New Hire Headshots

Community Foundation Announces New Hires

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Deraretu Abubeker as Scholarships & Student Success Manager and Leila Moghadasi as Communications Associate.

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Deraretu Abubeker as Scholarships & Student Success Manager and Leila Moghadasi as Communications Associate.

Abubeker is passionate about helping the community where she grew up and is eager to continue supporting students through their post-secondary planning journeys. In her role, Abubeker provides information and support to students, families, community partners and schools while helping to manage our various scholarships. Before joining the Community Foundation, she served as a program manager and tutor counselor, guiding young people through career exploration, college applications and entrepreneurial development.

Moghadasi is a recent graduate of Syracuse University, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in writing, rhetoric and composition. In her role, Moghadasi provides communications support to attract and deepen relationships with nonprofit organizations, scholarship seekers and civic leaders. Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Moghadasi worked at the Moroccan Institute of Policy Analysis in Rabat, Morocco. She is deeply committed to amplifying the voices of community members across Central New York.

The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity that turns community dollars into community change. Established in 1927, it receives contributions from donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to address the region’s greatest needs. The foundation has invested nearly $300 million in community projects that benefit Central New York. It also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of strategic initiatives that foster a thriving and equitable region and address the most critical issues of our time.

Related Stories

SYRACUSE, NY: Michelle at Sarah’s Guest House. 


CREDIT: Ben Cleeton
Publicaciones May 8, 2025

Finding a Home of Healing and Hope

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Grantee Story

Publicaciones May 8, 2025

Piecing Together Dollars For Decisions

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Granting Matters

Publicaciones May 8, 2025

Transforming Winter Recreation in Madison County

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Cover Story

Huntington Family Centers, the recipient of a grant from our COVID-19 Community Support Fund | Photo By: Ben Cleeton
Publicaciones May 8, 2025

Supporting Crisis Response

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Giving Matters

Publicaciones May 8, 2025

President's Letter

Giving Voice Spring 2025: President's Letter

Partner in philanthropy Kriesel
Historias May 1, 2025

2025 Partner in Philanthropy Award Recipient

William T. Kriesel, CPA/PFS, CFP®, AEP®, Managing Member of Diversified Capital Management and Consultant and ...

Sin categorizar April 22, 2025

Say Yes Syracuse 2023-2024 Report Card Released

See how the Say Yes Syracuse program is doing!

Sin categorizar April 15, 2025

$45,000 In Grants Distributed To Cortland County Nonprofits

In the eighth year of its Cortland County Bright Ideas grants program (Bright Ideas), the ...

Staff Headshot Graphic
Sin categorizar April 10, 2025

Community Foundation Announces Promotions

The Central New York Community Foundation has promoted six staff members.

SYRACUSE, NY: Michelle at Sarah’s Guest House. 


CREDIT: Ben Cleeton
Publicaciones May 8, 2025

Finding a Home of Healing and Hope

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Grantee Story

Publicaciones May 8, 2025

Piecing Together Dollars For Decisions

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Granting Matters

Publicaciones May 8, 2025

Transforming Winter Recreation in Madison County

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Cover Story

Huntington Family Centers, the recipient of a grant from our COVID-19 Community Support Fund | Photo By: Ben Cleeton
Publicaciones May 8, 2025

Supporting Crisis Response

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Giving Matters

Publicaciones May 8, 2025

President's Letter

Giving Voice Spring 2025: President's Letter

Partner in philanthropy Kriesel
Historias May 1, 2025

2025 Partner in Philanthropy Award Recipient

William T. Kriesel, CPA/PFS, CFP®, AEP®, Managing Member of Diversified Capital Management and Consultant and ...

Sin categorizar April 22, 2025

Say Yes Syracuse 2023-2024 Report Card Released

See how the Say Yes Syracuse program is doing!

Sin categorizar April 15, 2025

$45,000 In Grants Distributed To Cortland County Nonprofits

In the eighth year of its Cortland County Bright Ideas grants program (Bright Ideas), the ...

Staff Headshot Graphic
Sin categorizar April 10, 2025

Community Foundation Announces Promotions

The Central New York Community Foundation has promoted six staff members.

Ver más