Youth Leadership Board.
Our goal.Our Youth Leadership Board consists of eight members who meet monthly to provide feedback & design future programming.
They are integral to our leadership structure, as we believe our work is most effective when the impacted population is driving our decisions. Youth Leaders receive leadership training with a coach on topics like public speaking as well as a cash award to honor and celebrate their contributions. |
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Meet our Youth Leadership Board.
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JESSENIA
KELSY
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CHIAMAKA
ELISA
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YESSENIA
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Advisory Board.
Our goal.Our advisory board consists of professionals across different industries, backgrounds, and experiences who meet quarterly to help strengthen, develop, and improve the Brave House's programs and activities.
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Meet our Advisory Board.
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YANIEL
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CHUMI
UI Engineer @ Barclays; Youth Advocate at the Brave House
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SAM
Public Art Manager & Artist
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EDITH
Staff Attorney at Make the Road NY
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KIM
Student at Harvard Business School
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HELEN
Therapist, Sanctuary for Families
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DEIRDRE
Attorney, Murtha Cullina LLP
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STEPHANIE
Senior Associate, The Raben Group
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MORGAN
Program Manger at The Brave House
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PRIYA
VP, Growth & Strategy at Per Scholas
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BEATRIZ
Human Rights Lawyer, Institute of Human Rights (IDHUCA)
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EMMA
Clinical Instructor at Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic
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HANNAH M
Talent Development Consultant and Career & Wellness Coach, Hannah McGowan Coaching
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SHIYULLI
Client Solutions Partner at ClassPass
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ELISA
Principal, Democracy Prep Charter High School
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HANNAH M
Lead Clinician, Abbott House
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SALINA
Immigrant Youth Advocate, The Door
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CANDI
Teacher Assistant & Ph.D student
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ERIKA
Outreach Director at The Brave House
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YesseniaMember of the Youth Leadership Board.
Home. Queens, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. To be unapologetically you. |
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Biography.
Native to Mexico City, she came to NYC at the age of 7. Yessenia's passion for educating and empowering undocumented communities has given her the motivation to continue working alongside undocumented immigrants at the first Immigrant Student Success Center in the CUNY system. Yessenia looks to continue furthering her education into a Masters of Social Work as well as her efforts in supporting the same communities that supported her with the expertise and skills gained.
Native to Mexico City, she came to NYC at the age of 7. Yessenia's passion for educating and empowering undocumented communities has given her the motivation to continue working alongside undocumented immigrants at the first Immigrant Student Success Center in the CUNY system. Yessenia looks to continue furthering her education into a Masters of Social Work as well as her efforts in supporting the same communities that supported her with the expertise and skills gained.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Mexico City |
KelsyMember of the Youth Leadership Board.
Home. Queens, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Overcoming all obstacles no matter how big or small. |
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Biography.
I am a college graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Human Services. I work for YAI (Young Adult Institute) as an Intake Specialist. I also intern with the Brave House for almost a full year now, and now I am also a part of the Youth Leadership Board. My area of focus is helping people in anyway that I can and am able to. I am also a single mother to a 1 year old named Jeremiah and I am trying to set the best example and be the best role model for him.
I am a college graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Human Services. I work for YAI (Young Adult Institute) as an Intake Specialist. I also intern with the Brave House for almost a full year now, and now I am also a part of the Youth Leadership Board. My area of focus is helping people in anyway that I can and am able to. I am also a single mother to a 1 year old named Jeremiah and I am trying to set the best example and be the best role model for him.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Dominican Republic |
Chiamaka OliviaMember of the Youth Leadership Board.
Home. Queens, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. A fearless person who isn’t scared of anything |
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Biography.
Chiamaka was born and brought up in Nigeria and recently moved to United stated in 2020. She is trying to get her GED diploma.
Chiamaka was born and brought up in Nigeria and recently moved to United stated in 2020. She is trying to get her GED diploma.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Nigeria |
ElisaMember of the Youth Leadership Board.
Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. brave means to me never letting your fear take you away from your dreams. keep trying to determine your future without knowing what will happen. |
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Biography.
I was born and raised in Honduras. I decided to immigrate to the USA when I was 17 years old. I just got my Bachelor degree in Psychology minor in Human Services. I am extremely passionate about photography and self-care. My Family is the most valuable gift that I could ever receive in my life. In my free time I love to enjoy the company of my friends, good music, watch romance, drama and comedy shows. Love to enjoy little things that can cross on my path.
I was born and raised in Honduras. I decided to immigrate to the USA when I was 17 years old. I just got my Bachelor degree in Psychology minor in Human Services. I am extremely passionate about photography and self-care. My Family is the most valuable gift that I could ever receive in my life. In my free time I love to enjoy the company of my friends, good music, watch romance, drama and comedy shows. Love to enjoy little things that can cross on my path.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Honduras |
JesseniaMember of the Youth Leadership Board.
Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. To walk a different path from anyone else is walking in and remaining there despite the discouragement. |
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Biography.
I was born and raised in Ecuador and migrated to the U.S when I was 14 yrs old. I'm passionate about children's development, psychology and how migrational trauma and bilingualism affects children. In which I would like to pursue a career in this field. During my free time I like to paint and garden.
I was born and raised in Ecuador and migrated to the U.S when I was 14 yrs old. I'm passionate about children's development, psychology and how migrational trauma and bilingualism affects children. In which I would like to pursue a career in this field. During my free time I like to paint and garden.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Ecuador |
YanielAdvisory Board.
Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. To me the word Brave means being courageous and dauntless. It is having a very low degree of fear and taking a leap of faith despite the circumstances. |
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Biography.
I grew up in Kingston Jamaica. My current home is Brooklyn, NYC. I am passionate about women’s empowerment, social justice and mental health. Currently I work in health administration but my dream job is to work with undocumented immigrants. In my free time I love to read, watch history documentaries and spend time with my friends and family.
I grew up in Kingston Jamaica. My current home is Brooklyn, NYC. I am passionate about women’s empowerment, social justice and mental health. Currently I work in health administration but my dream job is to work with undocumented immigrants. In my free time I love to read, watch history documentaries and spend time with my friends and family.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Jamaica |
Morgan PerryAdvisory Board.
Job. Interim Program Manager at The Brave House Home. New York, NY What “Brave” means to you. I think true bravery constitutes a lot that isn’t conventionally heroic, or courageous in the face of danger, or superhuman, historic, defying all fear whatsoever. It can be getting by, surviving – or being bold, speaking out – or otherwise engaging with something that intimidates but demands the right thing. It is following your gut; it is giving something your all when success isn't guaranteed; it is taking a chance with positivity and a growth-mindset – it is hoping for the best with commitment and passion. |
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Biography.
Morgan, born and raised in New York City, graduated from Hamilton College magna cum laude with a major in World Politics and a focus on migration and MENA studies. Morgan's experiences in educational, non-profit, and political advocacy has led her to work for PEN America, the Yemen Peace Project, Citizens Committee, and, most recently, Senate Majority Leader Schumer's office for two years. Morgan has studied abroad and conducted research in Uruguay, Jordan, Italy, and Tunisia, and will be moving to Turkey for 9 months this fall to pursue a Fulbright Scholarship. Morgan is deeply passionate about survivors' advocacy and loves learning new languages (as a lifelong student of Spanish and Arabic).
Morgan, born and raised in New York City, graduated from Hamilton College magna cum laude with a major in World Politics and a focus on migration and MENA studies. Morgan's experiences in educational, non-profit, and political advocacy has led her to work for PEN America, the Yemen Peace Project, Citizens Committee, and, most recently, Senate Majority Leader Schumer's office for two years. Morgan has studied abroad and conducted research in Uruguay, Jordan, Italy, and Tunisia, and will be moving to Turkey for 9 months this fall to pursue a Fulbright Scholarship. Morgan is deeply passionate about survivors' advocacy and loves learning new languages (as a lifelong student of Spanish and Arabic).
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Where did you / your family immigrate from?
Long Island! Though, some generations ago, Ireland, Wales, and Germany |
Erika GamaOutreach Director.
Home. Mexico City, MX Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What "Brave" means to you. Acting with empathy and being relentlessly optimistic. |
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Biography.
Erika graduated with a bachelor’s in International Relations from Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico City in 2021. She is passionate about advancing social justice through gender-focused and youth-led solutions and has interned for Ashoka and the Mexican Council of Foreign Affairs. Erika also loves to watch basketball and can often be found reading (and heavily underlining) books.
Erika graduated with a bachelor’s in International Relations from Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico City in 2021. She is passionate about advancing social justice through gender-focused and youth-led solutions and has interned for Ashoka and the Mexican Council of Foreign Affairs. Erika also loves to watch basketball and can often be found reading (and heavily underlining) books.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Alondra Candi Aca GarciaAdvisory Board.
Job. Teacher Assistant & Ph.D student Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Brave means to have the power of choosing your own destiny, to defy odds, and break down barriers even when you are uncertain of the outcomes. |
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Biography.
Candi is originally from Brooklyn and currently lives upstate where she is pursuing her Ph.D in Anthropology. Candi received her Bachelor's degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 2020 and she received her Masters in Anthropology in 2022. She enjoys reading, skateboarding and painting in her free time. She currently teaches discussion sections at the university and co-leads Brave House Creative Breaks.
Candi is originally from Brooklyn and currently lives upstate where she is pursuing her Ph.D in Anthropology. Candi received her Bachelor's degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 2020 and she received her Masters in Anthropology in 2022. She enjoys reading, skateboarding and painting in her free time. She currently teaches discussion sections at the university and co-leads Brave House Creative Breaks.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Mexico |
Advisory Board.
Job. Human Rights Lawyer, Institute of Human Rights (IDHUCA) Home. El Salvador What “Brave” means to you. It means acting with boldness in adversity. It means tapping into your inner strength and wisdom, and trusting that all you need is already in you. It means standing up for what you believe in, even when it is an unpopular choice or the outcome is unknown. |
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Biography.
Beatriz is a former attorney turned florist, actress and volunteer firefighter. She was born and raised in El Salvador where she attended The American School of San Salvador and then went on to Law School at the Dr. Jose Matias Delgado University. She has volunteered with organizations such a Glasswing International in her native El Salvador, Orphanaid Africa in Ghana, Kids in Crisis in Connecticut, New Sanctuary Coalition, and Safe Passage Project in New York City. A self-proclaimed skillionaire she splits her time between her creative endeavors, humanitarian work and raising Finn.
Beatriz is a former attorney turned florist, actress and volunteer firefighter. She was born and raised in El Salvador where she attended The American School of San Salvador and then went on to Law School at the Dr. Jose Matias Delgado University. She has volunteered with organizations such a Glasswing International in her native El Salvador, Orphanaid Africa in Ghana, Kids in Crisis in Connecticut, New Sanctuary Coalition, and Safe Passage Project in New York City. A self-proclaimed skillionaire she splits her time between her creative endeavors, humanitarian work and raising Finn.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
El Salvador |
Advisory Board.
Job. UI Engineer @ Barclays; Youth Advocate at the Brave House Home. Queens, New York What "Brave" means to you. Becoming really good friends with the unknown. |
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Biography.
I was raised in Paraguay and have been living in New York since 2010. I'm a first-generation Latina and only child of Paraguayan immigrants. I think, dream and speak fluently in both Spanish and English. I'm passionate about my family, Latin culture, personal development, bringing ideas to life, connecting with people, making a positive impact in our world and reggaeton.
I was raised in Paraguay and have been living in New York since 2010. I'm a first-generation Latina and only child of Paraguayan immigrants. I think, dream and speak fluently in both Spanish and English. I'm passionate about my family, Latin culture, personal development, bringing ideas to life, connecting with people, making a positive impact in our world and reggaeton.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Paraguay |
Advisory Board.
Job. Attorney, Murtha Cullina LLP Home. Winthrop, MA What "Brave" means to you. Living with compassion and grace at times when it’s extra hard to do so. |
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Biography.
Deirdre is an attorney in Murtha Cullina's Boston office where her focus in practice is commercial defense and construction litigation. Previously, Deirdre was a prosecuting attorney in Lynn, Massachusetts where she advocated for victims' rights and focused on child and family crimes. Deirdre is the President of the Board of Directors for Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy, a non-profit that provides services to at-risk youth in the greater Lynn area and aims to prevent gang-based violence. Deirdre graduated from Northeastern University School of Law in 2014; she graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 2011, where she majored in Philosophy and African-American Studies. While at Holy Cross, Deirdre lived in Kingston, Jamaica while working on behalf of children's rights groups and also worked as an advocate for child labor issues at a think tank in Washington, D.C. She remains a life-long fan of hip-hop, Santarpio's pizza, and going to the beach with her dogs Seamus and Lola.
Deirdre is an attorney in Murtha Cullina's Boston office where her focus in practice is commercial defense and construction litigation. Previously, Deirdre was a prosecuting attorney in Lynn, Massachusetts where she advocated for victims' rights and focused on child and family crimes. Deirdre is the President of the Board of Directors for Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy, a non-profit that provides services to at-risk youth in the greater Lynn area and aims to prevent gang-based violence. Deirdre graduated from Northeastern University School of Law in 2014; she graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 2011, where she majored in Philosophy and African-American Studies. While at Holy Cross, Deirdre lived in Kingston, Jamaica while working on behalf of children's rights groups and also worked as an advocate for child labor issues at a think tank in Washington, D.C. She remains a life-long fan of hip-hop, Santarpio's pizza, and going to the beach with her dogs Seamus and Lola.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you / your family immigrate from?
Ireland |
Advisory Board.
Job. Staff Attorney at Make the Road NY Home. Brooklyn, NY What “Brave” means to you. To me, brave means pushing ahead and going for something even if you are anxious or afraid. |
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Biography.
Edith is an immigration attorney. She previously worked with immigrant youth as a staff attorney at The Door. When not working, she enjoys reading, visiting the various parks in Brooklyn with her dog, and trying to learn how to rock climb (still very bad at it).
Edith is an immigration attorney. She previously worked with immigrant youth as a staff attorney at The Door. When not working, she enjoys reading, visiting the various parks in Brooklyn with her dog, and trying to learn how to rock climb (still very bad at it).
Where did you / your family immigrate from?
Bolivia
Bolivia
Advisory Board.
Job. Principal, Democracy Prep Charter High School Home. Brooklyn, NY What “Brave” means to you. Taking action even when you’re terrified. |
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Biography.
Elisa is an educator in Harlem, currently serving as Principal at Democracy Prep Charter High School. Before that, she was an Assistant Principal, a History teacher, a Special Education teacher and the Varsity volleyball and softball coach. Access to quality education is a civil right and what drives Elisa's work. She also whole-heartedly believes in the power of young people to change our world (and to be honest, working with kids is way more fun than working with adults). Elisa graduated from Hunter College for a Masters in Special Education in 2014 and Fordham University in 2012.
Elisa is an educator in Harlem, currently serving as Principal at Democracy Prep Charter High School. Before that, she was an Assistant Principal, a History teacher, a Special Education teacher and the Varsity volleyball and softball coach. Access to quality education is a civil right and what drives Elisa's work. She also whole-heartedly believes in the power of young people to change our world (and to be honest, working with kids is way more fun than working with adults). Elisa graduated from Hunter College for a Masters in Special Education in 2014 and Fordham University in 2012.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Italy and Ireland |
Advisory Board.
Job. Clinical Instructor at the Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic. Home. Somerville, MA What “Brave” means to you. Staying true to your principles in spite of overwhelming discomfort; acting with hope in the face of oppression. |
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Biography.
Emma is a Clinical Instructor at the Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic. Her work currently focuses on FLPC’s Sustainable and Equitable Food Production Initiative and the Clinic’s ongoing projects in the Mississippi Delta. Previously, Emma served as a Staff Attorney at California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation, where she litigated on behalf of low-wage workers in immigrant, rural communities. Her work was funded by Justice Catalyst, an organization that seeks to combat systemic injustices through innovative and collaborative legal approaches. Emma attended Harvard Law School, where she served as a clinical student attorney and participated in far too many journals (3) and student orgs (still counting...). Her most formative law school experience involved volunteering with the group No More Deaths in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona to provide humanitarian aid to migrants braving the treacherous terrain and climate. En su tiempo libre, Emma sigue mejorando su español.
Emma is a Clinical Instructor at the Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic. Her work currently focuses on FLPC’s Sustainable and Equitable Food Production Initiative and the Clinic’s ongoing projects in the Mississippi Delta. Previously, Emma served as a Staff Attorney at California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation, where she litigated on behalf of low-wage workers in immigrant, rural communities. Her work was funded by Justice Catalyst, an organization that seeks to combat systemic injustices through innovative and collaborative legal approaches. Emma attended Harvard Law School, where she served as a clinical student attorney and participated in far too many journals (3) and student orgs (still counting...). Her most formative law school experience involved volunteering with the group No More Deaths in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona to provide humanitarian aid to migrants braving the treacherous terrain and climate. En su tiempo libre, Emma sigue mejorando su español.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
My dad immigrated from England, my mom's side hails from Ireland and Sweden. |
Advisory Board.
Job. Talent Development Consultant and Career & Wellness Coach, Hannah McGowan Coaching Home. Sarasota, FL What “Brave” means to you. Extending grace to ourselves and acting always with love. |
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Biography.
For over 10 years as a talent development professional, counselor, and nonprofit leader, Hannah has partnered with people to transform their lives. Her purpose is to build empowering opportunities for people to be their fullest, most powerful selves. She founded Hannah McGowan Coaching, partnering with organizations on their staff training, engagement, and retention goals, and with individuals on holistic career navigation, burnout recovery, and strengths-based skill development. Hannah is a licensed school counselor with a Master's of Education and Certificate of Advanced Studies from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a Bachelor's of Arts (in International Studies and Latinx Studies) from Boston College.
For over 10 years as a talent development professional, counselor, and nonprofit leader, Hannah has partnered with people to transform their lives. Her purpose is to build empowering opportunities for people to be their fullest, most powerful selves. She founded Hannah McGowan Coaching, partnering with organizations on their staff training, engagement, and retention goals, and with individuals on holistic career navigation, burnout recovery, and strengths-based skill development. Hannah is a licensed school counselor with a Master's of Education and Certificate of Advanced Studies from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a Bachelor's of Arts (in International Studies and Latinx Studies) from Boston College.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Poland, Norway, Ireland |
Advisory Board.
Job. Lead Clinician, Abbott House Home. Bronx, NY What “Brave” means to you. Staying positive even in difficult times, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and relentlessly advocating for others and standing up for what you believe in. |
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Biography.
Hannah is a bilingual licensed social worker working as a clinical supervisor in a temporary foster care program funded by ORR (Office of Refugee Resettlement). Hannah graduated with her MSW in May 2017 from Columbia University School of Social Work where she concentrated in advanced generalist practice and programming, focusing on international social welfare and providing services to immigrants and refugees. Prior to moving to New York, Hannah graduated from James Madison University in her home state of Virginia with a double major in Social Work and Spanish and a minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Hannah has previously worked with immigrant youth in immigration proceedings in New York and has worked with children of migrant farmworkers in Virginia. After graduating from Columbia, Hannah worked as a therapist for 1 year in Brooklyn where she served immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Hannah is a bilingual licensed social worker working as a clinical supervisor in a temporary foster care program funded by ORR (Office of Refugee Resettlement). Hannah graduated with her MSW in May 2017 from Columbia University School of Social Work where she concentrated in advanced generalist practice and programming, focusing on international social welfare and providing services to immigrants and refugees. Prior to moving to New York, Hannah graduated from James Madison University in her home state of Virginia with a double major in Social Work and Spanish and a minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Hannah has previously worked with immigrant youth in immigration proceedings in New York and has worked with children of migrant farmworkers in Virginia. After graduating from Columbia, Hannah worked as a therapist for 1 year in Brooklyn where she served immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Germany, Scotland |
Advisory Board.
Job. Therapist, Sanctuary for Families Home. Brooklyn, NY What “Brave” means to you. Brave to me, means saying no. Saying no means that you are saying yes to yourself. |
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Biography.
Helen was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Today, she is a therapist at Sanctuary for Families helping immigrant women heal from domestic violence and human trafficking
Helen was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Today, she is a therapist at Sanctuary for Families helping immigrant women heal from domestic violence and human trafficking
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Mexico |
Advisory Board.
Job. Student at Harvard Business School. Home. Cambridge, MA What “Brave” means to you. Taking the risk even if you think you have everything to lose. If you take the comfortable road because you are scared you already lost it all. |
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Biography.
Kim is a New York City based media executive, advisor and community advocate, who serves as Director, Global Corporate Strategy for VICE Media. She led company-wide initiatives across VICE’s digital, cable, production, and global agency businesses, and is a strategic partner to the executive team. She has received industry recognition for her work including being named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and considered an “Indian-American Trailblazer” for her work within the Asian American community in media.
She also serves as a Venture Capital Scout at Harlem Capital Partners, a venture firm dedicated to funding 1,000 diverse and female founders over the next 20 years. She can be found working with early-stage founders on product marketing, business development and fundraising strategy as a board advisor. Outside of work, she serves on the Board of Women in Innovation (WIN) an organization committed to improving the networking and success of women in tech and innovation across industries.
Kim holds a B.A. from New York University in Economics, History and Politics and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. She is an avid runner, amateur cook, and photographer
Kim is a New York City based media executive, advisor and community advocate, who serves as Director, Global Corporate Strategy for VICE Media. She led company-wide initiatives across VICE’s digital, cable, production, and global agency businesses, and is a strategic partner to the executive team. She has received industry recognition for her work including being named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and considered an “Indian-American Trailblazer” for her work within the Asian American community in media.
She also serves as a Venture Capital Scout at Harlem Capital Partners, a venture firm dedicated to funding 1,000 diverse and female founders over the next 20 years. She can be found working with early-stage founders on product marketing, business development and fundraising strategy as a board advisor. Outside of work, she serves on the Board of Women in Innovation (WIN) an organization committed to improving the networking and success of women in tech and innovation across industries.
Kim holds a B.A. from New York University in Economics, History and Politics and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. She is an avid runner, amateur cook, and photographer
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
India |
Advisory Board.
Job. Public Art Manager & Artist. Home. Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, NY. What “Brave” means to you. To love openly and honestly. |
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Biography.
Sam works as a public art manager for a professional artist in NYC, and is a learner, teacher, and artist herself. Before she worked as an art administrator, she taught high school art for 6 years in Boston. Teaching further cemented her love for artistic play and processes, and she adamantly taught her classes with the focus on womxn and artists of color. As fulfilling as it was to have the freedom to build this kind of curriculum, she quit in order to travel to 30 states with a public art project called, In Search of the Truth (The Truth Booth), where she helped collect diverse, nationwide truths ahead of the 2016 Presidential election. Now she is responsible for ideation and coordination of large artworks and continues to travel across the country to realize projects both temporary and permanent. Her personal work focuses on her own empowerment, and she endeavors to create artistic platforms for voices that feel unheard.
Sam works as a public art manager for a professional artist in NYC, and is a learner, teacher, and artist herself. Before she worked as an art administrator, she taught high school art for 6 years in Boston. Teaching further cemented her love for artistic play and processes, and she adamantly taught her classes with the focus on womxn and artists of color. As fulfilling as it was to have the freedom to build this kind of curriculum, she quit in order to travel to 30 states with a public art project called, In Search of the Truth (The Truth Booth), where she helped collect diverse, nationwide truths ahead of the 2016 Presidential election. Now she is responsible for ideation and coordination of large artworks and continues to travel across the country to realize projects both temporary and permanent. Her personal work focuses on her own empowerment, and she endeavors to create artistic platforms for voices that feel unheard.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Sciacca, Sicily, & Edinburgh, Scotland |
Advisory Board.
Job. Immigrant Youth Advocate, The Door Home. Queens, NY What “Brave” means to you. Being afraid, and doing it anyway. Sacrificing things for what you believe in. |
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Biography.
Salina was born and raised in Queens, New York. During her undergraduate career, Salina volunteered at Inwood House, a mother-child transitional living program. While providing services to these young mothers, Salina returned to school to pursue her Master's Degree at Silberman School of Social Work. She graduated in 2017 and has been employed at The Door's Legal Services Center ever since as an Immigrant Youth Advocate. She found her passion for the field of immigration during an internship at Safe Passage Project. The timing of that internship was a crucial piece of Salina's desire to spend the rest of her life advocating for immigrant rights. At that exact time, she watched as the immigration system simultaneously prevented both an immediate family member as well as her client caseload from trying to adjust their status in this country. Salina identifies as a "Mom for Social Justice" because she is passionate about social justice work and wants to raise her little one in a society where ALL are welcome.
Salina was born and raised in Queens, New York. During her undergraduate career, Salina volunteered at Inwood House, a mother-child transitional living program. While providing services to these young mothers, Salina returned to school to pursue her Master's Degree at Silberman School of Social Work. She graduated in 2017 and has been employed at The Door's Legal Services Center ever since as an Immigrant Youth Advocate. She found her passion for the field of immigration during an internship at Safe Passage Project. The timing of that internship was a crucial piece of Salina's desire to spend the rest of her life advocating for immigrant rights. At that exact time, she watched as the immigration system simultaneously prevented both an immediate family member as well as her client caseload from trying to adjust their status in this country. Salina identifies as a "Mom for Social Justice" because she is passionate about social justice work and wants to raise her little one in a society where ALL are welcome.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Italy, Mexico |
Advisory Board.
Job. Client Solutions Partner at ClassPass Home. Brooklyn, NY What “Brave” means to you. Speaking up for yourself and others (especially when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular); not letting trauma or obstacles define you; bringing kindness, humility, and tenacity to everything you do. |
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Biography.
Shiyulli currently works for ClassPass, a fitness and wellness membership that allows you to book thousands of fitness classes, gym services, and wellness services all over the world through one easy app. She partners with large companies to bring a custom ClassPass membership to their employees. Previously she worked at Taproot Foundation, a nonprofit that builds the capacity of other social change organizations, where she worked with multinational companies to design and scale high-impact skill-based volunteering programs. Shiyulli also sits on the Junior Board of Hour Children, a New York-based nonprofit providing wraparound services for women re-entering society and reuniting with their families after incarceration. When she’s not at work, you can find her rock climbing with friends in the Shawgunks, tinkering in her kitchen, or buried in a great book.
Shiyulli currently works for ClassPass, a fitness and wellness membership that allows you to book thousands of fitness classes, gym services, and wellness services all over the world through one easy app. She partners with large companies to bring a custom ClassPass membership to their employees. Previously she worked at Taproot Foundation, a nonprofit that builds the capacity of other social change organizations, where she worked with multinational companies to design and scale high-impact skill-based volunteering programs. Shiyulli also sits on the Junior Board of Hour Children, a New York-based nonprofit providing wraparound services for women re-entering society and reuniting with their families after incarceration. When she’s not at work, you can find her rock climbing with friends in the Shawgunks, tinkering in her kitchen, or buried in a great book.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Sri Lanka |
Advisory Board.
Job. Senior Associate, The Raben Group Home. Brooklyn, NY What “Brave” means to you. “Having courage does not mean that we are unafraid. Having courage and showing courage mean we face our fears. We are able to say, ‘I have fallen, but I will get up." Maya Angelou |
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Biography.
Stephanie is a Senior Associate for The Raben Group’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practice, bringing years of experience in project management, research, and innovative strategies and a passion for social change. Prior to joining Raben, Stephanie worked at the City of New York’s Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice where her efforts centered around bail reform and reentry initiatives, including a city-wide program aimed at providing an alternative to traditional money bail that decreased pre-trial detention citywide. Earlier in her career, Stephanie worked at a number of nonprofit organizations throughout the New York City area. Stephanie is a first-generation college graduate daughter of immigrants which has shaped her passion for advancing social justice. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and spending quality time with her dog.
Stephanie is a Senior Associate for The Raben Group’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practice, bringing years of experience in project management, research, and innovative strategies and a passion for social change. Prior to joining Raben, Stephanie worked at the City of New York’s Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice where her efforts centered around bail reform and reentry initiatives, including a city-wide program aimed at providing an alternative to traditional money bail that decreased pre-trial detention citywide. Earlier in her career, Stephanie worked at a number of nonprofit organizations throughout the New York City area. Stephanie is a first-generation college graduate daughter of immigrants which has shaped her passion for advancing social justice. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and spending quality time with her dog.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Mexico |
