Turn the Key

“I’m not trying to leave a perfect family story. I’m trying to leave the whole damn thing.”

The First Five Keys

The first five Keys were not numbered by rank. They were numbered to tell a story about how the House began.

Janice Prensa-Washington

A lifelong educator dedicated to service and excellence. Born and raised in the South Bronx, but the ingredients that make up her finest qualities are straight from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Janice has always put family first and pushes everyone to be the best version of themselves. She Builds Daily and she’s still Becoming!

“The Washington men will put our ladies first.”

That founding philosophy begins here with Janice carrying Key No. 001.

Kelsie Washington

Kelsie is the First Daughter of the House of Washington and an original member. She is a very gifted student and works extremely hard in achieving academic excellence. Kelsie also loves to create, perform, and participate in school sports and activities. She has played in international volleyball tournaments in Egypt and China. Kelsie has had her artwork displayed at the Qatar National Library, and she can also be found in the Qatar Foundation musical documentary called “SHOWTIME!”, which was added to the viewing library on Qatar Airways flights. Kelsie is currently a junior in high school and plans to study a STEM major in college. Built Daily and Always Becoming!

“Built Daily and Always Becoming.”

Kelsie’s room reflects scholarship, creativity, performance, and growth.

Chase Washington

Chase is the future Steward of the House of Washington. A natural born leader and charismatic personality, Chase excels in academics and plans to study Electrical and Computer Engineering in college beginning in the fall of 2027. Chase is also a very competitive athlete and competes in nearly everything that he does because he is always striving to be the best. He is a curious learner and deeply committed to health, wellness, and his personal appearance. Chase livens up every room that he enters. Best of all, Chase is Still Becoming!

“Chase livens up every room that he enters.”

His room blends ambition, personality, performance, and presence.

Kyle Washington

Kyle is the First Born of the House of Washington. The Big Brother and loving son. Kyle is a hospitality professional in the bustling, iconic New York City. He is an avid gamer, with a Washington sense of humor. Everybody loves Kyle! Kyle continues to Build Daily and he is Still Becoming!

“Everybody loves Kyle!”

His room carries warmth, humor, professionalism, and family connection.

Jamel Washington

Jamel Washington is the Founder and Keeper of the House of Washington. Born and raised in the South Bronx, Jamel is a builder of meaning, memory, and family culture. He believes a House should preserve whole people — not just polished versions of them. A graduate of SUNY Oneonta and a longtime hospitality professional, Jamel has spent much of his life serving people, creating experiences, and bringing ideas to life. He is the husband of Janice, father of Kyle, Chase, and Kelsie, and the one who decided this family deserved a House of its own. Founding Key No. 005 was chosen on purpose: he put Janice, Kelsie, Chase, and Kyle before himself. Jamel builds daily, asks hard questions, sees the unseen, and is still becoming.

The first five keys were not numbered by rank. They were numbered to tell a story. Janice is 001. Kelsie is 002. Chase is 003. Kyle is 004. Jamel is 005 — because he intentionally placed everyone else on the list before himself.

“He can leave them the House. He cannot force them to turn the Key.”

His room is about intention, memory, fatherhood, and building something worthy of inheritance.