Our Team

Amanda is a Project Director for the Work-Based Learning Labs team, where she supports HERE to HERE Network High Schools in building robust internship programs and fostering a school culture of career readiness. Additionally, Amanda manages ImBlaze opportunities and assists in CDOS initiatives, advisory design, and thought-partnership with in-school work-based learning coordinators.

Prior to joining HERE to HERE, Amanda worked as an Internship Coordinator at DreamYard Preparatory, a HERE to HERE Network School. During her time at DreamYard Prep, Amanda co-facilitated senior advisory classes, oversaw a paid internship program, and led the rollout of school-based SYEP at the school. Previously, Amanda worked at The Osborne Association, a non-profit supporting those affected by the criminal justice system, where she coordinated a career readiness program for young adults with court contact. While obtaining her MSW from Adelphi University Amanda completed a two-year internship with the NYC Department of Corrections, facilitating job readiness classes and providing counseling to incarcerated men and women on Rikers Island. Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from SUNY Geneseo and is a Licensed Social Worker.

Jennifer Cortez is Project Director, Placements, in the Work-Based Learning Labs team. Jennifer is responsible for developing and leading our day-to-day work to support and build access to high-quality work-based learning opportunities for HERE to HERE’s high school network and CUNY students. Within this role, Jennifer provides coaching and technical assistance for schools actively developing relationships with employers and community-based organizations.

Prior to working at HERE to HERE, Jennifer was an Operations Manager for Key Collegiate Charter School, where she supported the school with virtual reopening plans during the Covid pandemic. Prior to this role, she was a Manager of Operations, Youth Career Pathways, at Per Scholas—an organization that provides infrastructure IT training. During her time at Per Scholas, Jennifer designed and launched the ‘Pathfinders’ ambassador program, which supports high school students through the Per Scholas’ technology training admissions process. Jennifer graduated from SUNY Purchase College with a bachelor of arts in Journalism and earned a master of science degree in Nonprofit Leadership from Fordham University.

Quinton is a Project Manager on the Work-Based Learning Labs team, partnering with HERE to HERE’s high school and CUNY partners to further embed and enhance work-based learning opportunities for students in The Bronx and NYC. He brings a wealth of experience contributing to a range of innovative approaches to workforce development and advocacy for systemic and educational policy change to improve outcomes for students across the country. Previous to HERE to HERE, Quinton worked for CareerWise Colorado, the nation’s first modern youth apprenticeship program, where he leveraged market data and industry expertise to highlight sustainable career paths, credentialing and certifications, and emerging markets to support the development of potential new occupations. Most recently, he worked for the Boston Private Industry Council where he supported students, schools, and community-based organizations to implement and facilitate internship opportunities and professional skills development. Quinton has B.A. in International Affairs and Political Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Lucy is a strategic advisor to HERE to HERE. Her goal is to bring public awareness and currency to the idea that to ensure equity and economic vibrancy all students should have the opportunity to have paid internships which helps prepare them for family-sustaining careers. She developed a plan for universal summer jobs for high school students as a Visiting Fellow at the Pinkerton Foundation. Prior to the fellowship, she founded and headed ExpandED Schools (formerly The After-School Corporation) that led to quality after-school as a public responsibility. Now, more than 900 NYC public schools host after-school programs with community based organizations. Previously, Lucy created and led Safe Horizon, the largest victim assistance organization in the country.

Lucy was a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic working in community development. She received a bachelors degree from Bryn Mawr College and a PhD in Social Psychology from Columbia University.

Ally Margolis serves as a Project Director with HERE to HERE’s Policy and Impact team, working across our network of champions to build the case for expanded career pathways that successfully braid workplace and academic learning through the Key Distinguishers.

Prior to joining HERE to HERE, Ally was a Policy & Communications Manager at Every Hour Counts, and director of the organization’s national learning community of after-school intermediary organizations. Within this role, Ally supported 28 intermediaries across the country with scaling high-quality after-school and summer learning experiences, documenting best practices and promising approaches, advocating for policies that elevate the role of the intermediary, and managing the organization’s communications strategy. Prior to Every Hour Counts, Ally served as a school leader and middle school teacher in both New Orleans and New York City. She holds a master’s degree from New York University and a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College.

Apurva Mehrotra serves as HERE to HERE’s Vice President, Research & Analytics, leading HERE to HERE’s efforts to identify and collect data on key metrics related to work-based learning, systemize quantitative and qualitative data collection to support continuous improvement and impact, analyze research and data, and produce reports and other written materials that support HERE to HERE’s systems-change and policy agenda.

Prior to joining HERE to HERE, Apurva was the Director of Research and Data Analysis at Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC), a nonprofit child advocacy organization, where he led the production of various print and web-based products – including CCC’s biennial Keeping Track of New York City’s Children data book and multiple community needs assessments – and oversaw the maintenance a series of online data visualization tools. Prior to CCC, Apurva spent over four years at the Community Service Society of New York (CSS) contributing research, data analysis, and writing to a variety of advocacy efforts. Apurva’s work at CSS contributed to the passage of a New York City law requiring paid sick time, an increase in the minimum wage for tipped workers, and state funding for a program supporting foster youth in college. Apurva has a Bachelor’s from New York University and an MPA from Baruch College.

Joshua is Vice President, HERE to HERE Hub and Student Voice, working closely with key partners and local community-based organizations to develop and organize programming aligned with the HERE to HERE values and framework, while leading the organization’s effort to lift and highlight the student experience – keeping young people at the center HERE to HERE’s mission.

Bronx born and raised, Joshua Poyer has been working with young people for well over a decade. Prior to his work at HERE to HERE, Joshua served as a Youth Developer at Children’s Aid Society and Assistant Director for Roberto Clemente Campus. During this time, Joshua developed a successful Youth Advocacy Curriculum for middle schools’ students to share their voices on social issues such as animal cruelty, cyber bullying and police brutality. Joshua extended his youth empowerment work through the EXCEL program at Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School, a college readiness initiative which connected students with internships, scholarships and job placement. He also created the school’s Student Government Association which birthed the Peace Block Party, an award winning, annual student-led event that promotes anti-gun/gang violence through community engagement and activity. Joshua Poyer received a bachelor’s degree from City College in Psychology. In high school, Joshua worked in an after school program at his local community center where he learned the importance of supporting, playing with, tutoring and providing a safe haven for young students.

Stephanie is the Director, External Affairs helping to advance HERE to HERE’s mission and support its communications, marketing, and fundraising initiatives. She brings nearly 15 years of experience supporting organizations fighting to dismantle systemic barriers and tackling seemingly intractable problems. 

Most recently Stephanie served as the Director of Communications at Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners, a national nonprofit social enterprise helping workers achieve financial empowerment. Prior to Neighborhood Trust, she spent a decade at Group Gordon, a New York-based PR firm working with corporate, crisis, and public affairs clients. Starting as an Associate and rising to Senior Vice President and Group Director, she crafted and executed communications and media relations strategy for local, national, and international nonprofits, including Acumen, Enterprise Community Partners, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, the NoVo Foundation, and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Stephanie was born and raised in the Bronx and is a proud graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and Georgetown University. 

Victoria Shire is Interim CEO for HERE to HERE. She previously served as Vice President, Administration and External Affairs for HERE to HERE with strategic oversight of finance, human resources, operations, communications, and fundraising for five years. In this role she ensured the organization’s optimal operating capacity can be realized and all staff are fully equipped with the tools and resources they need to excel in their roles and in the field.

Victoria Shire has over 20 years of experience mobilizing public, private and philanthropic investments to advance community, neighborhood and organizational development. Victoria was most recently Chief Program Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC, where she was responsible for a portfolio of mentoring, education, volunteer engagement and family support programs serving 5,000 youth annually. Prior to this, Victoria held progressively senior leadership roles at Enterprise Community Partners, a national housing organization, covering program design and implementation, policy, fundraising, communications, strategic planning, change management, and operations. Her programmatic areas of expertise centered on the connection between affordable housing and housing-based service models for those at risk of, or exiting, homelessness. Victoria holds a bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University in Philosophy and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from New York University.

Brandon is the Director, 9-16 Education Partnerships, on the Work-Based Learning Labs teams at HERE to HERE. Within this role, Brandon supports HERE to HERE’s high school and CUNY partners in their efforts to expand and enhance work-based learning.

For the past decade, Brandon has worked to improve education outcomes for young people through strategy, innovation, and leadership. Prior to his role at HERE to HERE, Brandon held an extended tenure in education, working at varying levels within New York City’s Department of Education (NYCDOE)—from Chief of Staff for the First Deputy Chancellor to Senior Director of Organizational Effectiveness. Most recently, he was the NYCDOE Interim Acting Director of My Brother’s Keeper. Brandon has also served Boston Public Schools as Director of Network Academics, oversaw its Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Programs, and as a High School History Teacher. Throughout his career, Brandon has positioned himself as a thought leader, strategist, and advocate for quality alliances and partnerships that drive positive outcomes for young people. Brandon received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and master’s in Education from Boston College.

Lazar Treschan is the Vice President for Policy and Impact at HERE to HERE, where he leads the organization’s efforts to document and disseminate the lessons from its demonstration projects, produces original research to further build the case for expanded work-based learning and career pathways, and conducts advocacy toward the adoption of those policies at a broader scale in high schools, postsecondary programs, and employers.

Lazar has spent the last 12 years as the Director of Youth Policy at the Community Service Society of New York (CSS), where he conducted research and led advocacy efforts in a range of areas to improve outcomes of low-income young people in New York City. Lazar’s work at CSS included successful efforts to better link public youth employment and education programming; reforms of the high school equivalency system; changes to work requirements for youth on public assistance. Lazar has also published and spoken publicly on topics including school integration; selective high school and college admissions; how to support young people in the labor market; and issues facing young people of Latinx backgrounds. Prior to CSS, Lazar worked in policy and planning positions at New Visions for Public Schools, the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, and Abt Associates. He has taught master’s-level courses at New York University, The New School, and Brooklyn College. Lazar has a master’s Degree in Public Policy from Harvard University and is a graduate of NYC public schools.

Discover what it’s like to work with us and find open positions on our Careers page.

HERE to HERE is a network of high schools, post-secondary programs, community colleges, CBOs and employers who are pioneering multiple pathways to family-sustaining careers, beginning in the South Bronx with in-school teens and young adults.

For over 30 years, Judy has focused on cost-effective, cross-sector, scaled solutions to help young people overcome the challenges poverty imposes on their lives, learning, and futures. In 1994, she helped establish the National Center for Community Schools (NCCS) with the Children’s Aid Society. Since 1994, NCCS has assisted in the establishment of over 15,000 community schools. In 2000, she co-founded The Campaign to Expand Community Schools in Chicago. A $50 million public-private partnership, the Campaign successfully transformed approximately 20% of Chicago public schools into Community Schools, with enhanced programming for students and parents, including extended hours and on-site health care. Prior to founding HERE to HERE, Judy helped develop South Bronx Rising Together, a network of program providers and community stakeholders focused on supporting the lifelong success of families and youth in the community.

Judy began her career in consulting at Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. and later in financial services at Shearson Lehman/ American Express. She holds a bachelor’s from Tulane University, a master’s in psychology from Catholic University and an M.B.A. from Harvard University. Her previous and current board memberships include: The Children’s Aid Society, Families and Work Institute, The Center for Arts Education, The Institute on Education and Government at Columbia University, National Center for Children in Poverty (Columbia University), The Chicago Public Education Fund, The Harvard Graduate School of Education Visiting Committee, The School of Social Service Administration Visiting Committee (University of Chicago), Trinity College Board of Visitors (Duke University), Board of Advisors Harvard Business School, The Latin School of Chicago, Ballet Hispanico, and After-School Matters.

Jason Duchin is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the DreamYard Project, the largest Arts and Education nonprofit in the Bronx, NY. DreamYard uses the arts to inspire youth, public schools, and communities. DreamYard programs develop artistic voice, nurture young people’s desire to make change and cultivate the skills necessary to reach positive goals. The DreamYard Project is a key educator partner in HERE to HERE’s mission to ensure equity and ultimately professional opportunities for Bronx youth. Jason graduated from Duke University and attended semesters at UC Berkeley and Hebrew University. Before starting DreamYard in 1994, Jason worked as a journalist, a community organizer, and an actor. In an ongoing effort to ensure that all Americans have equal access to the arts Jason has served on numerous arts and education panels and committees, including President Clinton’s Fulbright Commission on the Arts, The Chancellor’s Arts Education Task Force, The MacArthur Foundation’s Learning Lab and Libraries initiative, the Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York State Council for the Arts.

Tim Lord is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the DreamYard Project, Inc., a Bronx-based arts and social justice pedagogy organization. DreamYard works with over 10,000 young people annually in 55 public schools K-12th Grade, including the DreamYard Prep High School, and at the DreamYard Art Center. DreamYard is a founding partner, with Big Picture Learning and the Jamie and Judy Dimon Foundation, in HERE to HERE, a Bronx-based non-profit that links employers, educators and diverse community stakeholders in concerted action to enhance career pathways for young people in low-income neighborhoods.

Tim is a Pahara-Aspen Institute Fellow in the Winter 2019 Cohort, and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He has taught workshops with the Mississippi Whole Schools Initiative and the New Hampshire Statewide Educators’ Conference and served on the New York City Task Force on Quality Arts Education. Tim was a 1993 echoing green fellow. Prior to founding DreamYard, he was an actor and director in New York City and was a company member at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, from where he received a master of fine arts degree. He earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science, graduating summa cum laude, from Brown University.

A proud native New Yorker, Carlos Moreno is a passionate educational leader committed to supporting school and district leaders who are creating high-quality, non-traditional schools. He is a Co-Executive Director for Big Picture Learning, a nonprofit organization that, since 1995, has developed over 150 such schools in the United States and throughout the world.

As Big Picture’s Co-Executive Director, Carlos is the visionary for all U.S. school and district-wide programs. Carlos leads a national team of regional directors, designs and leads Big Picture’s several annual conferences, and coordinates leadership development and support services for school and district leaders and works with scores of non-Big Picture schools that wish to incorporate elements of the Big PictureLearning design. He also leads the Deeper Learning Equity Fellowship in partnership
with the Internationals Network for Public Schools.

Working in various roles and types of organizations, Abby Jo Sigal has been committed to revitalizing New York City neighborhoods for over 25 years to better serve local residents. As the Founding CEO of HERE to HERE, Abby led a diverse team committed to aligning with key stakeholders around the goal of career success for NYC students, demonstrating best practice, and translating that best practice into systems change. She was also the Executive Director of The James and Judith K. Dimon Foundation, one of the founding organizations of HERE to HERE along with Dreamyard and Big Picture Learning. Abby has extensive experience in community development, public/private partnerships, impact investing and working with community-based organizations.

Prior to HERE to HERE and the Dimon Foundation, Abby was the Senior Vice President of Innovation at Enterprise Community Partners, a national housing organization, and provided leadership across the organization for strategy, new product development, knowledge management, and impact investing. Prior to that role, she ran the Enterprise NY market, deploying $200 million annually in equity, debt, and grants; developing and implementing programs; and policy. Early in her career, she oversaw the design and development of the New York City’s Hudson River Park along the West Side and launched its first Summer Youth Program. Abby holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale in Philosophy and master’s degrees from UC-Berkeley in Business Administration and City & Regional Planning.