2022 NTL Graduates

Email: kamay81@gmail.com

My professional background is rooted in teaching individuals English and literature courses, and facilitating writing workshops that range from adolescents to adults. I have crafted lessons plans that explore literacy and language as a tool to promote healthy communication in public settings. I am experienced in leading as Director of Operations for after school and summer school programs that engage young adults in creative arts. As an educator my goal is to mentor young adults through creative expression within Central New York communities. 

Email: kingkofiantwi@gmail.com

I excel at strategic development for improving community engagement, cultural competency, and trauma informed care. My professional background is in macro social work, and I am passionate about working to de-stigmatize mental illness and address the socioeconomic conditions of poverty – particularly among communities of color. I have experience developing relationship-based strategies that promote system level change with a focus on prevention, trust building, social justice, and equity.

I currently serve as Director of Community Partnerships for Blueprint 15, President of Cafe Sankofa Cooperative, and Site Coordinator of Food Bank of CNY where I work to advance a holistic approach to neighborhood well-being on the South Side of Syracuse, NY.

Email: aharris@blueprint15.org 

As a team-oriented professional and administrator, I have spent the last decade working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. My expertise is in career development and higher education. I am a solution-oriented thought leader with innovative ideas. I believe everyone has the potential to become successful in their career.

I enjoy assisting individuals with making choices for their futures, first job or their next career move, and helping them to realize opportunities that are available to them. I help to guide students in developing their soft skills and becoming responsible employees in this ever-changing job market. With a passion to the uplift the community, I believe in molding our young people into future leaders.

Email: tealyepinet@onpointforcollege.org

I am a Syracusan through and through. For many years, I worked in the human services and disabilities sector with agencies such as Elmcrest Children’s Center, ARC, ARISE, and Rescue Mission. Those experiences allowed me to learn from and positively impact people with developmental disabilities, older adults, and people of all ages with mental health needs.

Currently, I am working in property management – specifically in senior residences. I know the community intimately and am always striving to contribute to the greater good.

Email: Mrtbutler33@gmail.com

As a Nurse and an Educator, I am passionate about mentoring and empowering others. I believe there is power in diversity and that unique backgrounds build strong, innovative teams. My interests lie in caring for the elderly and end-of-life care, STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) and educational opportunities for youth, and Faith-based organizations serving vulnerable populations in our community.

I am Lean Six Sigma certified and bring strong problem solving and process improvement skills, project management and presentation skills to the table. As a native of Central New York, I am eager to give back to our CNY community through board service.

Email: oliviajbarrett@gmail.com

In ten years of work in the customer support sector, I have learned to nurture in many different capacities: As a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy, Medical Assistant at a non-profit Healthcare System, and now, a Customer Success Manager at a cloud-based software company.

The core of my career has remained the same; build relationships and improve quality.

Since returning to Syracuse, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the non-profits seeking to improve the quality of life in our region.

My interests include traveling, learning about wine, and The Great Outdoors. I am interested in nurturing my community by way of environmental conservation, but I am open to all opportunities.

Email: KanischaMiller@gmail.com

I am a CNY native with a background in operations and volunteer management. I have a passion for sustainability and development, especially in underserved communities. I am the co-founder of Operation Northern Comfort based out of Syracuse.

I currently serve as the Director of Operations at Clear Path for Veterans, with previous experience in a community foundation, a solar micro-grid start-up, and a small international NGO. I am an analytical problem solver with experience looking at challenges from both a micro and macro level.

Email: mvanderwerken@gmail.com

As a Syracuse native and graduate of Fowler High School, I have had the time and opportunity to create strong relationships in many areas of the CNY community.

My objective is to influence and improve the quality of life for our young people. I have strong engagement skills and am a great communicator, abilities that I have developed while doing care coordination and peer-to-peer support work with youth. I am knowledgeable of age-appropriate resources within the community and have experience connecting youth and families with new tools and opportunities.

Email: jrichardson@ccsi.org

I have a background in community connections, and I have spent the last ten years volunteering and working in the nonprofit arena. For the past eight years, I have worked with domestic violence victims, sexual health, and more – recently advocating against racial disparities in the medical field. I also have experience doing outreach work and collecting data for needs assessments.

Currently, my passion has guided me to work with impoverished youth in urban communities. I work as the Unit Director for the Central Village Boys & Girls Club.

Email: touchedbyhoney124@gmail.com

I have a passion for serving non-profit organizations which provide for our Community. I have a proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse interests, to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with the organization’s ultimate goals. After beginning my career as the coordinator of volunteers/special events, for a local non-profit, I continued to pursue experiences that lead me to an opportunity in which I served as the Executive Director of a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

I have invested many years serving my local Soup Kitchen, Animal Shelter, Food Pantry, Youth Outreach Program, etc. I have a sense of purpose when working, hand-in-hand, with the Community members who benefit from the services provided. I am humbled by opportunities that allow me to break outside of myself and serve the needs of others.

Email: aliciamernest@gmail.com

I am a native Syracusan with 15+ years of diversified business experience in the professional health benefits industry. My desire to do more impactful work led me to leave the health benefits industry and begin a career as an administrative/operations assistant at a local nonprofit where I provide support to our Senior Services, Youth Services and Workforce Development team.

I was exposed to the nonprofit world by my mother who provided my brother and I with a safe environment to attend after-school and summer programming. In my teenage years, I became a parent to two amazing daughters and would love to give back by working with youth and teen moms specifically.

Email: maryselyn@gmail.com

As a Central New York native with over 30 years of experience working in the energy sector, I’ve had the opportunity to create many outstanding relationships in the community.  In my career and while holding a leadership position at a regional nonprofit organization, I have obtained the skills to understand and resolve complex issues – including but not limited to State regulations. 

As the spouse of a cancer survivor, foster parent, and veteran with many hours of community service under my belt, I have observed the many needs facing Central New Yorkers. My passion is to help and improve the lives of others.  In my retirement I look forward to using my relationships and skills to better the community.

Email: Forthecamp@hotmail.com

I have over 10 years of experience in the Human Services field, working with individuals with many types of abilities and disabilities including autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and Down Syndrome, among others. Youth and literacy rates within the inner-city are also major interests of mine.

I am a children’s book author and created a nonprofit that places books from diverse authors in the hands of children. We have been in operation for two years and support and showcase independent authors of different backgrounds. I plan to make sure that the diverse population in CNY is heard as well as seen. Representation is key! I’m here so those keys can unlock doors.

Email: preservetheblackchild@gmail.com

As an international student who graduated with an Economics degree from Syracuse University, I have a strong interest in facilitating economic development and improving our urban centers – particularly by helping the communities that have been left behind economically.

I have also spent a significant amount of time volunteering and interning for the Neighborhood and Business Department of the City of Syracuse (NBD), as well as Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today, CNY Food Bank, Mayor Ben Walsh’s reelection campaign, and as an Engineering Ambassador with middle school students in the Syracuse City School District.

I firmly believe that with my international perspective, education, and volunteer experience I can make an impact on this beautiful city.