+
Raising the collective voice of nonprofit leaders of color through a BIPOC informed, community-focused, equity-centered design.
Jared Cavazos is an arts education professional, and musician based in New York City. After graduating from Stanford University in 2015 with a B.A. in Music, he worked as a music director, teaching artist, and arts administrator for various organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2022, he earned a Master’s degree in Music Theory and Composition at New York University, where he led Latiné diversity and equity initiatives in the music department while developing a bilingual music production curriculum for a DOE middle school.
Originally from the Rio Grande Valley on the south Texas border, Jared is passionate about bringing quality arts education to populations that do not typically have the privilege to access it. In his current role as a Program Manager at Arts Ignite, he has facilitated arts programming for recent arrivals to the United States, including classes taught in Spanish and French, as well as courses catered to classrooms with as many as seven spoken home languages. In the future, Jared would like to continue building programs in these spaces in New York City, and ultimately, he wishes to give back to his community in south Texas as a leader in arts education.
My name is Tatiana Colgin, I’m 25 and I work at Behind the Book in Harlem. I recently received my Master’s degree from The New School in Anthropology with my focus being on the Black imaginative and the fallacy of freedom. My personal passions have to do with social justice work and narrative frameworks centered around black and brown perspectives. I examine ways in which practicing and exhibiting acts of care create better, closer communities and environments. On a systemic level, it is the way in which the public can interact with care work and reach understanding of perspectives, ontologies, and ideologies.
With my work with Behind the Book I visit classrooms to encourage students to read and write for fun and for themselves. In encouraging and fostering their intrinsic motivation it is my hope that they're able to be motivated about themselves. I emphasize to the students the importance and the opportunity of reflecting on their stories, their desires, and their goals. We discuss community issues, social justice problems, and the factors that affect their personal lives. I appreciate the work I'm able to do at Behind the Book and want to be a better leader for it.
My name is Jaret Gonzalez and I’m the City Programs Manager at Christodora; Nature, Learning, Leadership. I am a native to the Bronx in New York City, but now call east Harlem home! My journey in environmental education and the nonprofit sector started at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams, Massachusetts where I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies. It was in the Summer 2018 that I had the opportunity to work as an Outdoor Educator at the Manice Education Center in Florida, Massachusetts. It was there that I began to realize the intersection of my personal and professional passions.
In my time as an Outdoor Educator at Manice, I grew an immense interest in youth development and non-profit work. Fast forward to today, I now manage two programs for Christodora and oversee recruitment for summer camp at the Manice Education Center. Goals for my current position include pursuing a masters degree in education, developing a network of like minded peers and to grow the skills necessary to become a program director.
In this past year, with the efforts of our programs team, we were able to have a 95% attendance rate for our summer camp, serving 148 middle and high schoolers. Additionally, during a site visit, I was able to help secure funding from a donor and add 5 new schools to our school partners roster. Something that I enjoy most about my work is that I am able to act as a conduit that connects New York City youth to transformative experiences in nature as well as community building. It is my strong belief that youth development efforts and a connection to nature is needed now more than ever. That is why I am so excited for this opportunity to be in Rise Academy, to attain the tools and skills necessary to enhance student experiences. Aside from my professional interests, some of my passions are birding in local parks, cooking, tending to my plants and bouldering at rock climbing gyms.
Yvonne Winborne is originally from Philadelphia, PA, and is currently based in Brooklyn, NY. Yvonne obtained
her B.S. in Childhood and Early Adolescent Education and Dance Minor from The Pennsylvania State
University and her M.A. in Dance Education from New York University. She is trained in ballet, modern,
hip-hop, West and East African dances, step, heels, and street jazz and has danced internationally in Ireland
and Uganda. After starting the dance curriculum at New Bridges Elementary School in 2015, Yvonne
transitioned to the field of teaching artistry. For the past several years she has worked as a teaching artist for
Urban Arts Partnership and Lincoln Center Education, along with freelancing at several camps and studios. In
2021, her journey led her to Dancing Classrooms where she currently is the Education Director managing a
roster of 32 teaching artists. Yvonne believes that dance should be accessible to all and approaches her
teaching practice with a focus on cultural responsiveness and mental health awareness
Shanika has devoted the last 15 years of her career to children, youth and families. From direct
service roles and crisis intervention to program management, Shanika has always aimed to
leave people, places and processes in better condition than when she found them. She is a SIFI
certified, Licensed Social Worker, holding a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Black Studies
from CUNY’s Lehman College and a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, meditative drawing, terrible television and fine
Tony M. Williams II is a southerner turned New Yorker. He holds a BFA in Music Theatre from Jacksonville University. He was recently promoted to Director of Programs with Drama Club. When not helping the youth of NYC he is working as a freelance Director and Choreographer. Notable past companies include Bronx Arts Ensemble, New York City Center, CAP21/Molloy College, Clayton State University
My name is Christian Peralta, and I am the Program Manager at Extreme Kids & Crew. I develop new programs and build relationships with children, caregivers, and partners across New York City. I also facilitate art-based programming, working directly with children and families. Outside of work, I enjoy recording videos and playing video games. I am passionate about kindness and strive to create welcoming spaces wherever I go. My goal is to be known for making a difference and inspire others. I am honored to be part of the Rise Leadership Academy program and look forward to the experiences it will bring.
Anthony Silvera, was born and raised in Queens, NY. Since 2019, Anthony has been working for the Fiver Children’s Foundation, initially serving as an 11th and 12th Grade Program Associate. In this role, he played a crucial part in shaping the educational experiences of high school students. Now transitioning into the role of Educational Program Associate, Anthony continues to use his expertise and commitment to enhance the foundation’s educational programs, fostering growth and opportunities for the youth he serves.
The Fiver Children's Foundation is a comprehensive youth development organization that makes a 10-year commitment to children from underserved communities in New York City and Central New York. Fiver is where Anthony came to realize his passion for youth development and college access. In his spare time, Anthony enjoys graphic designing and watching sports. Anthony wants to help underserved youth by exposing their interests and connecting them to as many resources and opportunities as possible.
Roxanne is a native New Yorker with 16 years of experience in K-12 education nonprofit services - as an educator, curriculum developer, and program manager.As the Program Director for I Challenge Myself, Roxanne is grateful for the opportunity to continue partnering with urban communities to provide essential youth programs.Roxanne is also a part-time fitness instructor and likes to stay active by lifting weights, boxing, and dancing!
My name is Akilah Clarke. I am a Brooklyn native and a proud Medgar Evers graduate. I
am also a proud AmeriCorps alumni. I love to serve my community and have been ever since I
can remember. At twelve years old, I assisted my neighbor with her summer camp as a
counselor, helping with snack time and activities. In high school, I volunteered at my elementary
school after school to assist with snack time, office duty, and homework time. In my brief time at
Howard University, I found an afterschool program to serve with in between classes. While at
Medgar, I discovered some incredible volunteering opportunities, one being AmeriCorps, and I
also served my student body as Evening Vice President.
All of these experiences led me to a career in nonprofit. Working with Reading Partners
has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. As I enter year three, meeting and working
with new students sits at the forefront of my mind and allows me to keep the passion for my
work. I am currently living in answered prayers and looking forward to seeing where I go from
here. I am excited to work with Rise Academy to develop my professional skills further and
advance my career in the nonprofit sector.
My name is Jaideen Luciano, and I was born and raised in the Bronx. I have a Bachelor's Degree
in Creative Writing and a Master's Degree in English Education. Reading and writing have
always been my passion and have played a pivotal role in the development of my professional
career.
In September 2017, I began my journey at St. Ignatius School, where I quickly discovered that
being in the classroom was my calling. After four years at St. Ignatius, I took a one-year hiatus to
work at a charter school. However, I returned the following year to St. Ignatius in my current
role as Director of Graduate Support, a position I have held for three years.
The work we do at St. Ignatius is deeply meaningful to me and aligns with my core values as an
educator. I believe every student deserves fair and equal access to quality education. Growing up
in the Bronx and working in the Hunts Point area has shown me just how far a strong education
can take you. I owe my success to the support of my family, who always aspired for more for me.
As I continue to grow as a leader, I am committed to never settling, always striving to bette
Charlene Vernon is a Program Manager and Practicum Instructor for The Arthur Project.
She is responsible for being a liaison between The Arthur Project and Brooklyn Middle School in which the organization is site-based. Her role and responsibilities are to ensure that the program runs efficiently and successfully with mentorship services for the middle school students. In addition, Ms. Vernon provides supervision to interns studying and practicing in the social work profession.
Ms. Vernon has been in the social work profession for 16 years. Prior to taking this role in 2022, Charlene was a Unit Supervisor, for a nonprofit health clinic at Sunriver Health for 4 years. Within social work experience, Ms. Vernon completed direct case management services in child welfare (foster care and preventive services). Although her direct experience is with non-profit agencies, Ms. Vernon has collaborated with other stakeholders in educational and welfare agencies (ACS, Preventive and Foster Care agency, School, hospitals, etc. Ms. Vernon experience in Social Work lies within the Child welfare system (foster care), Adult human services (mental and medical), and educational systems.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the State of New York at Stony Brook University in 2004. In May 2012, Ms. Vernon completed her Master’s in social work at Hunter College, her concentration in Clinical Individuals and Families In May 2024, Ms. Vernon obtained her second Masters in Science in Human Service Leadership at St. Joseph University.
In Ms. Vernon spare time, she is a board member of the Well-read Sista’s Book club and affiliated with the Kappa Sigma Gamma Rho Incorporated.
Daniel Garcia is a dedicated and experienced Director of Programs with over 27 years of experience in youth development and workforce initiatives. He has a proven track record in leading after-school and summer camp programs, as well as providing apprenticeship opportunities in various workforce areas. Known for his strategic leadership, Daniel is passionate about empowering young people, building strong partnerships, and creating pathways to success for underserved communities across NYC.
Canaccord Genuity LLC, the US division of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc., has committed $750,000 to fund the launch of Rise Academy for Leaders of Color, bringing its support of Youth INC to $5 million over the past 10 years. This multi-year, unrestricted contribution helps us in our mission to dismantle systemic barriers to advancement for leaders of color in youth development nonprofits.
visitGoldman Sachs’ investment of $250,000 in Rise Academy for Leaders of Color draws from its Fund for Racial Equity, established in 2020 to support the vital work of leading organizations addressing racial injustice, structural inequity, and economic disparity. This investment will support nonprofit organizations that demonstrated their commitment to racial equity by nominating the leaders selected for the inaugural cohort and provides each organization with the capital to ensure operational efficacy and future sustainability as the leaders undergo this important program.
visitRise Academy for Leaders of Color has been named Best Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Community Engagement and Best Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Partnerships and Collaborations at the Inaugural Anthem Awards. The Anthem Awards was launched in response to the prevalence social good has taken within the national conversation and cultural zeitgeist in recent years. The inaugural competition received nearly 2,500 entries from 36 countries worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their communities.
Youth INC was named a finalist in the 2nd Annual NYC Imagine Awards for its Rise Academy for Leaders of Color program. The NYC Imagine Awards was created to acknowledge some of New York City’s most effective and innovative nonprofit organizations. With nearly 250 applications submitted for consideration in five categories, including Innovation, Leadership Excellence, Rising Star, Social Impact and Arts & Culture, Youth INC was recognized as one of the four finalists in the Innovation category.