Welcome and Plenary SPeakers
Dean Vince Boudreau
Dean of the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership
Welcome
Vincent Boudreau is dean of the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York. Dr. Boudreau served as the director of the Colin L. Powell Center for Leadership and Service from 2002 through 2013. He is a professor of political science at City College and a member of the City University of New York graduate faculty. A specialist in the politics of social movements, particularly in Southeast Asia, his latest book is Resisting Dictatorship: Repression and Protest in Southeast Asia (Cambridge University Press). He also conducts research and writes on repression, government transitions to democracy, and collective violence. Dr. Boudreau's research, supported in part by a grant from the Fulbright program, has investigated the relationship between civil society, social movements, and democratization processes in Indonesia and the Philippines.
He is the academic adviser to the International Development Program at the City University of Hong Kong. At City College, Dr. Boudreau has served as the director of the M.A. Program in International Relations, the chair of the Department of Political Science, the director of the International Studies Program, and the deputy dean of the Division of Social Science. In addition to his academic work, he has undertaken projects with ActionAid Asia, Jubilee South Asia, and The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, and has consulted for Oxfam Asia, Action of Economic Reform (Philippines), and Freedom House. Dr. Boudreau received his Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1991.
Dean of the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership
Welcome
Vincent Boudreau is dean of the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York. Dr. Boudreau served as the director of the Colin L. Powell Center for Leadership and Service from 2002 through 2013. He is a professor of political science at City College and a member of the City University of New York graduate faculty. A specialist in the politics of social movements, particularly in Southeast Asia, his latest book is Resisting Dictatorship: Repression and Protest in Southeast Asia (Cambridge University Press). He also conducts research and writes on repression, government transitions to democracy, and collective violence. Dr. Boudreau's research, supported in part by a grant from the Fulbright program, has investigated the relationship between civil society, social movements, and democratization processes in Indonesia and the Philippines.
He is the academic adviser to the International Development Program at the City University of Hong Kong. At City College, Dr. Boudreau has served as the director of the M.A. Program in International Relations, the chair of the Department of Political Science, the director of the International Studies Program, and the deputy dean of the Division of Social Science. In addition to his academic work, he has undertaken projects with ActionAid Asia, Jubilee South Asia, and The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, and has consulted for Oxfam Asia, Action of Economic Reform (Philippines), and Freedom House. Dr. Boudreau received his Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1991.
William Corrin
Deputy Director, K-12 Education Policy Area , MDRC
Plenary Speaker
William Corrin, who came to MDRC in 2004, has been leading random assignment evaluations of reforms and interventions at the secondary school level. He is currently managing the national experimental evaluation of the Diplomas Now secondary school reform program, funded through the federal Investing in Innovation (i3) grant program. He is also leading a new national evaluation of Communities in Schools’ whole-school and targeted services that seek to reduce dropout rates and increase the school persistence of young people. Corrin has also led two random assignment evaluations of adolescent literacy interventions. He directed the evaluation of the Content Literacy Continuum, a literacy-across-the-curriculum framework for high school reform, as part of the work of the Regional Educational Lab Midwest, and the Enhanced Reading Opportunities Study, an evaluation of supplemental reading classes for ninth-graders. In addition, Corrin is leading the development of MDRC’s work on college readiness programming in high schools.
Corrin formerly served as Director of Research, Evaluation, and Assessment for Evanston Township District 202 in Illinois and taught social studies at an alternative high school in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg public school system. He received his Ph.D. in sociology from Northwestern University.
Deputy Director, K-12 Education Policy Area , MDRC
Plenary Speaker
William Corrin, who came to MDRC in 2004, has been leading random assignment evaluations of reforms and interventions at the secondary school level. He is currently managing the national experimental evaluation of the Diplomas Now secondary school reform program, funded through the federal Investing in Innovation (i3) grant program. He is also leading a new national evaluation of Communities in Schools’ whole-school and targeted services that seek to reduce dropout rates and increase the school persistence of young people. Corrin has also led two random assignment evaluations of adolescent literacy interventions. He directed the evaluation of the Content Literacy Continuum, a literacy-across-the-curriculum framework for high school reform, as part of the work of the Regional Educational Lab Midwest, and the Enhanced Reading Opportunities Study, an evaluation of supplemental reading classes for ninth-graders. In addition, Corrin is leading the development of MDRC’s work on college readiness programming in high schools.
Corrin formerly served as Director of Research, Evaluation, and Assessment for Evanston Township District 202 in Illinois and taught social studies at an alternative high school in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg public school system. He received his Ph.D. in sociology from Northwestern University.
industry professionals and Organization Representatives
Susanna Blankley
Director of Housing Organizing of Community Action for Safe Apartments, New Settlement Apartments
Susanna Blankley is the Director of Housing Organizing of Community Action for Safe Apartments (CASA), a project of New Settlement Apartments, in the Southwest Bronx. CASA is made up of more than 1200 community members who work together to improve the living conditions in the Bronx and maintain affordable housing through collective action. Susanna began her organizing work as a Labor Organizer with UNITE HERE in Puerto Rico in 2007, and has been organizing for safe and affordable housing in New York City since 2009. Before organizing, Susanna worked to advance Women’s Rights in Ecuador, New York City and Kenya. Susanna received her undergraduate degree from Columbia University and her Masters in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management from the SIT Graduate Institute.
Director of Housing Organizing of Community Action for Safe Apartments, New Settlement Apartments
Susanna Blankley is the Director of Housing Organizing of Community Action for Safe Apartments (CASA), a project of New Settlement Apartments, in the Southwest Bronx. CASA is made up of more than 1200 community members who work together to improve the living conditions in the Bronx and maintain affordable housing through collective action. Susanna began her organizing work as a Labor Organizer with UNITE HERE in Puerto Rico in 2007, and has been organizing for safe and affordable housing in New York City since 2009. Before organizing, Susanna worked to advance Women’s Rights in Ecuador, New York City and Kenya. Susanna received her undergraduate degree from Columbia University and her Masters in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management from the SIT Graduate Institute.
James Burke
Director of Member and Organizing, WE ACT
Director of Member and Organizing James Burke has been an environmental justice advocacy and policy coordinator and field organizer for nearly a decade. He has led grassroots campaigns with some of the most prominent national organizers including Sierra Club and Environment California; organized opposition to proposed coal-fired power plants through rallies, meetings and comprehensive media strategies for Ecological Conservation Organization in Little Rock, AR; and led volunteer and paid canvassing efforts to constituents’ bases of more than 15,000 in New York City and elsewhere. Mr. Burke received a B.A. in History from Wagner College. He is responsible for membership development and issue campaign coordination.
Director of Member and Organizing, WE ACT
Director of Member and Organizing James Burke has been an environmental justice advocacy and policy coordinator and field organizer for nearly a decade. He has led grassroots campaigns with some of the most prominent national organizers including Sierra Club and Environment California; organized opposition to proposed coal-fired power plants through rallies, meetings and comprehensive media strategies for Ecological Conservation Organization in Little Rock, AR; and led volunteer and paid canvassing efforts to constituents’ bases of more than 15,000 in New York City and elsewhere. Mr. Burke received a B.A. in History from Wagner College. He is responsible for membership development and issue campaign coordination.
Michelle Milee Chang
Founder and Executive Director, Ambassadors for Sustained Health
Michelle Milee Chang is the Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Ambassadors for Sustained Health (ASH). Inspired by her service trips across 6 countries and 3 continents, Michelle saw the need for better, more lasting, healthcare delivery to the impoverished. In the winter of 2009, Michelle started ASH in her Boston University dorm room and saw it grow into a network of young volunteers hungry to redefine the notion of charity and healthcare for the poor. Michelle embraced the energy of ASH and its African partners to construct the first Community Center and Medical Clinic in Wamuini, Kenya. The ASH-Wamuini Community Center works to holistically improve and sustain health through medical care, education, employment and financial accountability. Presently, Michelle is a researcher at the Columbia University Medical Center; she will be resuming medical school at the University of Illinois, Chicago in the fall.
Founder and Executive Director, Ambassadors for Sustained Health
Michelle Milee Chang is the Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Ambassadors for Sustained Health (ASH). Inspired by her service trips across 6 countries and 3 continents, Michelle saw the need for better, more lasting, healthcare delivery to the impoverished. In the winter of 2009, Michelle started ASH in her Boston University dorm room and saw it grow into a network of young volunteers hungry to redefine the notion of charity and healthcare for the poor. Michelle embraced the energy of ASH and its African partners to construct the first Community Center and Medical Clinic in Wamuini, Kenya. The ASH-Wamuini Community Center works to holistically improve and sustain health through medical care, education, employment and financial accountability. Presently, Michelle is a researcher at the Columbia University Medical Center; she will be resuming medical school at the University of Illinois, Chicago in the fall.
Carey Clinton
New York City Recruiter, Team Lead, Peace Corps
Carey Clinton joined Peace Corps staff as regional recruiter in the fall of 2012. Carey served as a Community & Organizational Development Volunteer in Bulgaria (2005-2007), working at the National Historical-Archaeological Museum in Veliki Preslav—Bulgaria’s medieval capital. Carey’s primary assignment was to work with tourism and infrastructure development at the museum, focusting on grant development for an archival database and English language translation and redaction. While a volunteer, Carey worked with efforts to collaborate with museums in Rome, Italy; Brno, Czech Republic; and Pomorie & Varna, Bulgaria in arranging and developing exhibition exchanges between the Veliki Preslav museum and respective museums. His secondary projects included work at a local orphanage aiding in literacy and English language education efforts among minority (Turkish and Roma) children aged 6-13. Carey also served as a Volunteer Advisory Committee (VAC) member for his training group. Carey received his M.A. (2005) from The Ohio State University in Educational Leadership and Policy with a focus in higher education administration and B.A. degrees (2003) in history and political science from The University of Georgia.
New York City Recruiter, Team Lead, Peace Corps
Carey Clinton joined Peace Corps staff as regional recruiter in the fall of 2012. Carey served as a Community & Organizational Development Volunteer in Bulgaria (2005-2007), working at the National Historical-Archaeological Museum in Veliki Preslav—Bulgaria’s medieval capital. Carey’s primary assignment was to work with tourism and infrastructure development at the museum, focusting on grant development for an archival database and English language translation and redaction. While a volunteer, Carey worked with efforts to collaborate with museums in Rome, Italy; Brno, Czech Republic; and Pomorie & Varna, Bulgaria in arranging and developing exhibition exchanges between the Veliki Preslav museum and respective museums. His secondary projects included work at a local orphanage aiding in literacy and English language education efforts among minority (Turkish and Roma) children aged 6-13. Carey also served as a Volunteer Advisory Committee (VAC) member for his training group. Carey received his M.A. (2005) from The Ohio State University in Educational Leadership and Policy with a focus in higher education administration and B.A. degrees (2003) in history and political science from The University of Georgia.
Susan Craine
Director of Community Programs, New York Cares
Susan Craine is the Director of Community Programs at New York Cares, which is an affiliate of Hands on Network. New York Cares is New York City’s largest volunteer management organization. New York Cares runs vital programs for 1,300 nonprofits, public schools, and city agencies to help people in need throughout the five boroughs, and does so at no cost to the recipient organizations. Since 1987, New York Cares has made it easy for all New Yorkers to work together to strengthen the city. She received her Masters of Public Administration at the City University of New York, Baruch College in 2012 and graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications.
Director of Community Programs, New York Cares
Susan Craine is the Director of Community Programs at New York Cares, which is an affiliate of Hands on Network. New York Cares is New York City’s largest volunteer management organization. New York Cares runs vital programs for 1,300 nonprofits, public schools, and city agencies to help people in need throughout the five boroughs, and does so at no cost to the recipient organizations. Since 1987, New York Cares has made it easy for all New Yorkers to work together to strengthen the city. She received her Masters of Public Administration at the City University of New York, Baruch College in 2012 and graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications.
Meg Davidson
Manager of Agency Relations, City Harvest
Meg Davidson serves as the Manager of Agency Relations at City Harvest, where she is responsible for managing a portfolio of over 100 emergency food providers. In this role, she provides technical assistance and targeted capacity building training to the soup kitchens and food pantries in City Harvest’s agency network across all five boroughs. She also served as the Project Manager for City Harvest’s Hurricane Sandy Relief Initiative, partnering with the American Red Cross to distribute over 7 million pounds of food to hurricane impacted areas. Prior to this position, Meg served as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the New York City Coalition Against Hunger, working with anti-hunger organizations to build their capacity and sustainability through writing grants and assisting in fundraising activities and convening community members to survey effectiveness of programs.
Manager of Agency Relations, City Harvest
Meg Davidson serves as the Manager of Agency Relations at City Harvest, where she is responsible for managing a portfolio of over 100 emergency food providers. In this role, she provides technical assistance and targeted capacity building training to the soup kitchens and food pantries in City Harvest’s agency network across all five boroughs. She also served as the Project Manager for City Harvest’s Hurricane Sandy Relief Initiative, partnering with the American Red Cross to distribute over 7 million pounds of food to hurricane impacted areas. Prior to this position, Meg served as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the New York City Coalition Against Hunger, working with anti-hunger organizations to build their capacity and sustainability through writing grants and assisting in fundraising activities and convening community members to survey effectiveness of programs.
Ja’Dell Davis
Assistant Director of Higher Education Initiatives, The Educational Alliance
Ja’Dell Davis is an educator and youth development professional, overseeing educational enrichment and college preparatory programming for middle and high school students on the Lower East Side of New York City. Ms. Davis began her career in education as a history teacher in the Philadelphia public school system. Through her classroom teaching experience and efforts to introduce 9th grade students to specific knowledge and skills related to college, Ms. Davis became interested in focusing on issues of access to college for underrepresented groups. Ms. Davis transitioned from the classroom to college access programming and has used skills she developed as a teacher and as a program coordinator in various tutoring and mentoring programs in college in order to develop afterschool enrichment programming that meets the needs of students and their families. Ja’Dell has a B.A. in History and Educational Studies from Swarthmore College and a M.S.Ed from The University of Pennsylvania.
Assistant Director of Higher Education Initiatives, The Educational Alliance
Ja’Dell Davis is an educator and youth development professional, overseeing educational enrichment and college preparatory programming for middle and high school students on the Lower East Side of New York City. Ms. Davis began her career in education as a history teacher in the Philadelphia public school system. Through her classroom teaching experience and efforts to introduce 9th grade students to specific knowledge and skills related to college, Ms. Davis became interested in focusing on issues of access to college for underrepresented groups. Ms. Davis transitioned from the classroom to college access programming and has used skills she developed as a teacher and as a program coordinator in various tutoring and mentoring programs in college in order to develop afterschool enrichment programming that meets the needs of students and their families. Ja’Dell has a B.A. in History and Educational Studies from Swarthmore College and a M.S.Ed from The University of Pennsylvania.
Benjamin Delikat
New York Program Manager, Peer Health Exchange
Ben joined Peer Health Exchange in June 2013. As a New York Program Manager, Ben is primarily responsible for assisting with the development, management, growth, and evaluation of the New York program and assisting the New York Executive Director and Program Director. Ben graduated from Fordham University with a B.A. in English and Urban Studies. While a student, he served as a Health Educator, Leadership Council Member, and Co-Coordinator for the Fordham PHE Chapter. As part of a research project for the Urban Studies department at Fordham, Ben scrutinized small school reform in New York City and the community effects of current urban education reform trends. Ben brings a passion for athletics and healthy living to his work at PHE, and remains committed to connecting all teens with the resources they need to live healthy lives.
New York Program Manager, Peer Health Exchange
Ben joined Peer Health Exchange in June 2013. As a New York Program Manager, Ben is primarily responsible for assisting with the development, management, growth, and evaluation of the New York program and assisting the New York Executive Director and Program Director. Ben graduated from Fordham University with a B.A. in English and Urban Studies. While a student, he served as a Health Educator, Leadership Council Member, and Co-Coordinator for the Fordham PHE Chapter. As part of a research project for the Urban Studies department at Fordham, Ben scrutinized small school reform in New York City and the community effects of current urban education reform trends. Ben brings a passion for athletics and healthy living to his work at PHE, and remains committed to connecting all teens with the resources they need to live healthy lives.
Shena Elrington
Director Health Justice Program, New York Lawyers for Public Interest
As the Director of the Health Justice program at The New York Lawyers for Public Interest, Shena Elrington focuses her work on bringing racial justice and immigration rights perspectives to health care advocacy. While in law school Shena launched a civic engagement and democratic participation program among disadvantaged youth in New Haven, Connecticut. This year's health justice fellows will work with Shena to research health care disparities and develop a community health needs assessment tool.
Director Health Justice Program, New York Lawyers for Public Interest
As the Director of the Health Justice program at The New York Lawyers for Public Interest, Shena Elrington focuses her work on bringing racial justice and immigration rights perspectives to health care advocacy. While in law school Shena launched a civic engagement and democratic participation program among disadvantaged youth in New Haven, Connecticut. This year's health justice fellows will work with Shena to research health care disparities and develop a community health needs assessment tool.
Rosa Franco
Director of Lending, Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union
As the Director of Lending at the Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union, Rosa Franco oversees the production of educational tools for helping business owners save on interest and helping community members improve their finances. Rosa has years of experience working in the small business sector, specifically with assisting with capacity building and economic development. Rosa's fellows will work with her to develop a survey and analyze the financial literacy and actions of college students and individuals in low-income communities.
Director of Lending, Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union
As the Director of Lending at the Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union, Rosa Franco oversees the production of educational tools for helping business owners save on interest and helping community members improve their finances. Rosa has years of experience working in the small business sector, specifically with assisting with capacity building and economic development. Rosa's fellows will work with her to develop a survey and analyze the financial literacy and actions of college students and individuals in low-income communities.
Sergio Galeano
Staff Analyst, Bureau of Accountancy, NYC Comptroller's Office
Sergio began his career at the NYC Comptroller’s Office as an intern in the summer of 2012. There he served as a research assistant in the Corporate Governance unit in the Bureau of Asset Management. His work focused on shareholder rights, executive compensation, and environmental issues. While finishing his B.A. in Economics and Political Science from City College, he was invited back to the Comptroller’s Office, this time serving within the Bureau of Accountancy. There he works as a staff analyst in the Pension unit, as well as reviewing City contracts for projects related to buildings, equipment, and infrastructure.
Staff Analyst, Bureau of Accountancy, NYC Comptroller's Office
Sergio began his career at the NYC Comptroller’s Office as an intern in the summer of 2012. There he served as a research assistant in the Corporate Governance unit in the Bureau of Asset Management. His work focused on shareholder rights, executive compensation, and environmental issues. While finishing his B.A. in Economics and Political Science from City College, he was invited back to the Comptroller’s Office, this time serving within the Bureau of Accountancy. There he works as a staff analyst in the Pension unit, as well as reviewing City contracts for projects related to buildings, equipment, and infrastructure.
Ashley Gambone
Operations Manager, NYC Service
Directly after graduating from Connecticut College in 2009, Ashley joined the NYC Civic Corps, an AmeriCorps program. She served her 10 month term at Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of New York, a federation of 90 agencies, and was tasked with creating a volunteer program to answer the needs of all participating organizations. After completing her service, Ashley spent two years as a Fellow at NYC Service, a division of the Mayor’s Office. As a Fellow, Ashley assisted with the administration of the NYC Civic Corps and other city-wide volunteer initiatives including NYC Cool Roofs (an environmental program aimed at coating rooftops white to reduce carbon emissions throughout the City). Ashley is currently the Operations Manager at NYC Service, overseeing compliance and programming of the NYC Civic Corps. She will be attending law school in the fall.
Operations Manager, NYC Service
Directly after graduating from Connecticut College in 2009, Ashley joined the NYC Civic Corps, an AmeriCorps program. She served her 10 month term at Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of New York, a federation of 90 agencies, and was tasked with creating a volunteer program to answer the needs of all participating organizations. After completing her service, Ashley spent two years as a Fellow at NYC Service, a division of the Mayor’s Office. As a Fellow, Ashley assisted with the administration of the NYC Civic Corps and other city-wide volunteer initiatives including NYC Cool Roofs (an environmental program aimed at coating rooftops white to reduce carbon emissions throughout the City). Ashley is currently the Operations Manager at NYC Service, overseeing compliance and programming of the NYC Civic Corps. She will be attending law school in the fall.
Maggie Greenfield
Director of Programs and Development, Bronx River Alliance
Maggie Scott Greenfield serves as the Director of Programs and Development for the Bronx River Alliance. In that capacity, she supervises the Alliance’s education, outreach, ecology and greenway programs and fundraising activities, developing annual program and fundraising plans and tracking progress toward goals. Ms. Greenfield joined the Alliance in 2005 and previously served as the Greenway and Communications Director. She is an urban planner and environmental scientist who comes to the Bronx River Alliance from the federal transportation sector where she specialized in environmental planning. Ms. Greenfield earned a BS in Public Health/Environmental Science with Highest Honors from UNC at Chapel Hill and a Masters in City Planning from MIT.
Director of Programs and Development, Bronx River Alliance
Maggie Scott Greenfield serves as the Director of Programs and Development for the Bronx River Alliance. In that capacity, she supervises the Alliance’s education, outreach, ecology and greenway programs and fundraising activities, developing annual program and fundraising plans and tracking progress toward goals. Ms. Greenfield joined the Alliance in 2005 and previously served as the Greenway and Communications Director. She is an urban planner and environmental scientist who comes to the Bronx River Alliance from the federal transportation sector where she specialized in environmental planning. Ms. Greenfield earned a BS in Public Health/Environmental Science with Highest Honors from UNC at Chapel Hill and a Masters in City Planning from MIT.
Diomaris Gonzalez
Director of Research Administration, Alliance for Lupus Research
Diomaris Gonzalez is the Director of Research Administration at the Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR). The ALR’s mission is to prevent treat and cure lupus through medical research. The ALR is the largest private funder of lupus research. She is responsible for the Administration of all grants given by the ALR as well as managing the relationship of the ALR’s Scientific Advisory Board and funded investigators. A key portion of her position is to organize meetings related to lupus research. Ms. Gonzalez transitioned from the private sector to the nonprofit sector over 15 years ago and has been with ALR since 2005. She has a Post Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Organization Administration as well as a Master’s Degree from Fordham University.
Director of Research Administration, Alliance for Lupus Research
Diomaris Gonzalez is the Director of Research Administration at the Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR). The ALR’s mission is to prevent treat and cure lupus through medical research. The ALR is the largest private funder of lupus research. She is responsible for the Administration of all grants given by the ALR as well as managing the relationship of the ALR’s Scientific Advisory Board and funded investigators. A key portion of her position is to organize meetings related to lupus research. Ms. Gonzalez transitioned from the private sector to the nonprofit sector over 15 years ago and has been with ALR since 2005. She has a Post Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Organization Administration as well as a Master’s Degree from Fordham University.
Patricia H.H. Guy
Diplomat in Residence (DIR), The City College New York
Before being named Diplomat in Residence (DIR) at City College New York, Patricia H.H. Guy was the Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, where she was responsible for the Embassy's press and cultural programs throughout Romania. She previously served as the Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Munich, Germany. Her other overseas assignments have been in Kyiv, Ukraine; Minsk, Belarus; Almaty, Kazakhstan; and Berlin, Germany. She also served as a watch officer in the State Department's Operations Center. She speaks German, Romanian, Ukrainian and Russian. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, DIR Guy enjoyed a 21-year career as a journalist. She wrote about the arts and county government for the Anniston (Ala.) Star, covered the courts and judiciary for the Honolulu (Hi.) Star-Bulletin and reported on the media industry for the national newspaper USA TODAY. DIR Guy earned a B.A. in international relations at Cornell University. She also has a Masters of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and a Masters of Studies of Law from Yale Law School.
Diplomat in Residence (DIR), The City College New York
Before being named Diplomat in Residence (DIR) at City College New York, Patricia H.H. Guy was the Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, where she was responsible for the Embassy's press and cultural programs throughout Romania. She previously served as the Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Munich, Germany. Her other overseas assignments have been in Kyiv, Ukraine; Minsk, Belarus; Almaty, Kazakhstan; and Berlin, Germany. She also served as a watch officer in the State Department's Operations Center. She speaks German, Romanian, Ukrainian and Russian. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, DIR Guy enjoyed a 21-year career as a journalist. She wrote about the arts and county government for the Anniston (Ala.) Star, covered the courts and judiciary for the Honolulu (Hi.) Star-Bulletin and reported on the media industry for the national newspaper USA TODAY. DIR Guy earned a B.A. in international relations at Cornell University. She also has a Masters of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and a Masters of Studies of Law from Yale Law School.
Isiah Hall
Associate, Affiliate Services Department, National Urban League
Isiah Hall is an Associate, in the Affiliate Services Department at the National Urban League (NUL). He received his Bachelor and Master in Business Administration from Adelphi University. Upon graduation Isiah worked as a senior community liaison and speech writer for New York City Council Member Darlene Mealy in Brooklyn. He recently completed two-year tenure as a Junior Board member for Partnership with Children and was instrumental in achieving the $60k junior board fundraising campaign. Isiah’s current duties at NUL include senior compliance officer for the 94 Urban League Affiliates, editor of the Affiliate News Wire (weekly publication) and editor of the Affiliate Census (annual publication).
Associate, Affiliate Services Department, National Urban League
Isiah Hall is an Associate, in the Affiliate Services Department at the National Urban League (NUL). He received his Bachelor and Master in Business Administration from Adelphi University. Upon graduation Isiah worked as a senior community liaison and speech writer for New York City Council Member Darlene Mealy in Brooklyn. He recently completed two-year tenure as a Junior Board member for Partnership with Children and was instrumental in achieving the $60k junior board fundraising campaign. Isiah’s current duties at NUL include senior compliance officer for the 94 Urban League Affiliates, editor of the Affiliate News Wire (weekly publication) and editor of the Affiliate Census (annual publication).
Deirdre Lynn Hollman
Director of Education and the Junior Scholars Program, Schomburg Center
Deirdre Lynn Hollman is the Director of Education and the Junior Scholars Program at the Schomburg Center. As such, she is responsible for engaging teachers and learners of all ages with the Schomburg’s collections through year-round programming for youth and teens; professional development workshops for teachers; school day programs for K-12 students; curriculum development partnerships with schools and community organizations; public lecture series for adults, and providing educational advisement for exhibitions. A graduate of Princeton University with a bachelor’s degree in art history, Deirdre earned her master’s degree from Bank Street College where she specialized in museum education, middle school education and educational leadership. Currently, she is pursuing her doctorate in education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research interests include social studies education, critical literacies, youth identity development, and the transformational power of arts education. Deirdre launched her career in the arts as a filmmaker, playwright and poet. Born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, she now resides in Harlem with her son.
Director of Education and the Junior Scholars Program, Schomburg Center
Deirdre Lynn Hollman is the Director of Education and the Junior Scholars Program at the Schomburg Center. As such, she is responsible for engaging teachers and learners of all ages with the Schomburg’s collections through year-round programming for youth and teens; professional development workshops for teachers; school day programs for K-12 students; curriculum development partnerships with schools and community organizations; public lecture series for adults, and providing educational advisement for exhibitions. A graduate of Princeton University with a bachelor’s degree in art history, Deirdre earned her master’s degree from Bank Street College where she specialized in museum education, middle school education and educational leadership. Currently, she is pursuing her doctorate in education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research interests include social studies education, critical literacies, youth identity development, and the transformational power of arts education. Deirdre launched her career in the arts as a filmmaker, playwright and poet. Born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, she now resides in Harlem with her son.
Taylor Jo Isenberg
Vice President of Networks, Roosevelt Institute
Taylor Jo Isenberg is the Vice President of Networks at the Roosevelt Institute, an ideas and leadership organization founded in the belief that America should offer opportunity to all. At the Institute, Taylor Jo oversees and supports the largest and oldest student policy network in the country, with 10,000 members in 38 states committed to designing and implementing policy solutions to the nation's most pressing issues; and Pipeline, an ideas network for young professionals. In her role, she is responsible for strengthening and expanding the organization’s unique approach to grassroots innovation, policy engagement, and local civic infrastructure. She previously acted as the National Director and Deputy Director of the Roosevelt Institute’s Campus Network, where she was responsible for strategic development, programming, and operations. Prior to joining the Roosevelt Institute Taylor Jo served as a Scoville Fellow at the Partnership for a Secure America, an organization dedicated to advancing bipartisanship on today’s critical national security and foreign policy challenges. Taylor Jo is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Vice President of Networks, Roosevelt Institute
Taylor Jo Isenberg is the Vice President of Networks at the Roosevelt Institute, an ideas and leadership organization founded in the belief that America should offer opportunity to all. At the Institute, Taylor Jo oversees and supports the largest and oldest student policy network in the country, with 10,000 members in 38 states committed to designing and implementing policy solutions to the nation's most pressing issues; and Pipeline, an ideas network for young professionals. In her role, she is responsible for strengthening and expanding the organization’s unique approach to grassroots innovation, policy engagement, and local civic infrastructure. She previously acted as the National Director and Deputy Director of the Roosevelt Institute’s Campus Network, where she was responsible for strategic development, programming, and operations. Prior to joining the Roosevelt Institute Taylor Jo served as a Scoville Fellow at the Partnership for a Secure America, an organization dedicated to advancing bipartisanship on today’s critical national security and foreign policy challenges. Taylor Jo is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Terrance Johnson
Recruitment Manager Northeast Region, City Year
Terrance Johnson, a City Year New York 2006-07 corps alumnus and 2011-12 senior corps alumnus, is from Helena-West Helena, AR. Upon graduating from high school and completing his corps year, he attended Jackson State University in Jackson, MS. Johnson received his B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Chinese Studies. During undergrad, Johnson served as Sponsorship Recruiter for the Pfrang Association in Nanjing, China as well as Up til Dawn, Executive Director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Johnson was a Student Exchange and Study Abroad participant. After completing his senior corps year in East Harlem, he immediately joined the school’s staff as 8th grade ELA curriculum and instructional support. He returns to City Year with a Master's of Arts in Teaching from University of Southern California and a desire to learn and fill the corps as a Northeast Recruitment Manager.
Recruitment Manager Northeast Region, City Year
Terrance Johnson, a City Year New York 2006-07 corps alumnus and 2011-12 senior corps alumnus, is from Helena-West Helena, AR. Upon graduating from high school and completing his corps year, he attended Jackson State University in Jackson, MS. Johnson received his B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Chinese Studies. During undergrad, Johnson served as Sponsorship Recruiter for the Pfrang Association in Nanjing, China as well as Up til Dawn, Executive Director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Johnson was a Student Exchange and Study Abroad participant. After completing his senior corps year in East Harlem, he immediately joined the school’s staff as 8th grade ELA curriculum and instructional support. He returns to City Year with a Master's of Arts in Teaching from University of Southern California and a desire to learn and fill the corps as a Northeast Recruitment Manager.
Lodz Joseph
Consultant
Lodz Joseph is a multi-lingual program/project manager and organizational development specialist, with more than 12 years of experience in international development and non-profit management, including over 9 years based in a dozen countries within Africa and the Caribbean. Holding a Master's degree in Public Health (with a concentration in Reproductive Health and Health Administration), she has demonstrated skills in capacity development, training program design and delivery, and workshop/meeting facilitation. Lodz has applied these areas of expertise -- as well as a strong personal interest in diversity and inclusion, and knowledge/information management --to various positions in project/program/portfolio management; monitoring and evaluation and strategic planning. Her background includes work in multiple sectors -- e.g., HIV/AIDS, gender, and public health -- with stakeholders at various levels, including community groups, local non-governmental organizations and faith-based organizations, international non-profits, national governments, intergovernmental organizations (UNHCR, PAHO) and multi-lateral or bi-lateral development agencies/donors (USAID and CDC, among others).
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Consultant
Lodz Joseph is a multi-lingual program/project manager and organizational development specialist, with more than 12 years of experience in international development and non-profit management, including over 9 years based in a dozen countries within Africa and the Caribbean. Holding a Master's degree in Public Health (with a concentration in Reproductive Health and Health Administration), she has demonstrated skills in capacity development, training program design and delivery, and workshop/meeting facilitation. Lodz has applied these areas of expertise -- as well as a strong personal interest in diversity and inclusion, and knowledge/information management --to various positions in project/program/portfolio management; monitoring and evaluation and strategic planning. Her background includes work in multiple sectors -- e.g., HIV/AIDS, gender, and public health -- with stakeholders at various levels, including community groups, local non-governmental organizations and faith-based organizations, international non-profits, national governments, intergovernmental organizations (UNHCR, PAHO) and multi-lateral or bi-lateral development agencies/donors (USAID and CDC, among others).
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Chanmi Kim
Policy Analyst for Poverty Reduction, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Chanmi Kim is a Policy Analyst for Poverty Reduction at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bureau for Development Policy, in New York, NY, where she conducts research and policy analysis on poverty reduction, MDG achievement and local development. She develops methodological tools and provides programme support on such topics as scaling up successful local development initiatives, ensuring a human rights-based approach to development, mainstreaming South-South Cooperation into country programming, and the role of social entrepreneurship in development. Prior to joining UNDP in 2009, she conducted research on international human rights mechanisms at various organizations including an academic institute and a policy thinktank, and also worked as a freelance journalist. Chanmi holds a M.A. in international cooperation and human rights from Seoul National University (Seoul, Republic of Korea) and a B.A. in English literature and journalism from Emory University (Atlanta, GA, USA).
Policy Analyst for Poverty Reduction, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Chanmi Kim is a Policy Analyst for Poverty Reduction at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bureau for Development Policy, in New York, NY, where she conducts research and policy analysis on poverty reduction, MDG achievement and local development. She develops methodological tools and provides programme support on such topics as scaling up successful local development initiatives, ensuring a human rights-based approach to development, mainstreaming South-South Cooperation into country programming, and the role of social entrepreneurship in development. Prior to joining UNDP in 2009, she conducted research on international human rights mechanisms at various organizations including an academic institute and a policy thinktank, and also worked as a freelance journalist. Chanmi holds a M.A. in international cooperation and human rights from Seoul National University (Seoul, Republic of Korea) and a B.A. in English literature and journalism from Emory University (Atlanta, GA, USA).
Hellen Kim
Community Relations Manager, Korean American Family Service Center (KAFSC)
Hellen Kim is the Community Relations Manager at the Korean American Family Service Center (KAFSC). KAFSC seeks to prevent and end domestic violence and sexual assault through counseling, education, and advocacy programs within a culturally and linguistically appropriate setting. Overseeing all outreach and education activities, as well as, the volunteer program, she focuses on ways to increase community engagement in the Korean community, which is critical in the work to restore families and build healthy communities. Prior to pursuing a passion to be a voice for the marginalized, Hellen lived in Seoul, South Korea for 12 years and worked as a defense consultant working with the United States Military Forces in South Korea. She has a BA in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College.
Community Relations Manager, Korean American Family Service Center (KAFSC)
Hellen Kim is the Community Relations Manager at the Korean American Family Service Center (KAFSC). KAFSC seeks to prevent and end domestic violence and sexual assault through counseling, education, and advocacy programs within a culturally and linguistically appropriate setting. Overseeing all outreach and education activities, as well as, the volunteer program, she focuses on ways to increase community engagement in the Korean community, which is critical in the work to restore families and build healthy communities. Prior to pursuing a passion to be a voice for the marginalized, Hellen lived in Seoul, South Korea for 12 years and worked as a defense consultant working with the United States Military Forces in South Korea. She has a BA in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College.
Edward Martinez
Social Studies/Bilingual Teacher, M.S. 223: The Lab School for Finance & Technology
After being challenged by M.S. 223's principal to help make a difference inside the classroom, Edward changed careers in the fall of 2013 and became a social studies/bilingual teacher at the popular South Bronx middle school. Before joining the NYC Dept. of Ed, he was the Founding Director of a K-12 afterschool program at Inwood House, a non-profit organization where he had worked at since 2006. In that capacity, he was responsible for initiating strategic partnerships, grant writing, as well as, curriculum, program and staff development. As a proud 2011-12 Colin Powell Fellow, Edward advocated for best-practice afterschool programs as an essential partner in education reform. Edward is currently working on a curriculum that will enable his sixth and seventh grade students to re-conceptualize how they view history and their role as active citizens. He was also appointed as the school’s CBO Liaison to recruit, orient and work with new partners. Edward was born, raised and still lives in Washington Heights. He received a B.A. in History from the College of Mount Saint Vincent and an M.A. in Social Studies Education from the City College of NY. He is currently pursuing an M.A. in Bilingual Education at the City College of NY.
Social Studies/Bilingual Teacher, M.S. 223: The Lab School for Finance & Technology
After being challenged by M.S. 223's principal to help make a difference inside the classroom, Edward changed careers in the fall of 2013 and became a social studies/bilingual teacher at the popular South Bronx middle school. Before joining the NYC Dept. of Ed, he was the Founding Director of a K-12 afterschool program at Inwood House, a non-profit organization where he had worked at since 2006. In that capacity, he was responsible for initiating strategic partnerships, grant writing, as well as, curriculum, program and staff development. As a proud 2011-12 Colin Powell Fellow, Edward advocated for best-practice afterschool programs as an essential partner in education reform. Edward is currently working on a curriculum that will enable his sixth and seventh grade students to re-conceptualize how they view history and their role as active citizens. He was also appointed as the school’s CBO Liaison to recruit, orient and work with new partners. Edward was born, raised and still lives in Washington Heights. He received a B.A. in History from the College of Mount Saint Vincent and an M.A. in Social Studies Education from the City College of NY. He is currently pursuing an M.A. in Bilingual Education at the City College of NY.
Patricia Moon
Family Defense Practice Staff Attorney, The Bronx Defenders
Patricia received her J.D. from Yale Law School. During law school, she was a Legal Intern for the Advocacy for Children and Youth Clinic and the Lowenstein Human Rights Clinic. She also served as a co-chair of the Initiative for Public Interest Law, managing editor of the Yale Journal of International Law, and was a member of the Green Haven Prison Project. She has interned at The Bronx Defenders and the Community Legal Aid Society and was a Summer Associate at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. Prior to law school, she served as a fellow for an international NGO that worked to support and institutionalize strong networks of public defenders in China in order to promote reform of the criminal justice system. She graduated magna cum laude from Yale College with a B.A. in History.
Family Defense Practice Staff Attorney, The Bronx Defenders
Patricia received her J.D. from Yale Law School. During law school, she was a Legal Intern for the Advocacy for Children and Youth Clinic and the Lowenstein Human Rights Clinic. She also served as a co-chair of the Initiative for Public Interest Law, managing editor of the Yale Journal of International Law, and was a member of the Green Haven Prison Project. She has interned at The Bronx Defenders and the Community Legal Aid Society and was a Summer Associate at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. Prior to law school, she served as a fellow for an international NGO that worked to support and institutionalize strong networks of public defenders in China in order to promote reform of the criminal justice system. She graduated magna cum laude from Yale College with a B.A. in History.
Marissa Muñoz
Mid Atlantic Program Director, Let's Get Ready
Marissa Muñoz is currently Let's Get Ready's Program Director for the Mid Atlantic region. She comes to us with a background in education and non-profit management. Prior to joining LGR, Marissa worked at the College Board as well as the New York City and United States Departments of Education. Her experience in the non-profit realm extends to the Community Environmental Center, where she led NYC Cool Roofs, a city sustainability initiative. Marissa is originally from Texas and holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and Master's in Public Administration from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.
Mid Atlantic Program Director, Let's Get Ready
Marissa Muñoz is currently Let's Get Ready's Program Director for the Mid Atlantic region. She comes to us with a background in education and non-profit management. Prior to joining LGR, Marissa worked at the College Board as well as the New York City and United States Departments of Education. Her experience in the non-profit realm extends to the Community Environmental Center, where she led NYC Cool Roofs, a city sustainability initiative. Marissa is originally from Texas and holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and Master's in Public Administration from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.
Olivia Nunez
Director of Community Engagement, the GO Project
Olivia joined the GO Project in September 2007 as a full-time Program Analyst and ensured strong student enrollment, engagement, and retention through building strong relationships with GO parents and GO’s public school partners. In 2011, she transitioned to Volunteer Manager and was charged with recruiting and training GO’s volunteers who work in the classrooms alongside the teachers and help maintain a low adult-to-student ratio and support individualized instruction. In 2012, Olivia became the GO Project’s first Director of Community Engagement where she is responsible for overseeing the entire community engagement effort which includes strategy oversight for recruitment, training, and ongoing support of over 250 volunteers. Additionally, Olivia develops and maintains relationships with public and private school partners, a critical component of the GO model, encouraging meaningful dialogue around the broader issue of educational equity. Olivia earned a BA in Political Science from Dartmouth College and a Masters in Political Science from Queens University, Belfast. She is graduate of Coro's Immigrant Civic Leadership Program.
Director of Community Engagement, the GO Project
Olivia joined the GO Project in September 2007 as a full-time Program Analyst and ensured strong student enrollment, engagement, and retention through building strong relationships with GO parents and GO’s public school partners. In 2011, she transitioned to Volunteer Manager and was charged with recruiting and training GO’s volunteers who work in the classrooms alongside the teachers and help maintain a low adult-to-student ratio and support individualized instruction. In 2012, Olivia became the GO Project’s first Director of Community Engagement where she is responsible for overseeing the entire community engagement effort which includes strategy oversight for recruitment, training, and ongoing support of over 250 volunteers. Additionally, Olivia develops and maintains relationships with public and private school partners, a critical component of the GO model, encouraging meaningful dialogue around the broader issue of educational equity. Olivia earned a BA in Political Science from Dartmouth College and a Masters in Political Science from Queens University, Belfast. She is graduate of Coro's Immigrant Civic Leadership Program.
Kira O'Brien
Out of School Time Programs Coordinator, International Rescue Committee
Kira O’Brien is the Out of School Time Programs Coordinator for the IRC in New York. After a brief career in the corporate sector, Ms. O’Brien followed her passion for social service by pursuing her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University. During her masters, Kira joined IRC as the Education Advisor Intern and continued on as Staff Coordinator and Guidance Counselor for the Refugee Youth Summer Academy. In September 2013 she joined the IRC’s full time staff as OST Programs Coordinator. Today, Kira manages afterschool, social work and leadership programs for refugee and immigrant youth across the city as they adjust to their new lives in New York. Kira will be in charge of planning and logistics for the 2014 Refugee Youth Summer Academy. Kira received her bachelor’s from Rutgers University where she studied Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies and holds certificates from the Institute for Women’s Leadership and the Global Partnership for Activism and Cross-Cultural Training.
Out of School Time Programs Coordinator, International Rescue Committee
Kira O’Brien is the Out of School Time Programs Coordinator for the IRC in New York. After a brief career in the corporate sector, Ms. O’Brien followed her passion for social service by pursuing her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University. During her masters, Kira joined IRC as the Education Advisor Intern and continued on as Staff Coordinator and Guidance Counselor for the Refugee Youth Summer Academy. In September 2013 she joined the IRC’s full time staff as OST Programs Coordinator. Today, Kira manages afterschool, social work and leadership programs for refugee and immigrant youth across the city as they adjust to their new lives in New York. Kira will be in charge of planning and logistics for the 2014 Refugee Youth Summer Academy. Kira received her bachelor’s from Rutgers University where she studied Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies and holds certificates from the Institute for Women’s Leadership and the Global Partnership for Activism and Cross-Cultural Training.
Justine Iris Ouano
Senior Trainer of After-School Programs, Global Kids
Justine is a Bay Area native and received her B.A. in Sociology with a Community Change emphasis from San Jose State University. She also minored in Asian-American Studies. During her college years, she was involved in a number of endeavors, including running an after-school tutoring program for at-risk youth, creating and facilitating workshops throughout the South Bay for Filipino-American youth and young adults, and creating service opportunities for San Jose State student based organizations. She relocated to New York in 2009 for her Masters, and attained her M.A. in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy from New York University in May of 2011. While at NYU, she interned with Global Kids where she focused on college preparation and career readiness as well as service learning. Additionally, she co-facilitated an Intergroup Dialogue based on race with NYU undergraduates, worked in a early childhood literacy development program with NYU Jumpstart, and served as a Graduate Researcher at NYU's Hip-Hop Education Center, where she is still involved in the Women and Gender Studies Initiative. Justine is Filipina-American and speaks conversational Visayan. Justine is a Senior Trainer of After-School Programs at Global Kids.
Senior Trainer of After-School Programs, Global Kids
Justine is a Bay Area native and received her B.A. in Sociology with a Community Change emphasis from San Jose State University. She also minored in Asian-American Studies. During her college years, she was involved in a number of endeavors, including running an after-school tutoring program for at-risk youth, creating and facilitating workshops throughout the South Bay for Filipino-American youth and young adults, and creating service opportunities for San Jose State student based organizations. She relocated to New York in 2009 for her Masters, and attained her M.A. in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy from New York University in May of 2011. While at NYU, she interned with Global Kids where she focused on college preparation and career readiness as well as service learning. Additionally, she co-facilitated an Intergroup Dialogue based on race with NYU undergraduates, worked in a early childhood literacy development program with NYU Jumpstart, and served as a Graduate Researcher at NYU's Hip-Hop Education Center, where she is still involved in the Women and Gender Studies Initiative. Justine is Filipina-American and speaks conversational Visayan. Justine is a Senior Trainer of After-School Programs at Global Kids.
Andrew J Padilla
Creator and Director, El Barrio Tours: Gentrification in East Harlem
Puerto Rican Filmmaker, photographer, street reporter, born and raised in East Harlem. Andrew Padilla worked as a paralegal for a year and a half but decided to quit in February 2013 to premiere his film, the award winning documentary "El Barrio Tours: Gentrification in East Harlem." Since then Andrew has been taking the film all across El Barrio/NYC engaging communities on how gentrification has affected this city. El Barrio Tours: Gentrification in East Harlem is now taking the screening & dialogue series across the country, profiling gentrification's affects nationwide.
Creator and Director, El Barrio Tours: Gentrification in East Harlem
Puerto Rican Filmmaker, photographer, street reporter, born and raised in East Harlem. Andrew Padilla worked as a paralegal for a year and a half but decided to quit in February 2013 to premiere his film, the award winning documentary "El Barrio Tours: Gentrification in East Harlem." Since then Andrew has been taking the film all across El Barrio/NYC engaging communities on how gentrification has affected this city. El Barrio Tours: Gentrification in East Harlem is now taking the screening & dialogue series across the country, profiling gentrification's affects nationwide.
Allison Palmer
Director, New Settlement Apartments College Access Center
For the past ten years Allison Palmer has served as the founding Executive Director of the New Settlement Apartments College Access Center in the Bronx. The College Access Center has grown from being a drop-in center to offering full-time one-to-one college counseling, financial aid advice, and SAT prep. In her second year as a LIR, Allison will work with her fellows to research barriers to college access and success and create a database of local college access centers.
Director, New Settlement Apartments College Access Center
For the past ten years Allison Palmer has served as the founding Executive Director of the New Settlement Apartments College Access Center in the Bronx. The College Access Center has grown from being a drop-in center to offering full-time one-to-one college counseling, financial aid advice, and SAT prep. In her second year as a LIR, Allison will work with her fellows to research barriers to college access and success and create a database of local college access centers.
Liliana Pardo
Managing Director of Financial Analysis, Teach For America
Liliana has been with Teach For America for over 5 years. Teach For America is a national non-profit organization working to expand educational opportunity within the United States. Liliana leads a team of analysts who support the budgeting and forecasting processes for the Technology Team as well as provide financial analysis that supports long term planning and decision making. Before joining Teach For America, Liliana worked at the NFL supporting the NFL Network as a Financial Analyst. Liliana was an inaugural member of the Latino Advisory Committee from 2011 through 2013 and is a founding member of the NY Conexion Latina Resource Group at Teach For America. She is also involved in other non-profits focused on providing access to higher education to recent immigrants as an Advisory Board Member. Liliana has a degree in Design and Electronic Automation Engineering from Universidad de La Salle, Bogota, Colombia.
Managing Director of Financial Analysis, Teach For America
Liliana has been with Teach For America for over 5 years. Teach For America is a national non-profit organization working to expand educational opportunity within the United States. Liliana leads a team of analysts who support the budgeting and forecasting processes for the Technology Team as well as provide financial analysis that supports long term planning and decision making. Before joining Teach For America, Liliana worked at the NFL supporting the NFL Network as a Financial Analyst. Liliana was an inaugural member of the Latino Advisory Committee from 2011 through 2013 and is a founding member of the NY Conexion Latina Resource Group at Teach For America. She is also involved in other non-profits focused on providing access to higher education to recent immigrants as an Advisory Board Member. Liliana has a degree in Design and Electronic Automation Engineering from Universidad de La Salle, Bogota, Colombia.
Alicia Portada
Marketing Director, LES People’s Federal Credit Union
Alicia Portada, LES People’s FCU Marketing Director, joined the credit union industry in 2008. An AmeriCorps alumni and former Financial Counselor, she now leads outreach efforts to communicate and bring affordable financial services to NYC community organizations. She is a member of the NYC Immigrant Financial Justice Network and board member of the New Immigrant Community Empowerment, an organization that promotes immigrant workers’ rights.
Marketing Director, LES People’s Federal Credit Union
Alicia Portada, LES People’s FCU Marketing Director, joined the credit union industry in 2008. An AmeriCorps alumni and former Financial Counselor, she now leads outreach efforts to communicate and bring affordable financial services to NYC community organizations. She is a member of the NYC Immigrant Financial Justice Network and board member of the New Immigrant Community Empowerment, an organization that promotes immigrant workers’ rights.
Vicki Raines
Director of Engagement, Free Arts NYC
Since 2004 Vicki Raines has worked in the field of volunteer organizing and management, creating opportunities and providing support for volunteers committed to making a difference. She has worked on regional and national political advocacy and electoral campaigns, and now oversees the intern, volunteer, and advocacy initiatives as the Director of Engagement for Free Arts NYC, a non-profit dedicated to providing arts education and mentoring to under-served communities. Annually, Free Arts engages over 2,000 volunteers to deliver and represent our unique arts mentoring programs. From 2004 to 2008, Vicki worked on national issue advocacy and congressional electoral campaigns for MoveOn.org PAC and served as the Regional GOTV Director for President Obama’s 2008 campaign in Pittsburgh. Vicki graduated with a B.A. from Wellesley College with a major in English. She is actively involved in the New York Association of Volunteer Administrators and serves on their Professional Development Committee.
Director of Engagement, Free Arts NYC
Since 2004 Vicki Raines has worked in the field of volunteer organizing and management, creating opportunities and providing support for volunteers committed to making a difference. She has worked on regional and national political advocacy and electoral campaigns, and now oversees the intern, volunteer, and advocacy initiatives as the Director of Engagement for Free Arts NYC, a non-profit dedicated to providing arts education and mentoring to under-served communities. Annually, Free Arts engages over 2,000 volunteers to deliver and represent our unique arts mentoring programs. From 2004 to 2008, Vicki worked on national issue advocacy and congressional electoral campaigns for MoveOn.org PAC and served as the Regional GOTV Director for President Obama’s 2008 campaign in Pittsburgh. Vicki graduated with a B.A. from Wellesley College with a major in English. She is actively involved in the New York Association of Volunteer Administrators and serves on their Professional Development Committee.
Chelsea Richardson
Advocate Management Site Coordinator, LIFT-The Bronx.
Chelsea Richardson is the Advocate Management Site Coordinator at LIFT-The Bronx. LIFT is a nonprofit organization working to lift New Yorkers out of poverty for good. While recruiting, training, and supervising advocate volunteers, the majority of her work is concentrated on supporting and advising advocates, whose work is to help members of the community build the personal, social and financial foundations they need to achieve economic stability and well-being. Prior to her work at LIFT Chelsea worked in the social work field supporting students in a school setting and counseling members at a mental health agency. She has a MSW degree from The Ohio State University.
Advocate Management Site Coordinator, LIFT-The Bronx.
Chelsea Richardson is the Advocate Management Site Coordinator at LIFT-The Bronx. LIFT is a nonprofit organization working to lift New Yorkers out of poverty for good. While recruiting, training, and supervising advocate volunteers, the majority of her work is concentrated on supporting and advising advocates, whose work is to help members of the community build the personal, social and financial foundations they need to achieve economic stability and well-being. Prior to her work at LIFT Chelsea worked in the social work field supporting students in a school setting and counseling members at a mental health agency. She has a MSW degree from The Ohio State University.
Joshua Rivera
Policy, Advocacy & Organizing Associate, New York City Coalition Against Hunger
Joshua is currently the Craig Murphy Fellow and a policy and advocacy associate with the New York City Coalition Against Hunger where he currently focuses on the Food Action Board initiative. The goal of the Food Action Board (FAB) program is to develop the leadership, advocacy, and community organizing skills of low-income community members interested in food, hunger, and anti-poverty initiatives. FAB members play leadership roles in the efforts – at the city, state, and federal levels – to promote food security and economic opportunity. Joshua was also a State VISTA Leader with the Governor’s Commission on Community Service in Denver, Colorado where he focused on early childhood literacy, disaster relief and overall program management. Prior to his VISTA Leader role, he was a VISTA member with NYCCAH's New York City-based program and a City Year Corps member in the South Bronx.
Policy, Advocacy & Organizing Associate, New York City Coalition Against Hunger
Joshua is currently the Craig Murphy Fellow and a policy and advocacy associate with the New York City Coalition Against Hunger where he currently focuses on the Food Action Board initiative. The goal of the Food Action Board (FAB) program is to develop the leadership, advocacy, and community organizing skills of low-income community members interested in food, hunger, and anti-poverty initiatives. FAB members play leadership roles in the efforts – at the city, state, and federal levels – to promote food security and economic opportunity. Joshua was also a State VISTA Leader with the Governor’s Commission on Community Service in Denver, Colorado where he focused on early childhood literacy, disaster relief and overall program management. Prior to his VISTA Leader role, he was a VISTA member with NYCCAH's New York City-based program and a City Year Corps member in the South Bronx.
Katie Roussos
HEAT Supervisor and Senior Organizer, Hotel Trades Councilr, H, Hotf
Katie Roussos is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst who has worked with the Hotel Trades Council since 2010. Originally a literature major, Katie became interested in working with unions through her involvement in student organizing alongside members of the graduate student's union at UMass. She started her career with HTC as an intern, and is now a Senior Organizer. Katie supervises junior staff in the internal organizing, or HEAT department. The focus of the HEAT department is working with union members to maintain the standards for wages, benefits, and workplace rights set by the union throughout New York City. Projects Katie has worked on include city and state level political races, strikes, picket lines, boycotts, attending and preparing for negotiations, arbitrations, and National Labor Relations Board hearings. Katie also organizes with non-union workers to win union contracts that greatly improve their working conditions.
HEAT Supervisor and Senior Organizer, Hotel Trades Councilr, H, Hotf
Katie Roussos is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst who has worked with the Hotel Trades Council since 2010. Originally a literature major, Katie became interested in working with unions through her involvement in student organizing alongside members of the graduate student's union at UMass. She started her career with HTC as an intern, and is now a Senior Organizer. Katie supervises junior staff in the internal organizing, or HEAT department. The focus of the HEAT department is working with union members to maintain the standards for wages, benefits, and workplace rights set by the union throughout New York City. Projects Katie has worked on include city and state level political races, strikes, picket lines, boycotts, attending and preparing for negotiations, arbitrations, and National Labor Relations Board hearings. Katie also organizes with non-union workers to win union contracts that greatly improve their working conditions.
Kristin Ruger
Program Manager - Harlem Hospital, Health Leads New York
Kristin has worked in resource-poor communities in Los Angeles, New York, and Kazakhstan. Before joining Health Leads, Kristin was the Program Coordinator in the Transitional Housing Program at Harlem United Community AIDS Center, Inc., helping provide community-based apartments, advocacy, and services for people living with HIV/AIDS who also had histories of mental health and substance use. Before that, she worked in Kazakhstan, first as a volunteer with the Peace Corps, where she focused on capacity development for a union of women’s crisis centers, and then as a teacher of Conflict Resolution and English to students of International Relations. Kristin also has worked in a domestic violence and rape crisis center in Los Angeles, advocating for survivors of violence. In addition to working with Health Leads, Kristin is currently earning an M.P.H. in Health Policy and Management at Hunter College at the City University of New York. She also has an M.A. with Merit in Peace Studies, which she earned from the University of Bradford in England between her two positions in Kazakhstan. Kristin graduated cum laude from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Humanities
Program Manager - Harlem Hospital, Health Leads New York
Kristin has worked in resource-poor communities in Los Angeles, New York, and Kazakhstan. Before joining Health Leads, Kristin was the Program Coordinator in the Transitional Housing Program at Harlem United Community AIDS Center, Inc., helping provide community-based apartments, advocacy, and services for people living with HIV/AIDS who also had histories of mental health and substance use. Before that, she worked in Kazakhstan, first as a volunteer with the Peace Corps, where she focused on capacity development for a union of women’s crisis centers, and then as a teacher of Conflict Resolution and English to students of International Relations. Kristin also has worked in a domestic violence and rape crisis center in Los Angeles, advocating for survivors of violence. In addition to working with Health Leads, Kristin is currently earning an M.P.H. in Health Policy and Management at Hunter College at the City University of New York. She also has an M.A. with Merit in Peace Studies, which she earned from the University of Bradford in England between her two positions in Kazakhstan. Kristin graduated cum laude from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Humanities
Yasmin Secada
Co-Coordinator, Participatory Action Research Center for Education Organizing
Yasmin Secada is co-coordinator of PARCEO. Yasmin is currently also working as co-coordinator of the Parent Leadership Project. Yasmin has worked with communities in the Upper West Side and Harlem area for 9 years as an organizer, student advocate and youth counselor focusing on equity and access in public education, youth development and advocacy, and academic support. Yasmin is currently completing her yoga teacher training, with hopes of combining her love for yoga and popular education, making the yoga practice accessible to the uptown community. She has a background in Psychology/Economics and completed her Masters in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy from NYU/Steinhardt
Co-Coordinator, Participatory Action Research Center for Education Organizing
Yasmin Secada is co-coordinator of PARCEO. Yasmin is currently also working as co-coordinator of the Parent Leadership Project. Yasmin has worked with communities in the Upper West Side and Harlem area for 9 years as an organizer, student advocate and youth counselor focusing on equity and access in public education, youth development and advocacy, and academic support. Yasmin is currently completing her yoga teacher training, with hopes of combining her love for yoga and popular education, making the yoga practice accessible to the uptown community. She has a background in Psychology/Economics and completed her Masters in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy from NYU/Steinhardt
Caitlyn Smith
Strategic Assistants Coordinator, Age Friendly NYC , New York Academy of Medicine
Caitlyn Smith is a Strategic Assistance Coordinator for Age-friendly NYC at the New York Academy of Medicine, where she works with neighborhoods and community and civic organizations who seek to become more inclusive of older adults. She also works closely with city agencies and older adults themselves to create and implement programs and systemic alterations benefiting the older adult population. She joined NYAM’s Division of Health Policy in 2012. Prior to her work at NYAM, Caitlyn was in the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Health Research Training Program, where she worked on environmental health issues with a primary focus on education and outreach campaigns to prevent falls among older adults. Previously, she has worked in both homeless services and healthy aging and brings a diverse range of experience in addressing health issues. She received a Master of Public Health from New York University in 2013, where she focused on Community and International Health, and holds a BA in Anthropology and Women’s Studies from The College of William and Mary in Virginia.
Strategic Assistants Coordinator, Age Friendly NYC , New York Academy of Medicine
Caitlyn Smith is a Strategic Assistance Coordinator for Age-friendly NYC at the New York Academy of Medicine, where she works with neighborhoods and community and civic organizations who seek to become more inclusive of older adults. She also works closely with city agencies and older adults themselves to create and implement programs and systemic alterations benefiting the older adult population. She joined NYAM’s Division of Health Policy in 2012. Prior to her work at NYAM, Caitlyn was in the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Health Research Training Program, where she worked on environmental health issues with a primary focus on education and outreach campaigns to prevent falls among older adults. Previously, she has worked in both homeless services and healthy aging and brings a diverse range of experience in addressing health issues. She received a Master of Public Health from New York University in 2013, where she focused on Community and International Health, and holds a BA in Anthropology and Women’s Studies from The College of William and Mary in Virginia.
Eunice Suh, AICP, LEED AP
Director of Large-Scale Planning, NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development
Eunice Suh is the Director of Large-Scale Planning at the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the nation's largest municipal housing preservation and development agency. It is responsible for the development of Mayor de Blasio's Housing Plan to finance the construction or preservation of 200,000 units of affordable housing by 2025. She is responsible for developing Request for Proposals (RFPs) for large-scale, mixed-used developments throughout New York City. Prior to her role as Director, Eunice was the Deputy Director of Large-Scale Planning, the Business Manager in the launch of a pilot lottery automation website, NYC Housing Connect, and Project Manager in the Brooklyn Planning Unit. She holds a Masters in City Planning and a B.A. in Urban Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.
Director of Large-Scale Planning, NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development
Eunice Suh is the Director of Large-Scale Planning at the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the nation's largest municipal housing preservation and development agency. It is responsible for the development of Mayor de Blasio's Housing Plan to finance the construction or preservation of 200,000 units of affordable housing by 2025. She is responsible for developing Request for Proposals (RFPs) for large-scale, mixed-used developments throughout New York City. Prior to her role as Director, Eunice was the Deputy Director of Large-Scale Planning, the Business Manager in the launch of a pilot lottery automation website, NYC Housing Connect, and Project Manager in the Brooklyn Planning Unit. She holds a Masters in City Planning and a B.A. in Urban Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.
Shaquinah Taylor Wright
College Counselor, Hyde Leadership Charter School
Shaquinah Taylor Wright has been a college counselor at the Hyde Leadership Charter School since 2011. She received her EdM from Teachers College, Columbia University in Psychological Counseling and also serves an adjunct faculty member in the School Counseling program at Columbia. Prior to working at Hyde Leadership, Shaquinah served as an MGI/Gear Up college and career advisor for the Research Foundation of CUNY where she developed curriculum for students on early college awareness and college readiness skills. As a 2011 Education Pioneers Fellow, Shaquinah planned, initiated, and developed a high-impact qualitative research project to assist a workforce development organization with increasing their college access for disconnected learners. Her current position at Hyde Leadership involves executing and monitoring systems that ensure an efficient and effective college application process. She has a deep passion for providing support and resources for low-income, first-generation college students.
College Counselor, Hyde Leadership Charter School
Shaquinah Taylor Wright has been a college counselor at the Hyde Leadership Charter School since 2011. She received her EdM from Teachers College, Columbia University in Psychological Counseling and also serves an adjunct faculty member in the School Counseling program at Columbia. Prior to working at Hyde Leadership, Shaquinah served as an MGI/Gear Up college and career advisor for the Research Foundation of CUNY where she developed curriculum for students on early college awareness and college readiness skills. As a 2011 Education Pioneers Fellow, Shaquinah planned, initiated, and developed a high-impact qualitative research project to assist a workforce development organization with increasing their college access for disconnected learners. Her current position at Hyde Leadership involves executing and monitoring systems that ensure an efficient and effective college application process. She has a deep passion for providing support and resources for low-income, first-generation college students.
Angela Tovar
Director of Sustainable Policy and Research, Sustainable South Bronx
Angela Tovar joined SSBx in 2011, after spending a year as a Research Fellow for The Center for Community Planning and Development at Hunter College, Prior to that, she spent five years as a Senior Manager of Corporate Volunteerism for Chicago Cares, where she coordinated large-scale community volunteer projects for companies including Target, Home Depot, and Deloitte. She also worked as a National Civilian Community Volunteer through Americorps, helping with community-based projects including eco-restoration in the Florida Keys, Habitat Humanity in Alabama, and trail building in Tennessee. She holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from the College of Charleston, in Charleston, S.C. and a Master’s in Urban Planning from Hunter College. Angela currently serves as the Director of Sustainable Policy and Research where she oversees all policy and community greening efforts for the organization.
Director of Sustainable Policy and Research, Sustainable South Bronx
Angela Tovar joined SSBx in 2011, after spending a year as a Research Fellow for The Center for Community Planning and Development at Hunter College, Prior to that, she spent five years as a Senior Manager of Corporate Volunteerism for Chicago Cares, where she coordinated large-scale community volunteer projects for companies including Target, Home Depot, and Deloitte. She also worked as a National Civilian Community Volunteer through Americorps, helping with community-based projects including eco-restoration in the Florida Keys, Habitat Humanity in Alabama, and trail building in Tennessee. She holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from the College of Charleston, in Charleston, S.C. and a Master’s in Urban Planning from Hunter College. Angela currently serves as the Director of Sustainable Policy and Research where she oversees all policy and community greening efforts for the organization.
Jennifer Weidenbaum
Director of REAL Kids, Harlem RBI
Jennifer Weidenbaum is the Director of REAL Kids, an after school and summer program for school age children in Kindergarten through Grade 5 at Harlem RBI. Jennifer found her enthusiasm for youth development as a Social Work Intern at Grand Street Settlement, while earning her Masters degree in Social Work from New York University in 2001. Upon graduation, she managed school aged programs at Grand Street then moved on to become the Associate Executive Director at Girls Incorporated of New York City from 2004 through 2012. At Harlem RBI, she oversees Harlem RBI's school-based programs in East Harlem, serving 800 families per year with a well-rounded combination of sports, academics and social development.
Director of REAL Kids, Harlem RBI
Jennifer Weidenbaum is the Director of REAL Kids, an after school and summer program for school age children in Kindergarten through Grade 5 at Harlem RBI. Jennifer found her enthusiasm for youth development as a Social Work Intern at Grand Street Settlement, while earning her Masters degree in Social Work from New York University in 2001. Upon graduation, she managed school aged programs at Grand Street then moved on to become the Associate Executive Director at Girls Incorporated of New York City from 2004 through 2012. At Harlem RBI, she oversees Harlem RBI's school-based programs in East Harlem, serving 800 families per year with a well-rounded combination of sports, academics and social development.
Brandon Whitney
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, ioby
In 2010, Brandon Whitney co-founded ioby (in our backyard) as a crowd-resourcing platform where great environmental ideas comet to life, block by block. Brandon has an academic background in environmental anthropology, yet as a an accidental techie he is interested in investigating how digital technology can be leveraged to build sustainable communities. The fellows will work with Brandon to research current trends in urban sustainability and conduct data analysis.
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, ioby
In 2010, Brandon Whitney co-founded ioby (in our backyard) as a crowd-resourcing platform where great environmental ideas comet to life, block by block. Brandon has an academic background in environmental anthropology, yet as a an accidental techie he is interested in investigating how digital technology can be leveraged to build sustainable communities. The fellows will work with Brandon to research current trends in urban sustainability and conduct data analysis.
Ramik J. Williams
Founder, College Ready Community
Project Manager, Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation
Ramik J. Williams, a New York City native, is a seasoned education project manager who has spent his entire career working on important education and community engagement issues in New York City. A former middle school teacher, ex-Borough President Appointee to the Community Education Council, Out of School/After School Program Department Director, CUNY Black Male Initiative Project Manager, volunteer youth basketball coach, Ramik is entrenched in the not-for-profit New York City landscape. At the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, Ramik, leads the Admissions and Recruitment process for over 200 aspiring STEM teachers and educators across the country. In addition to his work at the Foundation, Ramik is leading the College Ready Community initiative, a plan to increase college awareness programs in elementary and middle schools through Digital Learning.
Founder, College Ready Community
Project Manager, Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation
Ramik J. Williams, a New York City native, is a seasoned education project manager who has spent his entire career working on important education and community engagement issues in New York City. A former middle school teacher, ex-Borough President Appointee to the Community Education Council, Out of School/After School Program Department Director, CUNY Black Male Initiative Project Manager, volunteer youth basketball coach, Ramik is entrenched in the not-for-profit New York City landscape. At the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, Ramik, leads the Admissions and Recruitment process for over 200 aspiring STEM teachers and educators across the country. In addition to his work at the Foundation, Ramik is leading the College Ready Community initiative, a plan to increase college awareness programs in elementary and middle schools through Digital Learning.
Moderators
Kamilah Briscoe
Director, Office of Student Success
Kamilah Briscoe is the director of the Office of Student Success at the Colin Powell School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Princeton University, and a master’s degree in postsecondary education from Teacher’s College, Columbia University. From 2000 to 2004, Kamilah served as the founding associate director of the Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship, where she shared responsibility for curriculum development, student programming, selection, and program evaluation. She spent the subsequent six years at New York University’s Steinhardt Institute for Higher Education Policy; her research focused on issues of access and equity in higher education for underrepresented students. At the Office, Kamilah provides leadership, strategic direction and vision for the programming within the Office of Student Success, including advising, academic support services, fellowships, career development, and more.
Director, Office of Student Success
Kamilah Briscoe is the director of the Office of Student Success at the Colin Powell School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Princeton University, and a master’s degree in postsecondary education from Teacher’s College, Columbia University. From 2000 to 2004, Kamilah served as the founding associate director of the Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship, where she shared responsibility for curriculum development, student programming, selection, and program evaluation. She spent the subsequent six years at New York University’s Steinhardt Institute for Higher Education Policy; her research focused on issues of access and equity in higher education for underrepresented students. At the Office, Kamilah provides leadership, strategic direction and vision for the programming within the Office of Student Success, including advising, academic support services, fellowships, career development, and more.
Michael Busch
Associate Director, Office of Student Success
Michael Busch is Associate Director of the Office of Student Success at the Powell School at City College, where he also teaches in the departments of political science, international studies, and the master's program in international relations.
Associate Director, Office of Student Success
Michael Busch is Associate Director of the Office of Student Success at the Powell School at City College, where he also teaches in the departments of political science, international studies, and the master's program in international relations.
Emie Mpolo Lomba
CCNY Alum, Colin Powell Fellow
Originally from Gabon, Emie Mpolo Lomba is a Masters degree candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University, majoring in Comparative and International Education, with a concentration in anthropology. She is also the current program coordinator for the Center for African Education and co-president of the African Studies Working Group. She is a proud City College alumna and former Colin Powell fellow. Emie will graduate this May 2014 and is writing her Masters thesis on African refugee youths' transition to US higher education.
CCNY Alum, Colin Powell Fellow
Originally from Gabon, Emie Mpolo Lomba is a Masters degree candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University, majoring in Comparative and International Education, with a concentration in anthropology. She is also the current program coordinator for the Center for African Education and co-president of the African Studies Working Group. She is a proud City College alumna and former Colin Powell fellow. Emie will graduate this May 2014 and is writing her Masters thesis on African refugee youths' transition to US higher education.
Jamiela McDonnough
CCNY Alum, Biology, Partners for Change Fellow
Jamiela McDonnough is a Clinical Research Assistant at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) in the Interstitial Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Research Program. Jamiela was a Health Justice Fellow in the Partners for Change Fellowship within the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership. She graduated from The City College of New York and graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Biology in May of 2013.
CCNY Alum, Biology, Partners for Change Fellow
Jamiela McDonnough is a Clinical Research Assistant at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) in the Interstitial Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Research Program. Jamiela was a Health Justice Fellow in the Partners for Change Fellowship within the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership. She graduated from The City College of New York and graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Biology in May of 2013.
Ellen Murray
Program Director, Office of Student Success
Ellen is the Program Director of Scholarships in the Office of Student Success at the Colin Powell School, City College. Prior to working at the Colin Powell School, Ellen spent five years at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College, CUNY, where she planned student engagement initiatives, conducted research for the Institute’s affiliated faculty, and devised strategies to strengthen the bridge between academics and policymakers to encourage evidence-based policy making. Ellen holds a B.A. from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study and a M.S. in Urban Affairs and Policy from Hunter College, CUNY.
Program Director, Office of Student Success
Ellen is the Program Director of Scholarships in the Office of Student Success at the Colin Powell School, City College. Prior to working at the Colin Powell School, Ellen spent five years at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College, CUNY, where she planned student engagement initiatives, conducted research for the Institute’s affiliated faculty, and devised strategies to strengthen the bridge between academics and policymakers to encourage evidence-based policy making. Ellen holds a B.A. from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study and a M.S. in Urban Affairs and Policy from Hunter College, CUNY.
Grace Nsofor
CCNY Alum, Skadden Arps Fellow, Colin Powell Fellow
Grace is a native of Nigeria, came to the United States because of her mother's career in Nigeria's international aviation industry. At City College, Grace was a Powell Leadership Fellow and a member of the Skadden Arps Honors Program in Legal Studies. She will be attending law school this Fall to pursue her interest in corporate law and governance.
CCNY Alum, Skadden Arps Fellow, Colin Powell Fellow
Grace is a native of Nigeria, came to the United States because of her mother's career in Nigeria's international aviation industry. At City College, Grace was a Powell Leadership Fellow and a member of the Skadden Arps Honors Program in Legal Studies. She will be attending law school this Fall to pursue her interest in corporate law and governance.
Rochelle Smarr
Program Manager for Partners for Change Fellowship, Office of Student Success
Rochelle is program manager for the Partners for Change Fellowship program at the Office of Student Success. She received her bachelor’s degree in English from San Jose State University, where she began her career in service-learning by resurrecting the Student Homeless Alliance in the spring of 2006 and co-founding the Gulf Coast Civic Works Project (GCCWP). Rochelle has also worked as a labor organizer in Chicago and California, served as an AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator for the Cesar Chavez Community Action Center and as Team Leader for Jumpstart, and worked as a community organizer for national education reform. In May of 2012 she received her master's degree in Educational Leadership, Politics and Advocacy from New York University. In her role at the Office of Student Success, she works with community partners and students to support and develop the Partners for Change Fellowship program.
Program Manager for Partners for Change Fellowship, Office of Student Success
Rochelle is program manager for the Partners for Change Fellowship program at the Office of Student Success. She received her bachelor’s degree in English from San Jose State University, where she began her career in service-learning by resurrecting the Student Homeless Alliance in the spring of 2006 and co-founding the Gulf Coast Civic Works Project (GCCWP). Rochelle has also worked as a labor organizer in Chicago and California, served as an AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator for the Cesar Chavez Community Action Center and as Team Leader for Jumpstart, and worked as a community organizer for national education reform. In May of 2012 she received her master's degree in Educational Leadership, Politics and Advocacy from New York University. In her role at the Office of Student Success, she works with community partners and students to support and develop the Partners for Change Fellowship program.
Stefana Soitos
Program Coordinator of Student Leadership, Office of Student Success
Stefana Soitos is the Program Coordinator for Student Leadership at the Office of Student Success at the Colin Powell School. She coordinates the professional development for the fellowship programs, which includes facilitating workshops and working one-on-one with students on their application materials and interview preparation. She also manages the recruitment and admissions process of the fellowship programs. Before coming to the Colin Powell School, Stefana served two years as an AmeriCorps VISTA and VISTA Leader with the New York City Coalition Against Hunger, and most recently, worked as a Service Fellow at NYC Service, a division of the Mayor’s Office. She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with a double major in Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies and Anthropology.
Program Coordinator of Student Leadership, Office of Student Success
Stefana Soitos is the Program Coordinator for Student Leadership at the Office of Student Success at the Colin Powell School. She coordinates the professional development for the fellowship programs, which includes facilitating workshops and working one-on-one with students on their application materials and interview preparation. She also manages the recruitment and admissions process of the fellowship programs. Before coming to the Colin Powell School, Stefana served two years as an AmeriCorps VISTA and VISTA Leader with the New York City Coalition Against Hunger, and most recently, worked as a Service Fellow at NYC Service, a division of the Mayor’s Office. She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with a double major in Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies and Anthropology.