Making Black History | Cal Corriders

As the manager of Neighborhood Economic Development for Centerstate CEO, I have a front-row seat to witness the making of Black history in Central New York.

In honor of Black History Month, we asked a few of our Black Equity & Excellence Fund Advisory Council members to reflect on who has inspired them to be their best selves – making Black history right here in CNY. Here’s what Cal Corriders said:

As the manager of Neighborhood Economic Development for Centerstate CEO, I have a front-row seat to witness the making of Black history in Central New York. I have chosen three of my Centerstate CEO colleagues who inspire me daily: Dr. Juhanna Rogers, Vice President of Racial Equity & Social Impact, Marcus Webb, Economic Inclusion Fellow, and Laiza Semidey, Syracuse Surge Workforce Manager.

Juhanna, Laiza and Marcus continuously work to create equitable & inclusive personal and professional spaces for all within the Central New York community. They touch various areas of society and work tirelessly to make sure everyone in our community eats. Although young in their careers, they understand the historical injustices of the country and pave the way for others.

Finally, what really inspires me about each of them, is seeing their passion, intelligence, leadership and resiliency, giving me energy and inspiration daily.

Cal Corriders
Black Equity & Excellence Fund Advisory Council Member
Neighborhood Economic Development Manager, Centerstate CEO

Click HERE for more information on the Black Equity & Excellence Fund.

Related Stories

Blogs December 23, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. ...

Close up of woman
Stories December 19, 2025

Syracuse’s First Black Teacher Passes On Her Blessings

Marjorie Dey Carter spent her life opening doors for others. As Syracuse City School District’s ...

Man standing with group of boys
News Releases December 15, 2025

$325,000 in Grants Awarded to Uplift and Serve Black Communities

The Central New York Community Foundation has awarded $325,000 in Black Equity & Excellence Fund ...

Woman standing
Stories December 9, 2025

Long-Lasting Giving: Karin DeLaney

Karin DeLaney, Trusts and Estates and Elder Law Attorney - Member at Bousquet Holstein, PLLC, ...

Blogs October 28, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. ...

Sarah and Nikki headshots
News Releases October 22, 2025

New Hires Announced

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Sarah Edlund as Office Manager and Nikki ...

Publications August 22, 2025

An Early Warning: Unpacking the Lead-Literacy Connection

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. examine the relationship between childhood lead exposure and ...

Topics August 5, 2025

Black Philanthropy Month | Indaria Jones

August is Black Philanthropy month. See how Indaria Jones became an entrepreneur and leader of ...

Blogs December 23, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. ...

Close up of woman
Stories December 19, 2025

Syracuse’s First Black Teacher Passes On Her Blessings

Marjorie Dey Carter spent her life opening doors for others. As Syracuse City School District’s ...

Man standing with group of boys
News Releases December 15, 2025

$325,000 in Grants Awarded to Uplift and Serve Black Communities

The Central New York Community Foundation has awarded $325,000 in Black Equity & Excellence Fund ...

Woman standing
Stories December 9, 2025

Long-Lasting Giving: Karin DeLaney

Karin DeLaney, Trusts and Estates and Elder Law Attorney - Member at Bousquet Holstein, PLLC, ...

Blogs October 28, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. ...

Sarah and Nikki headshots
News Releases October 22, 2025

New Hires Announced

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Sarah Edlund as Office Manager and Nikki ...

Publications August 22, 2025

An Early Warning: Unpacking the Lead-Literacy Connection

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. examine the relationship between childhood lead exposure and ...

Topics August 5, 2025

Black Philanthropy Month | Indaria Jones

August is Black Philanthropy month. See how Indaria Jones became an entrepreneur and leader of ...

View More