Our Team

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 leads 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 is 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.

Barbara Chang fosters new employer partnerships through the HERE to HERE Business Council, a group of NYC employers committed to working with the education system to create a robust talent pipeline. Barbara leads business engagement and school partnership for CareerWise New York, a youth apprenticeship system modeled after the Swiss system, and an integral piece of H2H’s work to align stakeholders for a stronger, more prepared workforce.

Previously, Barbara served as Executive Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development (WKDEV), steering the city’s Workforce Development Board and engaging leaders from the private and public sectors, labor unions and community-based organizations to help New Yorkers build relevant skills for their careers. Barbara was also founding CEO of Code to Work, Executive Vice President of Per Scholas, CEO of NPower National and Executive Director of NPower New York, amongst other prominent senior leadership roles. Barbara holds a bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree in Administration from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.

Melinda leads efforts to recruit, onboard, and support CareerWise New York employers in the hiring and training of high school apprentices. One of Melinda’s priorities is to create internal and external champions who are modeling partnership with public education to adequately prepare young people for 21st-century jobs.

Prior to this role, she was CEO of the nonprofit Code to Work which used technology and public and private cross-sector partnerships to create pathways to economic opportunity and upward mobility in the tech industry. There Melinda facilitated the integration of Code to Work into the City University of New York (CUNY) and headed the program at CUNY Central. Prior to that role, she was a Product Director at NPower and managed its principal IT corporate pro bono platform, most notably the launch and growth of that offering, which now serves more than 1,000 NGOs around the world. As a former investment banker at JPMorgan Chase, Melinda played a key role in the origination and execution of equity transactions for the firm’s technology sector clients. Melinda is passionate about the transformational impact apprenticeships have on young people. She holds an MBA from Columbia University and a bachelor’s from New York University.

Joiselle steers HERE to HERE’s strategy to train employers and CareerWise NY apprentices in partnership with the CUNY system. Joiselle is a federal policy advisor, consultant, and award-winning educator who has worked in the United States, Europe, and Latin America.

Prior to her role at HERE to HERE, Joiselle served as a Senior Advisor and consultant at Teach For Sweden, Empieza por Educar, as well as other social impact and education organizations. Joiselle served in the Obama Administration in the Office of the Secretary at the United States Department of Education and managed educator engagement for the Obama White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. Joiselle has worked with several education organizations, including the New York City Department of Education, KIPP and America Achieves. Joiselle studied Public Policy and Economics at Duke University, where she received the Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarship for academic achievement. She earned her doctorate from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.

Apurva Mehrotra serves as HERE to HERE’s Director of 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.

Abja leads the Work-Based Learning Labs team (WBLL), leading HERE to HERE’s work to integrate work-based learning into school curriculum and design across New York City, starting in the Bronx. Abja works with internal and external stakeholders to advance work-based learning at scale, including developing strong relationships as a trusted advisor to education, community-based organizations, and government partners.

Prior to her role at H2H, Abja was Deputy Director at The Education Trust – New York, where she partnered with organizations across New York State to advocate for the elimination of gaps in equity and opportunity that prevent students from succeeding. Prior to The Education Trust – New York, Abja was Project Director at Advocates for Children of New York where she led policy advocacy on behalf of immigrant students, English Language Learners, students with disabilities, and over-age under-credited youth in New York City public schools. She also led the Coalition for Multiple Pathways to a Diploma, a statewide coalition that successfully advocated for changes to New York high school graduation requirements. Abja graduated from Brown University with a bachelor’s in Economics and International Relations and earned her J.D from Yale Law School.

Noel Parish is the Vice President, K-12 Partnerships, on the CareerWise New York team, where she oversees the education side of CWNY, and leads partnerships with New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) central, city superintendents, and schools. Believing that sustained innovation must be approached at a system-wide level, Noel promotes policies that support making personalized pathways for young people the norm. All of her work is informed by the belief that doing it right means designing systems with students, families, and communities at the center, always.

Prior to her role at HERE to HERE, Noel co-founded the Bronx Compass High School in 2012 while completing a master’s degree in administration, leadership, and technology from NYU Steinhardt in 2013. Prior to this, Noel designed and taught personalized curriculum, and organized internship and early college experiences for students at The Bronx Guild High School. Noel moved to NYC from Ohio where she studied science, English, and alternative education at Ohio University.

Joshua is Director of the 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.

Victoria Shire is Vice President, Administration and External Affairs for HERE to HERE with strategic oversight of finance, human resources, operations, communications, and fundraising. In this role she ensures 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.

Eddie Summers is Executive Director of The Bronx Private Industry Council (Bronx PIC), an employer-led alliance transforming how businesses, schools, and community organizations develop talent pipelines in the Bronx.

Prior to his role with The Bronx PIC, Eddie was an Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Chief Strategy and Planning Officer at Long Island University, where he was principally responsible for University-wide strategy and implementation, special institutional initiatives, internationalization, and the University’s Global College. Before that, he served as the inaugural Executive Director of the Brooklyn Education Innovation Network (BE.IN), an alliance of ten colleges, universities, and one law school that works on collaborative student, faculty, alumni, and administrative programs. Previous roles include Chief of Staff and Director of the Kelly Adirondack Research Center at Union College, Assistant to the President of Marist College, and professor of Political Science and Public Administration teaching courses in Nonprofit Management, American National Government, Public Policy, South African Politics, Ghanaian Politics and Community Development, and Program, Planning, and Evaluation.

Eddie received a bachelor’s in Political Science and a master’s of Public Administration from Marist College. He holds a M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Public and Urban Policy from The New School.

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.

Amanda is a Project Manager 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.

Keenan applies his passion for activism and social justice as a Project Manager on the CareerWise New York team. Keenan works to recruit and prepare students to embark on their journey as modern youth apprentices at leading companies citywide. By supplementing the school experience with a career readiness focus, Keenan inspires the young people he works with to seek and achieve their highest potential.

Keenan earned his bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in Justice Studies, with minors in Communication and Urban Planning, and he is a founding member of the Northeast youth advisory board of Young Invincibles, a youth research and advocacy organization based in DC.

Max Griffith is a Project Manager on the Work-Based Learning Labs team, where he is responsible for securing placements for students in the HERE to HERE High School Network. With specific regards to The Bronx PIC, Max works to ensure the work of the PIC continues to meet both employer and student needs. Central to Max’s role is collaborating with existing partners, programs, and placements to enhance the quality of work-based learning in The Bronx, including coordinating with nonprofit and public partners to implement and enhance SYEP.

Prior to joining HERE to HERE, Max worked as the Program Director of SONYC Afterschool Program through East Side House which provided academic support, STEM and Leadership activities for students in grades 6 through 8. He also worked as a College Advisor through East Side House at Bronx Haven High School, a transfer school for over-aged and under-credited youth. Before that, he was a Student Advisor at Bronx Haven High School where he assisted students in keeping on track in school and connecting students and families to resources. Max holds a Bachelor’s Degree with majors in Education and Sociology and a minor in East Asian Studies from Wake Forest University. Max also holds a master’s Degree in Public Affairs from the Truman School at the University of Missouri.

Tiffany is an Executive Assistant for the CareerWise New York team, where she provides critical administrative support to the Executive Vice President and valued assistance to other team members.

Tiffany transitioned to the nonprofit sector in search of work that allows for significant professional and personal growth, and after working six years as an administrative assistant at a wealth management firm. She is a Bronx native invested in providing young people in her community real-work professional experiences that help launch them into purpose-filled careers.

Julian Joyner is Project Manager for The Bronx Private Industry Council (Bronx PIC), an employer-led alliance powered by HERE to HERE transforming how businesses, schools, and community organizations develop talent pipelines in the Bronx. Julian seeks to use his position to foster greater connectivity between the people and institutions that populate The Bronx.

Prior to his role at HERE to HERE, Julian was an Analyst at Goldman Sachs where he provided operational support for the systems and platforms utilized by the firm’s 36,000+ employees. In addition, he worked with the diversity recruiting team to develop and assess global diversity pipeline programs. Julian is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where he received a B.A. in History & Political Science.

Sherrisse is the Operations Manager for HERE to HERE. Sherrisse supports of the day-to-day forward-facing and back-end operations at HERE to HERE. She also manages the logistics of all HERE to HERE events and supports the Hub office in creating a welcoming space for young adults, partners, and staff.

Prior to this role Sherrisse was an Operations Manager at NYHRE, where she spearheaded operations, human resources, IT, and facilities strategy. Sherrisse holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a co-concentration in Human Services from The City College of New York. She holds certifications in project management, business finance, and non-profit management.

Greg is a Project Manager on the CareerWise New York team, where he works to support, strengthen, and expand youth apprenticeship.

Prior to his work at HERE to HERE, Greg held numerous positions in which he supported high school youth development and work-based learning initiatives. This includes leading high school programs for the West Side YMCA, spearheading service learning initiatives at Harlem RBI, and coordinating after school and community programs at Children’s Aid Society at the Manhattan Center for Science & Mathematics High School.

Many years ago Greg managed the Geriatric Career Development Program which, like CareerWise New York, offered high school students interested in specific careers the opportunity to embark on a three-year commitment where they gained skills training, real-work experience, and mentoring. Prior to his work in youth development, Greg worked in the E.R. at Bellevue Hospital and V.I.P, Inc., a domestic violence organization focused on providing services for Latinas and their children.

Ikeia Miller is the Team Lead for High School Partnerships on the Work-Based Learning Labs team, where she is responsible for supporting HERE to HERE Network high schools in developing work-based learning initiatives and engaging potential new high school partners. Additionally, Ikeia oversees high school knowledge management, identifying emerging opportunities and issues around curriculum, professional development, and other key components of work-based learning.

Prior to her work at HERE to HERE Ikeia was a Project Manager for the Administration, Leadership, and Technology department at NYU Steinhardt. Ikeia received her master’s in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy at NYU. During her time at NYU, she worked as a tutor in a Lower Manhattan middle school; an intern for United Way, where she developed programming; and a consulting intern for the Edwin Gould Foundation. Prior to this Ikeia served as an AmeriCorps member within City Year. Ikeia graduated from the University of South Carolina where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Experimental Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies.

Ann Nuñez is the Operations & Program Assistant at HERE to HERE. Ann works closely with the Operations team to support the daily activities, scheduled events, and prospective initiatives of the HERE to HERE staff, its interns/apprentices, and clientele.

Prior to her role at HERE to HERE, Ann worked as a Compliance Analyst at MMC Securities and Executive Assistant at Morgan Stanley. Ann received her associate’s in Mathematics from LaGuardia Community College and has continued studies with a focus on Business Administration at Lehman College.

Melissa Palomo demonstrates her passion for social justice and advocacy as a Project Manager on the CareerWise New York Team. Within the role, Melissa creates and strengthens relationships with school partners to develop new pathways for students to prepare for the workforce. Melissa is also responsible for recruiting and preparing students to succeed, and supporting their apprentice journey along the way.

Before joining HERE to HERE, Melissa was the QA and Policy Supervisor at the Office of Refugee Shelter, where she developed program policies and processes for program growth, and advocated for the rights of unaccompanied minors. Prior to this, Melissa worked with departments to assist in ensuring they met program and state regulations, and held a variety of positions in the nonprofit and advocacy sector, including Project Coordinator, Researcher, and Developer. Melissa earned her Bachelor’s in Sociology from Moravian College and her Master’s in International Affairs with a concentration in Development from The New School.

Tasnia Rahman is a Project Manager Apprentice at HERE to HERE. Within this role, she contributes to the development and completion of CareerWise New York projects, which vary in size and complexity. During her three-year apprenticeship, Tasnia will complete her high school education at Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School, where she is currently in the eleventh grade and enjoys advisory and gym.

Prior to her role at HERE to HERE, Tasnia’s worked at Educational Video Center, where she handled interviews and video edits. Before this, Tasnia worked at Rocking the Boat, a youth development organization that teaches boatbuilding, sailing, and environmental science in the South Bronx. Here, Tasnia was responsible for steering the boat and supporting navigation. Before this, Tasnia participated in the NYU Excel program (an SYEP experience), where she developed global warming research with a focus on root problems and potential solutions.

Tasnia hopes the professional experience gained from her apprenticeship will move her toward a career in IT, medicine, or another career where she can nourish her passion for helping people.

Tuere is the Executive Assistant to the Founding CEO at HERE to HERE, where she manages calendars, liaises between staff as well as key external partners and stakeholders, and assists with events coordination as a part of the operations team. She also sits on the Diversity and Inclusion working group at HERE to HERE, which helps to shape the organization’s culture and thinking around social justice and racial equity. Tuere has over ten years of experience in similar roles within the nonprofit sector, including positions at Harlem Children’s Zone, where she also served as Director of Special Events, and later at the Surdna Foundation. Tuere holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Alondra Rodriguez is a Project Manager for the Work-Based Learning Labs team, where she is responsible for developing strategies to implement and expand work-based learning in schools, specifically during ninth and tenth grade when career exploration is critical. Alondra also works on a number of HERE to HERE Student Voice projects, including the Student Ambassador Program, which aims to actively engage young people as actors in creating and advocating for beneficial education and workforce practices.

Prior to working for HERE to HERE, Alondra was a Regional Program Director for Emblem Health, where she provided educational programs and activities for senior centers throughout Queens, NY. Alondra graduated from Manhattanville College where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Theatre. Alondra is a graduate of The Met—a Big Picture High School in Providence, RI. At The Met, she was able to experience and learn about the value of real-world learning and she hopes to share her experience with students in the Bronx.

Emily Roese is Project Analyst and Communications point person at HERE to HERE. Emily works across the organization to help tell the story of HERE to HERE, and communicate externally why this work matters. By engaging the voices of staff, students, employers, educators, and other stakeholders, Emily seeks to showcase how collaboration is key to creating a more equitable job economy and communities that thrive.

Prior to her role at HERE to HERE, Emily worked at Restless Books, an independent, nonprofit publisher devoted to championing essential voices from around the world, and sharing stories that actively disrupt linguistic and cultural borders. Emily received her bachelor’s from New York University, completing an interdisciplinary study in psychology, language, and affect.

Andrew Singh is the Program Analyst and Data Administrator on the Policy and Impact team at HERE to HERE. Andrew supports the Policy and Impact team with creating data visualizations to promote the goals of every team under HERE to HERE. By creating various visualizations, Andrew helps every team leverage data to tell their stories and connect with supporters in a meaningful way.

Prior to his role at HERE to HERE, Andrew was recently a Community Engagement intern at The Mayor’s Office of Data Analytics, where he helped raise awareness about New York City Open Data to the civic technology community and assisted in event management for Open Data Week 2018. He previously interned at Teach for America, Echoing Green, and Viacom, gaining a versatile skill set in operations, project management, and communications. Throughout his experiences, he garnered an interest in the field of education and wanted to help students coming from similar socio-economic backgrounds as his, gain equitable opportunities and become confident in themselves when they enter the job market. Andrew graduated from City College of New York with a bachelor’s in Economics and Political Science.

Callie Thuma is an experienced educator and a believer in the power of sharing our stories. She currently works as a Project Director on the CareerWise New York Education Team, where she manages apprenticeship recruitment and leads training to prepare apprentices, school, and employer partners for success.

Callie previously worked at The Moth’s Education and Community Programs, producing live events and teaching the art of personal storytelling. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in New Orleans, and also worked on StoryCorps’ national Mobile Tour, where she recorded and archived life stories from over a thousand individuals. A Pittsburgh native, Callie received a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Macalester College.

James is an Apprentice at the HERE to HERE in the business operations pathway. James supports The Bronx Private Industry Council, an employer-led alliance changing how schools, businesses, and community organizations develop talent pipelines in the Bronx. During his apprenticeship, James will gain first-hand experience in community organizing and workforce development, while building the skills to launch him into the next steps of his career. During his three-year apprenticeship, James will complete his high school education at South Bronx Community Charter High School, where he is currently a junior and loves playing sports, participating in student government, and learning about history. He is particularly interested in how the past affects the future and likes imagining the experience of living in various eras and contexts.

Prior to his role at HERE to HERE, James spent two years with Xposure, a program that offers learning opportunities in music, film, and other artistic disciplines. This experience allowed James to develop professional skills in music production and textiles. Xposure also gave James the opportunity to act in and edit a film production. Within school, James has served as a student government representative, advocating for the needs of his classmates and relaying their ideas and obstacles to the school president. He also placed the varsity baseball team for two years and participated in SBCC’s photography selective, where he developed a love for photography.

James hopes the professional experience gained from his apprenticeship will move him toward a people-focused career that will allow him to give back to his community, inspire young people, and make visible all the talent and opportunity available in The Bronx.

Sharone provides critical programmatic support to The Bronx Private Industry Council’s Internship Program. Having grown up in The Bronx, she is honored to serve her childhood community.

Sharone has over 20 years of experience in workforce development and academia. She began her workforce development career at the Dutchess and Putnam Counties Private Industry Council/Dutchess County One-Stop. After serving as Vice President of Workforce Development at the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Sharone moved into academia. At Marist College, she served as coordinator for Marist Italy, an academic advisor, and a project coordinator for the School of Professional Programs, which oversees the Liberal Studies degree as well as Special Academic Programs in partnership with NYS Department of Corrections and Community Service. Sharone subsequently held positions on Marist’s Steering, Diversity, and Safety Committees, and served on the boards of Planned Parenthood (Mid-Hudson), The Art Effect, and the former Youth Resource Development Corporation. She has also served Dutchess County as a member of the Dutchess Works Consortium, CFS Commissioner’s Advisor Council, Dutchess County Human Rights Commission, Hudson River Housing Support Service Committee, and Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Sharone holds certifications in family development counseling, Title IX investigation, career development, and career and education advising. She earned her associate’s degree in office technologies from Dutchess Community College and a bachelor’s in organizational leadership and communication from Marist College.

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.