Meet the Fourth Cohort of Nonprofit Management Program for Emerging Leaders of Color

New Haven, Conn. (Oct. 13, 2025) – The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (The Foundation) is excited to announce the members of the fourth cohort in the Nonprofit Management Program for Emerging Leaders of Color. The career development program was launched in early 2021 as part of The Foundation’s Stepping Forward commitment to advance racial equity throughout the region.

“The network of strong, skilled, passionate leaders of color in Greater New Haven continues to grow," says Jackie Downing, Senior Director of Grantmaking and Nonprofit Support at The Foundation. "In launching this program four years ago, our intention was to help create a pipeline for new, more diverse leadership in Greater New Haven’s nonprofit community, and that is happening.  Alumni are advancing their careers, serving in leadership roles, and continuing to support each other personally and professionally.”   

Ten participants who are current middle-management employees of local nonprofits were selected in July for the two-year program. The represented organizations receive a two-year general operating support grant from The Foundation to compensate for their employees’ monthly participation in training. 

The program kicked off in September with the first in a series of trainings by the University of Connecticut (UConn) School of Public Policy over nine months. The lesson plan includes topics on governance, leading and cultivating strategic partnerships, community engagement, strategic planning, budgeting, evaluation, advocacy, fundraising, communications, racial equity and system change. Participants can also receive undergraduate or graduate credit and a $2,500 scholarship toward future studies at UConn. In the second year, participants will engage in additional professional development and work through Individual Development Plans with guidance from the UConn facilitator.

The program framework was designed by co-leads Dr. David Garvey, Director of the University of Connecticut Department of Public Policy’s Encore!Connecticut, and Management Consultant Dr. Cynthia Rojas. Throughout the training program, they are joined by seasoned practitioners and topic experts who share insights from their own leadership journeys and provide a wealth of information about nonprofit management. 

Adrian Huq
New Haven Climate Movement

Adrian Huq is a graduate student at the Yale School of the Environment pursuing a Master of Environmental Management, a candidate for a Public Humanities certificate at Yale University, a 2024 graduate of Tufts University, and a proud New Haven Public Schools alum.  Since 2018, they have worked as a community organizer and educator for multiple environmental initiatives under the New Haven/Leon Sister City Project (NHLSCP), a binational nonprofit that promotes environmental and social change in Nicaragua and New Haven. Most notably, they serve as the co-founder of the New Haven Climate Movement (NHCM) Youth Action Team, a grassroots and youth-led group that advocates for bold policy change from the City of New Haven and its Board of Education to combat climate change (est. 2019).

They serve on the Board of Directors of the Greater New Haven Green Fund, NHLSCP, Citywide Youth Coalition, and New Haven Urban Resources Initiative (URI), and as a subcommittee member of the Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council. They formerly served on the Connecticut Climate Education Advisory Committee. A public speaker on topics ranging from climate justice to community engagement, Adrian has spoken at over 65 events and rallies. Adrian has worked for organizations spanning environment, government and education, from serving as a Sustainable CT Fellow at both the Naugatuck Valley and Capitol Region Council of Governments to assisting in the promotion of enrollment at the New Haven Adult and Continuing Education Center. They currently work on development and communications for URI.

Adrian is also engaged in the local arts and media community, named an Arts Awardee by the Greater New Haven Arts Council in 2023. They are a freelance reporter for the New Haven Arts Paper, a personal assistant at the Veronica Douglas Media Agency, and a visual artist. Adrian was a former Fellow for the International Festival of Arts and Ideas, Artspace New Haven Summer Apprentice and radio show host on 94.3 WYBC.

Aminah Alsaleh
Sanctuary Kitchen

Aminah Alsaleh was born in Homs, Syria.  She fled the Civil War in Syria in 2012 and spent four years as a refugee in Jordan, before she and her family were given visas to come to the United States. They arrived on Election Day in November 2016 and became the second refugee family to be resettled by the Jewish Community Alliance for Refugee Resettlement (JCARR). 

In 2017, Aminah established a catering business, Aminah’s Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine, and the following year was hired as a Chef at Sanctuary Kitchen, whose mission is to provide job training, employment and support to refugee and immigrant chefs. Today, Aminah is the Culinary Manager at Sanctuary Kitchen, overseeing kitchen operations, setting the menu, managing inventory and supporting a team of chefs.  Aminah is a passionate ambassador for Sanctuary Kitchen.  She speaks publicly about the program and the impact it’s made on the community. 

Candice Lott
Community Action Agency of New Haven, Inc.

Candice serves as a Program Coordinator and Certified Financial Educator Instructor at Community Action Agency of New Haven, Inc. She holds a Master's degree in Science focused on Human Services, Organizational and Social Services from Purdue University. Candice prioritizes family and takes pride in being a dedicated professional known for her unwavering kindness and strong work ethic. With over a decade of experience supporting individuals and families in need, she consistently strives to make a meaningful impact. 

In her free time, Candice actively advocates for education and empowers women and girls through her involvement in two women's organizations, working to foster community connections and assist those facing challenges. She genuinely believes that even the smallest acts of kindness can change the world, and she aims to embody this belief in both her personal life and professional endeavors each day.

Claudette Kidd
Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen

Claudette Kidd is a passionate educator, advocate and community leader with over 15 years of teaching experience. She began her career in 2002 with the New Haven Board of Education, serving as a Head Start and Montessori teacher. A graduate in Early Childhood Education, Claudette is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, further strengthening her knowledge and commitment to serving her community.

Deeply rooted in advocacy, Claudette dedicates her voice and energy to amplifying those who are too often unheard — youth, the disabled, the elderly, people of color and members of the LGBTQIA community. Her lifelong dream is to help build a society rooted in equity, equality and justice for all. Claudette is well known across New Haven for her fearless presence at Board of Alders committee meetings and at the State Capitol, where she consistently speaks truth to power. Her dedication to housing justice led her to serve as a member of the City of New Haven Housing Commission, where she continues to champion safe and equitable housing for all.

Currently, Claudette serves as a Client Engagement Specialist at the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen, where she embodies a whole-person approach to care. She meets each client with respect, dignity and cultural humility, ensuring that every interaction is free of stigma or judgment. Known for her empathy, emotional intelligence and tireless advocacy, Claudette continues to inspire and empower her community every day.

Danielle Mills
Achievement First Elementary

Danielle Mills is a native of the small but mighty island of Jamaica. She migrated to the U.S. and lived in the Bronx, New York, where she spent most of her adolescent years. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Connecticut State University in 2014. In 2025, she then earned her Master's in Community Psychology from the University of New Haven. From a young age, Danielle has always had a heart to serve. She continues to serve her community, specifically families and children, filling gaps, providing resources and mentoring the youth.  

In her current role, Danaielle is an Associate Dean of School Culture for Achievement First Elementary. She is also a Lead Teacher for Horizons at Foote School. Both of these positions allow her to stay true to her purpose, impacting the leaders of tomorrow. Working with students to develop skills that help them navigate the world and their emotions is invaluable. Also, supporting and partnering with like-minded adults who have the same passion to provide equitable, quality education for students across our nation, but specifically in our community, is why she continues to make her mark in the sphere of education, social responsibility, service and leadership.  

Johnnie Johns
The Storehouse Project

Johnnie Jones currently serves as the Director of Operations at The Storehouse Project in Milford, CT, where he oversees the day-to-day operations that support both guests and volunteers. In his role, Johnnie is responsible for ensuring that programs run smoothly and effectively to meet the needs of the community. The Storehouse Project provides essential resources, including a food pantry, clothing boutique and community dining services, all dedicated to helping individuals and families thrive. With a focus on compassionate service and operational excellence, Johnnie is committed to fostering a welcoming environment where dignity, support and care are at the forefront of everything we do.

Jubetsy Minaya-Pérez
LEAP!

Jubetsy is the Deputy Director of Development and Communications at LEAP, New Haven’s largest youth employer, where she supports fundraising, donor engagement and organizational storytelling to sustain transformative youth mentorship and leadership programs. A first-generation Dominican American raised between New York City and Connecticut, Jubetsy brings over a decade of experience in child welfare, public education and community schools — supporting families in East Harlem and the South Bronx before returning to Connecticut. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University and an MPA in Urban Development and Sustainability from Baruch College. Throughout her career, she has been committed to building equitable systems that center family engagement, racial equity and community power. As a dedicated wife and mother of two boys, she is inspired to ensure that children across Connecticut grow up with access to safe, enriching and opportunity-filled environments where they can thrive.

Maria Crespo
Columbus House, Inc.

Maria is the Senior Permanent Supportive Housing Manager at Columbus House Inc. in New Haven, CT, where she oversees 10 site-based programs supporting 122 clients. A dedicated nonprofit professional with over 20 years of experience, she has worked across long-term care, young adult services, mental health, substance use and housing — currently focused on individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

With more than eight years in leadership, Maria is committed to building strong teams, improving client outcomes and fostering inclusive, respectful work environments. She co-chairs the Staff Engagement Committee and is a proud first-generation college graduate. She holds an associate and bachelor’s degree in human services, is a Certified Director of Therapeutic Recreation, and graduated summa cum laude.

Reeshemah Norfleet
Discovering Amistad

Reeshemah serves as the Director of Community Initiatives for Discovering Amistad, a nonprofit organization that owns and operates the replica of the historic Amistad ship. In this role, she develops partnerships, designs community-centered programs and leads initiatives that connect people of all ages to the Amistad story and its legacy of resilience, justice and human rights.

A gifted leader and creative visionary, Reeshemah has extensive experience in strategic planning, program development and leadership training. She has coordinated leadership academies, workshops and community events that center on healing, empowerment and social change. Through her work, she bridges history with present-day challenges, motivating others to grow in their leadership capacity and engage in building stronger communities.

Reeshemah is also a playwright, director and producer, using the arts as a powerful tool for storytelling and restoration. Her passion is helping people laugh, heal and pursue their passions while finding their voice as leaders.

Yexandra “Yex” Diaz
Hang Time

Yexandra is a longtime New Haven resident by way of Chicago, and currently leads strategic development with Hang Time, where she drives initiatives that strengthen the organization’s mission of empowering communities through dialogue, mentorship and systemic change. In this role, she supports fundraising strategies, builds partnerships and develops programs that advance social equity and amplify community voices. 

An interdisciplinary practitioner and cultural strategist, Yexandra has over eight years of experience in youth, workforce and community leadership development. She has designed and delivered statewide and national workshops at the intersection of arts, culture and education with a social justice lens. 

Also serving as Development Manager for the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, she supports the sustainability of the region’s creative ecosystem. An award-winning spoken word artist and certified AIR Collaborative Facilitator with the CT Office of the Arts, Yexandra’s work is grounded in the belief that equity, creativity and community go hand in hand in building a more just society. She extends this commitment through civic service, having been elected to the Common Ground High School Board of Directors and appointed to the City of New Haven Youth Commission.

More information about this program: