We are excited to introduce our ENLA 2022 Fellows!

EMERGING NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR - 2022 FELLOWS

Aprecia “Preem” Cabey, Radix Ecological Sustainability Center
Aprecia “Preem” Cabey (She/Her/They) is a dedicated social justice advocate and artist in the Capital Region. Preem’s work includes facilitation of a youth recreational program, Our Art Class. Preem is also an advocate for justice-involved youth and their parents. Her advocacy consists of being a member of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice regional youth justice team. She is a board member of the Albany County Probation junior community accountability board, a restorative justice program. In 2022, Preem will be working with the Radix Ecological Sustainability Center. Her work at The Radix will include community outreach and engagement focusing on environmental justice. Preem’s range of project activities will also include educating the public about the importance of, and options for, organics recycling.
Niamaya Canady, United Way of the Greater Capital Region
Originally from Queens, New York, Niamaya Canady has had the pleasure of residing in the Capital Region since Summer 2020 with her partner and their cat, Tommy. She is currently the Community Impact Manager at United Way of the Greater Capital Region. Previously, she has worked in direct service as a Site Director for two in-person after-school programs and one virtual program. Niamaya studied Political Science at the State University of New York at Potsdam, minoring in pre-law with a background in social justice. Her work there focused on examining differences in socio-economic identities in the context of political tolerance.
McCauley Cannizzo, Electric City Barn
McCauley Cannizzo currently works as the Programming, Events, and Membership Coordinator at Electric City Barn in Schenectady, NY. Electric City Barn falls under Albany Barn Inc. and she has been with the organization since June of 2021 and feels right at home. On the side, she also works as the Promotions Manager at Schenectady Greenmarket and falls in love with the local goods every Sunday. She loves to talk about all things art, baking, and pets (be sure to ask her about her dog or cats at home, but watch out, she will definitely show you some photos and you may want to plan time accordingly). 
Alexandria T. Carver, Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc.
​Alexandria T. Carver is a native of Albany, New York. She is the Housing Counseling Program Manager at Better Community Neighborhoods Inc. (BCNI) During her tenure, Mrs. Carver has overseen the expansion of the BCNI HUD Approved Housing Counseling Program. Mrs. Carver’s work has included Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Education, Foreclosure Prevention, Rental Counseling, Financial Coaching, and the creation of a Financial Confidence counseling agenda and education curriculum. Mrs. Carver is known for her passion and ability to grapple with complex issues related to housing sustainability for underserved communities. Mrs. Carver received a Bachelor’s Degree from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY.
Claire Cousin, Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition
Claire Cousin is the Executive Director of Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition, a fully Black led organization. She also serves as the youngest and first Black female Columbia County Supervisor. Claire’s experience comes from the same place as her passion: a commitment to ensure that her community has access to the resources, care, and support that she didn't find growing up. She provides mentorship for tomorrow’s leaders and fights alongside them for social and racial justice, always working to instill a sense of self-worth, passion and purpose. Claire is a 29 year old single mother of three and a long-time activist and organizer in Hudson, NY.
Cassandra Farrugia, National Alliance on Mental Illness
Cassandra Farrugia is the Associate Director of Communications and Outreach at the New York State Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-NYS). Cassandra also works with NAMI Capital Region, a local affiliate, as their Development Specialist. She leads initiatives in youth and young adult mental health, multicultural mental health, suicide prevention and more. Cassandra is a Bronx, New York native and graduate of SUNY New Paltz, where she studied Psychology and Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies. 
Luca Haliotis, C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios
Luca Haliotis is the Operations Coordinator at C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios, where they work to provide expressive arts workshops in Schenectady and throughout the Capital Region. Luca received their bachelor degrees in visual arts and psychology from SUNY New Paltz, and has since been working at various nonprofits. In their current role at C.R.E.A.T.E, Luca oversees and facilitates multiple expressive arts workshops and public art projects, including programming designed specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth in Schenectady, Saratoga, and beyond.
​Shakira Hernandez, American Nurses Association - New York
Shakira Hernandez is the Communication Coordinator for the American Nurses Association - New York and has recently earned her digital marketing certification. She also serves as a board member of In Our Own Voices, an organization dedicated to addressing the many needs of the LGBT community; and as a board advisor for Veterans Drive. Shakira attended Schenectady Community College and graduated from Pace University. While attending college, she was an active member of The Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute and participated in SOMOS El Futuro conferences. She was the recipient of the Schenectady County Hispanic Heritage Scholarship.
Kaira Kristbergs, RISSE
Kaira Kristbergs is the Director of Adult Education at RISSE (Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus). She has been an ESL teacher at RISSE for 5 years and this year became director of the program. She is a relentless refugee advocate and feels passionately that Albany is for everyone. Her mother and grandparents were refugees resettled in Albany and feels lucky to get to help people on their journey through resettlement. She runs the English Language Program for adults at RISSE and also teaches both online and in person.
Jessica Lennon Abbasi, The Legal Project
Jessica Lennon Abbasi is the Associate Executive Director of The Legal Project and has worked within the organization since 2001, when she initially served as Legal Services Coordinator for the Domestic Violence Legal Connection. Since being employed with The Legal Project, Jessica has served as a member of local and statewide victim service and housing coalitions and has presented at national conferences focused on interpersonal violence.  Prior to joining the Legal Project, Jessica received a B.A. in Public Justice and Forensic Science from the State University of New York at Oswego.
Natalie Lindop-Braun, Joseph's House and Shelter
Natalie Lindop-Braun is currently the Associate Director of Homeless Services at Joseph's House and Shelter, where she has created and now facilitates an array of harm reduction and health services. She holds a Master’s in Public Health from Boston University focusing on Maternal and Child Health, and has worked in the areas of youth programming, advocacy, and social justice for over 10 years. She is passionate about issues of health, gender, and racial equity, including the intersection of these issues and climate justice. 
Erica Ludwick, Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York
Erica Ludwick is a Managing Attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York. She supervises staff providing legal services to low-income and underrepresented individuals. Ludwick currently serves on the New York State Bar Association’s Veteran’s Committee, Committee on Technology and the Legal Profession, and the Task Force on the Post-Pandemic Future of the Profession. She serves on the MIE Journal Committee. She has previously served as an elected member of the Representative Assembly, chair of the Awards and Nominating Committee, and was a member of the Equal Access Initiative of the State Bar of Michigan. She has served as Vice President of the Jackson County Bar Association.  She was a heavy-wheel vehicle mechanic in the U.S. Army, obtained her J.D. cum laude from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in 2007, and received a Master’s in Public and Social Policy in 2021. She is admitted to practice in New York and Michigan and lives in the Adirondacks with her husband and three dogs.
Kim Parker, Historic Albany Foundation
Kim serves as Membership, Outreach, and Programming Coordinator for Historic Albany Foundation, an organization that works to preserve and protect the city of Albany's architectural heritage.  Originally from the UK, she has spent time working with various nonprofits in her home country, as well as in Indonesia, Myanmar, and Albany.  She has a joint BA (Hons) in English Literature and Drama from UWE in Bristol, England. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, yoga, and Muay Thai. 
Theresa Anna Rodriguez, AVillage, Inc.​
Theresa serves as the Executive Director of AVillage, Inc. This grassroots organization works towards empowering people to have equitable access to opportunities and resources. They identify inequities and confront root causes by galvanizing the community and leveraging resources to create transformative change in Albany’s South End. Theresa has an associates degree in Business Management and continues to pursue her Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. In 2019, she relocated to Albany, investing in the community and rehabilitating a home where her 3 children and 7 grandchildren can come home to for special occasions, holidays and summer vacations. 
Matt Shaughnessy, The Charlton School
Matt Shaughnessy is the Director of Development for The Charlton School, responsible for individual, corporate and foundation giving. Over the last decade, Matt has held several development and donor relations roles in both the nonprofit and higher education sectors here in the Capital Region. He has over ten years professional experience in development and began working in fundraising for grassroots political organizations as a community organizer in Brooklyn, NY. Matt enjoys reading, playing basketball and hiking. He recently sold his family’s brownstone in downtown Troy and relocated to southern Saratoga County with his wife, two children & dog.​
John Slyer, Sky High Adventure Center, Inc.
John Slyer has been part of the nonprofit world since he attended day camp in 1969 at the Troy Boys Club. His participation in nonprofit programs continued throughout his life. He has held virtually every role in summer camp programming. John has now retired from teaching and is dedicating his time and energy into creating an adventure-based community center that serves all ages and abilities. John established the Sky High Adventure Center Inc. in December 2020 and it is now a 501(c)(3) registered organization with an enthusiastic board, a supportive community and multi-faceted facility.
Klarisse Torriente, Joseph's House and Shelter
Klarisse currently serves as a researcher for the SUNY System Administration's Prison Education team; the Diversion Manager at Joseph's House and Shelter in Troy; and a freelance writer for the Adirondack Explorer. She has over ten years' experience in human services, advocacy, and community organization. Klarisse earned her Bachelors of Science in Forensic Sociology from Rosemont College and her Master of Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany. in her free time, you can catch her on a mountain, roller rink, or skate park.
Danielle Walsh, Guilderland Chamber of Commerce
Danielle Walsh grew up in the Capital Region and attended college at SUNY New Paltz. In 2016, Danielle began her career as the Sales Assistant at Discover Albany. Then in 2017, Danielle became their first Partnership & Community Relations Manager. As the Partnership Manager she brought in new tourism businesses to Albany and formed Discover Albany’s first Corporate Partnerships. In January 2020, Danielle left Discover Albany to take on her first executive role as the Executive Director of the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce. Over the past two years, Danielle has been managing the chamber & engaging with the business community of Guilderland. 
Ben Williams, Connect Center
Ben Williams has a long history of working with youth in the Capital District. At the YMCA, he developed and implemented youth programming. He also worked at Parsons Child & Family Center with students who face behavioral and mental challenges. He has spent time volunteering at Vanderheyden with a similar population. He also has experience with tutoring and mentoring. In 2017 he was awarded the Adult Achiever Award at the Capital District YMCA Black & Latino Achievers Banquet. He became the Executive Director of the Connect Center in the fall of 2019. Ben also works as an administrator for Good Ground Family Church.