Co-Founder + Project Director of L3BA, Brenda is a Nuyorican artist, professional DJ, and entrepreneur. Born and raised in NYC, she moved to East Harlem in 1997, where she has lived ever since. Brenda recently founded L3UP - the Lex & 3rd Unity Project - set to launch in 2026. L3UP will serve as an umbrella organization for unregistered local community groups, providing legal and tax-exempt status. This enables groups like L3BA to receive tax-deductible donations and apply for grants exclusive to 501(c)(3) organizations, unlocking vital funding opportunities.

The Lex & 3rd Block Association aka L3BA is a committed group of local residents striving to support the neighborhood in areas of cleanliness, political representation, and cultural preservation.

L3BA is an Unregistered Community Group: This is a group of people in a neighborhood who organize to address local community issues, like safety, beautification, or organizing community events, without formal legal incorporation or nonprofit registration. Such groups operate informally but have an important impact on their community.

Co-Founder + Senior Board Member, Brian has been a 20+ veteran of the community and has seen a lot of positive change in our community since moving here in January 2000. His enthusiasm and care for the neighborhood started in the early 2000’s when he worked with the parks department and city to have trees planted along East 99th Street! Brian has known Brenda for many years, and they shared common goals and ideals to help keep our community clean, safe and support our many local businesses.