Young Education Professionals-New York City
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Leadership Team
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Joseph Verardo, President
Joseph's work includes promoting educational opportunities and advocating for the betterment of education across the United States. He is the inaugural coordinator of the National Science Foundation's CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program at SUNY RF at Binghamton University. Joseph served as an appointee on a committee at the United States Department of Education. While on the committee, Joe successfully proposed policies advancing the interests of students and educators. Joseph previously served as Vice President & COO and Director of Finance & CFO of the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students, as a trustee on the Stony Brook Council at Stony Brook University, Assistant Head of College Engagement at JerseySTEM and as a capitol hill engagement consultant. While with the NAGPS Joseph advocated for higher education to Congress and the executive branch, and organized national conferences focused on leadership development and legislative affairs. At Stony Brook University Joseph worked on initiatives aimed at increasing financial opportunities, enhancing student life and student representation in university affairs.
Joseph's work includes promoting educational opportunities and advocating for the betterment of education across the United States. He is the inaugural coordinator of the National Science Foundation's CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program at SUNY RF at Binghamton University. Joseph served as an appointee on a committee at the United States Department of Education. While on the committee, Joe successfully proposed policies advancing the interests of students and educators. Joseph previously served as Vice President & COO and Director of Finance & CFO of the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students, as a trustee on the Stony Brook Council at Stony Brook University, Assistant Head of College Engagement at JerseySTEM and as a capitol hill engagement consultant. While with the NAGPS Joseph advocated for higher education to Congress and the executive branch, and organized national conferences focused on leadership development and legislative affairs. At Stony Brook University Joseph worked on initiatives aimed at increasing financial opportunities, enhancing student life and student representation in university affairs.
Francheska Santos, Events and Operations Co-Chair
Francheska Santos is an Afro-Latina from The Bronx committed to working towards quality education, including access and support, for all. Currently, she is Assistant Director of Partnership Learning at Prepared To Teach, an organization focused on making sure everyone who wants to be a teacher in this country can afford to attend a quality program, firmly believing that teacher residency programs, established through deep local partnerships, are a strong pathway towards achieving this goal. Previously, Francheska has worked in various positions throughout her 8 year+ tenure in education, including managing an after school program site for teens through the New York Public Library. Her past students' experiences have driven her career in education policy and advocacy and continue to solidify her love and commitment to education.
Francheska is a graduate from Amherst College and received a master's in Urban Education Policy from Brown University. She is passionate and committed to supporting students across the education spectrum, especially low-income, first-generation, and students of diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. She enjoys reading fiction novels with a hint of magical realism, outdoor adventures, and Star-Talk with Neil Degrasse Tyson.
Francheska Santos is an Afro-Latina from The Bronx committed to working towards quality education, including access and support, for all. Currently, she is Assistant Director of Partnership Learning at Prepared To Teach, an organization focused on making sure everyone who wants to be a teacher in this country can afford to attend a quality program, firmly believing that teacher residency programs, established through deep local partnerships, are a strong pathway towards achieving this goal. Previously, Francheska has worked in various positions throughout her 8 year+ tenure in education, including managing an after school program site for teens through the New York Public Library. Her past students' experiences have driven her career in education policy and advocacy and continue to solidify her love and commitment to education.
Francheska is a graduate from Amherst College and received a master's in Urban Education Policy from Brown University. She is passionate and committed to supporting students across the education spectrum, especially low-income, first-generation, and students of diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. She enjoys reading fiction novels with a hint of magical realism, outdoor adventures, and Star-Talk with Neil Degrasse Tyson.
Lauren Peckler, Events and Operations Co-Chair
Lauren is a passionate and equity-driven educator with over a decade of experience in post-secondary counseling, program management, and youth development. Currently, Lauren is Alumni Manager at NYC Outward Bound Schools. She began her career as an AmeriCorps member and Senior Fellow through the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship in Boston. Previously, Lauren has worked as a College Counselor at Harlem Children's Zone through their Center for Higher Education & Career Services (CHECS), Student Success Advisor at Wentworth Institute of Technology and as a College Counselor at Prospect Hill Academy and Success Academy Charter School. She has spent her professional career supporting first-generation, marginalized, and non-traditional students to navigate the complex college admissions process and guide students to and through their post-secondary programs. Lauren has completed graduate coursework at Northeastern University in Higher Education Administration and has earned a Bachelor’s degree at Keene State College in Political Science and Gender Studies. She enjoys central park strolls, antiquing, making smoothies, and DIY home decorating projects!
Lauren is a passionate and equity-driven educator with over a decade of experience in post-secondary counseling, program management, and youth development. Currently, Lauren is Alumni Manager at NYC Outward Bound Schools. She began her career as an AmeriCorps member and Senior Fellow through the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship in Boston. Previously, Lauren has worked as a College Counselor at Harlem Children's Zone through their Center for Higher Education & Career Services (CHECS), Student Success Advisor at Wentworth Institute of Technology and as a College Counselor at Prospect Hill Academy and Success Academy Charter School. She has spent her professional career supporting first-generation, marginalized, and non-traditional students to navigate the complex college admissions process and guide students to and through their post-secondary programs. Lauren has completed graduate coursework at Northeastern University in Higher Education Administration and has earned a Bachelor’s degree at Keene State College in Political Science and Gender Studies. She enjoys central park strolls, antiquing, making smoothies, and DIY home decorating projects!
Makeda Lewis, Partnerships and Sponsorships Chair
Makeda Lewis attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she majored in sociology and education. From there she obtained a masters in higher education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has and continues to work on behalf of NYC students while working for organizations such as Oliver Scholars and now at the NYC Department of Education where she focuses on new teacher onboarding and support. Her hobbies include playing crocheting, cooking and learning new instruments.
Makeda Lewis attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she majored in sociology and education. From there she obtained a masters in higher education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has and continues to work on behalf of NYC students while working for organizations such as Oliver Scholars and now at the NYC Department of Education where she focuses on new teacher onboarding and support. Her hobbies include playing crocheting, cooking and learning new instruments.
Dwight Williams, Advisor
Dwight S. Williams is driven by his commitment to educational equity, economic empowerment, and the advancement of opportunity for communities of color. Dwight currently works as an Assistant Principal of STEM at one of the leading charter school networks in Brooklyn, New York. He has been a math educator for 8+ years. Before becoming an educator, Dwight worked as an Academic and Career Manager at Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation in Washington Heights where he managed the educational and early-career outcomes of inner-city youth. Dwight earned his B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from Andrews University and a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) from Relay Graduate School of Education. He enjoys playing basketball, soccer, and cricket, and adrenaline-inducing activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and zip-lining.
Dwight S. Williams is driven by his commitment to educational equity, economic empowerment, and the advancement of opportunity for communities of color. Dwight currently works as an Assistant Principal of STEM at one of the leading charter school networks in Brooklyn, New York. He has been a math educator for 8+ years. Before becoming an educator, Dwight worked as an Academic and Career Manager at Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation in Washington Heights where he managed the educational and early-career outcomes of inner-city youth. Dwight earned his B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from Andrews University and a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) from Relay Graduate School of Education. He enjoys playing basketball, soccer, and cricket, and adrenaline-inducing activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and zip-lining.