Darrell Buckingham, senior program officer received the 40 over 40 Award, established by Cuse Culture Media Group to illuminate the diverse talents in the region.
Dana E. Lyons-Canty, special projects officer, completed the The Grantsmanship Center’s comprehensive certification program to develop practical skills in researching, planning, and writing competitive proposals for federal, state and private grant opportunities.
Colby Cyrus, senior program manager, joined the HOPE for Bereaved’s board of directors. Additionally, he joined the Leadership Greater Syracuse Program Committee.
Gerianne P. Corradino, SHRM-CP, human resources & operations officer, was a keynote speaker at Citizens Academy’s graduation ceremony.
Yeisha Núñez-Denson, accountant, served as a youth mentor for the Puerto Rican/ Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute. Additionally, she participated in a discussion surrounding equity and nonprofit leadership at the Our Time Has Come Scholars event along with Davona Lawrence, finance associate, and Leila Moghadasi, communications associate.
Melanie Littlejohn, president & CEO, received the George Arents Award from The Syracuse University Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. Additionally, she sat on a panel of ‘First, But Not the Last: Trailblazing Women Who Broke Barriers and Transformed Central New York’, as well as the ‘Meet The Funders Of Syracuse’s Top Foundations: How does local funding work?’ panel at the CNY Regional Financial Empowerment Convention. She also spoke on a CNY Women’s Summit panel and was a guest on the Cultivate CNY podcast.
Monica Merante, CAP®, senior director of philanthropic services, was elected to serve as president of AdNet, a national professional organization servicing advancement professionals in the community foundation field. Additionally, she joined the board of directors for Contact Community Services, a nonprofit that supports the social and emotional mental health of children, youth and adults.
Frank Ridzi, vice president of community investment, lead a workshop on “Building Sustainable Collaborations” at the Syracuse University Lender Center for Social Justice Symposium. Additionally, he was named a Champion of Diversity by PEACE Inc., an award which celebrates individuals in Central New York who are making significant contributions to their community. He also joined the Risk Analysis Committee for the City of Syracuse HUD Community Development Block Grants, and served as Special Advisor faculty for the Executive Leadership Institute for VPs of CFLeads in Jacksonville, FL.
Kimberly Sadowski, CPA, vice president & chief financial officer, participated in Mentoring Monday, which connects professionals from the Central New York women’s business community.
Ahmeed Turner, vice president of Scholarships & Student Success; executive director of Say Yes Syracuse, along with Frank Ridzi, vice president of community investment, presented the co-authored work, “Persisting Barriers to First Year Student Retention Post-Pandemic” at the 44th Annual Conference of the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience. Additionally, he spoke at both Nottingham High School and Syracuse Academy of Science ‘Citizenship Academy’ on the Impact of attending college. He also participated in a roundtable discussion on local Black Labor at the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Qiana Williams, senior program officer, received the 40 over 40 Award, established by Cuse Culture Media Group to illuminate the diverse talents in the region. Additionally, she attended the 25th Anniversary of the The Funders Network annual conference.
