2025 NTL Graduates

Amanda Riley Schrader ’25

Amanda Riley Schrader is a marketing professional at C&S, supporting efforts to enhance the built environment and strengthen communities. Her work and volunteerism reflect a commitment to human connection, creative thinking, and meaningful community impact. She serves on the Salvation Army Youth Leaders Advisory Board, the Women’s Fund of CNY Leadership Council, the Auxiliary Board at Francis House, and the Citizens Academy Alumni Association through FOCUS Greater Syracuse. Driven by service and collaboration, Amanda aims to uplift the people and places that shape Central New York.

Email: amanda.riley.96@gmail.com 

Keyshawn Divad Blakes ’25

Keyshawn Blakes is a Syracuse native and Access Advisor with On Point for College. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Business Administration from Buffalo State University and a master’s degree in Higher Education from Syracuse University. Keyshawn is committed to expanding college access and workforce opportunities for Syracuse students. He currently serves as President of the Syracuse Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and is a member of the Say Yes Scholarship Council.

Email: Kdblakes97@gmail.com

Ivette Cruz Barso ’25

Email:

William Phillips ’25

A Syracuse native, William Phillips is the author of Triangulate, a collection of poetry inspired by the local community. His leadership journey began as a participant in the inaugural Youth Leadership Greater Syracuse cohort and was further developed through studies at Le Moyne College. William also served as a tenured teaching assistant with the Syracuse City School District. As a graduate of the Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders program, he is committed to contributing to diverse, effective, and compassionate community leadership.

Email: chaynashort@icloud.com

Melinda Agnew ’25

Melinda Agnew is the Founder and Executive Director of the 315 PRAYZE Project Mental Health and Child & Family Services Hub and serves as Quality Assurance Coordinator for Project Rise 315. With extensive experience in child welfare, policy, and program evaluation, she advances accountability and equity for families impacted by incarceration and trauma. Melinda applies data-driven strategies and collaborative leadership to strengthen community-based mental health systems.

Email: agnewmelinda26@gmail.com

Yolanda Seegars ’25

Email:

Katherine Lowe ’25

Katherine Lowe holds a B.A. in American Government from Wells College, an A.A.S. in Hospitality Management from Onondaga Community College, and a B.S. in Hotel and Tourism Management from Paul Smith’s College. She is pursuing an M.S. in Nonprofit Management at LSU and plans to renew her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential. With over 20 years of experience in fundraising, board development, and stewardship, Katherine currently serves as Director of Development and Community Engagement at ACR Health and sits on the boards of SAGE Upstate and Eastwood Rotary. She is also a former chef and restaurant owner.

Email: katherine4646@yahoo.com

Janelle Kraus ’25

Janelle Kraus is a funeral director and performing artist with a lifelong calling to service. Raised in the inner city, she developed an early commitment to supporting others, particularly youth and families. Dedicated to continuous education and professional development, Janelle believes that a challenging past should not define a bright future. Her strengths include relationship-building and strategic planning.

Email: janelleekraus@gmail.com

Kadashea Smith ’25

Kadashea Smith is a Syracuse native and Thomas J. Corcoran High School graduate. She earned an Associate’s degree in Health Services and Administration from Bryant & Stratton College. Kadashea serves as Workforce Enrollment and Trainee Success Coordinator with CNY ONRAMP, supported by CenterState CEO, guiding individuals into construction and manufacturing careers. With over a decade of nonprofit experience, she is active in youth mentorship, community leadership, grant writing, and DEI initiatives.

Email: 

D’Artist Vaughn ’25

D’Artist is a graduate of Onondaga Community College and the Rochester Institute of Technology with an 11-year career as a Software Engineer and Code Mentor. He has developed software applications and supported individuals from diverse backgrounds with IT challenges. His work emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and continuous learning, guided by the belief that success is achievable with the right support and approach.

Email: dartistvaughn@gmail.com 

France Bishop ’25

Email:

Kamar Boatman ’25

Kamar Boatman is the Executive Director of Curve The Curb Inc., where he leads youth development initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and community advancement. Driven by a commitment to break cycles of poverty, he equips young people with the skills, mentorship, and mindset needed to build generational wealth and become leaders in Syracuse and beyond.

Email: Entrepreneurklb@gmail.com

Alonzo Graham ’25

Alonzo E. Graham is an educational leader dedicated to creating inclusive school environments where all students feel supported and empowered. He serves as Dean of Students with the Science Academies of New York, advancing initiatives that strengthen school culture, student engagement, and staff development. As Founder of FreedomCuse Partners Inc., he champions literacy, cultural enrichment, and youth empowerment. A graduate of Florida A&M University and Gardner-Webb University, Alonzo believes collaboration and strong leadership drive lasting educational change.

Email: aeg4life04@gmail.com

Che’lyn Jamison ’25

Che’lyn has nearly two decades of experience supporting homeless, justice-involved, and medically vulnerable individuals. As a Housing Case Manager in Syracuse, New York, she provides housing navigation, crisis intervention, and client advocacy. Her background in shelters, adult group homes, and community programs, combined with training in trauma-informed and culturally competent care, enables her to strengthen programs and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Email: chelynjamison@yahoo.com 

Walter Eiland ’25

Email:

Brandy Colebrook ’25

Brandy Colebrook brings professional experience in agriculture and natural resource education, having served in leadership roles with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This work has fostered a strong commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. Passionate about environmental stewardship, Brandy is dedicated to protecting the natural world through education, outreach, and community collaboration.

Email: brandycolebrook@gmail.com 

Emily Minnoe ’25

Emily Minnoe is a development professional dedicated to strengthening connections across Central New York. Originally from outside Buffalo, New York, she earned her bachelor’s degree in history from SUNY Brockport and now resides in the Town of Geddes with her family. Deeply engaged in civic life, Emily serves on the boards of FOCUS Greater Syracuse and the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation, is a CenterState CEO Ambassador, and volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association and Syracuse Stage. Passionate about public service and collaboration, she is committed to community-driven solutions that create lasting impact.

Email: eminnoe@unitedway-cny.org

Dava Kelley ’25

Dava Kelley is a Syracuse native with over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry and currently works as a medical records examiner. She is pursuing a degree in Human Services/Public Health, furthering her commitment to community well-being. Dava is actively involved with Women of Pearls and Little Ladies of Promise, serving as a mentor and administrative assistant. Her work focuses on empowering others. particularly young girls, through mentorship, outreach, and wellness-centered initiatives.

Email: davakelley@yahoo.com 

Felicia Graham ’25

Email:

Ashley Grimes ’25

Email: