FUTURE LEADERS IN ACTION WELCOMES A DIVERSE AND IMPACTFUL CLASS OF SUMMER 2023 FELLOWS 

Future Leaders in Action (FLIA) is thrilled to introduce its newest class of Summer 2023 Fellows, a group of talented and passionate young leaders ready to make a difference in the social impact sector. These fellows, selected from a competitive pool of nearly 300 applicants, will work with various nonprofit partner organizations across New York City to implement youth programs that advance skills for success, promote public health, and protect the environment.

Let us introduce you to the remarkable individuals who will be joining the FLIA community:

Ariel Clarke (she/her) is a first-generation American from Queens, NY, with a strong desire to create positive change. Ariel graduated with honors from the University at Buffalo SUNY, holding two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Criminology and Political Science with a Public Law Concentration. Her commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice (EDIJ) fuels her ambition to become a public interest attorney or a chief diversity officer. As a fellow at the South Queens Women’s March, Ariel will utilize intersectionality and inclusive sociological practices to advocate for all. She looks forward to her role as a Youth Civic Engagement Fellow, where she aims to motivate youth to uplift their communities in Queens and beyond.

Katie Giovale (she/her), originally from Arizona and now residing in Brooklyn, is a recent graduate with honors in Global Studies from the New School. She plans to attend law school and become an immigration lawyer, using the law as a protective tool for people and communities. Katie's creativity and passion extend beyond her academic pursuits, as she enjoys being crafty, reading, and practicing aerial circus skills. This summer, she is thrilled to work with South Bronx United in launching a workforce development program that utilizes soccer as a tool for social change.

Keiwana “Keke” Grant-Floyd (she/her), a proud Bronx native, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism, accompanied by a minor in Africana Studies. With a passion for impactful oral and written communication, Keiwana aims to gain a deeper understanding of diverse communities in New York City. As a Journalism Program fellow at Press Pass NYC, she seeks to revolutionize how high school students interact with journalism in their communities.

Jenna Picciano (she/her), a Philosophy, Politics, and Law graduate from Binghamton University, is pursuing her Master of Public Administration degree. Committed to enhancing programs and policies in mental health and education, Jenna envisions starting her own nonprofit to extend historically private psychological resources to the public sphere. She brings her artistic talents and passion for programming and creativity to Start Lighthouse and FLIA this summer.

Nicole Moncada (she/her), a rising sophomore at Hamilton College, is pursuing double majors in Psychology and Sociology. With a strong interest in neuropsychology, Nicole aspires to someday contribute to the field. Alongside her academic pursuits, she engages in nonprofit work and will join Navigate the Maze to Achievement this summer as a Program Development Fellow. Nicole is eager to create meaningful opportunities for students to thrive, grow, and reach their fullest potential.

Shorooq Omran (she/her), a Staten Island native majoring in Political Science and Biology at Stony Brook University, is on the pre-med track with a minor in Africana Studies. Shorooq has already made significant contributions to various organizations, such as Advocates for Youth and the Asiyah Women's Center. This summer, as an English tutor and career mentor with Paper Airplanes and a Mentor Recruitment fellow at iMentor, Shorooq will continue her mission of increasing access to resources in underprivileged communities.

Zaymira Gaspard (she/her), a Bronx native, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Boston College and recently obtained her master's degree from New York University. With a focus on educational leadership and community development, Zaymira has gained valuable experience in family welfare programming and post-secondary student affairs. She aims to start her own youth-focused nonprofit, bridging gaps and empowering underserved communities. Zaymira is excited to work as a Curriculum and Program Management Fellow with Liberated Success, furthering their mission to center the needs of Black students, families, and educators.

Future Leaders in Action provides a unique opportunity for emerging social sector leaders to gain meaningful work experience while making a tangible impact. Fellows earn a living wage while working with nonprofit partner organizations for twelve weeks. They develop valuable skills, increased confidence, and a starter toolkit for success in the social sector.

Milly Seraus-Roache, Executive Director of Future Leaders in Action, said, "We couldn’t be more excited to have this new class of fellows join our FLIA community. They are all incredible young leaders and are certain to make impacts at their partner placements."

FLIA welcomes these talented fellows and looks forward to their contributions to the nonprofit sector, their partner organizations, and the communities they will serve.

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About Future Leaders in Action:
Over twelve weeks, emerging social sector leaders, known as fellows, work with a nonprofit partner across the United States to implement youth enrichment programs that advance skills for success, promote public health, and protect the environment. Partner organizations gain the dedicated program development work of a fellow. Fellows earn a living-wage while gaining meaningful and impactful work experience in the nonprofit sector, an increased sense of confidence, and starter toolkit of skills needed for success in the social sector. 

For more about Future Leaders in Action:

https://www.futureleadersinaction.org

Mailing Address:
Future Leaders in Action
55 W. 116th Street, Suite 237
New York, NY 10156