Publicity Director

Sakura is a strategic communications leader with 25+ years of experience spanning journalism, corporate, agency, and philanthropy. She has a proven track record of translating complex issues into compelling narratives, generating high-impact media coverage, and shaping thought leadership for global organizations, philanthropies, and NGOs. She has led media strategy and public affairs campaigns for major corporations and nonprofits, securing millions of impressions and top-tier placements in outlets including The New York Times, POLITICO, and Fast Company. Her experience includes crisis communications, executive media training, and multi-platform campaigns in sustainability, social impact, and philanthropic sectors. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from International Christian University in Tokyo and a Certification in e-Business Development from New York University.

Program Consultant

Jamie is an experienced educator and program designer with nearly two decades of experience in teaching, instructional coaching, literacy development, and youth leadership. She holds a B.S. in English and Secondary Education from Vanderbilt University and an M.A. in Literacy from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has taught and coached students across New York City, supported multilingual learners and students with disabilities, and led school-wide initiatives in reading, writing, and social-emotional learning. In 2021, Jamie co-founded KIPP Beyond Middle School, shaping its academic vision, literacy program, and student culture. A certified 200-hour yoga teacher, she integrates mindfulness into her work with youth and the educators who support them. She serves in a volunteer consultancy capacity, in service of the program's mission and the girls it serves.

Program Consultant

Amanda is a New York-based sales and account strategy professional currently serving as a Sales Capture Manager at Accenture, where she leads strategic planning and account development. Her background spans nearly a decade of experience across Accenture, Gap Inc., and Nestlé, where she built expertise in data-driven planning, cross-functional collaboration, and translating market analysis into actionable strategy, skills she now brings to Her Climb's own growth. She holds a degree in Marketing from Saint Joseph's University's Erivan K. Haub School of Business. She serves in a volunteer consultancy capacity, in service of the program's mission and the girls it serves.

Artist-in-Residence

Andrea is a renowned Venezuelan-born art director, illustrator, painter, and author. Her work has been featured in countless campaigns and commissions around the world. Her work draws from her own journey, celebrating identity and belonging. As a visual designer and content creator, her work has appeared on products, textiles, marketing, branding, and packaging for companies such as J. Crew, Kiehl's, Crane's Stationery, Microsoft, Snapchat, Barkbox, Black Ambition, and more. She also has her own pet brand called ABC Pets, and she's the author of bestselling picture books such as Dog Affirmations: An Illustrated Journey Through Your Dog's Thoughts, Hello, Tobi!, and My Dog Just Speaks Spanish. She studied engineering at the Universidad de Carabobo. Andrea generously lends her time and world-class artistry to Her Climb's scholars, leading hands-on workshops across a range of artistic forms, from sketching to cyanotype, introducing our girls to the field in ways that are as instructive as they are joyful.

Program Assistant

Vanessa is an education professional with nearly a decade working in curriculum design, instructor training, and program coordination. She currently serves as a Curriculum Specialist at NY Sun Works, where she designs and iterates STEM curriculum for a multi-site hydroponics-based science program, coaches and certifies instructors across a portfolio of 350 partner schools, and leads professional development sessions. She previously spent six years as a Lead Science Educator across NYC charter schools, and taught as an Adjunct Lecturer at Brooklyn College, where she built and delivered a full college-level course from scratch. She holds an M.A. in Human Skeletal Biology from New York University and a B.S. in Anthropology from Central Michigan University, along with a certificate in Urban Environmental Education from Cornell University.

Financial Advisor

Randa is a finance professional with over forty years experience in accounting, budgeting and operational systems. She holds a B.S. in accounting and computer science from Concord University and serves as the Chief Financial Officer at The Father's Heart Ministries. She has supported rapid organizational growth while improving accuracy, streamlining processes and strengthening financial controls. Her background includes software implementation, benefits design and detailed reporting that has passed multiple IRS audits. She serves in a volunteer consultancy capacity, in service of the program's mission and the girls it serves.

Director of Video & Storytelling

Cleo is a New York City based writer and filmmaker. She has produced several independent documentary projects and works as a media producer for Columbia+, where she supports the development and production of online course content for the university. Her work focuses on video editing, graphic design, animation, and exploring new avenues for storytelling. She is especially interested in elevating media for education and using her passion for creative filmmaking to engage people from around the world. She holds a B.A. in Film Studies and Spanish Literature from Wesleyan University and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Journalism at Columbia Journalism School. She serves in a volunteer consultancy capacity, in service of the program's mission and the girls it serves.

School Partnership Liaison

Roshone is a renowned educator and school leader with more than two decades of experience developing programs that empower NYC public school students to discover their voice and envision their future. In 2005, she founded the South Bronx Academy for Applied Media, a public middle school serving students in grades 6–8. She holds a B.A. in American Studies and Television, Radio, and Film from Syracuse University, an M.S. in Education from Fordham University, and a doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University. She served as one of the lead principals for District 7's Girls Empowerment Movement and, as a former Chancellor's Master Principal, led My Sister's Keeper in The Bronx, a NYC Department of Education initiative focused on improving life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people. Her honors include recognition as a Phenomenal Women Speaker from the New York State Association for Women in Administration, the Distinguished Principal Outstanding Educator Award, the Middle School Quality Initiative Leadership Fellowship, and the Cahn Fellowship for Distinguished NYC Principals. At Her Climb, she leads school partnerships with public schools across all five boroughs of New York City, building relationships that open doors for the next generation of scholars. She serves in a volunteer consultancy capacity, in service of the program's mission and the girls it serves.

Holistic Wellness Advisor

Meme brings over a decade of experience in the wellness industry, specializing in results-driven, holistic skincare. Her approach blends modern technology with timeless techniques to help everyone feel confident and empowered in their own skin. She believes true wellness begins with healthy habits and education that extend beyond the treatment room. She serves in a volunteer consultancy capacity, in service of the program's mission and the girls it serves.

College Access Manager

Deja is an educator and instructional leader with deep roots in NYC public education. She currently serves as a Grade Team Leader and member of the School Leadership Team at South Bronx Academy for Applied Media, where she also founded the school's Classroom-to-Career Pipeline, a program connecting students to internships and professional development that was featured in Chalkbeat. She has taught 7th grade English Language Arts, served as a Mentor Teacher of Record for Teach For America, and was selected as a Peer Collaborative Teacher through the NYC DOE's Teacher Career Pathways Program. She holds an M.A. in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in English Literature from Lehman College, and serves on the Teach For America Alumni Association Board. She serves in a volunteer consultancy capacity, in service of the program's mission and the girls it serves.

Filmmaking Advisor

Candice is a director and producer whose award-winning work spans film, documentary, and commercial projects. Her short film "Make America Great?" gained international recognition and helped lead to collaborations with Stevie Wonder, The Russo Brothers, and a range of celebrated talent. She has directed campaigns for major brands including HBO, Spotify, NBA2K, and Vaseline, and is a member of the Directors Guild of America. Born in Jamaica and raised across multiple countries, her multicultural background shapes her creative style. She earned her B.A. in Film and TV from Temple University. She curates filmmaking workshops for our scholars, bringing her craft directly into the room. She serves in a volunteer consultancy capacity, in service of the program's mission and the girls it serves.
 

Legal Counsel

Xinxin is a New York-based attorney who serves as Legal Counsel to Her Climb, advising on organizational compliance, contractor agreements, student and family matters, and the legal considerations that arise at the intersection of nonprofit work and youth programming. She provides her counsel on a pro bono basis, in service of the program's mission and the girls it serves. A staff attorney at the Center for Family Representation, Xinxin represents parents in Family Court proceedings — bringing a deep understanding of the legal landscape surrounding families and young people to her work with Her Climb. She previously served as a teaching assistant at Brooklyn Law School, mentoring and guiding students in family law and civil procedure. She earned her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and her B.A. in Biopsychology and Global Media Studies from the University of Michigan.