Vijah Ramjattan

Executive Director, OPHC

Vijah (VJ) Ramjattan serves as the Executive Director of the New York City Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, where he leads citywide, multi-pronged and community-centered strategies to combat bias, discrimination, and hate. His work focuses on education, intercommunity dialogue, trauma-informed healing, and youth empowerment to foster a safer and more equitable New York City.

With over a decade of experience in mental health research, regulatory compliance, and advocacy for marginalized communities, Ramjattan has held leadership roles at the New York State Psychiatric Institute–Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, and served as a grievance counselor at Rikers Island. His professional and civic work reflects a deep commitment to educational, social, and environmental justice.

Ramjattan’s leadership extends into numerous faith-based and community initiatives. He has served as president of the Council District 28 Community Education Council and his affiliations include the NYC Public Schools Interfaith Advisory Council, the United Madrassi Association Inc., the Interfaith Center of New York Leadership Academy and the United American Hindu Leadership Council. As an ordained Interfaith Karmacharya and interfaith chaplain at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, he offers spiritual care while promoting interreligious understanding and inclusive activism.

Holding degrees in Psychology and Comparative Religion from Hunter College (CUNY), Ramjattan brings a spiritually grounded, artistically inspired, and community-driven perspective to his work. His guiding philosophy of “Devotion-in-Motion” calls for civic collaboration and humanitarian action across all identities—racial, religious, gender, and beyond for a more just world.

Erica Ware

Deputy Executive Director, OPHC

Erica Ware is the Deputy Executive Director at OPHC, bringing over 15 years of dedicated experience in community-based services and victim advocacy. She began her career at Project Hospitality, providing case management and crisis intervention to vulnerable populations on Staten Island. Erica has extensive expertise in housing advocacy, assisting individuals who experience housing instability in securing independent and supportive housing, and has contributed to public health initiatives through her work at Community Health Action of Staten Island, where she delivered HIV/STI education, testing, and safe injection education for intravenous drug users.

Previously, Erica served as the Deputy Director of the Victim Services Unit at the Office of the District Attorney of Richmond County, supporting over 2,000 crime victims and their families. Her passion for gun violence prevention has driven her efforts to support mothers of gun violence victims and promote awareness initiatives, including spearheading Staten Island’s first Gun Violence Memorial at the Staten Island Museum during Gun Violence Awareness Month.

Recognized as the 2022 Advocate of the Year by the NYC Office to End Gender-Based Violence, Erica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the College of Staten Island. Her unwavering dedication to public safety, community empowerment, and victim support continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

Jelissa Thomas

Senior Program Manager, OPHC

Jelissa Thomas serves as senior program manager of OPHC. Thomas is a seasoned educator who previously served as a master teacher and teacher coach for the Equity Project Charter School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Masters in Education. 

Thomas reports to OPHC Executive Director Ramjattan.

Cheryl Zhang

PATH Program Manager, OPHC

Cheryl Zhang is the Program Manager for the P.A.T.H. (Partners Against the Hate) FORWARD Initiative at the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC). She brings multifaceted experiences in financial services, higher education and public engagement, with a strong focus on strategic planning and community partnerships.

Prior to joining OPHC, Cheryl worked in corporate banking and university administration, where she led initiatives at the intersection of equity, education and civic engagement. At OPHC, she manages partnerships with grassroots organizations, coordinating anti-hate programming and public education efforts across New York City’s five boroughs.

Cheryl holds a Master of Arts in Linguistics from Syracuse University and is currently completing a graduate certificate in Public Administration at CUNY. She is committed to bridging sectors to empower communities and foster inclusive, responsive public policy.