Jackie Rowe-Adams

Jackie Rowe Adams DYCD's 2024 Community Moms & Dads Ambassador Award Recipient - is a life-long resident of Harlem, New York. She attended Wadleigh JHS, Benjamin Franklin HS, and the Manhattan Christian Reformed Church, where she began her love for singing.

Manhattan

Catharine Lyons

PA Exec. for 11 yrs. I'm continually impressed & humbled by the awesome job many teachers, admin. and parents do to make schools better. And have learned, to be certain, this is not a zero sum game.

Manhattan

Joyce Taylor

Joyce Taylor is a retired educator who came out of retirement to address the need for volunteers in her community.  She volunteers with WARM, an organization that assists victims of domestic violence.

Manhattan

Dong Xiao Wu

2017 Migrated to New York City. 
2024 graduated from Laguardia College.
Volunteer at PS 126 library since 2018.

Manhattan

Hongying “Vivian” Zhang

Hongying Zhang is a member of many leadership spaces, such as the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families’s Parent group, representing D79 on the Chancellor Student Advisory Council.

Manhattan

Isha Taylor 

Isha serves her community by curating workshops and events for youth experiencing homelessness in NYC to help bridge the wage gap, develop career-building skills, break the cycle of homelessness, and prepare youth to become life-long learners, dreamers, and visionaries. 

Manhattan

Melonie Mckenzie-Layne

Melonie Layne has been employed by BGCHarlem for 15 years, providing learning lab, after-school and summer camp programs to Harlem youths. With DYCD’s support, we’ve made a difference in the community.”

Manhattan

Michelle Smalls

Michelle,  is known as Queen of Harlem. Michelle’s goal is to put smiles on the faces of young people, by giving back. She is an influencer, serial entrepreneur, real estate broker and philanthropist.

Manhattan

Norma Campusano

My name is Norma Campusano, born in the Dominican Republic. I emigrated to the United States. I am a Mother of 3 children.

Manhattan

Christopher Noel

Christopher is the ADA Accessibility Coordinator for NYC Parks. In this role, he ensures that facilities, programs, and services are accessible to people of all abilities and is responsible for providing technical assistance to the design staff and the general public. Chris ensures opportunities for universal play, fitness, and outdoor recreation for all New York City residents with disabilities in all new park designs.  In 2017 he accepted the Sandra Schnur Advocacy Award for Excellence.

Jackie L. Wilson

I have been involved in my community for over 55 years. I saw the need of fathers in the home and community so I began hosting the Veteran's Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance since 2016.

Manhattan

Jonathan De Jesus

Jonathan DeJesus dedicates himself to uplifting the voices of youth as an Advocate at You Gotta Believe with lived experience and Co-Chair of the AYL Campaign he supports youth impacted by the system.

Manhattan

Lewis Carter

Lewis is the senior outreach coordinator extraordinaire at W.A.R.M., he prides himself on being the link between the community and WARM which is in the business of helping people begin a new life.

Manhattan

Lucious Reid

NYC Board of Education Teacher for 38 years, High school and elementary. Gospel Choir organizer and conductor, Tennis coach for over 25 years Volunteer community pantry NYC.

Manhattan

Luis Corniel

My name is Luis C, I am 35 years old and a father of two boys who keep me young. I was introduced to Forestdale in 2023 where I had the pleasure to participate in classes such as strong fathers...

Manhattan

Nick Katsoris

Nick Katsoris is Founder/President of the Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation uniting 150,000 children in 30 countries to make a difference including NYC schools and the Boys & Girls Club of Queens.

Manhattan

Alina Dowe

Proud wife mom of great boy girl twins prides herself in being professional polite  positive Passionate about youth&community believes titles don't define a person like the content of one's character.

Bronx

Arben Alibali

Arben Alibali is a proud father, a teacher of 14 years & active member of his child's Parent Association & School Leadership Team. He is outspoken about parent outreach & school safety initiatives.

Bronx

Chad Y. Royer 

Chad Y Royer is a community leader, having served as Parent Association President, Community Board member, member of Bronx Veterans Advisory Council, & others. He is a proud “girl dad” & “autism dad.”

Bronx

Christina Vega

I strive to make those I work with happy. Even if it takes for me to dig in my own pockets . I'm thanked by many people for my help and dedication and I'm honored to be reconized for doing what I do.

Daariat Brooks

Raised in Webster houses in the Bronx, my dad Derek Brooks preached at Grace Memorial community outreach Church.My mom Katie Brooks motto was “If you knew better, you’d do better & each one teach one”

Dr. Gloria Bent MS RDN CDN

Dr. Gloria Bent, MS RDN CDN is a registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, former Community Board Member, & proud mother. She is the founder of Glory Of Hope Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Bronx

Ellen Ampofo

Ellen is a seasoned leader in youth development. Her dedication to the community is evident through her work, championing initiatives benefiting families and children. Ellen is honored to be recognized.

Bronx

Ivon Silver

Ivon Silver, a social entrepreneur, along with DYCD offers personal development and finance workshops for underserved youth. Inspired by her first job at SYEP at age 14, she’s been working ever since!

Bronx

Jacqui Painter

Jacqui Painter is the District Leader for Assembly District 51 and the Artistic Director of the Red Hook Art Project. She's an activist and fierce advocate for her community.

Bronx    

Joan Melford

My name is Joan Melford. I went back to college in 2013 and got my Bachelors Degree I have done community services over the years with my daughter and been steering her way in all her endeavors.

Kpana  Kpoto

Kpana Kpoto, a parent of two children is a disability advocate who serves as a 
co-founder of an autism parent support group and a member of the Bronx Borough President's Disability Advisory Council.

Bronx

Michael Fogari

Michael is a proud father and school supervisor at a public school in the Bronx.  Michael works closely with Parent Association and Title 1 Committee to bring engaging activities to the community.

Bronx

Aaron Castro

Everyone at PS15 knows "Cooper's Dad." Aaron Castro is a Film Editor, PTA Board member, husband, friend, and activist. But first and foremost, he is a Dad. The world is made better because of it.

Brooklyn

Antonia Clemente

A tireless and passionate catalyst for change, I'm dedicated to working with women and children who are marginalized and suffer in silence. I envision the eradication of family violence in the community; and pray my work, and actions will extend to the global community.

Brooklyn

Christopher Nixon

Christopher Nixon, owner of Premier Virtual Racing Academy (PVRA). A company that encourages youth to pursue STEM careers in the Motorsports and Automotive industries. PVRA offers scholarship, which we offered to a select group of students  of the community valuing over $26,000. My community involvement is not restricted to my business only. I’m a volunteer for The Harding Ford Vision food pantry for 10 years +, servicing thousands of families. I now act as their youth coordinator and chaperone to citywide events.

Brooklyn

Cornelous Peynado

I am 58 years old dedicated father of 3 wonderful children, 11 year-old, 5 year old and 1 year old.

Brooklyn

Dorian Muller

Director at BCHS , Volunteers with the Melquain Janelle Anderson as a violence interrupter. With Tarsha Back giving out food & groceries. Provides care packages to the migrants in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn

Eddie Quan

Eddie Quan actively shares his expertise through free academic lectures across the USA. As a member of HCS, his commitment shines through contribution of his time to support community causes.

Brooklyn

Edwardo Alamo

I’ve been a single father for nine years of two beautiful kids. I 'm a  PTA member at my kids school for two years Ps149 Danny Kaye. The best part is to see all  kids growing up and attending day graduations. The way I describe my family is one team one dream.

Brooklyn

Francisco Garcia

My name is Francisco Garcia, I have been volunteering performing community services since 2007. I have that the opportunity to assist varies communities with free haircuts, pantry, career days, resume help and last but not least kids vs cops basketball games. I have the privilege in assisting families with in the public school system with resources that they need. Also assisting with summer rising application process and syep application assistance.

Brooklyn

Ilya Sekerko

Devoted father, NYC civil servant. It's more than a job, I enjoy visiting language learning centers, schools, etc in order to make sure that each human being receives proper accommodations, education and support they need in order to succeed in their new life.

Brooklyn

Jake H Wilson

Jake Wilson is a dedicated member of her church & she serves her community in any capacity needed. She is a mother, a grandmother of a child with autism, a TA President, & a Community Board Member.

Brooklyn

Jamila Hewitt

Jamila is Strategic Advisor and Mentor to The PISTE Fencing Academy, and she founded Caribbean Cancers Against Cancer, raising funds through music for underserved BIPOC impacted by breast cancer.

Brooklyn    

Judith Naraine

Judith Naraine is best known as a dedicated and passionate community advocate. Born in Suriname, Judith began working at Volunteers of America in 2001 I'm Unable to type Bio. due to your criteria.

Brooklyn 

Kenneth Wilkinson

As a volunteer tennis coach I was able to impact the lives of children in the community. This sport helped to provide health and fitness benefits. Thanks for this honor DYCD. I am Kenneth Wilkinson.

Brooklyn 

Leanne Anderson

Founder of the "Author’s Club," an innovative program that engages students in exploring the diverse cultural tapestry of their community. Under her leadership, students have created original books to share their experiences and have earned multiple Ezra Jack Keats awards and honorable mentions.

Brooklyn

Marianne Fezza

Marianne Fezza is a Board Member of Grandma's Love organization which combats Childhood hunger & promotes literacy. Also involved with El-Rose/CFTC coat collection & distributes to families across NY.

Brooklyn

Melissa Del Valle Ortiz

In addition to volunteering on various committees, I continue to serve as a Regional Advisory Member to the DYCD Neighborhood Advisory Board, as it allows me to be impactful in my community and around the City of New York. 

After my Breast Cancer treatment in 2021, I have chosen to significantly scale back my community service.  With a zen focus on starting my non-profit, I hope to provide Survivorship retreats to Puerto Rico, for other Women of Color afflicted by Breast Cancer.

Brooklyn

Nadine Sylvester

Nadine improves her community through her service. She is the founder of the Rohan Levy Foundation, an organization that combats gun violence in communities of color.

Brooklyn

Neville Jacobs

A proud father who believes, if I can assist, educate, and learn, with a gracious and humble heart - that is where I belong.

Brooklyn

Quadir Dixon

Quadir Dixon is more than deserving for this nomination for community dad because of the challenges that he has faced and has overcome as a Principal, turning around a school program that many turned their backs on. While reaching out to individual children through mentoring, one on one tutoring, and personal enrichment, Mr. Dixon has garnered the attention of not only his peers, but the admiration of parents, and the respect of the children. As well as being a devoted father, and loving husband, Mr. Dixon makes time to coach and mentor The Eagles, which is an organized football team playing out of Brooklyn N.Y.

Brooklyn

Shamal Smalls

Helping and healing others is a passion that I acquired from my grandmother, mother, reinforced by my children. I bridge health inequities, by providing access to care in underserved communities.

Brooklyn

Shneaqua Coco Purvis

CEO of the anti-violence organization Both Sides of the Violence, I'm a chaplain and minister. I work with parents and siblings who lost family members to gun violence.

Brooklyn

Tara Lewis

After the profound loss of her son Tara preserves Quamel's spirit by building the Mezzy Foundation. With a trauma-informed approach, she provides support to grieving mothers & children left behind.

Brooklyn

Tiffiney Davis

Tiffiney Davis co-founded Red Hook Art Project in 2009 and as Executive Director, she leads to empower students through free art and mental wellness programming, fostering a safe and inclusive space.

Brooklyn

Evelyn Perch 

She is always pleasant, ready to step in and lend her helping hand when needed.

Queens

Evelyn Pugh

Evelyn Perch, a Rockaway resident for over 30 years, is well-known for her involvement in walk-a-thons, political events, and features in 'The Wave.' The community recognizes her and the twins.

Queens 

Maryam Smith-Hubbard

Maryam Smith-Hubbard, a lifetime resident of South East, Jamaica Queens, and a long-term resident of Rochdale Village, is a wife, a mom and a grandmother to a special needs princess Maryam is the founder and president of The Keys to Unlock your Silence, a nonprofit organization that was established in 2014, to assist victims and survivors and those impacted by domestic and sexual abuse.

Queens

Jomael Young

My name is Jomael and I am the Mayor’s Action Plan Coordinator/Manager for the Beach 41 housing community. I facilitated programming for over 15 years and am a proud parent of an 8 years old boy.

Queens

Joseph Mosca

I honestly don't know what to say about myself.   I'm a father who didn't give up on being there for my son.

Queens

Termel Melford

Termel Melford was born and raised in Brookyn, NY. He enrolled in The Fortune Society to help him become a better father and role model to his four children.

Queens

Chandra Blake

Co-founder of We Are Ladies First, LTD. (Ladies First), a non-profit organization committed to informing, empowering, and inspiring young ladies in Staten Island.  In 2023, I co-founded Mother to Mother, Inc. A nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support, resources, and community for single mothers  I know that if the mother is supported, healthy and whole it benefits the children, which benefits the community.

Staten Island