In 1994 Johnson ran for mayor of Rochester, winning on a platform that championed inclusivity and revitalization. This historic election marked him as the first Black mayor of a major upstate New York city. He won with an impressive margin of more than 72 percent. Johnson was re-elected in 1997, and 2001, serving a total of 12 years in the office.

Johnson understood that Rochester, like many urban centers, needed effective and innovative approaches to combat economic stagnation and social challenges. Throughout his tenure, he focused on renewing the city’s economic infrastructure by encouraging new businesses to establish themselves and create more jobs. He also addressed systemic issues including exclusion of the poor and working class from city governance matters and the economic disparities that were rampant in underserved communities. However, his most significant accomplishments were in improving community-police relations. Under his administration, Rochester prioritized police reform strategies aimed at making police more accountable and building trust between law enforcement and the community.

Although his term as Mayor ended in 2005, Johnson continues to advocate for community reform through education and public service. In 2006 he took on a teaching role at the Rochester Institute of Technology, focusing on public and urban policy. He was recognized as a distinguished Frederick Minnett Professor and remained a prominent figure at the university until his departure in 2013 when he founded Strategic Community Intervention, LLC (SCI).

SCI is a consulting company with three primary areas of practice: citizen engagement in community development initiatives, local government restructuring and modernization, and strategic planning and risk management for public sector and not-for-profit organizations. SCI’s mission is to create long-term sustainable solutions that encourage collaboration, instead of conflict, between marginalized communities and their local governments.

Johnson has received four honorary doctorate degrees, and over 200 recognitions/ awards. Additionally, he still chairs organizations such as the Resolutions Committee of the National Conference of Black Mayors, and Partners for Livable Communities engaged in campaigns for social justice.

He joined the Community Foundation in 2017 as a program officer for equity and later vice president of the Community Programs department, which oversees grantmaking and community leadership. In October 2021, Banister was named executive vice president.

He took the lead in establishing the North Star Coalition, which is aligned with the Urban Institute to help ensure that post- pandemic recovery dollars are used to create opportunities that will benefit historically excluded residents.

Banister has been recognized for his contributions. Rochester Business Journal named him to the 2019 Forty Under 40 class and the Power 100 list in 2023 and 2024. He was named to City & State New York’s first-ever Western New York Power 100 list in 2021.

A graduate of North Carolina Central University and the Princeton Theological Seminary, Banister is a sought-after speaker, most recently on Rochester’s history of redlining and racial inequities.

For several years, he was president of the Greater Rochester Martin Luther King Jr. Commission (through 2022) and currently serves on a number of boards and committees: CEO Net, CFLeads, Congressional Award Foundation’s Advisory Board, Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Committee, Roc the Future (Treasurer), Rochester Climate Collective (Co-Chair), Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative Steering Committee (Vice Chair), Together Now, New York Funders Alliance, and University of Rochester Medical Center. Banister and his family live in Rochester.

Throughout her career, Dr. Myers-Small has held senior leadership roles at the local, state, and regional levels, including Superintendent of Schools for both the Rochester City School District and Brockport Central School District, as well as Assistant Commissioner at the New York State Education Department. Across these roles, she has overseen complex systems, multimillion-dollar budgets, and diverse teams while navigating legal, political, and community challenges with clarity, courage, and compassion.

A passionate advocate for knowing and protecting one’s rights, Dr. Myers-Small brings a deep understanding of how policy, power, and public systems intersect with the lived experiences of individuals and families, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. Her work emphasizes informed engagement, civic literacy, and the importance of safeguards that ensure dignity, fairness, and accountability during times of uncertainty.

In addition to her executive leadership, Dr. Myers-Small is an executive leadership coach through DLT Consulting, and a frequent national speaker on equity, trauma-informed leadership, civilian oversight, and social justice. She holds a Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership and is widely respected for her ability to bridge moral conviction with practical, actionable change.

During his career, Bryan was responsible for the quality of the legal work at Empire Justice and primarily led teams conducting structural change litigation regarding educational opportunities, government benefits, housing, and civil rights. Some of the class actions he led generated over a hundred million dollars in benefits for class members. He was a frequent presenter at continuing legal education programs at the local, state, and national level.

He was active in bar associations, serving as President of the Monroe County Bar Association and Dean of the Academy of Law, as well as Chair of the President’s Commission on Access to Justice and Co-Chair of the Bar Foundation’s Legacy Society Cabinet.  He served on the Executive Committee of the New York State Bar Association and in its House of Delegates, as well as Chairing its Committee on Legal Aid.

Bryan also was active with community organizations, including co-chairing the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, whose efforts led to a 93% reduction in poisoning over 12 years, serving as founding Chair of the Greater Rochester Heath Foundation, which made over $10 million in grants annually to improve the health of area residents, particularly those who did not have fair access to heath care, and now serves as the Board Chair at St. Josephs Neighborhood Center which provides free and sliding scale medical, counseling, and others services to medically underserved community members.

In retirement, Bryan has remained active in access to justice issues, serving as Housing Committee co-chair for the 7^th Judicial District’s Access to Justice Leadership Team and on the Rochester City Court’s Housing Court Advisory Committee.

A practitioner and teacher of the Science of Hope, Dr. Cross equips youth, caregivers, and professionals with tools to build hopeful thinking, strengthen pathways to goals, and increase resilience. Her work brings the Science of Hope into community settings, schools, and systems where the need for healing and clarity is urgent.

Her recent piece in The Imprint, “Surveillance Will Not Resolve Unaddressed Poverty,” reflects her advocacy for systemic reform grounded in both research and lived community experience. She serves on the boards of Causewave Community Partners and is a member of the New York State Mandated Reporting Work Group. She was named a 2023 Forty Under 40 Honoree.

Rashid is a retired United States Air Force officer having served over 20 years on active duty. He is also a retired aerospace engineering and program manager having worked at L3Harris Corporation’s Space and Intelligence Systems Division. Prior to working at JustCause, Rashid was the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) Director of Operations. He earned his doctorate from St. John Fisher College with field work at the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence under the guidance of Ms. Kit Miller. Rashid is also an adjunct professor at St. John Fisher College.

The son of Judge Roy W. King, Rashid was born in Syracuse and raised in Rochester. Since retiring from the Air Force, he’s pursued his passion for community building activities. From 2005–2012, Rashid served as the University of Rochester’s Volunteer Muslim Chaplin. Currently, he’s a member and the past Chair of the Commission on Jewish-Muslim Understanding. Working at JustCause presents Rashid ample opportunities to continue serving his community and country.

Rashid is married to the lovely Mrs. Monica Muhammad, his wife of 36 years and past Chair of the Commission on Christian-Muslim Relations. Rashid and Monica have two wonderful daughters, Aisha (PhD student at the University of North Carolina) and Khadija (ESL/ELL teacher in the Syracuse City Schools). In addition to his family, Rashid’s main interests include mentoring emerging leaders, American studies and history, military science, cultural geography, enjoying New York State’s lovely fall and winter splendor, and suffering immensely as a Buffalo Bills fan.

An anti-racist management scholar-practitioner, he is the founding President and CEO of Third Eye Network (TEN), a multifaceted consultancy that serves a diverse multisector clientele. The agency operates nationally, working with organizations and collective impact partners on transformational projects seeking to address persistent social and economic problems within organizations, across communities, and systems. For two years, TEN served as the third-party administrator and employer of record for the Rochester Economic Development Corporation, which turned the organization around with a new strategic plan, rebranding, a commercial real estate project, and entrepreneurial ecosystem-building activities that restored community trust.

Dr. Campbell maintains an active network of fraternal and professional affiliations. He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a member of Eureka Lodge No. 36, Prince Hall Affiliated Free and Accepted Masons (Past Master), and a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. His professional associations include the International Economic Development Council, Association of Change Management Professionals, Project Management Institute, the Center for Evidence-Based Management, ESHIP Alliance (Chair-elect), New York Council of Nonprofits (Board Member), and the Society for Kemetic Yoga.

Dr. Campbell’s education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Media Marketing with a concentration in Chinese Language and Culture, and an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He earned a Doctor of Management degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus, where his dissertation explored “The strategic importance of cultural fit between organizations and niche-market segments in the 21st century: A systematic review of cultural congruence.” He was also awarded a Certificate of Completion in Leading Economic Growth from Harvard Kennedy School. He is a certified Project Management Professional, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Lightcast Certified in labor market intelligence, and a Certified Kemetic Yoga Teacher.

In his personal time, Dr. Campbell is a lover of the arts and culture, which he enjoys with his wife, Dr. Ashley N. Campbell, and their infant daughter, Ajá-Xola. His hobbies include being a pitmaster, bourbon collector, golfer, and recreational shooter.

A lifelong advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging [DEIB], Melissa founded USC Academy, the firm’s skilled trades training and workforce development program, to address systemic labor shortages and entrenched inequities in the construction industry. The Academy provides hands-on training and career pathways for women and individuals from historically marginalized communities, strengthening the talent pipeline and supporting sustainable, long-term careers through mission-aligned partnerships with community-based organizations and industry leaders.

In 2021, Melissa made “herstory” as the first woman and person of color to chair the Builders Exchange of Rochester—amplifying her influence across the region’s construction landscape. That same year, she launched USC Builds’ general contracting and real estate development divisions—broadening the firm’s capabilities and deepening its impact in Rochester, Ithaca and beyond. In 2025, she further elevated her leadership by creating Rochester’s inaugural Revitalize & Innovate Symposium, a two-day national gathering that convenes developers, policymakers and community leaders to advance inclusive development.

Beyond the jobsite, Melissa is a respected mentor, role model and civic leader committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities. She serves as chair of Monroe County’s workforce development board, RochesterWorks, and board chair for Ascend Workforce Solutions. She also sits on the advisory board of Impressia Bank, the steering committee for the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative [RMAPI] and the boards of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and the University of Rochester Medical Center.

With over 13 years as a salon owner, Shannon has created employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for more than 20 women, providing not only a chair but mentorship, support, and a pathway to independence. As a leader, she is committed to professionalism, growth, and elevating the beauty industry from the inside out.

One of Shannon’s proudest milestones is securing the commercial property her salon operates in—transitioning from tenant to owner and adding “developer” to her resume. Her ability to transform distressed space into a stunning, high-performing beauty hub reflects her eye for possibility and her gift for bringing things to life, both literally and spiritually.

Shannon’s impact extends far beyond business. She is deeply rooted in service, known throughout the Rochester community for her Hair Give Back initiatives, volunteer work at schools, corporate events, and programs supporting local youth. Her commitment to pouring into the next generation is a reflection of her own journey—one fueled by determination, faith, and a desire to uplift others.

Her motivation is anchored in her core beliefs and the people depending on her: her team, her clients, and her community. Shannon believes her purpose is divinely guided, and she shows up every day with the intention to inspire, transform, and lead by example.

From stylist to mentor, from salon owner to property developer, Shannon Scott continues to redefine what’s possible—embodying beauty, business, and purpose at every step.

In support of these priorities, OneROC serves as the region’s lead convener for several transformational initiatives, including the Regional Revitalization Partnership (RRP), a $300 million co-investment strategy advancing commercial corridor revitalization, placemaking, and workforce development across Rochester, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls; the WNY Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Accelerator; and the NY SMART I-Corridor, the federally designated and funded Tech Hub connecting Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, anchored by Micron’s new semiconductor facility and the broader expansion of the industry across Upstate New York.

As Vice President of Innovation, Shannon works to design and execute OneROC’s innovation agenda – aligning partners, capital, and implementation across major initiatives; building the governance, operating models, and measurement systems that turn strategy into results; and advancing inclusive growth through entrepreneurship, commercialization, workforce innovation, and place-based investment.

Dr. Clark is a research assistant professor in SUNY Buffalo’s Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health and Public Health and an adjunct assistant professor in Public Health Sciences at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Clark has chaired the annual Faith and Medicine Working Together to Eliminate Health Disparities conference since 2012 and now provides visionary leadership for the Speak Life! Health Equity Conference.

Active in community-based organizations and in the medical community, Dr. Clark, co-founder, served in several capacities, including the chair of the Board of Directors for the Black Physicians Network, from its inception in 2015 until 2022. The mission of this organization is to decrease health disparities and improve community health through an increase in Black physicians.  Mentorship and advocacy of those on the pathway to medical careers continues through work guiding a Pipeline (Pathway) Task Force. She sits on the Committee on Health Equity of the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) as a prior chair, and the Monroe County Medical Society’s (MCMS) Quality Committee. She is the founding chair of the Equity and Diversity Committee of the MCMS.

Honors for her community service include the Rochester Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission’s Raymond L. Graves Beloved Community Award, the Woman of Distinction Award from Girl Scouts of Western N.Y., Chi Eta Phi Founder’s Day Community Leader Award, the UPrep Woman of Substance Award, the Rochester Area Task Force Association’s Clinician of the Year Award, and most recently, The Rev. Dr. Weldon Thomas Faith and Medicine Award.

Dr. Linda Clark earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Brown University, her medical degree from the University of Virginia and her master’s degree in epidemiology from SUNY Buffalo. She is board-certified in occupational medicine and in general preventive medicine and public health.

A lifelong Rochester resident, Angie was raised in the city’s North Clinton neighborhood. Her early life was marked by poverty, trauma, and significant personal challenges, including leaving high school at a young age. As a teenage mother, she encountered systemic barriers that deeply shaped her understanding of community needs and inequities. Through perseverance, education, and the support of community-based services, Angie was able to transform her life—an experience that continues to inform her leadership today. Her lived experience provides a powerful and authentic foundation for her return to her roots, her barrio, and her role as President and CEO of the Ibero-American Action League.

Angie holds a Master of Science in Health Administration from Roberts Wesleyan College, an Advanced Certificate in Theology, Scripture, and Ministry from Northeastern Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science in Community and Human Services from Empire State College. She remains actively engaged as a grassroots Latino community organizer in Northeast Rochester and serves on numerous advisory groups and boards throughout the region.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Angie values spending quality time with her family and friends. She also enjoys riding motorcycles and is an active member of a motorcycle club, reflecting her commitment to balance, community, and personal connection.

Under Dr. Hawkins' leadership, ULR's operating budget has doubled, and the organization has expanded its programs, prioritizing public health initiatives. Her personal and meticulous approach to every program and staff member has propelled ULR to exceed expectations in program performance, fundraising, and community recognition. Dr. Hawkins has emphasized public safety through gun violence prevention programs and expanded trades and skill-building programs, ensuring individuals have access to good jobs and pathways for upward mobility.

ULR has reclaimed its status as the premier civil rights organization in the Greater Rochester area under Dr. Hawkins' direction. She introduced the INTERRUPT RACISM initiative, now in its fifth year, which includes an annual summit, year-long Interrupt Racism cohorts, and school programs in several districts. Additionally, Dr. Hawkins was appointed by the Mayor of Rochester and the County Executive to lead the RASE (Race and Structural Equity) Commission’s Phase Two, championing community recommendations that prioritize equity in housing, employment, mental health and addiction, business, policing, and other areas affected by systemic racism.

An expert in community engagement and cultural change, advocacy, transitional and permanent supportive housing, fiscal stewardship, strategic planning, and staff development, Dr. Hawkins brings over 25 years of nonprofit executive leadership experience to her role. Her background includes various executive positions in nonprofits and program consultancies.

A native of Brooklyn, NY, Dr. Hawkins earned her Bachelor's Degree from Syracuse University, a Master's in Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan University, and a Doctorate of Education from the Executive Leadership Program at St. John Fisher University.

In 2024, Dr. Hawkins was appointed to the New York State Community Commission on Reparation Remedies and serves as their Chair. (If you would like to contact Dr. Hawkins about reparations, please email her at seanelle.hawkins@reparations.ny.gov.)

Dr. Hawkins actively serves on several boards, including The Council of Agency Executives, Inc., Excellus Health Plan Inc., ROC2025 Board, M&T Bank Directors Advisory Council, and Person Centered Services. She is also the President of the Rochester Women’s Council.

Residing in Rochester with her husband John and their six-year-old daughter Zoe, Dr. Hawkins remains committed to fostering equity and creating a more just community.

Throughout her career, Nikisha has built a reputation as a transformational leader and trusted advisor, known for uniting diverse perspectives into innovative, person -centered solutions. She has successfully launched new service models, expanded access to care, and strengthened financial sustainability while fostering inclusive, high-performing teams.

A passionate advocate for disability justice and equity, Nikisha has served on numerous boards and advisory councils and has been recognized with honors such as the Women of Excellence Award and as a finalist for the Athena International Award and is committed to empowering communities through servant leadership and systems change.

With 20 years’ experience in addressing the needs of underserved residents across Rochester, she has developed and led programs and initiatives aimed at promoting equity, improving health outcomes, engaging and mobilizing the community, and training on anti-racist practices. She also continues to lead the work of the Commission on Racial and Structural Equity (RASE) and collaborates with community partners to advance the over 200 recommendations delivered to the mayor and county executive.

Prior to her role at the Urban League, Dr. Lucas held positions of Chief Community Engagement Officer for Monroe County, Chief Community Impact Officer for Wilmot Cancer Institute, Executive Director of St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, and Director of Community Health Services at the URMC Center for Community Health and Prevention.

Dr. Lucas received her Doctorate in Education from St. John Fisher College, and her Master of Business Administration & Bachelor of Science from Rochester Institute of Technology. She is a graduate of the African American Leadership Development Program, Leadership Rochester, the Leadership Coaching Certificate Program, and the Healthcare Business Academy. She is a certified executive coach and has been a mentor and preceptor to high school and undergraduate interns, medical students, and medical residents.

Dr. Lucas has served on numerous nonprofit boards and was elected to leadership roles of chair, president and secretary. Among her acknowledgements, she is the recipient of the RBJ’s Women of Excellence honors, the GRCC Colors of Success Leadership award, and the President Joseph Biden Lifetime Achievement Award.

Geitner consistently challenges the status quo, raising expectations for service quality and employment practices while honoring the dignity and worth of all people. Her leadership has contributed to significant wage increases for direct support professionals, strengthening self-sufficiency for more than 1,600 employees and advancing regional anti-poverty goals. A collaborative community partner, she actively engages diverse perspectives to guide strategic growth and address unmet needs across the region.

Beyond her work at HCS, Geitner is deeply invested in community service. She serves on several boards, including The Lifetime Health Care Companies, Mercy Flight Central, Person Centered Services Care Coordinating Organization and the National Council of Christians of Renewal and Compassion. She chairs the Home Care of Rochester Advisory Board and sits on the Excellus Rochester Regional Advisory Board. She also volunteers through her local church and food pantry.

Geitner holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Nazareth University, along with Diversity and Inclusion and Not-for-Profit Finance certificates from Cornell University. Nazareth also awarded her an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for her leadership and service.

She has been honored with the 2025 GRC Inclusive Leadership Award and is a two-time ATHENA Award finalist.

Dr. Harris obtained her B.S in Neurosciences from the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY and her MD  from Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta GA. She then completed a combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.

Currently, she is the president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.®, Delta Nu Omega Chapter, In Rochester, NY. She serves as the Treasurer for The Greater Rochester, Alumnae Alumni Chapter of the National Pan Hellenic Council, serves on the Board of Directors for the Black Physicians Network, the Board of the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the YWCA board. She is president of The Missionary Board at New Progressive Cathedral Church of God In Christ and serves as a Sunday school and Bible study instructor.

In the past, Dr. Harris has served as the president of the Southern Tier district of the American College of Physicians, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer for Our Lady of Lourdes in Binghamton, NY. Medical Staff President at Highland Hospital, in addition to numerous boards in the Rochester and Southern Tier community and extensive involvement in medical education.

Dr Harris and her husband are the proud parents of two adult children. In her spare time, she enjoys time with family, sewing and a variety of outdoor activities.

In June 2024, Dr. Olivares was appointed Interim Senior Associate Dean of Engagement and Enrichment for the School of Medicine and Dentistry at URMC, where she led efforts to strengthen institutional accountability, broaden representation, and align education, clinical care, and research with the institution’s core values. In 2025, she was named Associate Vice President for Health Outcomes, Optimization across URMC and Senior Associate Dean of Health Outcomes Education for the School of Medicine and Dentistry. In this role, she is helping guide the medical center through a period of profound change—advancing a vision of URMC as a community-based academic health system committed to “achieving optimal health for all who walk through our doors”.

Throughout her career, Dr. Olivares has been dedicated to improving care for people with complex medical, behavioral health, and social needs—particularly individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness as well as care for those members of Rochester’s Spanish language community.

Dr. Olivares’ work is grounded in a deep commitment to addressing health disparities driven by poverty, federal and local policies, and barriers to access. She has spent decades building programs that meet people where they are—integrating medical care, mental health services, and social support to improve outcomes for underserved populations. Dr. Olivares’ leadership reflects a lifelong belief that health equity cannot be achieved without strong partnerships between healthcare systems, community organizations, and the people most affected by poverty and injustice. Her work continues to bridge clinical excellence with community action to build a healthier, more equitable Rochester.

Josie is passionate about community health and wellness. Beyond her role at the county, she is an active member of several local organizations, including the Rochester Food Policy Council, ReConnect Rochester, Tru-Impact, Rochester Pharmacy Access Coalition, and Dolly Parton Imagination Library/Rochester’s Chapter as their Community Engagement Officer.

She is also a certified personal trainer, wellness coach, and community doula.

Josie believes in a future where all residents have the opportunity to thrive. Her work is driven by that vision – especially for the sake of her beloved grandchildren, whom she is helping to raise in Rochester, NY.

Thalia and her team at Monroe County DHS provide vital assistance to residents of the area, with income support, medical assistance, and other comprehensive services designed to promote a higher quality of life for children, families, and disadvantaged or elderly adults, and help move lives forward with care and dignity.

Believing in meeting people where they are, Thalia has been committed to a systemic redesign of where and how DHS recipients receive support, making processes less complex and more person-centered. Her extensive experience has provided her with a unique perspective and insight uncommon to singular disciplines or practitioners.

Thalia regularly incorporates her values of social justice and advocacy while facilitating discussions with local districts and congregate care agencies throughout New York State to improve services and outcomes for children and families of color involved with the juvenile justice and child welfare system. She leads with compassion and exemplifies “servant leadership.”

Before her current role with Monroe County, Thalia served as Regional Director for the Westchester and Long Island Regional Offices of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Early in her career, Thalia worked as a Long-Term Care Social Worker, Homeless Outreach Worker, Monroe County Child Protective Services Investigator and Child Abuse Prevention Specialist.

Thalia holds a BS degree in Human Services from SUNY Brockport and an MS degree in Organizational Management and Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College.

Thalia is a 2025 Athena Award finalist, a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and the Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society.

Shakira’s practice is grounded in client-centered, trauma-informed advocacy. She is committed to ensuring that individuals understand their rights, feel supported throughout each stage of their case, and are empowered to navigate the immigration system with dignity.

A proud Jamaican-American immigrant, Shakira understands the experiences and challenges faced by immigrant families. Her background strengthens her connection with clients and guides her compassionate approach to representation.

Shakira earned her bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo and her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, New York State Bar Association and Monroe County Bar Association.

With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and advocacy, Irene has been a driving force in advancing opportunities and protections for marginalized communities. She began her career at PathStone Corporation, assisting farmworkers in securing training and employment opportunities as a Placement Career Services Developer. From 2008 to 2017, she served as the Training Coordinator for the New York State Migrant Education Program's Identification and Recruitment Office, ensuring migrant families had access to critical educational resources.

In 2016, Irene took on the role of Outreach and Education Program Director at the Worker Justice Center of New York, where she championed workers’ rights and empowered underserved communities. She later joined JustCause in 2020 to lead the Immigrant Rights Pro Bono Program, providing essential legal support to immigrant families.

Beyond her professional roles, Irene is the founder of Puertorriqueños Unidos en la Distancia – United in the Distance, a volunteer-led organization established in 2017 to support survivors of natural disasters arriving in Rochester. Her work has helped hundreds of newly arrived individuals access language services, education, and employment opportunities.

A native of Puerto Rico, Irene holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Summa Cum Laude, from the American University of Puerto Rico, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Magna Cum Laude, from the State University of New York College at Brockport. Her unwavering commitment to equity, education, and community empowerment continues to drive the mission of the Enlace.