Meet Our NTL Graduates

Abdirahman Abdi is a Somali Bantu refugee who has made Syracuse, NY, his lifelong home and is a proud product of the Syracuse City School District. With three years of customer service experience, he has developed strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills. Currently, he attends Syracuse University, pursuing dual majors in Citizenship and Civic Engagement and African American Studies.

Driven by a deep desire to uplift the youth in Syracuse, his passion for community engagement was ignited at the age of 14, when he witnessed the significant lack of educational resources and career opportunities for those in inner-city Syracuse. Abdirahman volunteers with the Isa Bin Maryam Mosque during Ramadan, where he helps distribute food. He has also served on the Superintendent’s Cabinet and was a former facilitator for Interfaith Works Community Wide Dialogue school exchange. Abdirahman brings not just enthusiasm and authenticity, but also a strong commitment to learning and growth.

Email: abdiabdirahman77@gmail.com

With a degree in Industrial Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Bonnke has spent the past four years honing his expertise in Supply Chain and Operations with Wegmans Food Markets. During this time, he has contributed to optimizing operational efficiency, streamlining processes, and driving cost-effective solutions within one of the country’s most respected retailers. In addition to his professional career, Bonnke is deeply committed to giving back to the community. As the President of Refugee and American Brotherhood, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, he leads efforts to mentor and support youth, particularly those from refugee backgrounds. Through this work, he strives to foster inclusion, empowerment, and growth among the next generation of leaders. Fluent in English, Kinyamulenge, and Swahili, he has the ability to engage with diverse communities and cultures, bridging language barriers and creating opportunities for collaboration and mutual understanding. Passionate about both his career and community service, he is always looking for ways to combine his professional skills with his desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Email: bonnkesekarore@gmail.com

Caprice Hibbler is a passionate advocate for community service and engagement. She serves as the Coordinator of The Arts Project Syracuse, where she channels her love for the arts into fostering meaningful community connections through engaging events. Event planning and brainstorming are her specialties, helping her bring creative ideas to life. Caprice is also the Vice President of the Syracuse Zeta Amicae auxiliary of Zeta Phi Beta Incorporated (2023–2025), where she works to empower women through impactful service and advocacy initiatives. As a Public Affairs Specialist at GEMS, a girls’ mentoring program, Caprice is dedicated to guiding the next generation of young leaders. Through these roles, she exemplifies her commitment to uplifting her community and creating lasting opportunities for engagement and growth.

Email: thecapriceshow@gmail.com 

Chayna Short is a dedicated advocate and leader, holding a Master of Science in Leadership and Change Management from Nazareth College. With nearly a decade of service at Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI), Chayna has made significant contributions in various roles, including case management and supervisory positions within child welfare. Currently, she serves as the Facilities Operations Manager for both the Syracuse and Rochester CCSI offices.

Chayna also works as the Assistant Director of Community Engagement for the Syracuse Police Department, where she helped shape the Police Athletic League (PAL) initiatives to foster positive relationships between the police department and the community.

In 2021, Chayna launched the nonprofit Women Overcoming Obstacles Together (WOOT) to support minority mothers and caregivers of children on the Autism spectrum and raise autism awareness in Black and Brown communities. Her mission is to create a world where every minority mother and child with autism has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. Her commitment to serving others is reflected in both her professional endeavors and her community engagement.

Email: chaynashort@icloud.com

As a senior program manager at the Central New York Community Foundation, Colby uses data to identify problems and advocate for responses and solutions. Having previously worked in human services and volunteering as a tax preparer at PEACE, Inc., Colby has a deep knowledge of how nonprofits function. This includes service delivery as well as proposal writing and grant making, all of which have allowed him to gain a better understanding of the nonprofit ecosystem in Central New York. Colby is particularly interested in board positions with organizations focused on economic development but would welcome the opportunity to talk with any organizations that feel he may be an asset to their board.

Email: colby.cyrus22@gmail.com 

Dettrick’s background is in financial operations, supply chain management, and sales. These experiences have taught him to use a data-centered approach to solving problems and making organizations run more efficiently. He is eager to put these skills to use by volunteering his time as a nonprofit board member. Dettrick prides himself on being able to build meaningful relationships and adapt to change, and is open to working with nonprofits in a variety of sectors that are ready to take on new challenges and try new ideas.

Email: Pierzinski.Dettrick@gmail.com 

Dylan Werts, a Syracuse native, earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from The Ohio State University in 2016, where he discovered a passion for entrepreneurship and social impact. He served as President of one of the nation’s largest Habitat for Humanity campus chapters and gained hands-on experience at the Ohio State Technology Commercialization Office. Dylan was selected as a Venture for America Entrepreneurship Fellow and began his career as an undergraduate counselor at Syracuse University’s College of Arts & Sciences, where he supported students in their academic and personal growth. Today, Dylan serves as Membership Manager at CenterState CEO, where he helps connect local businesses and advance the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He is particularly passionate about causes that support youth development, mental health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. In his free time, Dylan coaches AAU basketball, trains as an endurance runner, and performs as an amateur standup comedian. He brings curiosity, kindness, and a cooperative spirit to every endeavor, striving to make a positive impact in his community and beyond.

Email: dwerts@centerstateceo.com 

Born in Syracuse, New York, Gary has spent his professional career building ecosystems with the objective of improving access to whole person-centered healthcare. Utilizing his operational, technical, and financial expertise, Gary has improved health outcomes for persons living in New Jersey, Ohio, and New York. A graduate of Le Moyne College, Long Island, and Cornell University, Gary possesses a broad range of knowledge, ranging from public policy to healthcare business development. Gary’s diverse skill set can add value to a number of organizations.

Email: williamsgary84@gmail.com 

Hunter prides himself on his ability to listen, advocate, and inform those who may be in need of a helping hand.

As a disabled man with high-order thinking skills, Hunter knows what it can feel like to have others speak on your behalf and be completely off. This is why he is training to become a well-informed board member who is ready on day one to hit the ground running.

Email: hstonegardner25@gmail.com 

Jennifer is a facilitator and advocate for victims of domestic violence and incarcerated women. With years of experience as a dedicated service coordinator, she specializes in supporting clients navigating domestic violence and incarceration. She is passionate, ambitious, and driven to create lasting change in the lives of those she serves. Currently, Jennifer works with House of Psalms 23, where she facilitates classes in the Justice Center and leads women’s empowerment initiatives. Through collaboration with women facing brokenness, she focuses on promoting healing, hope, and faith to rebuild lives. Jennifer’s mission is to inspire resilience and empower individuals to reclaim their strength through education, guidance, and compassionate care.

Email: jroxendine2k14@gmail.com 

Rev. Joe is an ordained United Church of Christ minister. He is currently serving St. Joseph’s Health in Syracuse, N.Y., in Pastoral leadership and as lead of their medical ethics committee. Rev. Joe holds two master’s degrees – A Master of Divinity from Colgate Crozer Divinity School in Rochester NY, and a master’s in social work (specializing in family therapy) from Fordham University in New York City. Rev. Joe is an expert on disaster response and first responder trauma and has lectured on these subjects. He is currently serving on the board of Finger Lakes Organ Donation and the Spiritual Renewal Center in Syracuse. His desire to be on any board hinges on his ability to help the community with what he has gained from his professional and life experiences.

Julio, a Syracuse native with strong roots in the city’s westside, is a dedicated husband and father of two. A licensed insurance broker in New York, he graduated from the State University of New York at Oswego with a major in Finance and Risk Management. Julio brings a wealth of expertise in data analysis, risk assessment, and relationship building, serving clients throughout Central New York and beyond.

Committed to giving back to his community, Julio has volunteered with local youth outreach programs, mentoring at-risk youth. He has also served as board treasurer for a nonprofit supporting formerly incarcerated women as they transition back into society.

Email: Juliortiz88@gmail.com 

With an MS in Industrial Organizational Psychology, a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) certification, and a BA in Comparative Cultures, Katlyn blends mental health, career guidance, and cultural sensitivity with insights into organizational dynamics, performance optimization, and an understanding of how individual and group behavior affects an organization. With over a decade of experience in crisis and career counseling, her current role includes providing direct support and guidance to front-line crisis staff and acting as the primary liaison between her organization and external clinics to ensure seamless service delivery. She is also a competitive speed puzzler, which hones her decision-making, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills. Katlyn is motivated by opportunities to apply her skills in career guidance, mental health advocacy, and LGBT+ inclusion to connect people with resources that enrich their lives

Email: katlynbauer3@gmail.com 

Lizbeth is an Immigration Program Manager and DOJ-accredited representative with a big passion for helping others. Her main goal is to support and empower the immigrant community by helping them navigate the complex and often overwhelming immigration system. In her current role, she is responsible for supervising a small team that provides administrative support to attorneys and other DOJ-accredited representatives. Together, they work to ensure that clients receive the best possible assistance and guidance throughout their journey. Lizbeth’s career path has been driven by a desire to make a positive impact in people's lives. She firmly believes in putting people first and always strives to provide personalized and compassionate support to those she works with. She is always seeking new opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills.

Email: lizethortegar7@gmail.com 

Marissa is a Senior Project Coordinator at Hueber Breuer Construction with over ten years of experience coordinating complex construction projects. She specializes in learning new project management methodologies via Procore to stay ahead of industry trends. Marissa’s passion for organization and problem-solving has helped her project management team consistently exceed client expectations. She currently sit on the Board of Trustees for Onondaga Historical Society and is the chairperson for the Development Committee. She is also on numerous committees throughout Syracuse, including the LGS Golf Committee, the LGS Interview Committee, and the OHA Facilities Committee. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, volunteering with local nonprofits (Rescue Mission, Safe Space CNY, and anything relating to animals) and spending time with her family.

Email: mcameron@hb1872.build

Nichole Hotchkiss Kuehner is a dynamic crisis counselor, mental health advocate, wife, and mother of three, committed to improving the mental health landscape. A Houston native and graduate of Chattanooga, she holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Nichole is a key member of the Onondaga County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), managing the Crisis Connect line and collaborating with local agencies and mobile crisis units. A vocal advocate for mental health, she raises awareness through platforms like Bridge Street and PBS’s Hidden in Plain Sight. Her volunteer work with the Red Cross and hospice care has deepened her understanding of emotional challenges. Passionate about creativity and nature therapy, Nichole integrates art, education, photography, writing, and community to promote healing through connection and nature.

Email: Nhotchkiss99@icloud.com

Shelby is a former history teacher turned Operations/Business Analyst specializing in process improvements. Her experience as a teacher and working in systems improvement have given her strong networking and public speaking skills, as well as the ability to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency. As someone who was born and raised in Syracuse, she is interested in joining a board that supports education and/or focuses on community youth. Shelby’s experience working in schools solidified her belief that it truly takes a community to help young people grow and thrive. She believes as a community, it is our responsibility to help our youth since they are the future leaders of our community and will eventually be raising future leaders themselves.

Email: baskins@AmeriCU.org 

Shelly is blessed and in a good place to dig in and advocate for others. She grew up in Rome, NY, and lived and worked in Washington, DC. She moved back to Rome after a catastrophic car/bike accident set her back. She is now ready to apply her academic skill set, which includes a B.A. in African American Studies and a J.D. law degree, to supporting organizations that lift up our community. She has training in Mediation, Labor Law, and Education Law within the political arena. She’s also a talented gardener, has experience with building construction, and loves music and the arts. She considers herself a bit of a nerd when it comes to her love of statistics, research, and fact-finding

Email: shellysgardner@gmail.com 

Tara Harris is a lifetime Syracuse resident who serves her community in many ways. A proud graduate of Henninger High School, Tara serves as a Neighborhood Navigator with Blueprint 15 and a Resident Health Advocate with the Healthy Neighborhood Partnership and RADAR at Upstate University Hospital. A 2021 graduate of the Citizens Academy through FOCUS Greater Syracuse. Tara serves on several neighborhood action committees, including The City of Syracuse Urban Forestry Committee, and as secretary and vice chair of the Pioneer Homes Tenant Association. A passionate resident advocate. Tara advocates for positive change within her community and believes that change can come from within. Tara adds experience facilitating conversations and finding solutions as a problem solver.

Email: taratharris123@gmail.com

Terrian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy and a Master’s degree in Higher Education. He currently works at SUNY Oswego as an Associate Director of the James A. Triandiflou ’88 Institute for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Transformative Practice, where he delivers diversity, equity, and inclusion workshops and facilitates discussions on race and identity with faculty, staff, and students. As the faculty advisor for a men’s student organization at SUNY Oswego, he’s helped develop presentations for the Black Boys & Men Conference at Grand Valley State University in 2023 and has conducted multiple workshops each semester that engage over 300 students. Terrian is particularly interested in joining the finance committee for organizations that support mental and holistic health for Black men or provide financial literacy services to adults.

Email: garvisterrian@gmail.com 

Tory studied magazine journalism and international relations at Syracuse University. She is motivated to increase opportunities and access for youth and low-income individuals in areas impacting quality of life like education, recreation, arts and culture, mental health, and community development. She has worked in communications and development roles across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors and previously volunteered with local organizations like Hopeprint, ARISE & Ski, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. This work has resulted in a broad range of skills, including organization and program development, project management, communications and community engagement, grant writing, and fundraising.

Email: victoriarenaerusso@gmail.com