catalysts for change 222 cohort pictured
September 07, 2022

CFGCR Launches the 2022 Catalysts for Change Leadership Program

The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region is proud to present the 2022 Cohort of the Catalysts for Change Leadership Program!

“It was a difficult decision as we had a highly qualified applicant pool this year,” said Daquetta Jones, Director of Equity and Inclusion Initiatives at the Community Foundation. “In the end, we selected applicants that clearly testified to diversifying and expanding access as change-making agents in their community. I’m proud to lead this group and look forward to the entirety of the program.”

This year the program received over 50 applications from community leaders across the Capital Region who are committed to making long-term change in their community. However, the Catalysts Selection Committee and Community Foundation were thankful for everyone who applied, shared the information, or encouraged a community leader to apply. The Catalysts Selection Committee, consisting of Crickett Thomas-O’Dell, Workforce Development Institute/IDEA Committee; Maryika Stubbs, Associate of Scholarships and Advancement, Dylan Hall, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Daquetta Jones, Director of Equity and Inclusion Initiatives at CFGCR, were overwhelmed and overjoyed by the large response. After careful deliberation, the Catalysts selected for this year’s program are:

Abigail “Abby” Gomes, City School District of Albany;

Anzala B. Alozie, J.D., Women of Color Network, Inc.;

Balqees Sayed, Cayuga Centers;

Brenda Baddam, Esq., Office of the New York State Attorney General;

Charlene Holmes, MPS, Imana Borena, Inc. / YWCA of Northeastern NY;

Damond Heath, B.A., Union College;

Dayonna Bowles, B.S., Northeastern Regional Information Center;

Erin Vickers, B.S., Account Executive, CDPHP;

Jade Warrick, The Arts Center of the Capital Region;

Jesenia “Jessie” Alcantara, CSEA/Civil Service Employees Association;

Jonathan “Jon” Coller-Takahashi, B.S., M.A., Maria College;

Lauren Prosper, MSW, PhD Candidate, Prosper Consulting, Inc./Love You, Love Us;

Regina Akot, RISSE (Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus);

Siara Ramos, A.A.S., Workforce Development Institute / A & S Life and Career Coaching LLC; and

Stephen Sheffer, B.B.A., United Way of the Greater Capital Region.

We’re excited to work with the 2022 Cohort of the Catalysts for Change Leadership Program to expand access to nonprofit leadership! Follow the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region on Facebook to stay updated on the program and all other CFGCR initiatives!