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I have been socially active as a grassroots organizer, an employee of various non-profit and educational organizations and as a role-model. The relevant experiences I have engaged in range from networking with the services of Cornell Cooperative Extensions, Tompkins Community Action and Department of Social Services while sitting on advisory and other committees for Cornell Cooperative Extension, Sustainable Tompkins, The Chamber of Commerce and the Tompkins County Workers Rights Center. In addition to hands-on involvement, I have a passion for service in offering opportunities to all members of our community.
As the Ithaca Mayor I will assist the local community, specifically at risk families, in having their issues and concerns be heard and met. An integral part to this process is my ability to listen and respond to the concerns of the people in rather than my own speculation or ideology. This skill of community organization and service will be beneficial in the Ithaca environment. Thank you for time and consideration…I will work to continue to surpass any expectation!
As the Ithaca Mayor I will assist the local community, specifically at risk families, in having their issues and concerns be heard and met. An integral part to this process is my ability to listen and respond to the concerns of the people in rather than my own speculation or ideology. This skill of community organization and service will be beneficial in the Ithaca environment. Thank you for time and consideration…I will work to continue to surpass any expectation!
Community Activism & Involvement
Gardens4Humanity (G4H)
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County
To support the establishment and sustenance of local gardens/farms in the urban area. The organization focuses their efforts on supporting people who have been traditionally disenfranchised and unable to access healthy food.
Contact: Jemilla Sequiera- [email protected]
Environment Program Committee Member
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County
To ensure the Environment program area meets the needs of Tompkins County residents and is consistent with the mission and established policies of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Tompkins County (CCETC)
Contact: Sharon K. Anderson- [email protected]
Neighborhood Mini-grant council
Sustainable Tompkins
I was a member of the Northside/Southside Mini-Grant council. The council awards mini-grants, made available through Sustainable Tompkins, for neighborhood development in the downtown areas, during the coming year.
Contact: Elan Shapiro- 607-275-0249
Member of the Chamber of Commerce
Government Affairs & Relations committee
Contact: Ms. Jean McPheeters- [email protected]
Utica PTA Conference 2008 Minority Strand
New York State Parent and Teachers Association
I conducted a workshop at the New York State annual PTA Conference. The workshop was titled: “Thriving within the PTA”. The workshop focused on leadership strategies and qualities. In addition the workshop was a venue to share my experiences as an ethnic minority PTA participant.
Contact: NYS PTA Pres. Maria Dewald- [email protected]
Member the “Low-Wage Worker” Committee
Tompkins County Workers Center, Ithaca N.Y.
I collaborate with a group of adult workers who organize to promote a living wage and workers rights. I help to nurture leadership skills among a traditionally disenfranchised low-income demographic.
Contact: Ronneisha Butler or Pete Myers- 607-269-0409
Member of the Natural Leaders Initiative
Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ithaca N.Y.
The Natural Leaders is an initiative to support talented people to grow as community leaders. The group works to engage in social action. Through the formulation of an action the group members engage in many experiences that nurture their leadership skills.
Contact: Ms. Margo Hittleman- 607-272-2292 x167
Emerging Minority Leadership Conference II & III
National Parents and Teachers Association (PTA)
I was sponsored by the National PTA to attend the annual conferences that focused on supporting ethnic minorities in collaboration with families and schools. The conferences offered leadership training and an atmosphere to network with educators from across the nation. I was sponsored in 2007 and I will again be sponsored by the national PTA in 2008.
Contact: Pam/Paul Shmidt- [email protected]
PTA President at Beverly J. Martin Elementary School
I supported the PTA board to offer our families and school an enriching and constructive year of activities, events and collaboration. I worked with the PTA committees and facilitated the monthly meetings and events. I also networked with the school principal, the district board, teachers and families to help create a more collective effort of support.
Contact: Ms. Denise Gomber- 607-274-2209
Undoing Racism & The History of I.D.E.A. Legislation
Ithaca City School District
Attended two series of professional development workshops offered to employees of the Ithaca City School District.
Contact: Mr. Ron Accera- 607-257-3222
Facilitator: Culturally Sensitive Parenting Class
Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ithaca N.Y.
I co-facilitated classes on parenting skills and coping skills, based on the research and workshop series created by the Center for the Improvement of Child Caring (CICC), for minority and impoverished parents and foster parents with trans-racial placements. During other sessions I volunteered to care for 3-8 children (ages 10months – 8 years).
Contact: Tommy Miller- 607-272-5062 ext. 28