Kayode Bentley

About Kayode Bentley

Background and IdentityKayode Bentley is the Founder and President of 4T’s – Teaching Teens To Think, a premier youth‑development nonprofit dedicated to elevating the academic, personal, and professional trajectories of inner‑city youth ages 16–24. With more than 20 years of leadership in youth empowerment, he is widely regarded as a builder of systems, programs, and pathways that help young people compete and thrive in an evolving workforce landscape.Born and raised in the South Bronx, Kayode’s life reflects the principle that excellence can emerge from any environment. His early experiences in a community rich with culture but challenged by inequity shaped his commitment to creating opportunities for young people who are often overlooked.Education and Early LeadershipKayode is a graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School, where he first began to understand the power of mentorship and structured support. He later attended Alfred State College, distinguishing himself as a student leader. He served on the Student Senate and as President of the Black Student Union, roles that sharpened his voice, his advocacy, and his ability to mobilize others around shared goals.Corporate Career and Professional ExpertiseBefore transitioning into full‑time nonprofit leadership, Kayode built a successful 20‑year career in corporate America, holding pivotal leadership roles at Woolworth Corporation and Bloomberg LP. His corporate tenure strengthened his capabilities in:• Strategic planning• Operational management• Systems design and implementation• Organizational leadershipThese skills now underpin the structure and scalability of 4T’s, enabling the organization to deliver high‑impact programming with precision and measurable outcomes.Academic and Advisory RolesKayode currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Fordham University, where he teaches with a blend of academic rigor and real‑world insight. He also contributes his expertise as an Advisory Board Member at Long Island University (LIU), offering guidance on workforce readiness, leadership development, and community engagement.Leadership at 4T’s – Teaching Teens To ThinkUnder Kayode’s leadership, 4T’s has become a forward‑thinking organization that equips youth with:• Academic support and enrichment• Career‑aligned skills and competencies• Workforce readiness training• Personal development and mindset coachingThe organization’s mission reflects Kayode’s belief that young people succeed when they are taught not just what to think, but how to think—critically, creatively, and confidently.

Experience

1. Adjunct Professor

   Fordham Gabelli School Of Business

   May 2018 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Teach graduate and undergraduate courses in Business Management and Nonprofit Leadership, delivering high‑quality instruction, curriculum design, and student mentorship aligned with departmental and institutional standards.• Design, develope, and manage course syllabi that met departmental and college requirements, ensuring clear learning objectives and academic rigor.• Plan and deliver lectures, in‑class discussions, case studies, and experiential learning activities to support diverse learning styles.• Create, assign, and evaluate exams, quizzes, papers, and projects, maintaining consistent and transparent grading practices.• Assess student performance using a combination of participation, coursework, examinations, and applied learning outcomes.• Report student learning outcomes, course evaluations, and performance data to departmental leadership to support continuous improvement.• Collaborate with faculty colleagues to review, refine, and enhance curriculum, ensuring alignment with current industry standards and academic best practices.• Provide academic advising and career guidance to students pursuing careers in business, nonprofit management, and related fields.• Remain current on emerging trends, innovations, and research in Nonprofit Leadership and Business Management, integrating relevant developments into course content.

Education

• Borough of Manhattan Community College

  Associate of Arts A.A.S. (Credits), Business Administration, Management and Operations

  1990 — 1992

• Cardinal Hayes High School

  Diploma, General Studies

  1984 — 1988

• Alfred State College - SUNY College of Technology

  A.A.S. (Credits), Computer Science

  1988 — 1990

Skills

• Leadership Development
• Event Planning
• Nonprofits
• Sales
• Analysis
• Strategic Thinking
• Staff Development
• Strategy
• Program Management
• Organizational Development
• Strategic Planning
• Leadership
• Team Leadership
• Public Speaking
• Community Outreach
• Management
• Team Building
• Non-Profits
• Account Management
• Change Management
• Training
• Project Management
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Social Media
• Public Relations
• Business Strategy
• Troubleshooting
• Networking
• Teaching
• Quality Assurance
• Entrepreneurship
• Marketing