The Center for Fair Futures is comprised of an Center for Fair Futures Advocacy Team, Model Implementation & Professional Development Team, and Innovation Team.
The Center for Fair Futures Co-Executive Directors are Katie Napolitano and Tracy Jenkins.
Advocacy Team and Partners
Young people who have experienced foster care lead the Fair Futures advocacy campaign. A core component is our Youth Advisory Board (YAB). This extraordinary group of young people organize, advocate, create a call to action by rallying their peers and demanding more for New York City's foster youth.
A Fair Futures YAB Coordinator provides guidance and direction while liaising with the Center’s Advocacy Committee to maximize advocacy efforts.
The Advocacy Committee is comprised of young people, foundations, foster care agency leaders, and housing experts/partners. The Co-Chairs are Angela LoBue from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and Anthony Turner, YAB Coordinator.
Model Implementation & Professional Development Team and Partners
The Center for Fair Futures Team is comprised of dedicated, passionate consultants who work closely with providers, government agencies, foundations, non-profit partners, and young people to implement, scale, and continuously improve the Fair Futures model.
The NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) oversees all 26 foster care agencies and juvenile justice providers that implement the Fair Futures model. ACS has a public-private partnership with the Youth & Families Forward Fund (formerly the Foster Care Excellence Fund) to fund the implementation of the model.
The Youth & Families Forward Fund is supported by a collaboration of foundations, including the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Redlich Horwitz Foundation, Tiger Foundation, Ira W. DeCamp Foundation, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, New York Community Trust, and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The Summerfield Foundation and Pinkerton Foundation are also key supporters on the juvenile justice side.
All of the Implementation work is overseen by an Implementation Committee, comprised of leaders from ACS, agencies, young people with lived experience, and our implementation partners At The Table, Advocates for Children, City Living NY, and New Yorker’s For Children.
Staff & Consultants
Meet the Implementation Team!
Provides implementation and professional development supports to all organizations adopting the Fair Futures model.
Megan Avery
Director of Training & Learning Systems
Megan Avery is the Center’s Director of Training & Learning Systems. She led the launch of the Center’s LMS and continues to provide ongoing training and technical support for the platform across all foster care and juvenile justice organizations. Megan works closely with partner organizations and the Fair Futures Training team to develop innovative curriculum and expand training opportunities for all staff.
Megan has over twenty years of experience creating and implementing educational experiences for people in school-based settings, museums, and community based non-profits. At the Guggenheim Museum, Megan led training for the education department on inquiry-based learning, techniques for student independence and utilizing responsive, equity-based communication in museum and classroom settings. At the Chicago Teacher’s Center, she developed courses for elementary teachers on reflective documentation and assessment methodologies. As a co-director of Redmoon Theater’s dramagirls, she recruited, trained and supervised a team of professional women artists who were paired with young women in an arts-based mentorship program.
Megan earned a Masters Degree in Arts Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and is passionate about creating educational opportunities that foster creativity and community building.
Mary Bunn
Training Coordinator
& Office Administrator
Mary Bunn is a seasoned professional serving as a Training and Office Coordinator at the Center. With a rich background in the foster care sector spanning 17 years, Mary has demonstrated her commitment to child welfare through various roles such as Adoption Specialist, Mentoring Coordinator, Youth Development Specialist, and, more recently, Middle School Specialist under the Fair Futures model. Her extensive experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of the complexities within the foster care system, allowing her to excel in her current position by coordinating effective training programs and ensuring smooth office operations.
Mary holds a bachelor's degree in Urban Planning from Fordham University, showcasing her dedication to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by urban communities. Her academic background, coupled with her hands-on experience, positions Mary as a valuable asset in the field of foster care, where she continues to contribute significantly to the betterment of the lives of children and youth.
Stephanie Dueño
Director of Implementation
Stephanie Dueño (she/her) is a Director of Implementation for the Center, providing a range of training, technical assistance, and implementation support to 10 juvenile justice organizations and to agency leaders and staff with implementing, scaling and continuously improving their Fair Futures programs.
Stephanie is a leader in youth education, program development, and community engagement in nonprofits and government agencies. Knowledgeable in K-12 pedagogy and workforce development with a focus on over-age, under-credited youth, youth with special needs, and youth impacted by the child welfare system and the school-to-prison pipeline. She is an expert in collaborating with government agencies and community partners to develop and implement initiatives and policies that create meaningful community change.
Stephanie has spent the last fifteen years developing programs, curriculum and advocacy pathways in support of school-aged youth and youth impacted by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Prior to joining the Center, Stephanie served as the Executive Director of Educational Services and Youth Rights for the NYC Administration for Children’s Services’ Division of Youth and Family Justice where she worked across the Division’s continuum in support of young people impacted by the justice system. In this role, Stephanie implemented and expanded critical educational and workforce development services for young people in Detention and in Close to Home including the implementation of robust tutoring services (an initiative she is particularly proud of!), post-secondary education, and career readiness.
Stephanie hails from Savannah, GA, is a proud alumna of Tufts University, and has lived in NYC since 2008. She is dedicated to creating pathways for learning, to lifting up youth voices, and to enacting change through collaboration and advocacy.
Donald Duggan
Director of Implementation
Donald (“Don”) Duggan is a Director of Implementation for the Center, providing a range of training, technical assistance, and implementation supports to 13 foster care agency leaders and staff with implementing, scaling, and continuously improving their Fair Futures programs.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Don has spent the last decade serving those impacted by the child welfare system. Prior to joining the Center for Fair Futures, Donald worked at HeartShare St. Vincent's Services where he held a variety of roles such as Case Planner, Permanency Pact Coordinator, Intensive Permanency Services Specialist, Youth Development Specialist, Success Coach Supervisor, and Director of Success and Housing Services. Don is a proud alumni of Binghamton University where he obtained his BS in Human Development and alumni of Baruch college where he obtained his MPA in Nonprofit Management. He is also a New York Community Trust Leadership Fellow.
Cashay Haffoney
Director of Coaching & Wellness
Cashay Haffoney (she/her) is the Center’s Director of Coaching and Wellness, providing a range of coaching and professional development supports to implementing agencies, including onboarding, youth engagement, group facilitation, and peer group formation. Cashay also supports the YAB Coordinator and advocacy efforts.
Cashay is a youth development expert and passionate leader who is a lifelong champion for positive youth development practices, coaching, and development. For over a decade she has worked fervently designing curriculums and launching programs that support the elevation of young adults. She has partnered with a cornucopia of institutions and organizations whose aim is to connect with youth, families and professionals in NYC and throughout the tri-state area.
Cashay has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from West Virginia State University and is a Certified Life Coach. She is in the process of completing her Master of Arts degree in Youth Studies at the CUNY School Of Professional Studies.
Shakiya Harper
Finance Director
Shakiya is the Finance Director for The Center for Fair Futures. She brings years of experience in accounting, financial analysis, reporting, and compliance management. Most recently, Shakiya served as a Sr. Finance and Compliance Manager at Columbia University, where she oversaw the financial compliance of a diverse portfolio of government and private grants. Prior to this she served as an analyst in the insurance industry and at her alma mater, Marymount Manhattan College. Shakiya graduated from MMC with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, where she also double minored in Accounting and Social Work. Shakiya's passion lies in leveraging her understanding of finance, accounting, and social work to address the social needs of vulnerable youth. As Finance Director, she is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of young people in need.
Tayler Hilton
Innovation Director
As the Innovation Director at the Center, Tayler spearheads the youth-informed innovation pillar which collaboratively develops, pilots, evaluates, and scales initiatives and programs that fill system wide gaps that directly contribute to young people's success and well-being. All initiatives are youth-informed, designed in conjunction with young people, and (wherever possible) public-private partnerships to ensure future sustainability. Her association with the Center dates back to its inception, initially as a Compliance Specialist and later contributing as a Coach Supervisor at JCCA.
In her role as a Compliance Specialist, Tayler collaborated with leadership in JCCA’s foster care, LEAP (Leadership, Education, and Achievement Pathways), and other departments. Tayler designed and conducted evaluations of agency programs, contributing to overall quality improvement while serving as a liaison to external funders. As a supporting member of the LEAP team, Tayler played a pivotal role in the tracking and reporting of all Fair Futures metrics. Having relished her role as Compliance Specialist with the LEAP team, Tayler eagerly transitioned to Coach Supervisor, passionately overseeing and enhancing program initiatives.
Tayler boasts a decade of impactful engagement within diverse realms of child welfare, youth development, and criminal justice settings, traversing varied landscapes. From serving as a hotline peer assistant extending mental health support, to contributing to criminal justice initiatives aimed at defendant rehabilitation, and guiding college students in their career pursuits, Tayler's multifaceted experience also encompasses the provision of family therapy services, showcasing an extensive professional journey.
Tayler Hilton is an incredibly enthusiastic and devoted professional whose unwavering commitment revolves around igniting the growth and well-being of others with infectious zeal and genuine passion. With a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Brooklyn College, CUNY, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University at Albany, SUNY, Tayler brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Center.
Tracy Jenkins
Co-Executive Director
Tracy Jenkins is a transformational leader, with expertise in program development, program leadership, and program implementation, with an emphasis on strategic management. Tracy is a licensed Social Worker and has over 15 years of experience working in child welfare and youth development.
Prior to joining The Center, Tracy served as the Vice President of LEAP (Leadership, Education, and Achievement Pathways) at JCCA, where she successfully spearheaded a dramatic expansion of its programming, staffing, and scope. This included a more than quadrupled staff size with the implementation of Fair Futures; the integration and build out of LEAP programs across JCCA campus and city locations; and significant enhancements and growth to JCCA’s early literacy, tutoring and academic enrichment initiatives. Tracy also deftly strengthened programming across all areas at JCCA, infused data into LEAP management, and established partnerships with new community organizations to support young people on their pathways to self-sufficiency.
Most recently, Tracy worked to further expand the Fair Futures Program by bringing a racial and gender equity programming lens to coaching for transition age youth.
In addition to this work, Tracy began her career as a Child Protective Specialist for the Administration for Children’s Services where she responded directly to reports of child abuse and/or neglect. Using investigatory and social work skills, Tracy engaged and partnered with families and community resources to ensure the safety and well-being of children throughout New York City.
Tracy’s commitment to her professional and leadership development advanced her as a leader within various roles at JCCA, including program management and development, performance evaluation and policy development, and project management.
As a leader, Tracy continuously possesses a clear vision and prioritizes courage, integrity, honesty, humility and clear focus. Tracy’s motto is that “the art of communication is the language of leadership.” Tracy has a communication and leadership style that is empathic, authentic and exudes executive presence.
Andrew Mekhail
Data Analyst
Andrew Mekhail serves as a Data Analyst at the Center for Fair Futures. He most recently worked with the Volcker Alliance, where his portfolio centered on building a pipeline of young, diverse talent into public service careers. Andrew helped navigate the pilot year of a workstream coordinating virtual career fairs by establishing event-management SOPs, liaising with stakeholders at all levels of government, and analyzing jobseeker engagement metrics. He also conducted research for a project exploring how to increase BIPOC leadership in the administration of the criminal legal system. Andrew has previously worked alongside the Gulf International Forum and the Refugee and Asylum Health Seeker Initiative. Across roles, he has interpreted and translated data to inform decision-making, maximize program impact, and guide process improvement.
Andrew graduated from the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy. He completed a program in Data Analytics through Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering. In 2023, Andrew finished his participation in the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service through New York University's Wagner School of Public Service.
Katie Napolitano
Co-Executive Director
Katie Napolitano has worked with dozens of national and international non-profit organizations in a funding and consulting capacity, providing strategic guidance and capital to help fuel their growth and success. Prior to Fair Futures, Katie was a Program Officer at the Tiger Foundation.
While in that role, Katie assessed dozens of organizations in K-12 education, college access/success, workforce development, child welfare, and criminal justice. This provided her with a strong comparative perspective of the best practice approaches and effective models in improving outcomes for children, youth, and families.
Katie left philanthropy to help coordinate Fair Futures so that every young person in NYC’s foster care system could have a Coach – someone who believes in them, helps them achieve their goals and potential, and sticks with them over the long-run. Katie’s role with Fair Futures has spanned advocacy, model codification, coordination with foundations, ACS, and coalition members, and supporting all 26 agencies with model implementation.
Throughout her career, Katie has provided strategic consulting and financial advisory to non-profits in NYC and globally. She conducted year-long strategic consultancies for two large NYC foster care organizations, helping them scale and codify their programs and infuse best practices at critical junctures.
Katie also spent time as a social entrepreneur; she was a Vice President and founding employee of Treetops Capital, a fund management company she helped build to become a “Top 50” social impact investor globally. At Treetops, Katie helped oversee the company’s funds, raised private and public funding, and developed all of the social impact metrics and due diligence, monitoring, and reporting procedures. She previously spent time on Wall Street covering emerging market financial institutions.
For the last decade, Katie has also served as Coach to over a dozen foster youth, providing emotional support and assisting them with their academic and career goals. Katie and her husband adopted three young men who aged out of foster care. She is currently on the board of CASA NYC.
Liz Nellis
Consultant
Liz Nellis supports the Center for Fair Futures’ strategic growth and innovation initiatives. She brings to the team extensive experience in philanthropy, primarily at the Tiger Foundation, which awards grants to help alleviate poverty and create transformative opportunities for New Yorkers in the areas of education, workforce development, family support, and criminal justice.
As a consultant, Liz has advised both service providers and grantmaking foundations on growth and impact strategies. She received an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business, where she specialized in sustainable business and innovation, and was an Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS) fellow. Liz is thrilled to be a part of the vibrant, heart-forward Fair Futures community.
Mecca Phinizy
Director of Housing
As the Director of Housing at the Center for Fair Futures, Mecca Phinizy provides critical technical assistance to all 26 foster care agencies around helping young people obtain and maintain housing.
Mecca has extensive professional and lived experience in child welfare, including as a Preparing Youth for Adulthood Specialist, Early Intervention Specialist, Family Foster Care Supervisor, Legal Advocate within Family Court, and a Coordinator for the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities.
As an alumnus of the NYC foster care system, she understands the needs of our youth and has spent the last twenty years empowering youth and collaborating with staff and the community to support vulnerable populations. Mecca was born in Harlem, placed in NYC foster care at the tender age of 3, and discharged to “Independent Living” at age 19. She considered post-secondary education as a refuge and became an agent of change.
Mecca graduated from SUNY Stony Brook, where she received her MSW, and has spoken at many organizations and foundations to bring awareness to youth in and out of NYC foster care.
Tejal Patel
Data Support Specialist
(Consultant)
Tejal Patel is a consultant and provides data analysis for nonprofit organizations. Tejal's background is in chemical engineering and has worked in public and private sector.
Emil Ramnarine
Consultant
Emil Ramnarine is an impact leader that has 25 years in child welfare, youth development, and social entrepreneurship. Emil specializes in strategic design and the building and scaling of programs that lead to long-lasting positive changes. Prior to his work with Fair Futures, Emil served as the Associate Vice President for Youth and Community Success at Graham Windham.
It was here that he helped build one of the country's largest coaching programs for youth ages 11-26. This work included operationalizing how Coaches and Program Specialists can help guide young people towards goal achievement in the areas of career, education, housing, and independent living.
In addition to this work, Emil has worked for nationally affiliated nonprofits including Big Brother Big Sisters of New York City and the YMCA of Greater New York. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, he helped design their Center for Excellence, a training center that specializes in helping other non-profits build, run and/or enhance their own mentoring program. He also created and held the position of their first-ever Director of Volunteer Recruitment & Support. A primary function of the role was to train and prepare Bigs (volunteer mentor) on how to work effectively with their Littles (youth).
At the YMCA of Greater New York Emil took the Y-MVP Health and Fitness Coaching Program from concept to implementation in less than a year. This program was rolled out to 22 YMCA branches across NYC serving over 1,000 youth. This work included developing the program curriculum, a program model, a compatible app and training all Coaches.
Emil also spent some time in the social entrepreneurship space where he was the founder and CEO of Fit 4 Life NYC, an organization dedicated to delivering quality sports, fitness and wellness programs to schools and non-profits that serve youth in underserved communities. He led a team of 80 coaches, instructors, and administrators to become one of New York City’s leading organizations (winner of the Best for NYC award and Best for the Community award. Emil developed the company’s infrastructure, strategic vision, and core values before successfully guiding the sale of the business in 2019.
Matt Sexton
Care4 Trainer
Coming Soon!
Holly Smeltzer
Vice President of Implementation
Holly Smeltzer is the Vice President of Implementation for the Center, providing a range of training, technical assistance, and implementation supports to 13 foster care agency leaders and staff with implementing, scaling, and continuously improving their Fair Futures programs.
Holly has extensive experience working in the child welfare and youth development fields. Before coming to the Center, she was the Fair Futures Program Director at the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services. Holly’s calling to work alongside and advocate for young people in foster care stems from being a foster parent and witnessing the failures of the child welfare system on young people in her care. She is incredibly passionate about her work and strives to employ this passion to fulfill her commitment to young people in foster care, particularly those who are part of the LGBTQAI+ community.
She is incredibly proud to be part of the Fair Futures community and has been a Fair Futures champion from the first moment she joined young people, advocates, and other coalition members on the steps of City Hall. Holly Smeltzer is a first-generation college graduate, receiving her Bachelor of Science from Radford University and her Master of Public Administration from Baruch College of the City University of New York.
Anthony Turner
Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Coordinator
Anthony Turner, or “Tony”, is the Fair Futures Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Coordinator and a critical member of the Center’s “Opportunity Year” initiative.
Tony has significant professional and lived experience in the foster care system. He was born in Brooklyn, NY and was placed in foster care at the age of 14, where he spent 7 years in kinship care. Despite the obstacles he faced on his educational journey, Tony graduated from Columbia University with his Masters degree. At the Center, Tony supports the YAB with their advocacy priority to increase access to quality, safe, affordable housing. Having taken a “Gap Year” himself, Tony is a leader on the Opportunity Year initiative. When not being a Superhero for youth in need, Tony spends his time reading classic literature, listening to music, traveling across the country and meeting new people.
Louis Young
Juvenile Justice Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Coordinator
Louis Young is a committed educator and youth advocate from the Bronx with a wealth of experience in supporting and guiding young people. From the age of 19, Louis embarked on a career dedicated to fostering positive environments in schools and communities, holding the role of Dean of Culture and Behavior Management for over 15 years.
In this position, he developed and implemented strategies that supported students’ emotional and social growth, helping them navigate challenges and empowering them to reach their full potential. Throughout his career, Louis has collaborated with several prominent nonprofit organizations, such as CASES, Graham Windham, Harlem Children’s Zone, and the Sports & Arts Foundation, where he played a vital role in creating programs and resources that address the needs of at-risk youth and families. His commitment to youth development is matched by his recent role as the YAB Juvenile Justice Coordinator at Fair Future, where he continues to advocate for meaningful change within the juvenile justice system.
Louis is also a certified life coach, having earned his certification from the International Association of Professions Career College, and he leverages this training to provide guidance and support to individuals working to overcome personal and systemic barriers. His dedication to his community and his deep-rooted passion for helping young people define his impactful career.
Nadine Yuvienco
Vice President of Data,
Analytics, & Systems
Nadine Yuvienco is the Center’s Vice President of Data, Analytics, & Systems, overseeing a dedicated team committed to using data to inform programming and improve youth outcomes. Nadine led the development of the Fair Futures online platform (Care4), tailored it to the model, and rolled out the platform to all 26 agencies. She provides technical assistance, analyzes data, ensures data integrity and quality, and makes continuous improvements to the platform’s content, reporting, and functionality.
Nadine has over 16 years of experience in data analysis, reporting, and programming as a data analyst and consultant for a number of NYC child welfare organizations. She worked as a Program Analyst in the Quality Improvement department at Graham Windham and then oversaw all of the data/reporting for their coaching program, serving over 400 young people.
Nadine Yuvienco graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and then went on to graduate from Columbia University School of Social Work with a Master of Science in Social Work.
Meet our Innovation Partners!
Rashida Abuwala
Consultant
Rashida Abuwala, Principal of Community Impact Advisors, is a consultant on the Center’s Opportunity Year team, leading the research and providing valuable input around program design. Rashida has worked for over 15 years as a foundation and non-profit executive to improve the performance of public systems and social programs with thoughtful and collaborative grantmaking, research, program design, public-private partnerships and non-profit management in areas of social and economic justice including child welfare, youth development, education, community development and criminal justice.
Starting her career as a community organizer, Rashida has expertise in social research, program strategy, evaluation and design. She has presented at national and local conferences and authored several articles and papers on topics related to social and economic justice. A proud graduate of New York City public schools, Rashida also holds an honors BA from Wesleyan University and an honors MSc from the London School of Economics.
Stephen Hanmer D’Elia
Consultant
For the past 24 years Stephen Hanmer D’Elía, JD, LMSW has led, designed, and implemented policies, programs, and direct clinical work for children, youth, and families. He is also a part of the Center’s Opportunity Year team, conducting interviews, research, and providing valuable strategic guidance and input around program design and execution.
Stephen has worked and lived in over 20 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. His experience includes leading UNICEF’s work with legislative branches of government and religious communities; directing education, youth, and parent support programs for one of the largest child welfare agencies in the United States; conducting individual and group therapy with children, youth, and parents; and overseeing the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of child protection and refugee programs in Africa and the Middle East for one of the largest international humanitarian organizations.
Stephen has been recognized with various awards and accolades, including an Aspen Institute Fellowship as part of the American Express Leadership Academy for Nonprofit Leaders.
Stephen has Law (J.D.) and Social Work (L.M.S.W.) degrees from Columbia University and a History (B.A.) degree from Yale University. Born in Colombia, Stephen holds Uruguayan, American, and British citizenships. For more You information, click here.
Meet the Center for Fair Futures Team!
Our team provides implementation and professional development supports to all organizations adopting the Fair Futures model.
Mary Bunn is a seasoned professional serving as a Training and Office Coordinator at the Center. With a rich background in the foster care sector spanning 17 years, Mary has demonstrated her commitment to child welfare through various roles such as Adoption Specialist, Mentoring Coordinator, Youth Development Specialist, and, more recently, Middle School Specialist under the Fair Futures model. Her extensive experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of the complexities within the foster care system, allowing her to excel in her current position by coordinating effective training programs and ensuring smooth office operations.
Mary holds a bachelor's degree in Urban Planning from Fordham University, showcasing her dedication to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by urban communities. Her academic background, coupled with her hands-on experience, positions Mary as a valuable asset in the field of foster care, where she continues to contribute significantly to the betterment of the lives of children and youth.
Stephanie Dueño (she/her) is a Relationship Manager for the Center, providing a range of training, technical assistance, and implementation support to 10 juvenile justice organizations and to agency leaders and staff with implementing, scaling and continuously improving their Fair Futures programs.
Stephanie is a leader in youth education, program development, and community engagement in nonprofits and government agencies. Knowledgeable in K-12 pedagogy and workforce development with a focus on over-age, under-credited youth, youth with special needs, and youth impacted by the child welfare system and the school-to-prison pipeline. She is an expert in collaborating with government agencies and community partners to develop and implement initiatives and policies that create meaningful community change.
Stephanie has spent the last fifteen years developing programs, curriculum and advocacy pathways in support of school-aged youth and youth impacted by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Prior to joining the Center, Stephanie served as the Executive Director of Educational Services and Youth Rights for the NYC Administration for Children’s Services’ Division of Youth and Family Justice where she worked across the Division’s continuum in support of young people impacted by the justice system. In this role, Stephanie implemented and expanded critical educational and workforce development services for young people in Detention and in Close to Home including the implementation of robust tutoring services (an initiative she is particularly proud of!), post-secondary education, and career readiness.
Stephanie hails from Savannah, GA, is a proud alumna of Tufts University, and has lived in NYC since 2008. She is dedicated to creating pathways for learning, to lifting up youth voices, and to enacting change through collaboration and advocacy.
Donald (“Don”) Duggan is a Relationship Manager for the Center, providing a range of training, technical assistance, and implementation supports to 13 foster care agency leaders and staff with implementing, scaling, and continuously improving their Fair Futures programs.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Don has spent the last decade serving those impacted by the child welfare system. Prior to joining the Center for Fair Futures, Donald worked at HeartShare St. Vincent's Services where he held a variety of roles such as Case Planner, Permanency Pact Coordinator, Intensive Permanency Services Specialist, Youth Development Specialist, Success Coach Supervisor, and Director of Success and Housing Services. Don is a proud alumni of Binghamton University where he obtained his BS in Human Development and alumni of Baruch college where he obtained his MPA in Nonprofit Management. He is also a New York Community Trust Leadership Fellow.
Cashay Haffoney (she/her) is the Center’s Director of Coaching and Wellness, providing a range of coaching and professional development supports to implementing agencies, including onboarding, youth engagement, group facilitation, and peer group formation. Cashay also supports the YAB Coordinator and advocacy efforts.
Cashay is a youth development expert and passionate leader who is a lifelong champion for positive youth development practices, coaching, and development. For over a decade she has worked fervently designing curriculums and launching programs that support the elevation of young adults. She has partnered with a cornucopia of institutions and organizations whose aim is to connect with youth, families and professionals in NYC and throughout the tri-state area.
Cashay has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from West Virginia State University and is a Certified Life Coach. She is in the process of completing her Master of Arts degree in Youth Studies at the CUNY School Of Professional Studies.
Shakiya is the Finance Director for The Center for Fair Futures. She brings years of experience in accounting, financial analysis, reporting, and compliance management. Most recently, Shakiya served as a Sr. Finance and Compliance Manager at Columbia University, where she oversaw the financial compliance of a diverse portfolio of government and private grants. Prior to this she served as an analyst in the insurance industry and at her alma mater, Marymount Manhattan College. Shakiya graduated from MMC with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, where she also double minored in Accounting and Social Work. Shakiya's passion lies in leveraging her understanding of finance, accounting, and social work to address the social needs of vulnerable youth. As Finance Director, she is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of young people in need.
As the Innovation Director at the Center, Tayler spearheads the youth-informed innovation pillar which collaboratively develops, pilots, evaluates, and scales initiatives and programs that fill system wide gaps that directly contribute to young people's success and well-being. All initiatives are youth-informed, designed in conjunction with young people, and (wherever possible) public-private partnerships to ensure future sustainability. Her association with the Center dates back to its inception, initially as a Compliance Specialist and later contributing as a Coach Supervisor at JCCA.
In her role as a Compliance Specialist, Tayler collaborated with leadership in JCCA’s foster care, LEAP (Leadership, Education, and Achievement Pathways), and other departments. Tayler designed and conducted evaluations of agency programs, contributing to overall quality improvement while serving as a liaison to external funders. As a supporting member of the LEAP team, Tayler played a pivotal role in the tracking and reporting of all Fair Futures metrics. Having relished her role as Compliance Specialist with the LEAP team, Tayler eagerly transitioned to Coach Supervisor, passionately overseeing and enhancing program initiatives.
Tayler boasts a decade of impactful engagement within diverse realms of child welfare, youth development, and criminal justice settings, traversing varied landscapes. From serving as a hotline peer assistant extending mental health support, to contributing to criminal justice initiatives aimed at defendant rehabilitation, and guiding college students in their career pursuits, Tayler's multifaceted experience also encompasses the provision of family therapy services, showcasing an extensive professional journey.
Tayler Hilton is an incredibly enthusiastic and devoted professional whose unwavering commitment revolves around igniting the growth and well-being of others with infectious zeal and genuine passion. With a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Brooklyn College, CUNY, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University at Albany, SUNY, Tayler brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Center.
Tracy Jenkins is a transformational leader, with expertise in program development, program leadership, and program implementation, with an emphasis on strategic management. Tracy is a licensed Social Worker and has over 15 years of experience working in child welfare and youth development.
Prior to joining The Center, Tracy served as the Vice President of LEAP (Leadership, Education, and Achievement Pathways) at JCCA, where she successfully spearheaded a dramatic expansion of its programming, staffing, and scope. This included a more than quadrupled staff size with the implementation of Fair Futures; the integration and build out of LEAP programs across JCCA campus and city locations; and significant enhancements and growth to JCCA’s early literacy, tutoring and academic enrichment initiatives. Tracy also deftly strengthened programming across all areas at JCCA, infused data into LEAP management, and established partnerships with new community organizations to support young people on their pathways to self-sufficiency.
Most recently, Tracy worked to further expand the Fair Futures Program by bringing a racial and gender equity programming lens to coaching for transition age youth.
In addition to this work, Tracy began her career as a Child Protective Specialist for the Administration for Children’s Services where she responded directly to reports of child abuse and/or neglect. Using investigatory and social work skills, Tracy engaged and partnered with families and community resources to ensure the safety and well-being of children throughout New York City.
Tracy’s commitment to her professional and leadership development advanced her as a leader within various roles at JCCA, including program management and development, performance evaluation and policy development, and project management.
As a leader, Tracy continuously possesses a clear vision and prioritizes courage, integrity, honesty, humility and clear focus. Tracy’s motto is that “the art of communication is the language of leadership.” Tracy has a communication and leadership style that is empathic, authentic and exudes executive presence.
Andrew Mekhail serves as a Data Analyst at the Center for Fair Futures. He most recently worked with the Volcker Alliance, where his portfolio centered on building a pipeline of young, diverse talent into public service careers. Andrew helped navigate the pilot year of a workstream coordinating virtual career fairs by establishing event-management SOPs, liaising with stakeholders at all levels of government, and analyzing jobseeker engagement metrics. He also conducted research for a project exploring how to increase BIPOC leadership in the administration of the criminal legal system. Andrew has previously worked alongside the Gulf International Forum and the Refugee and Asylum Health Seeker Initiative. Across roles, he has interpreted and translated data to inform decision-making, maximize program impact, and guide process improvement.
Andrew graduated from the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy. He completed a program in Data Analytics through Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering. In 2023, Andrew finished his participation in the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service through New York University's Wagner School of Public Service.
Katie Napolitano has worked with dozens of national and international non-profit organizations in a funding and consulting capacity, providing strategic guidance and capital to help fuel their growth and success. Prior to Fair Futures, Katie was a Program Officer at the Tiger Foundation.
While in that role, Katie assessed dozens of organizations in K-12 education, college access/success, workforce development, child welfare, and criminal justice. This provided her with a strong comparative perspective of the best practice approaches and effective models in improving outcomes for children, youth, and families.
Katie left philanthropy to help coordinate Fair Futures so that every young person in NYC’s foster care system could have a Coach – someone who believes in them, helps them achieve their goals and potential, and sticks with them over the long-run. Katie’s role with Fair Futures has spanned advocacy, model codification, coordination with foundations, ACS, and coalition members, and supporting all 26 agencies with model implementation.
Throughout her career, Katie has provided strategic consulting and financial advisory to non-profits in NYC and globally. She conducted year-long strategic consultancies for two large NYC foster care organizations, helping them scale and codify their programs and infuse best practices at critical junctures.
Katie also spent time as a social entrepreneur; she was a Vice President and founding employee of Treetops Capital, a fund management company she helped build to become a “Top 50” social impact investor globally. At Treetops, Katie helped oversee the company’s funds, raised private and public funding, and developed all of the social impact metrics and due diligence, monitoring, and reporting procedures. She previously spent time on Wall Street covering emerging market financial institutions.
For the last decade, Katie has also served as Coach to over a dozen foster youth, providing emotional support and assisting them with their academic and career goals. Katie and her husband adopted three young men who aged out of foster care. She is currently on the board of CASA NYC.
Liz Nellis supports the Center for Fair Futures’ strategic growth and innovation initiatives. She brings to the team extensive experience in philanthropy, primarily at the Tiger Foundation, which awards grants to help alleviate poverty and create transformative opportunities for New Yorkers in the areas of education, workforce development, family support, and criminal justice.
As a consultant, Liz has advised both service providers and grantmaking foundations on growth and impact strategies. She received an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business, where she specialized in sustainable business and innovation, and was an Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS) fellow. Liz is thrilled to be a part of the vibrant, heart-forward Fair Futures community.
Coming soon!
Tejal Patel is a consultant and provides data analysis for nonprofit organizations. Tejal's background is in chemical engineering and has worked in public and private sector.
Mecca Phiziny is a Senior Housing Consultant at City Living NY and part of the Center’s Implementation team. She provides critical technical assistance to all 26 foster care agencies around helping young people obtain and maintain housing.
Mecca has extensive professional and lived experience in child welfare, including as a Preparing Youth for Adulthood Specialist, Early Intervention Specialist, Family Foster Care Supervisor, Legal Advocate within Family Court, and a Coordinator for the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities.
As an alumnus of the NYC foster care system, she understands the needs of our youth and has spent the last twenty years empowering youth and collaborating with staff and the community to support vulnerable populations. Mecca was born in Harlem, placed in NYC foster care at the tender age of 3, and discharged to “Independent Living” at age 19. She considered post-secondary education as a refuge and became an agent of change.
Mecca graduated from SUNY Stony Brook, where she received her MSW, and has spoken at many organizations and foundations to bring awareness to youth in and out of NYC foster care.
Emil Ramnarine is an impact leader that has 25 years in child welfare, youth development, and social entrepreneurship. Emil specializes in strategic design and the building and scaling of programs that lead to long-lasting positive changes. Prior to his work with Fair Futures, Emil served as the Associate Vice President for Youth and Community Success at Graham Windham.
It was here that he helped build one of the country's largest coaching programs for youth ages 11-26. This work included operationalizing how Coaches and Program Specialists can help guide young people towards goal achievement in the areas of career, education, housing, and independent living.
In addition to this work, Emil has worked for nationally affiliated nonprofits including Big Brother Big Sisters of New York City and the YMCA of Greater New York. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, he helped design their Center for Excellence, a training center that specializes in helping other non-profits build, run and/or enhance their own mentoring program. He also created and held the position of their first-ever Director of Volunteer Recruitment & Support. A primary function of the role was to train and prepare Bigs (volunteer mentor) on how to work effectively with their Littles (youth).
At the YMCA of Greater New York Emil took the Y-MVP Health and Fitness Coaching Program from concept to implementation in less than a year. This program was rolled out to 22 YMCA branches across NYC serving over 1,000 youth. This work included developing the program curriculum, a program model, a compatible app and training all Coaches.
Emil also spent some time in the social entrepreneurship space where he was the founder and CEO of Fit 4 Life NYC, an organization dedicated to delivering quality sports, fitness and wellness programs to schools and non-profits that serve youth in underserved communities. He led a team of 80 coaches, instructors, and administrators to become one of New York City’s leading organizations (winner of the Best for NYC award and Best for the Community award. Emil developed the company’s infrastructure, strategic vision, and core values before successfully guiding the sale of the business in 2019.
Coming Soon!
Holly Smeltzer is a Relationship Manager for the Center, providing a range of training, technical assistance, and implementation supports to 13 foster care agency leaders and staff with implementing, scaling, and continuously improving their Fair Futures programs.
Holly has extensive experience working in the child welfare and youth development fields. Before coming to the Center, she was the Fair Futures Program Director at the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services. Holly’s calling to work alongside and advocate for young people in foster care stems from being a foster parent and witnessing the failures of the child welfare system on young people in her care. She is incredibly passionate about her work and strives to employ this passion to fulfill her commitment to young people in foster care, particularly those who are part of the LGBTQAI+ community.
She is incredibly proud to be part of the Fair Futures community and has been a Fair Futures champion from the first moment she joined young people, advocates, and other coalition members on the steps of City Hall. Holly Smeltzer is a first-generation college graduate, receiving her Bachelor of Science from Radford University and her Master of Public Administration from Baruch College of the City University of New York.
Anthony Turner, or “Tony”, is the Fair Futures Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Coordinator and a critical member of the Center’s “Opportunity Year” initiative.
Tony has significant professional and lived experience in the foster care system. He was born in Brooklyn, NY and was placed in foster care at the age of 14, where he spent 7 years in kinship care. Despite the obstacles he faced on his educational journey, Tony graduated from Columbia University with his Masters degree. At the Center, Tony supports the YAB with their advocacy priority to increase access to quality, safe, affordable housing. Having taken a “Gap Year” himself, Tony is a leader on the Opportunity Year initiative. When not being a Superhero for youth in need, Tony spends his time reading classic literature, listening to music, traveling across the country and meeting new people.
Nadine Yuvienco is the Center’s Data Director, overseeing a dedicated team committed to using data to inform programming and improve youth outcomes. Nadine led the development of the Fair Futures online platform (Care4), tailored it to the model, and rolled out the platform to all 26 agencies. She provides technical assistance, analyzes data, ensures data integrity and quality, and makes continuous improvements to the platform’s content, reporting, and functionality.
Nadine has over 16 years of experience in data analysis, reporting, and programming as a data analyst and consultant for a number of NYC child welfare organizations. She worked as a Program Analyst in the Quality Improvement department at Graham Windham and then oversaw all of the data/reporting for their coaching program, serving over 400 young people.
Nadine Yuvienco graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and then went on to graduate from Columbia University School of Social Work with a Master of Science in Social Work.
Mary Bunn
Training Coordinator
& Office Administrator
Stephanie Dueño
Director of Implementation
Donald Duggan
Director of Implementation
Mary Bunn is a seasoned professional serving as a Training and Office Coordinator at the Center. With a rich background in the foster care sector spanning 17 years, Mary has demonstrated her commitment to child welfare through various roles such as Adoption Specialist, Mentoring Coordinator, Youth Development Specialist, and, more recently, Middle School Specialist under the Fair Futures model. Her extensive experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of the complexities within the foster care system, allowing her to excel in her current position by coordinating effective training programs and ensuring smooth office operations.
Mary holds a bachelor's degree in Urban Planning from Fordham University, showcasing her dedication to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by urban communities. Her academic background, coupled with her hands-on experience, positions Mary as a valuable asset in the field of foster care, where she continues to contribute significantly to the betterment of the lives of children and youth.
Stephanie Dueño (she/her) is a Director of Implementation for the Center, providing a range of training, technical assistance, and implementation support to 10 juvenile justice organizations and to agency leaders and staff with implementing, scaling and continuously improving their Fair Futures programs.
Stephanie is a leader in youth education, program development, and community engagement in nonprofits and government agencies. Knowledgeable in K-12 pedagogy and workforce development with a focus on over-age, under-credited youth, youth with special needs, and youth impacted by the child welfare system and the school-to-prison pipeline. She is an expert in collaborating with government agencies and community partners to develop and implement initiatives and policies that create meaningful community change.
Stephanie has spent the last fifteen years developing programs, curriculum and advocacy pathways in support of school-aged youth and youth impacted by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Prior to joining the Center, Stephanie served as the Executive Director of Educational Services and Youth Rights for the NYC Administration for Children’s Services’ Division of Youth and Family Justice where she worked across the Division’s continuum in support of young people impacted by the justice system. In this role, Stephanie implemented and expanded critical educational and workforce development services for young people in Detention and in Close to Home including the implementation of robust tutoring services (an initiative she is particularly proud of!), post-secondary education, and career readiness.
Stephanie hails from Savannah, GA, is a proud alumna of Tufts University, and has lived in NYC since 2008. She is dedicated to creating pathways for learning, to lifting up youth voices, and to enacting change through collaboration and advocacy.
Donald (“Don”) Duggan is a Director of Implementation for the Center, providing a range of training, technical assistance, and implementation supports to 13 foster care agency leaders and staff with implementing, scaling, and continuously improving their Fair Futures programs.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Don has spent the last decade serving those impacted by the child welfare system. Prior to joining the Center for Fair Futures, Donald worked at HeartShare St. Vincent's Services where he held a variety of roles such as Case Planner, Permanency Pact Coordinator, Intensive Permanency Services Specialist, Youth Development Specialist, Success Coach Supervisor, and Director of Success and Housing Services. Don is a proud alumni of Binghamton University where he obtained his BS in Human Development and alumni of Baruch college where he obtained his MPA in Nonprofit Management. He is also a New York Community Trust Leadership Fellow.
Cashay Haffoney
Director of Coaching & Wellness
Shakiya Harper
Finance Director
Tayler Hilton
Innovation Director
Cashay Haffoney (she/her) is the Center’s Director of Coaching and Wellness, providing a range of coaching and professional development supports to implementing agencies, including onboarding, youth engagement, group facilitation, and peer group formation. Cashay also supports the YAB Coordinator and advocacy efforts.
Cashay is a youth development expert and passionate leader who is a lifelong champion for positive youth development practices, coaching, and development. For over a decade she has worked fervently designing curriculums and launching programs that support the elevation of young adults. She has partnered with a cornucopia of institutions and organizations whose aim is to connect with youth, families and professionals in NYC and throughout the tri-state area.
Cashay has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from West Virginia State University and is a Certified Life Coach. She is in the process of completing her Master of Arts degree in Youth Studies at the CUNY School Of Professional Studies.
Shakiya is the Finance Director for The Center for Fair Futures. She brings years of experience in accounting, financial analysis, reporting, and compliance management. Most recently, Shakiya served as a Sr. Finance and Compliance Manager at Columbia University, where she oversaw the financial compliance of a diverse portfolio of government and private grants. Prior to this she served as an analyst in the insurance industry and at her alma mater, Marymount Manhattan College. Shakiya graduated from MMC with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, where she also double minored in Accounting and Social Work. Shakiya's passion lies in leveraging her understanding of finance, accounting, and social work to address the social needs of vulnerable youth. As Finance Director, she is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of young people in need.
As the Innovation Director at the Center, Tayler spearheads the youth-informed innovation pillar which collaboratively develops, pilots, evaluates, and scales initiatives and programs that fill system wide gaps that directly contribute to young people's success and well-being. All initiatives are youth-informed, designed in conjunction with young people, and (wherever possible) public-private partnerships to ensure future sustainability. Her association with the Center dates back to its inception, initially as a Compliance Specialist and later contributing as a Coach Supervisor at JCCA.
In her role as a Compliance Specialist, Tayler collaborated with leadership in JCCA’s foster care, LEAP (Leadership, Education, and Achievement Pathways), and other departments. Tayler designed and conducted evaluations of agency programs, contributing to overall quality improvement while serving as a liaison to external funders. As a supporting member of the LEAP team, Tayler played a pivotal role in the tracking and reporting of all Fair Futures metrics. Having relished her role as Compliance Specialist with the LEAP team, Tayler eagerly transitioned to Coach Supervisor, passionately overseeing and enhancing program initiatives.
Tayler boasts a decade of impactful engagement within diverse realms of child welfare, youth development, and criminal justice settings, traversing varied landscapes. From serving as a hotline peer assistant extending mental health support, to contributing to criminal justice initiatives aimed at defendant rehabilitation, and guiding college students in their career pursuits, Tayler's multifaceted experience also encompasses the provision of family therapy services, showcasing an extensive professional journey.
Tayler Hilton is an incredibly enthusiastic and devoted professional whose unwavering commitment revolves around igniting the growth and well-being of others with infectious zeal and genuine passion. With a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Brooklyn College, CUNY, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University at Albany, SUNY, Tayler brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Center.
Tracy Jenkins
Co-Executive Director
Andrew Mekhail
Data Analyst
Katie Napolitano
Co-Executive Director
Tracy Jenkins is a transformational leader, with expertise in program development, program leadership, and program implementation, with an emphasis on strategic management. Tracy is a licensed Social Worker and has over 15 years of experience working in child welfare and youth development.
Prior to joining The Center, Tracy served as the Vice President of LEAP (Leadership, Education, and Achievement Pathways) at JCCA, where she successfully spearheaded a dramatic expansion of its programming, staffing, and scope. This included a more than quadrupled staff size with the implementation of Fair Futures; the integration and build out of LEAP programs across JCCA campus and city locations; and significant enhancements and growth to JCCA’s early literacy, tutoring and academic enrichment initiatives. Tracy also deftly strengthened programming across all areas at JCCA, infused data into LEAP management, and established partnerships with new community organizations to support young people on their pathways to self-sufficiency.
Most recently, Tracy worked to further expand the Fair Futures Program by bringing a racial and gender equity programming lens to coaching for transition age youth.
In addition to this work, Tracy began her career as a Child Protective Specialist for the Administration for Children’s Services where she responded directly to reports of child abuse and/or neglect. Using investigatory and social work skills, Tracy engaged and partnered with families and community resources to ensure the safety and well-being of children throughout New York City.
Tracy’s commitment to her professional and leadership development advanced her as a leader within various roles at JCCA, including program management and development, performance evaluation and policy development, and project management.
As a leader, Tracy continuously possesses a clear vision and prioritizes courage, integrity, honesty, humility and clear focus. Tracy’s motto is that “the art of communication is the language of leadership.” Tracy has a communication and leadership style that is empathic, authentic and exudes executive presence.
Andrew Mekhail serves as a Data Analyst at the Center for Fair Futures. He most recently worked with the Volcker Alliance, where his portfolio centered on building a pipeline of young, diverse talent into public service careers. Andrew helped navigate the pilot year of a workstream coordinating virtual career fairs by establishing event-management SOPs, liaising with stakeholders at all levels of government, and analyzing jobseeker engagement metrics. He also conducted research for a project exploring how to increase BIPOC leadership in the administration of the criminal legal system. Andrew has previously worked alongside the Gulf International Forum and the Refugee and Asylum Health Seeker Initiative. Across roles, he has interpreted and translated data to inform decision-making, maximize program impact, and guide process improvement.
Andrew graduated from the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy. He completed a program in Data Analytics through Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering. In 2023, Andrew finished his participation in the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service through New York University's Wagner School of Public Service.
Katie Napolitano has worked with dozens of national and international non-profit organizations in a funding and consulting capacity, providing strategic guidance and capital to help fuel their growth and success. Prior to Fair Futures, Katie was a Program Officer at the Tiger Foundation.
While in that role, Katie assessed dozens of organizations in K-12 education, college access/success, workforce development, child welfare, and criminal justice. This provided her with a strong comparative perspective of the best practice approaches and effective models in improving outcomes for children, youth, and families.
Katie left philanthropy to help coordinate Fair Futures so that every young person in NYC’s foster care system could have a Coach – someone who believes in them, helps them achieve their goals and potential, and sticks with them over the long-run. Katie’s role with Fair Futures has spanned advocacy, model codification, coordination with foundations, ACS, and coalition members, and supporting all 26 agencies with model implementation.
Throughout her career, Katie has provided strategic consulting and financial advisory to non-profits in NYC and globally. She conducted year-long strategic consultancies for two large NYC foster care organizations, helping them scale and codify their programs and infuse best practices at critical junctures.
Katie also spent time as a social entrepreneur; she was a Vice President and founding employee of Treetops Capital, a fund management company she helped build to become a “Top 50” social impact investor globally. At Treetops, Katie helped oversee the company’s funds, raised private and public funding, and developed all of the social impact metrics and due diligence, monitoring, and reporting procedures. She previously spent time on Wall Street covering emerging market financial institutions.
For the last decade, Katie has also served as Coach to over a dozen foster youth, providing emotional support and assisting them with their academic and career goals. Katie and her husband adopted three young men who aged out of foster care. She is currently on the board of CASA NYC.
Liz Nellis
Consultant
Megan Avery
Director of Training
& Learning Systems
Tejal Patel
Data Support Specialist
(Consultant)
Liz Nellis supports the Center for Fair Futures’ strategic growth and innovation initiatives. She brings to the team extensive experience in philanthropy, primarily at the Tiger Foundation, which awards grants to help alleviate poverty and create transformative opportunities for New Yorkers in the areas of education, workforce development, family support, and criminal justice.
As a consultant, Liz has advised both service providers and grantmaking foundations on growth and impact strategies. She received an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business, where she specialized in sustainable business and innovation, and was an Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS) fellow. Liz is thrilled to be a part of the vibrant, heart-forward Fair Futures community.
Megan Avery is the Center’s Director of Training & Learning Systems. She led the launch of the Center’s LMS and continues to provide ongoing training and technical support for the platform across all foster care and juvenile justice organizations. Megan works closely with partner organizations and the Fair Futures Training team to develop innovative curriculum and expand training opportunities for all staff.
Megan has over twenty years of experience creating and implementing educational experiences for people in school-based settings, museums, and community based non-profits. At the Guggenheim Museum, Megan led training for the education department on inquiry-based learning, techniques for student independence and utilizing responsive, equity-based communication in museum and classroom settings. At the Chicago Teacher’s Center, she developed courses for elementary teachers on reflective documentation and assessment methodologies.
As a co-director of Redmoon Theater’s dramagirls, Megan recruited, trained and supervised a team of professional women artists who were paired with young women in an arts-based mentorship program. Megan earned a Masters Degree in Arts Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and is passionate about creating educational opportunities that foster creativity and community building.
Tejal Patel is a consultant and provides data analysis for nonprofit organizations. Tejal's background is in chemical engineering and has worked in public and private sector.
Mecca Phinizy
Director of Housing
Emil Ramnarine
Consultant
Matt Sexton
Care4 Trainer
As the Director of Housing at the Center for Fair Futures, Mecca Phinizy provides critical technical assistance to all 26 foster care agencies around helping young people obtain and maintain housing.
Mecca has extensive professional and lived experience in child welfare, including as a Preparing Youth for Adulthood Specialist, Early Intervention Specialist, Family Foster Care Supervisor, Legal Advocate within Family Court, and a Coordinator for the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities.
As an alumnus of the NYC foster care system, she understands the needs of our youth and has spent the last twenty years empowering youth and collaborating with staff and the community to support vulnerable populations. Mecca was born in Harlem, placed in NYC foster care at the tender age of 3, and discharged to “Independent Living” at age 19. She considered post-secondary education as a refuge and became an agent of change.
Mecca graduated from SUNY Stony Brook, where she received her MSW, and has spoken at many organizations and foundations to bring awareness to youth in and out of NYC foster care.
Emil Ramnarine is an impact leader that has 25 years in child welfare, youth development, and social entrepreneurship. Emil specializes in strategic design and the building and scaling of programs that lead to long-lasting positive changes. Prior to his work with Fair Futures, Emil served as the Associate Vice President for Youth and Community Success at Graham Windham.
It was here that he helped build one of the country's largest coaching programs for youth ages 11-26. This work included operationalizing how Coaches and Program Specialists can help guide young people towards goal achievement in the areas of career, education, housing, and independent living.
In addition to this work, Emil has worked for nationally affiliated nonprofits including Big Brother Big Sisters of New York City and the YMCA of Greater New York. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, he helped design their Center for Excellence, a training center that specializes in helping other non-profits build, run and/or enhance their own mentoring program. He also created and held the position of their first-ever Director of Volunteer Recruitment & Support. A primary function of the role was to train and prepare Bigs (volunteer mentor) on how to work effectively with their Littles (youth).
At the YMCA of Greater New York Emil took the Y-MVP Health and Fitness Coaching Program from concept to implementation in less than a year. This program was rolled out to 22 YMCA branches across NYC serving over 1,000 youth. This work included developing the program curriculum, a program model, a compatible app and training all Coaches.
Emil also spent some time in the social entrepreneurship space where he was the founder and CEO of Fit 4 Life NYC, an organization dedicated to delivering quality sports, fitness and wellness programs to schools and non-profits that serve youth in underserved communities. He led a team of 80 coaches, instructors, and administrators to become one of New York City’s leading organizations (winner of the Best for NYC award and Best for the Community award. Emil developed the company’s infrastructure, strategic vision, and core values before successfully guiding the sale of the business in 2019.
Coming Soon!
Holly Smeltzer
Vice President of Implementation
Anthony Turner
Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Coordinator
Louis Young
Juvenile Justice Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Coordinator
Holly Smeltzer is the Vice President of Implementation for the Center, providing a range of training, technical assistance, and implementation supports to 13 foster care agency leaders and staff with implementing, scaling, and continuously improving their Fair Futures programs.
Holly has extensive experience working in the child welfare and youth development fields. Before coming to the Center, she was the Fair Futures Program Director at the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services. Holly’s calling to work alongside and advocate for young people in foster care stems from being a foster parent and witnessing the failures of the child welfare system on young people in her care. She is incredibly passionate about her work and strives to employ this passion to fulfill her commitment to young people in foster care, particularly those who are part of the LGBTQAI+ community.
She is incredibly proud to be part of the Fair Futures community and has been a Fair Futures champion from the first moment she joined young people, advocates, and other coalition members on the steps of City Hall. Holly Smeltzer is a first-generation college graduate, receiving her Bachelor of Science from Radford University and her Master of Public Administration from Baruch College of the City University of New York.
Anthony Turner, or “Tony”, is the Fair Futures Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Coordinator and a critical member of the Center’s “Opportunity Year” initiative.
Tony has significant professional and lived experience in the foster care system. He was born in Brooklyn, NY and was placed in foster care at the age of 14, where he spent 7 years in kinship care. Despite the obstacles he faced on his educational journey, Tony graduated from Columbia University with his Masters degree. At the Center, Tony supports the YAB with their advocacy priority to increase access to quality, safe, affordable housing. Having taken a “Gap Year” himself, Tony is a leader on the Opportunity Year initiative. When not being a Superhero for youth in need, Tony spends his time reading classic literature, listening to music, traveling across the country and meeting new people.
Louis Young is a committed educator and youth advocate from the Bronx with a wealth of experience in supporting and guiding young people. From the age of 19, Louis embarked on a career dedicated to fostering positive environments in schools and communities, holding the role of Dean of Culture and Behavior Management for over 15 years.
In this position, he developed and implemented strategies that supported students’ emotional and social growth, helping them navigate challenges and empowering them to reach their full potential. Throughout his career, Louis has collaborated with several prominent nonprofit organizations, such as CASES, Graham Windham, Harlem Children’s Zone, and the Sports & Arts Foundation, where he played a vital role in creating programs and resources that address the needs of at-risk youth and families.
His commitment to youth development is matched by his recent role as the YAB Juvenile Justice Coordinator at Fair Future, where he continues to advocate for meaningful change within the juvenile justice system.
Louis is also a certified life coach, having earned his certification from the International Association of Professions Career College, and he leverages this training to provide guidance and support to individuals working to overcome personal and systemic barriers. His dedication to his community and his deep-rooted passion for helping young people define his impactful career.
Nadine Yuvienco
Vice President of
Data, Analytics, & Systems
Nadine Yuvienco is the Center’s Vice President of Data, Analytics, & Systems, overseeing a dedicated team committed to using data to inform programming and improve youth outcomes. Nadine led the development of the Fair Futures online platform (Care4), tailored it to the model, and rolled out the platform to all 26 agencies. She provides technical assistance, analyzes data, ensures data integrity and quality, and makes continuous improvements to the platform’s content, reporting, and functionality.
Nadine has over 16 years of experience in data analysis, reporting, and programming as a data analyst and consultant for a number of NYC child welfare organizations. She worked as a Program Analyst in the Quality Improvement department at Graham Windham and then oversaw all of the data/reporting for their coaching program, serving over 400 young people.
Nadine Yuvienco graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and then went on to graduate from Columbia University School of Social Work with a Master of Science in Social Work.
Meet our Innovation Partners!
Rashida Abuwala
Consultant
Stephen Hanmer D’Elia
Consultant
Rashida Abuwala, Principal of Community Impact Advisors, is a consultant on the Center’s Opportunity Year team, leading the research and providing valuable input around program design. Rashida has worked for over 15 years as a foundation and non-profit executive to improve the performance of public systems and social programs with thoughtful and collaborative grantmaking, research, program design, public-private partnerships and non-profit management in areas of social and economic justice including child welfare, youth development, education, community development and criminal justice.
Starting her career as a community organizer, Rashida has expertise in social research, program strategy, evaluation and design. She has presented at national and local conferences and authored several articles and papers on topics related to social and economic justice. A proud graduate of New York City public schools, Rashida also holds an honors BA from Wesleyan University and an honors MSc from the London School of Economics.
For the past 24 years Stephen Hanmer D’Elía, JD, LMSW has led, designed, and implemented policies, programs, and direct clinical work for children, youth, and families. He is also a part of the Center’s Opportunity Year team, conducting interviews, research, and providing valuable strategic guidance and input around program design and execution.
Stephen has worked and lived in over 20 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. His experience includes leading UNICEF’s work with legislative branches of government and religious communities; directing education, youth, and parent support programs for one of the largest child welfare agencies in the United States; conducting individual and group therapy with children, youth, and parents; and overseeing the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of child protection and refugee programs in Africa and the Middle East for one of the largest international humanitarian organizations.
Stephen has been recognized with various awards and accolades, including an Aspen Institute Fellowship as part of the American Express Leadership Academy for Nonprofit Leaders.
Stephen has Law (J.D.) and Social Work (L.M.S.W.) degrees from Columbia University and a History (B.A.) degree from Yale University. Born in Colombia, Stephen holds Uruguayan, American, and British citizenships. For more You information, click here.
Emil Ramnarine is an impact leader that has 25 years in child welfare, youth development, and social entrepreneurship. Emil specializes in strategic design and the building and scaling of programs that lead to long-lasting positive changes. Prior to his work with Fair Futures, Emil served as the Associate Vice President for Youth and Community Success at Graham Windham.
It was here that he helped build one of the country's largest coaching programs for youth ages 11-26. This work included operationalizing how Coaches and Program Specialists can help guide young people towards goal achievement in the areas of career, education, housing, and independent living.
In addition to this work, Emil has worked for nationally affiliated nonprofits including Big Brother Big Sisters of New York City and the YMCA of Greater New York. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, he helped design their Center for Excellence, a training center that specializes in helping other non-profits build, run and/or enhance their own mentoring program. He also created and held the position of their first-ever Director of Volunteer Recruitment & Support. A primary function of the role was to train and prepare Bigs (volunteer mentor) on how to work effectively with their Littles (youth).
At the YMCA of Greater New York Emil took the Y-MVP Health and Fitness Coaching Program from concept to implementation in less than a year. This program was rolled out to 22 YMCA branches across NYC serving over 1,000 youth. This work included developing the program curriculum, a program model, a compatible app and training all Coaches.
Emil also spent some time in the social entrepreneurship space where he was the founder and CEO of Fit 4 Life NYC, an organization dedicated to delivering quality sports, fitness and wellness programs to schools and non-profits that serve youth in underserved communities. He led a team of 80 coaches, instructors, and administrators to become one of New York City’s leading organizations (winner of the Best for NYC award and Best for the Community award. Emil developed the company’s infrastructure, strategic vision, and core values before successfully guiding the sale of the business in 2019.
Katie Napolitano has worked with dozens of national and international non-profit organizations in a funding and consulting capacity, providing strategic guidance and capital to help fuel their growth and success. Prior to Fair Futures, Katie was a Program Officer at the Tiger Foundation.
While in that role, Katie assessed dozens of organizations in K-12 education, college access/success, workforce development, child welfare, and criminal justice. This provided her with a strong comparative perspective of the best practice approaches and effective models in improving outcomes for children, youth, and families.
Katie left philanthropy to help coordinate Fair Futures so that every young person in NYC’s foster care system could have a Coach – someone who believes in them, helps them achieve their goals and potential, and sticks with them over the long-run. Katie’s role with Fair Futures has spanned advocacy, model codification, coordination with foundations, ACS, and coalition members, and supporting all 26 agencies with model implementation.
Throughout her career, Katie has provided strategic consulting and financial advisory to non-profits in NYC and globally. She also conducted year-long strategic consultancies for two large NYC foster care organizations, helping them scale and codify their programs and infuse best practices at critical junctures.
Katie also spent time as a social entrepreneur; she was a Vice President and founding employee of Treetops Capital, a fund management company she helped build to become a “Top 50” social impact investor globally. At Treetops, Katie helped oversee the company’s funds, raised private and public funding, and developed all of the social impact metrics and due diligence, monitoring, and reporting procedures. She previously spent time on Wall Street covering emerging market financial institutions.
For the last decade, Katie has also served as Coach to over a dozen foster youth, providing emotional support and assisting them with their academic and career goals. Katie and her husband adopted three young men who aged out of foster care. She is currently on the board of CASA NYC.
Emil Ramnarine is an impact leader that has 25 years in child welfare, youth development, and social entrepreneurship. Emil specializes in strategic design and the building and scaling of programs that lead to long-lasting positive changes. Prior to his work with Fair Futures, Emil served as the Associate Vice President for Youth and Community Success at Graham Windham.
It was here that he helped build one of the country's largest coaching programs for youth ages 11-26. This work included operationalizing how Coaches and Program Specialists can help guide young people towards goal achievement in the areas of career, education, housing, and independent living.
In addition to this work, Emil has worked for nationally affiliated nonprofits including Big Brother Big Sisters of New York City and the YMCA of Greater New York. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, he helped design their Center for Excellence, a training center that specializes in helping other non-profits build, run and/or enhance their own mentoring program. He also created and held the position of their first-ever Director of Volunteer Recruitment & Support. A primary function of the role was to train and prepare Bigs (volunteer mentor) on how to work effectively with their Littles (youth).
At the YMCA of Greater New York Emil took the Y-MVP Health and Fitness Coaching Program from concept to implementation in less than a year. This program was rolled out to 22 YMCA branches across NYC serving over 1,000 youth. This work included developing the program curriculum, a program model, a compatible app and training all Coaches.
Emil also spent some time in the social entrepreneurship space where he was the founder and CEO of Fit 4 Life NYC, an organization dedicated to delivering quality sports, fitness and wellness programs to schools and non-profits that serve youth in underserved communities. He led a team of 80 coaches, instructors, and administrators to become one of New York City’s leading organizations (winner of the Best for NYC award and Best for the Community award. Emil developed the company’s infrastructure, strategic vision, and core values before successfully guiding the sale of the business in 2019.
Katie Napolitano has worked with dozens of national and international non-profit organizations in a funding and consulting capacity, providing strategic guidance and capital to help fuel their growth and success. Prior to Fair Futures, Katie was a Program Officer at the Tiger Foundation.
While in that role, Katie assessed dozens of organizations in K-12 education, college access/success, workforce development, child welfare, and criminal justice. This provided her with a strong comparative perspective of the best practice approaches and effective models in improving outcomes for children, youth, and families.
Katie left philanthropy to help coordinate Fair Futures so that every young person in NYC’s foster care system could have a Coach – someone who believes in them, helps them achieve their goals and potential, and sticks with them over the long-run. Katie’s role with Fair Futures has spanned advocacy, model codification, coordination with foundations, ACS, and coalition members, and supporting all 26 agencies with model implementation.
Throughout her career, Katie has provided strategic consulting and financial advisory to non-profits in NYC and globally. She conducted year-long strategic consultancies for two large NYC foster care organizations, helping them scale and codify their programs and infuse best practices at critical junctures.
Katie also spent time as a social entrepreneur; she was a Vice President and founding employee of Treetops Capital, a fund management company she helped build to become a “Top 50” social impact investor globally. At Treetops, Katie helped oversee the company’s funds, raised private and public funding, and developed all of the social impact metrics and due diligence, monitoring, and reporting procedures. She previously spent time on Wall Street covering emerging market financial institutions.
For the last decade, Katie has also served as Coach to over a dozen foster youth, providing emotional support and assisting them with their academic and career goals. Katie and her husband adopted three young men who aged out of foster care. She is currently on the board of CASA NYC.
Meet our Training and Technical Assistant Consultant: Jennifer Pierre
Jennifer brings a wealth of workforce and education knowledge and expertise from several New York City non-profit agencies, NYC DOE and NYC ACS.
Prior to joining Fair Futures, she was the Deputy Executive Director for the Workforce & Education division at Phipps Neighborhoods strengthening the Kindergarten to college/career continuum.
Additionally, Jennifer managed a portfolio of philanthropic, educational institutions and government funded projects, servicing 1,200+ practitioners and leaders as the Director of Consulting with Workforce Professional Training Institute (WPTI). In partnership with 25+ subject matter experts, she led the organizational consulting practice area which included strategic planning, professional development, program design and implementation for evidence-based program models, curriculum development and resource/tool development. Her passion is to continue supporting leaders with developing new strategies that get results and provide resources to support educational advancement, work-readiness and professional development services for children, youth and their families.
In 2016, Jennifer played a pivotal role in developing processes that would meet NYS Education Department requirements as the Deputy Director of Continuing Education Units and Community Collaborations at ACS in collaboration with CUNY School of Professional Studies. ACS being an approved provider of continuing education units for licensed social workers, Jennifer had the opportunity to review and approve curriculum that supported recertification efforts and strengthen skills of ACS and provider agency staff to better support NYC children, families and communities. Additionally, she managed the Dr. James R. Dumpson Scholarship Program, which was awarded $532,000 to support ACS staff professional development through advanced studies in social services assisting 100+ grantees through the Professional Development Program.
Before joining ACS, Jennifer provided direct service in different roles to over 1,000 children, youth and young adults in partnership with the DOE throughout Manhattan, the Bronx and Brooklyn. Utilizing the positive youth development framework, her services included counseling towards establishing individual career pathways, providing work-readiness development and placement of paid internships throughout NYC.
In partnership with 100+ local businesses, she found creative ways to expose youth, young adults and their families to opportunities that would provide a new perspective towards self-sufficiency and success. In order to help strengthen and empower the youth and their families, Jennifer acted as translator by further assisting families with completing financial aid, immigration documentation, discussing the importance of attendance and adapting the financial shift some families would be able to sustain while receiving public assistance.
Being a Puerto Rican and Haitian born in Middletown, NY, Jennifer grew up amongst each social class quickly learning the importance of community support and the right resources to become self-sufficient.
To further support the greater community, she received her Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a specialization in Law and Public Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from City University of New York John Jay College of Criminal Justice where she was recognized as a Phi Alpha Alpha member.
Our Youth Advisory Board Coordinator
Meet Ericka
Fair Futures Heroes
We're proud to acknowledge and celebrate our Fair Futures Heroes!
Fair Futures is a true collaboration and community that is made possible thanks the passion, hard work, and commitment of the many individuals who contribute to its continued growth and success.
Anyone can nominate a Fair Futures Hero!
Fair Futures Heroes
We're proud to acknowledge and celebrate our Fair Futures Heroes!
Fair Futures is a true collaboration and community that is made possible thanks to the passion, hard work, and commitment of the many individuals who contributed to its growth and success.
Our Training / Technical Assistance Partners
Want to bring Fair Futures to your community? Click here to learn how.
