FAO Schwarz Fellowship Program
2025 Alumni Newsletter
A Message from Priscilla
Dear Supreme Fellows, Current Fellows, and Trustees,
I’m delighted to share the latest updates from current and alumni Fellows in our 2025 annual newsletter. It’s inspiring to read your updates and learn about how you’re contributing to your communities and continuing to grow and learn in your careers.
This past summer, we welcomed seven new FAO Schwarz Fellows who are already well-established in their roles and contributing to their host organizations and the Fellowship. The Fellows are based at: the Museum of the City of New York, 826 Boston, The Clay Studio, Audubon Mid-Atlantic, Reading Partners (where we have two Fellows), and The Food Trust.ย
The five-day fall retreat in NYC was one of the highlights of the year, with site visits to the NYC-based organizations where current Fellows are based: Jumpstart, Museum of the City of New York, Reading Partners, Whitney Museum, and Year Up. We had a reunion gathering at the FAO Schwarz toy store in Rockefeller Center with current fellows, some NYC-based alumni fellows, and family members and trustees. We are excited about our spring retreat in Philadelphia, which will include our reunion gathering on April 2nd where we hope to see many alumni fellows.ย
We’ve just wrapped up another successful recruitment cycle for the Fellowship. We reached over 900 colleges and universities, and continued to share information about the Fellowship through emails, social media, information sessions, and more. As always, we are thrilled by the quality, diversity, and passion of this yearโs applicant pool.
We look forward to welcoming five new Fellows this summer. The host organizations include Boston Collegiate Charter School (Boston, a first-time host), Hudson River Park’s River Project (New York City, a first-time host), iMentor (New York City, a first-time host and the organization where Lauren Hurley โ20 has worked since completing her Fellowship in 2020), Museum of Science (Boston, and host of current second-year Fellow Jocelyn Poste), and The Trust for Public Land (Philadelphia, Abi Mlo’s โ22 host organization and where she remained after completing her Fellowship, until starting graduate school this fall).ย
Click through the years below to read updates from each cohort, back to our first in 2008! We are so proud of you all and are always here to support you. Thank you!
Priscilla
Updates by Cohort
2026
Alex Gabriel
MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
My first few months as the FAO Schwarz Fellow at the Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) have been an enriching and fulfilling experience. I have welcomed countless school groups to our museum and guided them through a range of field trips, expanding their understanding of the many stories that New York City has to offer. When I am not teaching, I am researching museum accessibility both through reading about best practices online and by meeting with stakeholders from institutions across New York City to discuss the state of access at their organization. It is my hope that in the coming months this research will manifest into a series of trainings for our Frederick A.O. Schwarz Education Center staff as well as access centered programming that affirms MCNYโs status as a museum that operates with all New Yorkers in mind. I am beyond grateful for my experience thus far and am excited for what the rest of my fellowship has in store!ย
Anya Henry
826 Boston
The past 6 months working at 826 Boston as their Publishing Fellow has been full of learning! Over this period I have co-facilitated a weekly creative writing club with high school students, led multiple editorial board sessions with students for upcoming publications, and am currently designing two student-authored books for publication. While I feel like I’m just getting started, I’m very grateful for the kind and helpful leadership around me whom have made this adjustment easy and rewarding.
Emily Lu
The Clay Studio
In the six months that I’ve been at The Clay Studio, I’ve been able to develop my skills as an educator, especially with implementing socioemotional learning practices within Claymobile workshops. Under the guidance of my mentor teaching artists, my confidence in myself as an educator has grown immensely. I’ve begun lead teaching my first residencies at two Philadelphia schools, and will soon also begin teaching with the afterschool program (which was created and is still run by Kayla Johnson, a Fellowship alum from the 2024 cohort). I have also been researching socioemotional learning practices in arts education in order to expand the Claymobile’s SEL practices. Through discussions with the other teaching artists, I have facilitated the development of a framework of SEL skills for the Claymobile’s program. I am continuing to research and implement these skills with the Claymobile team.
Jacob Jeong
Reading Partners
My time with Reading Partners has been awesome! I have been busy supporting the expansion of our Powered By Reading Partners partnerships. I also help facilitate trainings for our partners like Children’s Aid Society who we work with to provide tutoring during their afterschool programming. I have also had the chance to work with the NYC Public Schools Office of Family and Community Engagement to deliver family engagement workshops, teaching parents and families how to build literacy-rich environments and develop skills with their children at home. I’ve taken on a lot of responsibility, and I’m excited to continue growing as a professional.
Julie Kleaver
Audubon Mid-Atlantic
In November and December, I started a new event series at the Discovery Center called “Nature Journaling and Crafting”. Every month, participants are led through a nature journaling prompt focusing on a different feature of our ecosystem that is unique to that particular season followed by a craft/workshop that dives deeper into that subject. This past November, we explored fall leaves and made wreaths from them and in December, we explored winter trees and berries and connected them back to local birds by making DIY pinecone bird feeder ornaments. This is ultimately in an effort to encourage a deeper connection to the land and all its phases among everyone in our community. This coming February, I am planning a special Valentine’s Day event where we use our journals to explore and document the bird species on the reservoir and spread love to them by making heart-shaped bird feeders. These events have been a great way to extend the lessons I teach in classrooms to a wider audience and equip them with tools to take an active role in caring for the environment around them.ย
Michael Varlotta
The Food Trust
It is crazy to think that we are halfway through year one of the fellowship, as so much has happened these past 6 months. Shortly after moving to Philly, I began my work at The Food Trust, getting into my direct service and special project work right away. After some time meeting with teachers and principles, I have started youth participatory action research groups in 2 middle schools, with the third on its way. Once a week, we have lessons on food justice and the history of our food systems, while also working hands on in school gardens or a local urban farm. This work is part of our research process, where the students will work together to identify an issue they face in their school (in regards to farm to school/food insecurity) that they will take action on. In addition to this, I have also been very involved with the Pennsylvania Farm to School Network. This is a collaborative of farm to school practitioners across the state of PA–from farmers, to educators, to government officials, to community members, with more than 1,700 members. I have joined the leadership team where we further develop the organization’s structure, efficiency, and best practices. This also includes helping run communications, which looks like writing monthly newsletters, blog posts, interviewing and writing success stories on folks doing farm to school, and thinking of new initiatives. I am very grateful for everything I have been a part of these past 5 months, and I cannot wait to see all that is to come.ย
Shraddha Patel
Reading Partners
The past six months as an FAO Schwarz Fellow at Reading Partners New York have been transformative. As a member of the Community Engagement Team, I have attended several recruitment and networking events at colleges and universities across the city. I’ve been able to recruit and onboard numerous literacy tutors through our Federal Work Study Program, a group which has covered 20% of the 13,000 tutoring sessions delivered by Reading Partners this year. Additionally, I had the opportunity to join Reading Partners’ Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Committee, which has allowed me to continue learning how to ensure that DEIB values remain central to my work at Reading Partners and beyond. I am excited to continue growing as a professional during the remainder of the fellowship!
2025
Avery Trinidad
Year Up New York|New Jersey
Six months have rapidly spun out into a year and six months at Year Up United. I’ve taken up “data analyst” as the shorthand for my work at the organization, even if it’s not all-encompassing. Then again, “data analyst and market researcher and survey designer and brand coordinator and career advisor and program manager and FAO SCHWARZ FELLOW” doesn’t have the same ring to it. As you might be able to tell, it’s become a little hard to keep track of the amount of projects I’ve taken on since our last alumni update. I’ve worked with everyone from senior directors of national teams to newly onboarded coordinators to boost organizational data literacy, optimize organizational practices, and evaluate the raw efficacy of our work. More recently, our CEO, Ellen McClain, recommended me for a national project by name!
Through every organizational shift, change, and evolution, I’m feeling that same, daunting thing that many of our participants feel as they come to the end of their internships: what do I make of all of this? One thing I know for sure: once you become a data nerd, you never, ever, ever stop being one. Throughout the rest of January, I’ll be waiting on responses from graduate schools and fellowships alike as I decide my next steps. I’m also exploring future opportunities with mission-driven organizations, B Corps, and other companies to keep close to social impact as I pursue my data nerd passions. There’s, of course, always a chance that I stay as a data nerd at Year Up United– just on a different team. Whatever happens next, I’m glad to have the Fellowship as my launchpad for that next opportunity.
Jocelyn Poste
Museum of Science
My past year and a half as the FAO Schwarz Fellow at the Museum of Science has granted me endless opportunities that I am beyond grateful for. I have engaged with over 25,000 members of the community, both within and outside of the Museum. From seeing our cohorts of Fenway High School students develop personally and professionally every week, to making connections with various community groups across the city, to planning and leading numerous free events to welcome youth into the Museum. I am proud to see how my confidence has grown, as well as my ability to lead. And I look forward to seeing how I might continue to flourish post-fellowship.ย
Sabrina Abreu
Jumpstart NYC
My time as an FAO Schwarz Fellow at Jumpstart for Young Children has been both rewarding and transformative. Iโve had the opportunity to implement early learning programs across preschools in New York City, connecting with more than 140 children directly and reaching over 600 families through workshops, community events, and literacy kits. Seeing the joy and growth in the children Iโve worked with has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.ย This past summer, I helped lead our New York Summer Program, training and supporting a group of dedicated AmeriCorps members to bring quality early education to life. Iโve also been deeply involved in advocating for early literacy policies, working with policymakers and coalition partners to champion the importance of equitable education. Throughout my experience Iโve gained a profound appreciation for the collaborative effort it takes to create meaningful change. Iโm excited to continue learning and growing with Jumpstart as we work toward a future where every child has the tools they need to thrive.
Sarika Doppalapudi
Whitney Museum
In my work as a fellow, I’m excited to be working on access assets and initiatives for the Whitney Museum’s upcoming exhibition, Christine Sun Kim: All Day All Night, where we will be piloting new tactile graphics available in the gallery, and will have increased American Sign Language programming. I’m also excited to be working on more consistent access program offerings for kids, which will begin in March.
2024
Jahmali Matthews
Breakthrough Greater Boston
I am employed at the International Institute of New England, assisting with refugee and immigrant servicesโwork that feels more urgent than ever in light of the Trump presidency. Every day, I see firsthand the resilience of the communities we serve, and Iโm grateful to be part of an organization that continues to push for meaningful change. On a personal note, I recently finished completed my MFA applications. I hope to be admitted to the right program to further explore storytelling that amplifies underrepresented histories, particularly in the Caribbean and its diaspora. The process has been intense but rewarding, and Iโm excited to see where this next chapter takes me.
Jesse McLaughlin
NYC Audubon
I just finished my first semester of my PhD and am working on submitting my first academic paper for publication.
Juan Mojica
Breakthrough Greater Boston
I have been promoted to the Development and Operations Associate at Breakthrough Greater Boston. My current responsibilities include leading on day-to-day financial administration, HR administration including job postings and applicant processing, and providing operational support to our program team.
Kayla Johnson
The Clay Studio
I am currently still employed at my host organization, The Clay Studio. This will be my third year coordinating our pilot arts after-school program.ย
Natalia Wang
Museum of the City of New York
I am currently working as an Educator at the Tenement Museum and the Morgan Library & Museum. It has been a joy to continue facilitating K-12 programs at these institutions and build on the many skills I gained through the fellowship at MCNY!
Sophie Becker-Klein
Audubon Mid Atlantic
In July of 2024, I wrapped up my FAO Schwarz Fellowship position at Audubon Mid-Atlantic and immediately began in my new role at the same organization as the Senior Coordinator for Conservation Education! It has been wonderful to expand my role and responsibility in the organization that gave me the start in my environmental education career as well as mentor the new fellow in the role that I piloted. I have been volunteering with a local cat rescue since November of 2023, but in November of 2024 I took on a large volunteer role as the Adoptions Coordinator. I have been able to help over 130 cats find homes since taking on this rewarding role.ย
Vanessa Barragรกn
The Food Project
Since completing my fellowship in 2024, I was hired by Virginia Cooperative Extension as a 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent. I work to bring the research and resources from Virginia Tech and Virginia State University to the broader community by developing new youth development programs in my locality. Currently, I am developing two new gardening school enrichment programs for this spring, and preparing for our 4-H Summer Camp!ย
2023
Jasmin Norford
Jumpstart
After receiving a Master of Arts in Educational Policy Studies at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, Jasmin is working as a Data and Impact Evaluation Specialist at Family Nurturing Center of Massachusetts.ย
Kira Azulay
Museum of Scienceย
In 2024 I left the Museum of Science after 3 years working in Youth Programs (2 with the FAO Schwarz Fellowship). I am working with the Philanthropic Initiative, so I am still doing social impact work!ย
Nia Atkins
Year Up New York|New Jersey
Currently, I am a first year PhD student in the politics department at Princeton University. I focus on American politics, specifically race and ethnic politics, and I am taking a variety of classes as well as working in a lab that focuses on race, politics, and experimental methods.
Ryan Telingator
Jumpstart
My past year has been very busy! The Massachusetts Legislature has a two year session, so there was a lot of good policy and legislation passed and enacted throughout 2024. In June, my boss Representative Marjorie Decker asked me to take a leave of absence to manage her campaign for re-election. It turned into an extremely tight race and we won by 41 votes. I returned to her office in September as Chief of Staff, and continue to appreciate the opportunity to work with a variety of nonprofit partners and advocates.
2022
Adriana Moran Garcia
Mural Arts Philadelphia
Adriana is the Programming Coordinator at El Museo del Barrio in NYC. Adriana is engaged in “developing and creating programming schedules for over ten events annuallyย that include Three Kings Day Parade in East Harlem and Museum Mile Festival at El Museo.”ย
Charlotte Blackman
Museum of the City of New York
Charlotte is working as a Strategic Projects Coordinator at The Columbia Climate School, and she is an Education Volunteer at the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum.
Clara Monk
Reading Partners NYC
I recently completed the Baruch Certificate in Quantitative Methods for Policy and Equity Analysis and I’m launching my capstone project in collaboration with Reading Partners in anticipation of graduating with my MPA this spring!
HโAbigail Mlo
Trust for Public Land
After four great years in Philly, I moved to Madison in August to pursue an MFA in Creative Writing at UW-Madison.ย
Serena Salgado
Breakthrough Greater Boston
After more than two years working at the Bridgespan Group in NYC as an Associate Consultant for nonprofit organizations and foundations, Serena became a Strategy Analyst at the Marin Community Foundation in California.ย
2021
Angela Ortiz
Generation Citizen
I’m in my third year at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology – four in July! I’ve expanded into working a lot on internal culture, communications, and focusing on inclusion and belonging. I’ve been engaging in work around restorative practices and am now training in mediation and conflict resolution. I’m looking forward to building more of these relationship and community caretaking skills and seeing where they take me!ย
Emily Hynes
Year Up New York | New Jersey
Emily is entering her third year working in program management at Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. She manages four patient- and survivor-facing programs in advocacy, education, and survivor support. With the new Congress in session, she is excited to go back to DC this spring to advocate for increased research and education funding on behalf of gynecologic cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones. Emily and her fiancรฉ are also very excited to be getting married this spring and to take a few weeks off work to travel around the Mediterranean for their honeymoon!
Marielena Fernandez
DREAMย
Mari works as a Scholar Counselor at Oliver Scholars. Mari writes, “I support high-achieving students from underserved communities in their academic and personal growth. I leverage my communication and mentoring skills, as well as my degree in Urban Studies/Affairs from Queens College, to help them navigate the challenges and opportunities of pursuing higher education and career goals. Before joining Oliver Scholars, I worked as a Youth Development Specialist at DREAM (formerly Harlem RBI), where I designed and delivered programs that fostered social-emotional learning, civic engagement, and leadership among young people. I am passionate about urban education, youth empowerment, and social justice, and I strive to make a positive difference in the lives of the scholars and the communities I serve.”
Meredith Jones
Jumpstart
I’m in my second-to-last year of my School Psychology EdS program at UMASS. I’m still working as an Administrative Assistant at Neighborhood Villages, but I’m also doing a part-time practicum placement at Brighton High School in Boston. I received a fellowship from the Transforming Boston Access to Mental Health in Schools (BAMHS) Project, and I’m excited that I’ll be continuing in Boston Public Schools for my full-time internship next school year.
Taylor Reese
Year Up Philadelphia
I have been with Jobs for the Future for a little over two years now, primarily serving as a Marketing Project Manager. My role is now shifting to include more digital marketing work, such as on our website. I am excited about this change and getting to use skills I’ve honed in a new way! This past summer, I started my MBA in digital brand communications at Clemson University. It has been a challenge to balance school, full-time work, and my role as Senior Manager for the Fellowship, but I have found a way to make it all work and am learning a lot! This month I’ll also be celebrating a year in Charleston–I absolutely love it here, and can’t believe I didn’t get here sooner!ย
2020
Annie Want
The Food Trust
After earning Masterโs Program in social work at Smith College, Annie is working at Protea Wellness in the state of Washington as a therapist. Annie writes, โAs someone who centers their work on marginalized people of many kinds, I am interested in working to end oppression and move toward liberation inside and outside the therapy room. I believe that each of our healing journeys has ripples in our relationships, communities, and lineages, and that this healing work is part of our larger movements.โ
Erika Apupalo
Reading Partners NYC
I am currently working at the ICSC Foundation as their Programs Coordinator.ย
Joyce Kim
uAspire
I am still working at Mathematica, focusing on education and employment projects. This fall, my colleague Briana and I presented and facilitated a panel at the annual APLU convening about our recent brief on learnings from a project with the Lumina Foundation about partnerships to support adult learner success. I am also finishing up my M.Ed. in Educational Foundations, Leadership and Policy with a focus in Leadership in Higher Education at the University of Washington.ย
Lauren Hurley
Breakthrough Greater Boston
I serve as the Program Director for iMentor Chicago! I’m entering my 4th year at the organization and enjoy supporting mentoring relationships leading to post-secondary success for our students.ย Personally, I’m enjoying living close to family and friends in Chicago.ย
Nick Mitch
Riverkeeper
I continue to work as a resilience planner at Arcadis. Over the past year I’ve had the chance to work on a number of exciting projects, including Resilient NJ. This NJDEP program works at the regional scale to help communities take action to prepare for climate impacts.ย
2019
Jaiwantie Manniย
Museum of the City of New Yorkย
Jai, after completing graduate school at the American Museum of Natural History, is a high school science teacher at New York Cityโs Department of Education.
Kayla Jones
Jumpstart
I recently began a new role as the National Funds Investment Officer at the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), working to manage their lending programs that invest in affordable housing and community facilities across the country. I obtained a project management certificate and would like to explore opportunities to grow that skill set in this new role.ย I look forward to continuing my career in the social impact sector at LIIF.
Molly Blake
Playworks New England
Molly started a new role in January 2025 at Studer Education which “partners with school districts and education organizations across the country to drive sustainable improvement, student success and to achieve excellence. ” Molly’s role is as a sales associate.ย
Pamela Martinez
Playworks Philadelphiaย
I have been hired as Academy Director to a Child Care Center called Brightside Academy which has over 23 locations in Philadelphia.ย I am also going to begin working towards a Directors credential which will allow me to increase my knowledge on early childhood education and receive a certificate of completion.
Samantha Perlmanย
Generation Citizen
I completed my JD/MA this past year, graduating from Boston College Law School and Tufts University. I also passed the bar exam and am now officially Attorney Perlman! Following graduation, I working in public interest litigation and most recently finished a Presidential Appointment in the Biden-Harris Administration in the Department of Transportation under Secretary Pete Buttigieg.ย
2018
Allie Negron
uAspire
In July, I joined the team at Welcome.US, a national initiative aimed at inspiring, mobilizing, and empowering Americans to welcome and support individuals seeking refuge in the United States. As the Email Production Manager, I define and execute our email marketing strategy. I aim to ensure our supporters stay connected to relevant resources, information, and stories that further our mission of supporting refugees in the United States. Given that my role is fully remote, it’s not uncommon to find me working for week-long stretches at a time from cities around the world!
Claudia von Nostitz
Reading Partners NYC
Iโm currently teaching 1st grade special education at PS958 in Brooklyn.ย
Karen Wilber
uAspireย
I’ve continued to call Cambridge, MA home and have been continuing at my original host organization (uAspire) as Senior Director of Learning & Evaluation! If anyone in the FAO Fellows community has any FAFSA questions, I welcome you to reach out; it’s been quite the last year or so with FAFSA. Personally I’m looking forward to doing some traveling this year, and new/continued hobbies like reading, swimming, and crafting.
Ciara Williams
Mural Arts Philadelphia
I’m in year 2 of my PhD program in Environmental History–focusing on the mid-Atlantic, specifically the lower Delaware River and its connections to territorial expansion and imperialism in the 17th – 19th centuriesย
2017
Ellie Sanchez
Generation Citizen
I am entering my third year as Chief of Staff to Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata and have been leading her team and policy work on the Council. In my capacity I have worked on issues like equitable food access, coastal resilience, and economic mobility opportunities. I have also joined Inspiring Educators, an organization working to provide thoughtful and effective professional development to educators across the country, as a board member. On a personal note: my wife and pup Theo continue to be my world.
Jen Benson
Riverkeeper
I continue to work at Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, an environmental non-profit dedicated to stewarding an intergenerational community of Hudson River advocates through education, activism, sailing, and music. Since starting at Clearwater full-time in July 2023, I’ve been the Director of Environmental Action – this spring my role expanded to also oversee our Communications department. I love my work at Clearwater, and hope to spend a week working and living aboard our 105′ historic Hudson River Sloop learning from our skilled crew about sailing, and helping implement our on-board environmental education programs.ย
Julia Fillman
Row New York
I continue to live and work in Philadelphia, serving as a Class Giving Director at the University of Pennsylvania and fundraising for undergraduate financial aid. Though I was happy to take some time off this year when my husband and I welcomed our first baby to our family! Josie was born this past May and we are loving every day with her and can’t believe how fast time is going by! She’s already on the move with crawling and starting to stand so we have our hands full at home trying to keep up with her!
Khari Graves
The Food Trust
Khari is a Youth Violence Outreach Counselor at the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia. Khari writes, “I help young people, largely Black and Brown boys, affected by violence and other traumas on their healing and recovery journeys.”ย
2016
Dawn Lavallee
Playworks Massachusetts
I amย in my second school year as the Associate Director at Playworks New England where I oversee programming and partnerships throughout the region. My husband and I live in Henniker, NH with our golden retriever, Winnie, where we spend a lot of time in the woods, garden, and snow.ย
Gabriella Gomez
Breakthrough New York
Late last year, fellow Fellow Joseph Rosales and I got married in front of our families in New York. When I am not expanding our Pokemon card collection or planning elaborate meals, I am still working as the Senior Program Operations Manager at SEO.ย
Joseph Rosales
Breakthrough New York
I am still at Student Leadership Network, but I was recently promoted and am now the Associate Director for Early College and Career Awareness. In this new role, I am supervising a cohort of college counselors throughout New York City while also developing our organization’s curriculum and strategy around post-secondary knowledge and engagement. Outside of work, I am happy to announce that Gaby Gomez ’16 and I got married! We had a small ceremony surrounded by family and are looking forward to sharing our lives together with our cat Kobe.
Margaret Kearney
Mural Arts Philadelphia
I’m a teacher at The Workshop School, a project based learning public high school in West Philadelphia. I teach Special Education and English with a focus on improving literacy skills for older students. Outside of work I’m still making art, going for lots of walks, and playing with my daughter (who was born this past spring!).ย
Sarah Kacevichย
Strong Women, Strong Girls
This year I made a significant career transition to nonprofit consulting after many years of full-time work. So far, Iโm working part-time for Mass Audubon as a project coordinator for a pilot program that combines civics and climate action; I joined a consulting practice focused on grants services for nonprofits and small businesses; I supported two organizations with event management and volunteers; and Iโve expanded my own land-based arts business. I continue to volunteer for organizations with missions close to my heart including food security, domestic violence, and outdoor access. Itโs been a year of growth, change, uncertainty, excitement, and travelโPeru last year and elsewhere soon!ย
2015
Amy McDermott
Jumpstart
I can’t believe it, but we are already 5 years into The Valedictorian Project, the organization I co-founded just before the start of the pandemic. This year we serve 165 students throughout their college journeys, and hope to continue growing our team this spring. On a personal update, my husband and I are expecting a baby boy this summer! He’ll be welcomed by his many cousins.
Char Rendon
Row New York
Char is an entrepreneur who launched and manages their own e-commerce business.
Deshaun Parris
The Food Trust
Deshaun is the Senior Site Manger, Clinical Operations for Real World Solutions. Deshaun writes, “My passion for public health stems from my desire to prevent complex health issues and address the health disparities that affect underserved communities. I have a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.”ย
Juliana Noone
Please Touch Museum
Juliana is an artist and a freelance production designer in Philadelphia. Juliana writes, “I am an advocate for learning through creativity and exploration, and providing atypical learning opportunities for people of all ages to learn, grow, and connect.ย
Shaina Spann
Jumpstart
Shaina is the Marketing Communications Project Manager of DCBar in Washington, DC. The mission of the organization is to โenhance access to justice. Improve the legal system. Empower lawyers to achieve.โ
2014
Caroline Smith
Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia
Caroline is an English/ESL Teacher in the Upper school SEI Academy at Charlestown High School in the Boston area.
Jonathan Baez
Breakthrough New York
JB is still at The Urban Assembly as the Work-Based Learning Manager. He is also contracted by Teach for American to facilitate DEIB conversations with first and second year corp members. Additionally, he has stepped down last summer from his role as Board Chair of The National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators and now serve as a Director.ย
Katherine Evering-Rowe
The Food Project
Katherine is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist in private practice in Philadelphia. Katherine’s work is focused on “healing for marginalized communities.”ย
Kayla (Peck) Hopgood
Strong Women, Strong Girls
I serve as pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Washington Crossing, PA and have two kids of my own: Alma (2) and Felix (5).ย
Michael McNeill-Martinez
Zumix
I am currently working as a HS English teacher and Advisory Coordinator at the American International School of Lusaka, in Zambia.ย
2013
Greg Wright
The Food Trust
Greg is the community school coordinator in the Mayorโs Office of Education in Philadelphia. In this role, Greg has collaborated with Julie Kleaver ’26 and Sophie Becker-Klein ’24 at Audubon Mid-Atlantic to create partnerships around environmental education at select community schools. As of 2022 Greg started a photography business, Wright Eye Visuals LLC. ” Through photography I aim to tell stories of the African Diaspora.”
Louis Berman
Jumpstart New York
I have been enjoying growing as a pre k teacher at Beauvoir for the last 9 years! I am in my sixth year as the pre k team leader, and this year have taken on some new roles as the co-lead of our math committee and lead of the LGBTQIA staff affinity group!ย
Sara (Wilson) Boahย
Year Up
2024 was a year filled with personal milestones. In August, I married my best friend in St. Vincent in an intimate ceremony, and we closed on the home we built in Atlanta.ย
2012
Bridgit Paula Ganson
Wheelock College
Iโm currently working in private practice in Toronto, focusing on young children and families, with a special emphasis on supporting those experiencing perinatal mental health challenges. At home, my two little ones, Oliver (5) and Talullah (2), bring joy and energy to my days, keeping life busy, meaningful, and full of love.
Kerry Sorensonย
Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia
Kerry is the Assistant Principal of Post-Secondary Programs at the Mastery Charter School Shoemaker Campus. In this role, Kerry “manages the post-secondary team towards meeting all program-specific goals.ย provides instructional coaching and tracks data aligned to post-secondary success.”ย
Lakeisha Geraldย
The Food Project
I am the Acting Principal at Attleboro Community Academy.
Lauren Brincat
Museum of the City of New York
I am still working at Preservation Long Island, and last summer, I was promoted from curator to chief curator and director of collections. I also wrapped up a multi-year project focused on a German immigrant artist who painted Long Island communities and businesses during the late 19th century. It culminated in the release of a major publication, “Promoting Long Island: The Art of Edward Lange, 1870-1889,” of which I was a co-editor and contributing author.ย
Maley Mullin Parillaย
Jumpstart
Maley is the Lower School Counselor at The Carroll School in Waltham, Massachusetts. Carroll is a special education school serving students with dyslexia. Maley works with the youngest students in grades first through 4th. Maley and her husband have a daughter, Mairead Frances, who was born in September of 2022.ย
2011
Ariana Dugan
Year Up
I’ve now been at Interplay Learning for 4 years. We recently raised our series C and acquired a company, which have been rewarding professional challenges for me to add to my regular technology, customer and learner strategic responsibilities. I’ve been in DC now for five years and love spending time with my sister, brother-in-law, and two nephews.
Mariah Peebles
Year Up
I graduated from Simmons University with an MSW and a certificate in trauma practice this spring. I am currently planning to move to Portland Oregon at the end of February!
Shameka Edmond Smith
Groundwork
Shameka has worked at KIPP Elementary School in the Bronx for almost seven years. In 2024, Shameka was promoted to the Associate Director of Operations where she “oversees the administrative and operational functions of the school to ensure a safe, efficient and supportive learning environment for our students, staff, and community.”ย
2010
Alexis McConnell
Boston Childrenโs Museum
Alexis is the Nutrition Educator Supervisor with the Broward County Health Department in Florida.
Brianne Studer
Boston Childrenโs Museum
Brianne is still at Friends of the National Arboretum, and thrilled to have secured another 5 year grant for their school garden programs.ย As Director of Programs, she’s excited to plan and support not only their youth education programs, but also expand out into adult programs and events in the coming year.
Danielle Calnan Morassi
Tenacity
Danielle works with Talent Acquisition and Employee Experience for Building Blocks, HeartWorks and Little Sprouts. Dani “focuses on building strong teams, employee satisfaction in work-life and the workplace, and advocating for policy change that creates positive impact in Early Childhood Education.”ย
Julia MacMahon
Wheelock College
I’m currently working as an Adjunct Professor and Advisor at Boston College School of Social Work and doing some consulting work. This allows me the flexibility to care for myself, my family, and my community and I’m loving the balance!
Liana (Mitman) Brodsky
Jumpstart
I just had my second daughter, Alara Ava on November 30th. Iโm on leave until April when I will return back to work at the Mandel Foundation. We love having two daughters and my oldest is excited about being a big sister!
Stephanie Dueรฑo
Museum of the City of New York
Stephanie is the Director of Implementation at The Center for Fair Futures. Fair Futures is a youth-led advocacy movement and coalition of 100+ organizations and foundations advocating for all young people in New York City’s foster care system to have access to the long-term, comprehensive supports they need to achieve their potential.ย
2009
Barbyose Noisette Sanders
Big Brothers Big Sisters
I became the Executive Program Director at Kensington Soccer Club in 2022. I am still there.
Bianca van Heydoorn
Vera Institute of Justice
Bianca is the Executive Director, Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project in Philadelphia.ย
Massomeh (Muhammed) Spahr
Year Up
I am currently the Managing Director at BIPOC ED Coalition WA.ย The BIPOC ED Coalition is a multicultural, cross-sector collaborative of 200+ Black, Indigenous, and People of Color nonprofit leaders working in solidarity to promote wellness and restore resources in communities of color.ย One of our main achievements is raising funds for executive directors and senior leaders to take 2-week, 1-month, and 3-month sabbaticals.ย We also plan local and international health and wellness retreats.ย As the Managing Director, I spearhead all of the backend financials, operations, and HR policies for the organization.
Tory Klein Dunkle
Please Touch Museum
Tory is working at St John the Baptist Episcopal Church in York, Pennsylvania as an office administrator. Tory has “found immense joy and fulfillment in working professionally to further the mission of the Church.”ย Toryโs daughter Anna turned 5 in December.
2008
Christyne (DeMango) Anderson
Associated Early Care and Education
Christyne received a promotion this year to Director, Training and Compliance at Harvard University in the Office of Sponsored Programs. Outside of work, Christyne and her husband CJ have three children who will be fourteen, twelve and ten this spring.ย
CJ Anderson
BELL
CJ is an Elementary School Teacher at Billerica Public Schools. CJ and Christyne have three children.ย
Emily Kuross Vikre
Boston Childrenโs Museum
Continuing to run the business I co-founded with my husband, Vikre Distillery. I am actively involved in a variety of our community organizations as well, including being on the boards of: Friends of the Boundary Waters (chair of the education committee); Lyric Opera of the North (treasurer); the 1200 Fund (a non traditional lending and granting entity for small business), and Visit Duluth. I have gotten very into dancing ballet, taking class at the Minnesota Ballet, and danced in the Nutcracker for the first time this last year. My two boys are attending our local Montessori school and absolutely loving this educational method.ย
Joanna Steinberg
Museum of the City of New Yorkย
Joanna is the Director of Learning and Engagement at the New Haven Museum. In this role, Joanna develops community partnerships, programs, and curriculum that is interdisciplinary, student-centered, and focused on local history, bridging the past and the present. Joanna, her husband and son Paxton are living in New Haven, Connecticut.
Jordy Owen
Childrenโs Literacy Initiative
Jordy is the Director of Multimedia and E-Learning Technologies at the Childrenโs Literacy Initiative where she worked as an FAO Schwarz Fellow.