Khari Edwards

Background

About Khari Edwards

Khari Edwards is a dedicated leader, advocate, and connector committed to proactive leadership and fostering unity across Brooklyn’s diverse communities. Born to immigrant parents and a lifelong Brooklyn resident, he has spent over 25 years in public service, leveraging his deep-rooted connection to the borough to drive meaningful change in government, healthcare, and corporate responsibility. Currently serving as Head of Corporate Responsibility at Ayr Wellness, Khari spearheads initiatives that promote equity, economic opportunity, and social impact—most notably through the Changing Legacies program, which provides expungement clinics and legal resources to individuals affected by the War on Drugs. Previously, as Vice President of External Affairs at Brookdale Hospital, he led efforts to combat health disparities, ensuring greater access to quality care for over 1.3 million Brooklyn residents. Beyond his professional roles, Khari’s leadership extends into grassroots advocacy and youth empowerment. He founded the It Starts Here program, which bridges the gap between students and gun violence survivors, fostering dialogue and mobilizing community action. His commitment to service is also reflected in his role as Brooklyn Council President for Make-A-Wish NY, as well as his work on various advisory boards aimed at strengthening community welfare and educational opportunities. Khari believes that real leadership is not about titles—it’s about impact. His lifelong mission is to build bridges, create pathways, and unite communities by ensuring that every voice is heard and every neighborhood has the resources to thrive.#Leadership #CommunityAdvocacy #Equity #BrooklynStrong #SocialImpact #PurposeDriven #ItStartsHere #ChangingLegacies