Andre is a master salesman, telesales expert and technology aficionado. His motto is “how you do anything is how you do everything”. Andre has led domestic and international tele-sales training initiatives from New York to India. He has developed a diverse network of investors for community revitalization and commercial real estate projects. Andre has over 30 years of field experience with career success in finance, real estate, software sales, web design and digital marketing. He has closed millions in sales with government contracts and private investors. Andre has the innate ability to assess, analyze, negotiate and engage each party to close deals for a win-win for all. Andre is also an ordained elder and innovator able to take a project from concept to completion.

Michael is a law enforcement professional with the Georgia Department of Corrections. After 20 years of combined payroll, finance, and HR experience in nonprofit at the management level, Michael knows the fundamentals to effective management for a successful agency. Michael lent his talents and expertise to Mercy First, PayPro Corp and the Head Injury Association. CDF now benefits from his knowledge and acumen. Michael has managed small to midsize organizations. He is a trained facilitator in Kronos Times & Labor Management Systems versed in behavior modification methods and de-escalation techniques with superior team dynamics skills. Michael holds an MS in Administration of Justice and Security from the University of Phoenix and BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from Georgia Southern University.

With a 30-year career as an educator, trainer, assistant principal and administrator for the New York City Public Schools, Lucy has expertise in English and Bilingual as a New Language and Special Needs. Her teaching style and the classroom strategies are rooted in a youth-centered learning experiences that incorporates movement and promotes the natural inquisitiveness of children. Lucy is a teacher’s teacher as an adjunct professor at Mercy College and Supervisor of the Bronx Adult Learning Center. She holds over 7 leadership certifications from the NYS Department of Education. Lucy has earned multiple degrees including a MS in School Administration and Supervision from Mercy College and MS in Special Education and Bilingual Extension from Adelphi University and a BS in Educational Psychology from New York University.

Phyllis a committed community advocate with numerous leadership roles in her local community serving as the President of the PTA and Lead Community Liaison for West Babylon Public Schools. She played a critical role in championing better schools and inclusiveness for all. She has over 20 years of experience working for Suffolk County BOCES which caters to special needs youth by providing them a safe, creative and nurturing school environment. She holds a certification in Stenography.

Sou is a skilled agricultural analyst leading research and testing at Agdia. Agdia is the leading US based provider of plant pathogen and GMO testing solutions with a global market share. Her tenure and influence at Agdia extends over 10 years. She is a first generation Laotian-American who has tread a path of success for her family and generations to come with her hard work and dedication. She holds an AA in Liberal Arts from Ivy Tech Community College.

Vonni is a nonprofit expert and grants maven with a 360 degree understanding of the sector. Vonni has with a deep, personal connection to community service as a product of such services as an immigrant child. Her social sector knowledge extends over 20 years with broad expertise. Vonni has raised and managed in millions in revenue over her career. Her strategies have been featured at Bishop TD Jakes International Leadership Summit and Association of Fundraising Professional’s Planet Philanthropy. Vonni was the inaugural recipient of Columbia University’s Program for Academic Leadership and Service– the first full scholarship at the University, Dean’s Citation and Outstanding Service Awards. She is an ordained minister and author of “Moving Beyond HERE”.Vonni holds a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing from Columbia University.