Sweet Tea and Chai Society
About Us
Our Story
Sweet Tea & Chai Society was born from a realization: teens in our community are more connected online but more isolated in real life. We are working to change that.
Sweet tea and chai are both drinks people share slowly, often over good conversation. They come from different cultures and taste completely different, but they come from the same plant. That is a fitting parallel for STACS. People can look and live differently on the outside, but there is more that connects us underneath if you take the time to look. STACS creates spaces where teens can gather, be present, and find that connection for themselves. Our name is a reminder of the simple, shared moments that help people feel less alone.
The word "Society" matters too. Many teens know what it feels like to be left out, especially when groups form around who belongs and who does not. STACS is built to flip that experience. Every teen who walks in is part of the group. There is no exclusive circle to break into and no one standing outside looking in.
Sujata Naik Bijou and Jay Bijou brought their expertise home to Carteret County. Sujata has more than 20 years of experience in global adolescent health program design, working across sub-Saharan Africa, Haiti, and the Caribbean, most recently as Senior Measurement and Learning Technical Advisor at IntraHealth International. Jay brings a background in conflict resolution and community engagement. Together they founded STACS as a locally rooted, nationally replicable model that puts teen voices at the forefront and builds authentic connection.
Meet The Team
Sujata Bijou
Founder & Executive Director
Suju has over 20 years of experience in global health and program design for adolescents and youth. She began her career developing participatory research methods in Madagascar and Rwanda, emphasizing the importance of youth expertise. As Senior Measurement and Learning Technical Advisor at IntraHealth International, she evaluated youth programs and established community feedback systems. Suju holds an MPH from Tulane University and a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan and founded STACS in Cape Carteret, to promote youth-driven methodologies in her community.
Jay Bijou
Co-Founder & Community Engagement Director
Jay is a decorated disabled veteran with a distinguished record in national defense and experience collaborating with law enforcement agencies. He holds a law degree and has formal training in conflict resolution. Born and raised in Haiti, he established a free legal clinic for underserved residents in his home region while completing his undergraduate degree. He volunteers at a local food bank and actively supports neighborhood initiatives in Carteret County. Jay leads STACS' partner outreach, volunteer coordination, and community relationship management.
Matthew Schojan
Board Chair
Mental health specialist working at the intersection of lived experience, global mental health, and community well-being. After more than a decade in humanitarian and research settings, he founded The Anatta Collaborative, which focuses on practical, community-shaped approaches to mental and social health. He is a mindfulness meditation teacher and an advocate for lived experience leadership.
Vickery Prongay
Board Secretary
Researcher and creative strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping purpose-driven organizations gain strategic clarity and deliver programs and communications that achieve measurable results. Her work focuses on the health impacts of disconnection and on research-based approaches to rebuilding social connection.
Doug Miron
Board Treasurer
Attorney and teen court program director at the Boys and Girls Club in Carteret County. His dual role as STACS Treasurer and BGC program director directly facilitated the Boys & Girls Club partnership.