…”
YMWAP achieves this through a range of programs, including peer mentorship opportunities, internships, and site visits to diverse industries, exposing young men to a world of possibilities. Their impact is undeniable, now serving over 150 young men weekly.
Recently, as part of Vital CxNs mental health initiative, Ailson and Desmond co-led and facilitated a series of conversations in which the young men were encouraged to explore their emotions, provided with self-care strategies, and introduced to available local systems and resources.
"Learning new tools that I can distribute to the kids and use for myself was really important," Desmond reflects.
Both were deeply moved by the young men's openness in discussing the often-stigmatized topic of mental health. Ailson recalls, "Hearing their cultural experiences and how they view mental health within their families was very personal for me too.”
Desmond was particularly struck when one young man expressed that he valued the mental health workshops because it better equipped him to “support friends who are dealing with violence and could help them navigate their feelings and how to move forward.” These moments of connection and shared vulnerability underscore the power of the initiative.
"It's important for young people to have positive role models in their lives […] someone or a group of people who can guide them to do the right things and just hear them out and push them."
Ailson and Desmond are committed to empowering the next generation, creating an environment where young men can thrive, personally and professionally. "It's important for young people to have positive role models in their lives," Ailson emphasizes, "someone or a group of people who can guide them to do the right things and just hear them out and push them."
YMWAP continues to expand its reach and deepen its support, driven by the passion and vision of individuals like Ailson and Desmond. By addressing mental health, fostering healthy relationships, and providing opportunities for personal and professional development, YMWAP is shaping a brighter future for young men in Boston and beyond.
Written by Mary Ulseth (February 2025)