What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. Read on to learn about the expertise and passionate commitment amongst our team members as they drive positive change and inspire others in our community.

Darrell Buckingham, program officer, participated in a panel for FOCUS Greater Syracuse’s Citizen Academy about the essential elements of community development, health and human services.

Kimberly Sadowski, vice president & chief financial officer, participated in a fireside chat at a CNY Women’s Network event.

Katrina Crocker, vice president of communications, co-presented to CEONet about the Community Foundation Awareness Initiative’s national branding campaign.

Ahmeed Turner, vice president of scholarships & student success and executive director of Say Yes Syracuse, presented to the Syracuse Community Center Collaborative on education workforce pathways. He also presented to the Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors about Say Yes Syracuse.

Monica Merante, senior director of philanthropic services, earned her Master’s in Arts Administration from Le Moyne College.

Frank Ridzi, vice president of community investment, and Colby Cyrus, senior program manager, presented to the 2024 Leadership Greater Syracuse class about data on community needs.

Jan Lane, senior philanthropic advisor, participated in a four week emotional intelligence workshop series hosted by Michael Sgro Leadership Coaching.

Yeisha Núñez-Denson spoke to the Syracuse Youth Advisory Council about her experience as a Say Yes scholar and how that led her to CNYCF.

As co-chair of the Micron Community Engagement Committee (CEC), Melanie Littlejohn recently co-announced the release of a Community Priorities Document. The document outlines priority areas of community need that nonprofit organizations will be able to address through grant funding made available through the CEC in the future.

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