News

September 14, 2022

Community Foundation launches 2022 Catalysts for Change Leadership Program

The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region (CFGCR) announces 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 the applicants that clearly testified to their commitment 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 Catalyst for Change Leadership Program received over 50 applications from community leaders across the Capital Region who showed high interest in making long-term improvements to their community. The Catalysts Selection Committee, consisting of Daquetta Jones, CFGCR Director of Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Crickett Thomas-O’Dell, Workforce Development Institute and CFGCR IDEA Committee member, Dylan Hall, CFGCR Director of Strategic Initiatives and Maryika Stubbs, CFGCR Associate of Scholarships and Advancement, chose 15 individuals for this year’s program:

  • 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 NENY;
  • Damond Heath, B.A., Union College;
  • Dayonna Bowles, B.S., Northeastern Regional Information Center;
  • Erin Vickers, B.S., 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.

The Community Foundation looks forward to working with the 2022 Cohort of the Catalysts for Change Leadership Program to expand access to nonprofit leadership opportunities and effective change.