Youth Leadership Board.
Our goal.Our Youth Leadership Board consists of seven 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
PRETTY
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YANIEL
REYNA
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LOLA
ALLYSSA
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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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CRISTINA
Case Manager, Sanctuary for Families
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CHUMI
Founder of Blue Theory
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SAM
Public Art Manager & Artist
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EDITH
Attorney & Equal Justice Works Fellow, The Door
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KIM
Student at Harvard Business School
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HELEN
Therapist, Sanctuary for Families
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CHRISTINA
Partnerships Manager and Host of Reimagining Company Culture Interview Series at AllVoices
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STEPHANIE
Senior Associate, The Raben Group
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HANNAH K
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award Recipient in Brazil
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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
College Persistence Counselor, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation
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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
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MEGAN
Founder and Change Agent at Heddy Consulting
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DANNEY
Legal Advocate, African Services Committee
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DEIRDRE
Attorney, Murtha Cullina LLP
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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 |
AllyssaMember of the Youth Leadership Board.
Home. Bronx, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. To be optimistic. |
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Biography.
My name is Allyssa Hector. I am from Antigua and Barbuda.I recently migrated to the United States to pursue a career in culinary arts. I have passion for cooking and baking. It bring out the utmost joy inside me. In my free time I watch a lot of cooking videos, to help develop my skill.
My name is Allyssa Hector. I am from Antigua and Barbuda.I recently migrated to the United States to pursue a career in culinary arts. I have passion for cooking and baking. It bring out the utmost joy inside me. In my free time I watch a lot of cooking videos, to help develop my skill.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Coming soon!
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Antigua and Barbuda |
ReynaMember of the Youth Leadership Board.
Home. Queens, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Getting up in the morning and facing whatever is scaring or troubling you even if you cried or pooped your pants through it all. It is the fact you kept trying. |
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Biography.
I was born in Mexico. But raised since the age of 3 in a small town in NC. I decided to pursue my career and came to NYC in 2017. I do miss the outdoors and warm o f NC though. I love being about to be close to Nature. I love being able to hike and the views! My main interest is mental health and psychology. Specifically about that of the prison system. During my free time if I can not be outdoors I love to listen to music, binge watch crime shows, psychological thrillers or documentaries. Current I'm working on building miniatures.
I was born in Mexico. But raised since the age of 3 in a small town in NC. I decided to pursue my career and came to NYC in 2017. I do miss the outdoors and warm o f NC though. I love being about to be close to Nature. I love being able to hike and the views! My main interest is mental health and psychology. Specifically about that of the prison system. During my free time if I can not be outdoors I love to listen to music, binge watch crime shows, psychological thrillers or documentaries. Current I'm working on building miniatures.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
México |
LolaMember of the Youth Leadership Board.
Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Brave means to me is face your fears and get out of your comfort zone. |
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Biography.
I was born in Cholula Puebla, Mexico. I immigrated at age of 7 and now barely remember Mexico now. Hopefully one day I could go back to visit my family and create new memories.
I was born in Cholula Puebla, Mexico. I immigrated at age of 7 and now barely remember Mexico now. Hopefully one day I could go back to visit my family and create new memories.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Cholula Puebla, México |
YanielMember of the Youth Leadership 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 |
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 |
PrettyMember of the Youth Leadership Board.
Home. Brooklyn, NY Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Brave is when you set yourself for success with integrity, confidence, selflessness and pride. When you are willing to perform courageous acts no matter who is looking. Brave is not something but someone you become to prove to others and unlock your inner power. |
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Biography.
I am currently a full-time student at City Tech and a senior. This semester, FALL 2020 is my last semester so I will be graduating in the summer 2021 so I’m hoping it’s not virtual! I am also working part-time as a College Coach for a non-profit organization called Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation. I work with high school students transitioning from college and assist then throughout their educational process. I reside in Brooklyn, NY and was born here as well. However, my family and I are from Dominican Republic so I have some family living over there, in New Jersey, Brooklyn and Queens. My passion is being able to be happy and satisfied with the roles I will take in my future career. Being able to bring a smile or help someone find their own happiness can truly be one of the hardest things to do and I’d like to be that helping hand for anyone out there. Becoming that person who saves someone’s life is priceless. Some advice from me to you: Never change yourself because the people that surround your daily life can’t accept you. Don’t ever let someone bring you down for something you accomplished and are so proud of. If anything let that negativity be your motivation to strive for more and for better. Everything has its purpose in life and it all starts with believing in yourself.
I am currently a full-time student at City Tech and a senior. This semester, FALL 2020 is my last semester so I will be graduating in the summer 2021 so I’m hoping it’s not virtual! I am also working part-time as a College Coach for a non-profit organization called Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation. I work with high school students transitioning from college and assist then throughout their educational process. I reside in Brooklyn, NY and was born here as well. However, my family and I are from Dominican Republic so I have some family living over there, in New Jersey, Brooklyn and Queens. My passion is being able to be happy and satisfied with the roles I will take in my future career. Being able to bring a smile or help someone find their own happiness can truly be one of the hardest things to do and I’d like to be that helping hand for anyone out there. Becoming that person who saves someone’s life is priceless. Some advice from me to you: Never change yourself because the people that surround your daily life can’t accept you. Don’t ever let someone bring you down for something you accomplished and are so proud of. If anything let that negativity be your motivation to strive for more and for better. Everything has its purpose in life and it all starts with believing in yourself.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Dominican Republic |
Alondra Candi Aca GarciaAdvisory Board.
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.
I was born in New York City, raised in Mexico up to the age of five and have since then been residing in Brooklyn. I recently graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a double major in Latin American and Latinx Studies, Criminal Justice, and an Art minor. I am the first in my family to graduate from college and will be the first in my family to attend graduate school. I will be attending the University at Albany this fall 2020 and will pursue a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology. I hope to examine the ways language retention and identity formation evolve among people of different communities. I would like to eventually become a professor and mentor college students. Aside from my educational goals, I love to create works of art in various mediums and learn languages when ever I can. I love incorporating aspects of my culture into my paintings and hope that one day I travel the world to learn more about art!
I was born in New York City, raised in Mexico up to the age of five and have since then been residing in Brooklyn. I recently graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a double major in Latin American and Latinx Studies, Criminal Justice, and an Art minor. I am the first in my family to graduate from college and will be the first in my family to attend graduate school. I will be attending the University at Albany this fall 2020 and will pursue a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology. I hope to examine the ways language retention and identity formation evolve among people of different communities. I would like to eventually become a professor and mentor college students. Aside from my educational goals, I love to create works of art in various mediums and learn languages when ever I can. I love incorporating aspects of my culture into my paintings and hope that one day I travel the world to learn more about art!
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Mexico |
Priya RamanathanChair of the Board of Directors.
Home. Brooklyn, NY Job. VP of Government & Workforce Partnerships, General Assembly Pronouns. She/ her/ hers What “Brave” means to you. Being brave means not letting things scare you from achieving your dreams or supporting the dreams of others. |
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Biography.
Priya is the VP of Government & Workforce Partnerships at General Assembly, a global pioneer in digital skills education that is committed to building accessible pathways meaningful careers in technology. Priya was formerly the VP of Growth & Strategy at Per Scholas, a national tech training organization that provides no-cost technology training to adults from communities that are often underserved, connecting them to careers in technology. In her more than 12 years working in both the public and private sector, she believes nontraditional educational options that are focused on skills of the future will remove barriers to economic prosperity for diverse talent that still remains grossly underrepresented in so many companies across the world.
She received her BA at the George Washington University in Washington, DC and her MS in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. Priya and her family immigrated to the US from India when she was five years old.
Priya is the VP of Government & Workforce Partnerships at General Assembly, a global pioneer in digital skills education that is committed to building accessible pathways meaningful careers in technology. Priya was formerly the VP of Growth & Strategy at Per Scholas, a national tech training organization that provides no-cost technology training to adults from communities that are often underserved, connecting them to careers in technology. In her more than 12 years working in both the public and private sector, she believes nontraditional educational options that are focused on skills of the future will remove barriers to economic prosperity for diverse talent that still remains grossly underrepresented in so many companies across the world.
She received her BA at the George Washington University in Washington, DC and her MS in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. Priya and her family immigrated to the US from India when she was five years old.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
India |
Cristina TrinidadAdvisory Board.
Job. Case Manager at Sanctuary for Families Home. Mexico What “Brave” means to you. Brave is being your true self and holding on to hope during the darkest moments in life. |
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Biography.
I was born in Mexico. I arrived in New York City at the age of nine; I came to this country by literally walking across the border with my mom and brother. Crossing the border has been the longest journey of my life; one that still reverberates in the deepest corner of my unconscious. This event marked a before and after in who I am, who I aspire to be, and how I see the world. At nine years old I learned to serve as my family’s advocate while navigating all the common obstacles that newcomers have: language, discrimination, lack of sophistication. Despite these obstacles, my parents have always instilled in me and my siblings the importance of education and bravery.
I was born in Mexico. I arrived in New York City at the age of nine; I came to this country by literally walking across the border with my mom and brother. Crossing the border has been the longest journey of my life; one that still reverberates in the deepest corner of my unconscious. This event marked a before and after in who I am, who I aspire to be, and how I see the world. At nine years old I learned to serve as my family’s advocate while navigating all the common obstacles that newcomers have: language, discrimination, lack of sophistication. Despite these obstacles, my parents have always instilled in me and my siblings the importance of education and bravery.
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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. Marketing + Creative @ Nooklyn; 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 for the last 10 years. I'm a first-generation Latin American and only child of two Paraguayan immigrants who mean everything to me. I think, dream and speak fluently in both Spanish and English. I'm passionate about my family, Latin culture, personal & spiritual development, bringing ideas to life, connecting with people, raising human consciousness, positively impacting our world and reggaeton.
I was raised in Paraguay and have been living in New York for the last 10 years. I'm a first-generation Latin American and only child of two Paraguayan immigrants who mean everything to me. I think, dream and speak fluently in both Spanish and English. I'm passionate about my family, Latin culture, personal & spiritual development, bringing ideas to life, connecting with people, raising human consciousness, positively impacting 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 |
Brave Ambassador.
Job. Legal Advocate, African Services Committee Home. Manhattan, NY What “Brave” means to you. To be human is to be brave. |
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Biography.
Danney Salvatierra was born in Peru and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of 13. Danney completed her undergraduate studies in Political Science and Global Media Communication at Florida International University. Specialized fields of study include: political repression and human rights, international relations, Latin America foreign policy, and global economic and social affairs. Danney also utilized her communications degree to explore the field of public relations and marketing. She worked as a public relations specialist for an art company located in Wynwood, Miami. After spending a year working with artists and curators, she found a true passion for visual arts, film, photography, poetry, and story telling. These art forms remain her favorite hobbies. She also likes to go hiking and spend a lot of time in the ocean paddle boarding, surfing, or kayaking. Prior to law school, she traveled as a volunteer to rural areas in Latin America to work on sanitation and education projects for underdeveloped communities. She received her law degree from New York Law School. During her law school career, Danney was actively involved with the Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) and the Immigration Law Students Association (ILSA). She worked as a legal intern for human rights organizations such as Church World Service and Human Rights First. In that capacity, she has advocated for immigrant children, families, and refugee communities. Danney is a Brave Ambassador and Mentor for The Brave House. She also provides legal representation at African Services Committee in the areas of immigration, landlord/tenant, family, public benefits, and advanced directives. Danney speaks Spanish. She is taking French classes! :)
Danney Salvatierra was born in Peru and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of 13. Danney completed her undergraduate studies in Political Science and Global Media Communication at Florida International University. Specialized fields of study include: political repression and human rights, international relations, Latin America foreign policy, and global economic and social affairs. Danney also utilized her communications degree to explore the field of public relations and marketing. She worked as a public relations specialist for an art company located in Wynwood, Miami. After spending a year working with artists and curators, she found a true passion for visual arts, film, photography, poetry, and story telling. These art forms remain her favorite hobbies. She also likes to go hiking and spend a lot of time in the ocean paddle boarding, surfing, or kayaking. Prior to law school, she traveled as a volunteer to rural areas in Latin America to work on sanitation and education projects for underdeveloped communities. She received her law degree from New York Law School. During her law school career, Danney was actively involved with the Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) and the Immigration Law Students Association (ILSA). She worked as a legal intern for human rights organizations such as Church World Service and Human Rights First. In that capacity, she has advocated for immigrant children, families, and refugee communities. Danney is a Brave Ambassador and Mentor for The Brave House. She also provides legal representation at African Services Committee in the areas of immigration, landlord/tenant, family, public benefits, and advanced directives. Danney speaks Spanish. She is taking French classes! :)
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Peru |
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. Attorney & Equal Justice Works Fellow, The Door Home. (coming soon) What “Brave” means to you. (coming soon) |
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Biography.
(coming soon)
(coming soon)
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did you / your family immigrate from?
(coming soon) |
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. Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award Recipient in Brazil Home. New York, New York What “Brave” means to you. Following your dreams, no matter how outrageous they may seem. |
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Biography.
Hannah was born and raised in NYC to a Jewish immigrant family. Growing up hearing her
grandparent’s stories of surviving the Holocaust has motivated her to advocate for refugee and
immigrant rights. She is a recent graduate of Middlebury College, where she studied geography
and minored in Spanish and Portuguese. Hannah has interned for the family detention team at
RAICES (The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services) and for the Safe
Passage Project, which represents minors in immigration court. She plans to attend law school
and pursue public interest law in the next few years.
Hannah was born and raised in NYC to a Jewish immigrant family. Growing up hearing her
grandparent’s stories of surviving the Holocaust has motivated her to advocate for refugee and
immigrant rights. She is a recent graduate of Middlebury College, where she studied geography
and minored in Spanish and Portuguese. Hannah has interned for the family detention team at
RAICES (The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services) and for the Safe
Passage Project, which represents minors in immigration court. She plans to attend law school
and pursue public interest law in the next few years.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Argentina, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine |
Advisory Board.
Job. College Persistence Counselor, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation. Home. Brooklyn, NY What “Brave” means to you. Extending grace to ourselves and acting always with love. |
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Biography.
Hannah strives to dismantle inequitable systems and foster environments where young people are empowered to reach their fullest potential. She is currently a College Persistence Counselor - partnering with students throughout their college careers to accomplish their educational goals. Hannah became a licensed school counselor after obtaining her Masters of Education and Certificate of Advanced Studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2019. Outside of her counseling work, Hannah partners with community mental health centers and consults with entrepreneurs and advocacy groups who are innovating ways to effectively support youth. Her previous career was as a professional trainer and coach at a healthcare and education consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. She graduated from Boston College in 2011 with a focus on International Business and Latinx Studies.
Hannah strives to dismantle inequitable systems and foster environments where young people are empowered to reach their fullest potential. She is currently a College Persistence Counselor - partnering with students throughout their college careers to accomplish their educational goals. Hannah became a licensed school counselor after obtaining her Masters of Education and Certificate of Advanced Studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2019. Outside of her counseling work, Hannah partners with community mental health centers and consults with entrepreneurs and advocacy groups who are innovating ways to effectively support youth. Her previous career was as a professional trainer and coach at a healthcare and education consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. She graduated from Boston College in 2011 with a focus on International Business and Latinx Studies.
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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. Global Quality Coordinator at Edelman Home. Manhattan, New York What “Brave” means to you. To be fearless. |
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Biography.
Ketia believes her life is art, and she embodies that in everything she does. She’s been a part of the performing arts community since elementary school where she immersed herself in music, dance, and poetry. By high school, she was accepted to New World School of the Arts in Miami, Fl where she was surrounded by the most talented students in Miami-Dade County.After graduating from FSU, Ketia went on to New York University (NYU) and obtained her Masters in Public Relations with a concentration in Corporate Business Communications. Recently, Ketia became the host of the Brave Pod, a weekly podcast that features members, volunteers, and immigrants from all over the world to share their experiences. She's also one of our many youth advocates and works directly with our members.
Ketia believes her life is art, and she embodies that in everything she does. She’s been a part of the performing arts community since elementary school where she immersed herself in music, dance, and poetry. By high school, she was accepted to New World School of the Arts in Miami, Fl where she was surrounded by the most talented students in Miami-Dade County.After graduating from FSU, Ketia went on to New York University (NYU) and obtained her Masters in Public Relations with a concentration in Corporate Business Communications. Recently, Ketia became the host of the Brave Pod, a weekly podcast that features members, volunteers, and immigrants from all over the world to share their experiences. She's also one of our many youth advocates and works directly with our members.
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What song is energizing you today?
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Where did your family immigrate from?
Haiti |
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. Founder and Change Agent at Heddy Consulting Home. East Village, NYC What “Brave” means to you. Fighting for justice even when it is uncomfortable, speaking up for what is right again and again. |
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Biography.
Megan started her professional life as a 5th-grade teacher in the South Bronx with Teach for America. When she left the classroom she continued to work in social justice and became a lawyer in 2006. Megan worked in the family and criminal courts of New York City for several years. She opened her own practice, advising small organizations, becoming a co-founder of one, Safe Passage Project and was integral in growing the organization. In 2017 Megan left Safe Passage to build Heddy - a consulting firm that helps nonprofits and socially driven organizations grow. When she’s not scheming about how to grow inclusive workplaces, Megan loves to travel, read memoirs and see experimental theater.
Megan started her professional life as a 5th-grade teacher in the South Bronx with Teach for America. When she left the classroom she continued to work in social justice and became a lawyer in 2006. Megan worked in the family and criminal courts of New York City for several years. She opened her own practice, advising small organizations, becoming a co-founder of one, Safe Passage Project and was integral in growing the organization. In 2017 Megan left Safe Passage to build Heddy - a consulting firm that helps nonprofits and socially driven organizations grow. When she’s not scheming about how to grow inclusive workplaces, Megan loves to travel, read memoirs and see experimental theater.
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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. 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. Confronting fear, and sacrificing things for what you believe in. |
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Biography.
Salina was born and raised in Queens, New York. She graduated from Hunter College with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology in 2014. During her undergraduate career, Salina volunteered at Inwood House, a transitional residence for homeless, pregnant teenagers. While providing services to the young girls, Salina immediately returned to Hunter College to pursue a Master's Degree at Silberman School of Social Work. She was introduced to, and found her passion for, the field of immigration during her internship at Safe Passage Project. After graduating in May of 2017, Salina joined The Door’s Legal Services Center as a Case Manager/Immigrant Youth Advocate. Since starting at The Door, Salina has served almost 200 recently arrived immigrant youth in deportation proceedings. She works with this population to meet their social service needs such as enrolling in an education program, health insurance advocacy, connecting them to mental health services, and establishing stable housing. Salina recently became a mother and is passionate about social justice work because she wants to raise her little one in a society where ALL are welcome.
Salina was born and raised in Queens, New York. She graduated from Hunter College with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology in 2014. During her undergraduate career, Salina volunteered at Inwood House, a transitional residence for homeless, pregnant teenagers. While providing services to the young girls, Salina immediately returned to Hunter College to pursue a Master's Degree at Silberman School of Social Work. She was introduced to, and found her passion for, the field of immigration during her internship at Safe Passage Project. After graduating in May of 2017, Salina joined The Door’s Legal Services Center as a Case Manager/Immigrant Youth Advocate. Since starting at The Door, Salina has served almost 200 recently arrived immigrant youth in deportation proceedings. She works with this population to meet their social service needs such as enrolling in an education program, health insurance advocacy, connecting them to mental health services, and establishing stable housing. Salina recently became a mother and is passionate about social justice work because she 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 |
