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The Rise Academy Mentorship Program broadens access, elevates visibility, and supports emerging leaders in advancing to senior roles.
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
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
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.
Access to social networks and relationships that can open doors to further professional and organizational success is crucial for any leader.
Rise Academy Mentors are part of a movement to expand access and opportunity for emerging leaders as they navigate and accelerate their careers. Each mentorship pairs a young professional with an executive-level leader who offers guidance, perspective, and support to help them reach their goals.
We welcome mentors with experience in and out of the nonprofit sector - leaders who are eager to share their time, insight, and expertise with the next generation.
Although nonprofit and philanthropic leadership remains predominantly white, 64% of nonprofits reported that more than half of their organization’s constituents were people of color.
Barriers for leaders of color in accessing capital reflect a pattern of systemic bias including getting connected, building rapport, securing support and sustaining relationships.
Rise Academy has been named a 2022 winner 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 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.
Canaccord Genuity LLC, the US division of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc., has committed $750,000 to fund the launch of Rise Academy, bringing its support of Youth INC to $5 million over the past 10 years.
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Goldman Sachs’ investment of $250,000 in Rise Academy supported nonprofit organizations in the inaugural cohort and provided each organization with the capital to ensure operational efficacy and future sustainability as the leaders undergo this important program.
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