NJ LEEP Community Spotlights

Meet Zenola Harper, Chair of the Board of Trustees

What motivates you on a day-to-day basis, and what does success look like to you? I am an optimist by nature, and I believe that one of my life purposes is to make a difference in the lives of others. I go out in the world each day with that belief. My actions might be very small - it may be just being kind and empathetic– but I know that small acts can make a difference.

What advice would you give to your younger self? (Middle school, high school or college?) Hmm. I like that question. There are three kernels of advice that I would give to my younger self--1. You are more than good enough; 2. You are more powerful than you can imagine; and 3. Dream Bigger!

Can you tell us something about you that we don’t already know about you? Are you involved in other organizations, or do you have a fun hobby? What’s your favorite book at the moment?

A. I am blessed with two wonderful children who are both accomplished artists. I love traveling and exploring new places.

B. I am currently reading ‘While Justice Sleeps’ by Stacey Abrams

C. I have served on several boards. Since moving to New Jersey, I have served on the board of the renown jazz radio station WBGO in Newark. I am currently serving on the Board of Women@NJ PAC in addition to NJLEEP.

D. I have many interests-particularly related to art, music and education. I used to play the flute (and I still take it out and play sometimes!) and really enjoy jazz flute. I was one of the founding members and the first chair of the Board of Directors of a children’s museum, Kid City, in Middletown, Ct. and I also served on the Board of Directors of Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia.

E. My ideal Sunday would be to spend meditative time in nature, visit an art gallery or museum, and make a wonderful dinner for friends and family!

Student Spotlights

Amanda Nwanko, Smith College, City College of New York

Hi, my name is Amanda Nwankwo and I am currently a graduate student at the City College of New York getting my Masters in Translational Medicine with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering. I graduated from Smith College with my bachelor’s in Biochemistry on the pre-med track. I was born and raised in Newark, but my family is from Nigeria; specifically the Igbo tribe. I love everything Jesus, science, and medicine and am a huge advocator for Black women pursuing STEM at the undergraduate level. 

What is your favorite part about being in the NJ LEEP community?
I graduated from NJ LEEP in 2016, and I believe my favorite thing was (and still is) the community and family you build. I know that if I need help, a person to talk to, academic advice, and resources I can always reach out to NJ LEEP. I have never reached out and not received anything in return. 

What motivates you on a day-to-day basis, and what does success look like to you?
What motivates me is knowing what God has said about me and concerning my future. Success looks like fulfilling my purpose, serving Jesus in the church, and leaving an inheritance for my children’s children. 

What are you grateful for right now?
I am grateful for life. Oftentimes, we do not understand how much of a privilege is it to wake up every day with all of our limbs and organs fully functioning. It truly shows you just how faithful God is to preserve us every day even in our mishaps. 

What is your favorite type of pizza? What about ice cream flavor?
My favorite pizza is a custom pizza [alfredo sauce instead of tomato, extra cheese, chicken and sausage] and my favorite ice cream is between [Cold Stone Birthday Cake with Reese’s and Snickers AND Ben & Jerrys “Netflix & Chill’d”]

How have you spent your time in quarantine?
I spent my quarantine in school and in the church; during quarantine, I was given the honor of joining the Ushering Department at my church- Kingdom Full Tabernacle Int. Ministries in Stamford, CT. So, I spent my quarantine being a student and a server. 

Can you tell us something about you that we don’t already know about you?
I am currently working on a team in my master’s program to build a high-level ultrasound disinfectant device that takes up 90% of my time. I do have a fun hobby as I am learning how to do my own nails, I am trying to learn how to save money by just doing things myself. 

Ms. A mentioned the protests that you helped coordinate – do you want me to include anything about that?
Yes! The protest was in 2018. A student at Smith College, Oumou, was racially profiled in a dining hall on campus by a dining staff member and had campus police called on her. This was something that happened very often on campus, and Black students were tired of it. So, the Black Students' Alliance and the African and Caribbean Students' Association joined together to lead a protest on the day of convocation to bring awareness to the seriousness of the situation and express our strong desire for a change on Smiths' campus.

Wow, that’s powerful. Have you noticed or experienced any change at Smith since?
Smith has a long way to go. It is a wonderful school, I would encourage people to attend but I will caution them to just be aware and never be silent. When things are not addressed on the campus, it tends to get swept under the rug and that is one thing we do not want to continue.

Toibat Ayankunbi, NJ LEEP Class of 2018, Rutgers University Class of 2022

I'm Toibat Ayankunbi! My favorite part of the NJ LEEP community is how diverse everyone's lived experiences are. Every time I meet a new staff member, alumni, student, or mentor, they always bring something new and unique to the community and are genuinely passionate about NJ LEEP's mission. You're almost always going to be able to find someone else in the community with a shared hobby or interest.

What motivates you on a day-to-day basis, and what does success look like to you? In my personal life, I am motivated by my family and religious community in the United States and Nigeria. Professionally, I am motivated by my commitment to service and my drive to find a career that reflects my values and passions.

What are you grateful for right now? I am immensely grateful for my health and the supportive relationships I've developed thus far.

What is your favorite type of pizza!? What about ice-cream? My favorite type of pizza is anything with mushrooms on it, and my favorite ice cream flavor is vanilla bean.

Can you tell us something about you that we don’t already know about you? As well as being a proud NJ LEEP alum, I am also a Leadership Brainery Fellow and Ajilla Young Leaders Fellow. I love painting buildings and landmarks, listening to true crime podcasts, and analyzing The Wire scenes. I just finished re-reading "The Soiling of Old Glory" by one of my professors. I am looking forward to meeting new people, traveling, and savoring the rest of my college experience, "Post-Pandemic."

Board of Trustees Spotlights

Welcome to the Board of trustees, tara!

Why is the mission of NJ LEEP important to you, and why did you think it was important to get more involved?
I grew up the child of a single mom who emigrated to the US from Jamaica.  Throughout my childhood, my mother stressed the importance of education as a way for me to create better circumstances for myself.  As an adult, I believe that education and mentorship create long-lasting change.  I am drawn to NJ LEEP’s mission because it works, it is changing lives.  Together, we can change a generation one student at time.  

What motivates you on a day-to-day basis, and what does success look like to you? 
I am motivated to bring my best self to each of my daily interactions, and to make a difference where I can. I am motivated to see the good in others and to be of use to my community.  There are so many outward indicators of success, but I believe that success is inward facing.  Success is the ability to set a goal and achieve it in a way that is fair, thoughtful, and brings joy. 

What advice would you give to your younger self? (middle school, high school or college?)
I would tell the younger me to believe in myself and trust my gut. 

Can you tell us something about you that we don’t already know? Are you involved in other organizations, or do you have a fun hobby? What’s your favorite book at the moment?

Currently, I’m in a workout challenge with 52 women who are all over 45 years old.  We root each other on, but we are each motivated to win. I have to work out 600 minutes a week for the month of February.  So I would say that I also value my fitness, my friends and a good challenge!! I also just finished the book, Caste, which was outstanding. I am also very dedicated to giving back to my undergraduate alma mater, Syracuse University, and I’ll be vigorously cheering for them once basketball season begins. I’ll get my family to cheer along with me – but they are not big fans of the old Big East! 

Marc LArkins, NJ LEEP BOard of Trustees

Why is the mission of NJ LEEP important to you, and why did you think it was important to get more involved?  I grew up in and around Newark, NJ.  I understand how difficult it is to dream about opportunities that you’ve never been exposed to.  If I can help one student have the opportunity to live their dreams through my engagement, it will be time well invested. 

What motivates you on a day-to-day basis, and what does success look like to you?  I’ve always pursued opportunities where I felt that I could make a difference in people’s lives.  Knowing that I gave as much as I could each day to this pursuit is incredibly rewarding and represents success for me. 

What advice would you give to your younger self? (middle school, high school or college?)  I would tell myself to stop worrying because I was taking years off my life and wasting valuable time.  In hindsight, I have always had everything I needed and then some.  The storms of life have come, but I’ve survived and experienced growth on the other side of each one. 

Can you tell us something about you that we don’t already know about you?  When I’m not spending time with my family, I enjoy golfing.  I also used to be a big bowler and would love to find the time to get back into it at some point in life!

Welcome to the board of trustees, Ayanna!

Why is the mission of NJ LEEP important to you, and why did you think it was important to get more involved?
As a high school student who achieved academically and in leadership, I was discouraged from applying to an Ivy League school. I believe in the the mission of any organization that empowers and enables young people to achieve their goals. I’ve gotten to know the staff at NJ LEEP very well and they are deeply committed to this work and to their students and families, so I am happy to be of service as a Board member.

What motivates you on a day-to-day basis, and what does success look like to you?
I started my career as a middle school English teacher in Paterson, NJ and then worked as the Director of College Guidance at North Star Academy Charter School. Both of those roles were the absolute joy of my life because I had direct impact on the trajectory of students’ lives and was able to empower them to reach their goals. Seeing them graduate from college, have careers, and be great parents is what success looks like to me. I wanted the same thing for them that I want for my own children.

What advice would you give to your younger self? (middle school, high school or college?)
I would tell my younger self to try to absorb every moment, and journal about the events in your life and how you feel. I would tell her to practice mindfulness and personal wellness. I would also tell her to not be afraid to ask for EXACTLY what she wants.

Can you tell us something about you that we don’t already know about you? Are you involved in other organizations, or do you have a fun hobby? What’s your favorite book at the moment?
I recently agreed to serve as a campaign manager for a local race. I think being a policy leader is a critical role in our fight for equity, so I want to support the election of policy leaders who share my values. This is my first time, and I probably know about 10% of all that I have to do, but I like professional risks and trying things in which I have a lot of interest but little experience!

Employee Spotlights

Razeya Rahman, Operations & Program Manager for NJ LEEP

Hi, I am Ms. Rahman or  Ms. R! I am the Operations & Program Manager for NJ LEEP and have been with the program for 5 years. I am also an alumnae of NJ LEEP; Class of 2012! I am a Newark native, and still reside in the city.

What is your favorite part about being in the NJ LEEP community?
Being an alum and current staff of NJ LEEP, I have the unique opportunity of having experienced the program’s growth from a student’s perspective and then supporting program development to offer better and advanced opportunities for cohorts after mine. I get to give back to an organization that has supported and done so much for me, while getting to interact with the students in different capacities and building relationships with them, watching them become young professionals.

What motivates you on a day-to-day basis, and what does success look like to you?
Success to me is celebrating and recognizing not just the big wins, but more importantly, the small ones and witnessing my self-growth professionally, mentally, and emotionally.

What are you grateful for right now?
Spending more time with my family and building stronger relationships/bonds with my friends and siblings.

What is your favorite snack?
Chips! --- specifically Lays, Doritos Cool Ranch, or Cheetos

How have you spent your time in quarantine?
I learned how to be more present in the moment, to appreciate and take in the beauty of the world around me by going on many solo walks/hikes. I also learned how to finally drive a car!

Can you tell us something about you that we don’t already know about you?
I enjoy running and journaling. I also like competing in different challenges or goals that I set for myself. Currently, the challenge I set for myself is to successfully complete/close all of the monthly Apple Watch challenges for 2021. My favorite book(s) at the moment are from “The Witcher” series by Andrzej Sapkowski.

Elizabeth Abitanto, Managing Director of Programs

What is your favorite part about working at NJ LEEP? 
Providing opportunities and building skills for students that can literally change the course of their lives, supporting on recruitment interviews and hearing students share their why and share their ambitions, receiving college decisions, and Pitch Day! I love hearing our 6th graders tout about the great city of Newark.

What motivates you on a day-to-day basis, and what does success look like to you? 
To me, success is celebrating the small wins like grade improvements, witnessing changed habits, or supporting a student seeking mental health support .

What are you grateful for right now?  
My health, and that despite a pandemic, I can still help others.  

What is your favorite type of pizza? What about ice cream flavor? 
Pepperoni and Strawberry  

How have you spent your time in quarantine?  
Learning, and also loving myself: taking care of myself mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Can you tell us something about you that we don’t already know about you? Are you involved in other organizations, or do you have a fun hobby? What’s your favorite book at the moment? Feel free to share anything that you think would help us get to know you better!  
I love to garden, I am a board of trustee member for Philips Academy Charter School, The Gem Project, and Rutgers Alumni Leaders board-at-large, and I am currently reading “Lot” by Bryan Washington right now!

Volunteer Spotlights

Julie montrose, University Relations and Emerging Talent Manager at Samsung Electronics America

How did you first hear about NJ LEEP and get involved?
I was introduced to NJ LEEP in the Fall of 2017 when I worked as a recruiter at State Street. A colleague at the time, who worked in Boston and was also involved in community outreach efforts, had recommended I check out the organization. I signed up for one of the open house events extended to prospective students and employers, and couldn’t be happier that I did. I can still vividly remember the high school senior constitutional law debate that I shadowed while attending. It was that experience that solidified my interest in NJ LEEP both on a personal and professional level.

In what capacity have you been involved with NJ LEEP?
One of the things I enjoy most about NJ LEEP is the wide variety of volunteering events made available. This includes hosting career readiness workshops, performing resume reviews, staging mock interviews, helping to organize the annual career expo and generally engaging with college students to help find employment opportunities. About one year after, I started volunteering I was asked to join the Advisory Board. My role there is to work with like minded peers and introduce opportunities for employers and students to connect.

What’s your favorite memory with NJ LEEP?
I have a few! But one of my earliest is when I sat in on a constitutional debate between seniors. I was so impressed with the student’s preparedness and knowledge base. I could tell immediately that the programs at NJ LEEP were well designed to prepare students for future professional careers. That same day I had the opportunity to listen to students speak about NJ LEEP and the impact it had on their lives and I was so incredibly moved by their stories. Combining the personal and the professional really encapsulates the NJ LEEP experience.

What have you learned through your experiences with NJ LEEP, and why are these lessons important to you?
Community is a source of empowerment. You don’t have to look far to find someone who can be a positive change maker, role model, mentor or friend. If you keep an open mind and make yourself available to new experiences, opportuni8es will present themselves. The lessons themselves aren’t novel and even writing them now they seem extremely cliche, but to see them in action is to know the truth in them.

Would you recommend volunteering to others, including your peers and coworkers? Why or why not?
Actually, I do this all the time! It’s a fantastic way to network and meet new people who can help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be. The more volunteers, the more opportunities we create! At the core of any organization people are the most important asset, and fostering growth in people requires a mix of old and new ideas which can be achieved through a steady supply of new recruits!