Our Team / Our Board

​El-Java Abdul-Qadir is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in organizational leadership, program development, and project management, specializing in strategic planning, cultural competence, and organizational performance within both private companies and public agencies. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Syracuse University and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where his research focuses on the sociological determinants of entrepreneurial performance among racial, ethnic minority, and immigrant entrepreneurs in the United States.

In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, El-Java is a co-founder of My Dream Summit Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering individuals through entrepreneurship and personal development. He has also served as the director of the South Side Innovation Center, a community engagement project of the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, where he developed and administered programs for entrepreneurs in the Greater Syracuse region. Beyond his professional endeavors, El-Java is a 7th-degree blackbelt in Shotokan karate and a multiple-time world champion kickboxer, reflecting his commitment to discipline and excellence in all areas of his life.

As an adjunct Professor of Practice in the Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises department, El-Java also served as the director of the South Side Innovation Center (SSIC), a business incubator and small business service center in the City of Syracuse, which houses 30 resident clients in its’ 60,000 square foot facility and provides consulting services to another 350 unique small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs per year. The SSIC, a project of the Whitman School of Management also houses the New York State Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP), which has helped over 54 businesses to incorporate, obtain funding, and collectively generate more than $35 million in revenue over the past 4 years. In 2012, El-Java was a recipient of the Minority Small Business Champion of the Year Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration, given for his commitment to entrepreneurship.

Winfield Warren Prass holds a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work from Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts, and has over 10 years of service working with at-risk and disadvantaged youth.  Mr. Prass is currently the Senior Case Manager at Children Children Children Inc., a nationally recognized youth services agency, located in Washington DC.  He works as a staff supervisor, and extensively as a youth mentor and tutor.  He has prior experience as a Career Counselor at the South Bronx Job Corps Academy, in New York City, and as a Counselor at the renowned Wediko Children’s Services, in Hillsboro, New Hampshire.  As an entrepreneur, Mr. Prass is also the co-founder and managing partner of New York Inflatables Inc., a leading children’s entertainment businesses in the New York City metro area.

​Yolanda Mitchell is a seasoned electrical engineer based in Syracuse, New York, with extensive experience in the utility industry. Her expertise encompasses power plants, smart grids, and control systems design. Currently serving as a senior engineer at National Grid, Yolanda plays a pivotal role in workforce development initiatives, including acting as a liaison to the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Syracuse City School District Chapter. In this capacity, she contributes to organizing STEM enrichment programs, such as the Summer Engineering and Science Camp at Syracuse University, aimed at inspiring and educating the next generation of engineers. ​

Beyond her professional commitments, Yolanda is deeply involved in community service. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army’s Syracuse Area Services, where she collaborates with other local leaders to guide strategic planning and program development. Additionally, Yolanda actively participates in initiatives with organizations like the Syracuse Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., reflecting her dedication to community engagement and mentorship.

Eloise, a longtime Southside Syracuse resident, has dedicated over 50 years to her community through professional service and volunteerism. After graduating from Thomas J. Corcoran High School and attending Onondaga Community College, she built a career in administration, working for Catholic Charities of Onondaga County for 28 years before serving as an Executive Secretary in the Onondaga County Executive’s office for 12 years. She retired in 2020 and now works part-time caring for developmentally disabled women.

Her passion for community service is reflected in her leadership roles, including serving as President of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Syracuse Section and mentoring youth through Girl Scouts, Pop Warner cheerleading, and church programs at Bethany Baptist Church. She co-founded LIGHT of Syracuse, Inc., securing grants for programs benefiting youth and the elderly. A devoted mother and grandmother, Eloise continues to make an impact through her advocacy, mentorship, and commitment to service.

Jonathan M. Cerrito counsels sponsors of multi-employer and single-employer plans, companies, tax-exempt entities and executives on all matters of tax, ERISA, employee benefits, non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements and the employee benefit aspects of mergers. Jonathan was named by the Whitman School of Management of Syracuse University as one of the 2009 “40 Under 40” based on extraordinary achievement in his career and contributions to the community.

Jonathan regularly advises on the design, operation, merger and termination of tax-qualified pension plans and welfare benefit plans. His practice includes advising ERISA fiduciaries on the investment of plan assets, reporting and disclosure, prohibited transaction rules and tax matters. He also advises tax-exempt organizations on employee benefit issues and unrelated business income tax (UBIT).

In addition, Jonathan has significant experience handling ERISA controversies with a focus on investigations by the U.S. Department of Labor concerning fiduciary matters and alleged statutory violations. He has handled over one dozen such investigations and has also been involved in audits conducted by the Internal Revenue Service and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

Affiliations

American Bar Association (Tax Section and Labor and Employment Section), New York State Bar Association (Tax Section and Labor and Employment), Connecticut Bar Association, Onondaga County Bar Association (Tax Section and Labor and Employment)

Family Foundation, where she collaborates with government, nonprofit, community, and private partners to implement housing and neighborhood redevelopment strategies that foster inclusive, thriving communities. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Blueprint 15, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the holistic revitalization of Syracuse’s East Adams Street neighborhood, and held the position of interim CEO from May 2020 to August 2021.

Prior to her current role, Stephanie was the Commissioner of the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development for the City of Syracuse, overseeing various community development initiatives and managing significant federal, state, and local funding. She has also held key positions at organizations such as Home HeadQuarters, Worcester Community Housing Resources, and the United Way of Central New York. Stephanie earned both her Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, where she later served as an adjunct faculty member for over a decade. Her extensive board service includes contributions to the Good Life Youth Foundation, the Housing and Homeless Coalition of Central New York, and the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency.

​Laiza Semidey serves as the Director of Equity and Community Development at Hueber-Breuer Construction, a role she assumed in November 2024. In this capacity, she leads initiatives to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within the company and the broader Syracuse community. Her efforts aim to create equitable opportunities and strengthen community engagement, reflecting her commitment to social justice and community development.​

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Laiza is actively involved in various community organizations. She serves as Vice President of the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance (UMEA), where she works to promote economic growth and opportunities for minority-owned businesses in the region. Additionally, she has been featured in media outlets such as PBS, discussing topics related to community development and economic empowerment. Through these roles, Laiza continues to advocate for inclusive growth and the empowerment of underrepresented communities in Syracuse and beyond.

Lepa Jones is a dedicated community leader and the president of Mothers Against Gun Violence, a grassroots organization committed to addressing and preventing gun violence in Syracuse. After losing two of her children to violence, she transformed her grief into advocacy, working tirelessly with community leaders, policymakers, and local organizations to promote peace and healing. Her leadership has been recognized with the Dan and Mary Lou Rubenstein Social Justice Award for her unwavering commitment to service and justice.

In addition to her work with Mothers Against Gun Violence, Lepa served on Syracuse’s Trauma Response Team, providing support to families affected by violence. She is also the founder of Chuck Season 365, a scholarship initiative honoring her late son by supporting graduating seniors from Corcoran High School. Through her advocacy, mentorship, and faith, Lepa continues to be a powerful voice for change, offering hope and guidance to those impacted by violence in her community.

​Nicole Osborne is a dedicated professional based in Syracuse, New York, with a strong background in data analysis and educational strategy. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Information Management at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies. Professionally, Nicole has served as a Data Analyst at Syracuse University’s Division of Advancement and External Affairs, where she supported fundraising teams in designing systems and executing reporting for the University’s $1.5 billion campaign strategy. She also worked in customer success at Crescerance, managing community engagement products for various school districts, and at KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools, conducting accountability reporting and implementing data and assessment products across the district.​

Beyond her professional endeavors, Nicole is deeply committed to community service and educational advancement. She serves on the board of the Hiscock Legal Aid Society and Syracuse University’s Young Alumni Council. Additionally, she chairs the board of directors for Inkululeko, a nonprofit organization serving learners in Makhanda, South Africa, reflecting her belief in the transformative power of education. Nicole’s dedication to her alma mater and community was recognized in 2021 when she received the Generation Orange Award from Syracuse University, honoring her impact through volunteer work and philanthropy.

James Czarniak is the founder and CEO of Brightpath Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm based in Syracuse, New York, specializing in social and public sector services. With over two decades of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors, James has held key positions such as Deputy Commissioner for the Onondaga County Department of Children and Family Services, overseeing the Child Welfare Division, and Director of Juvenile Justice for the county, where he managed the juvenile probation department and the local secure detention facility. ​

In addition to his professional roles, James has been actively involved with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs in Syracuse and Greater Washington, D.C. He is a member of the Annie E. Casey Applied Leadership Network and has completed certifications in Data Sharing and Multi-System Integration from Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute. His expertise also includes training in Results-Based Accountability, Results-Based Leadership, and Results-Based Facilitation, reflecting his commitment to driving systemic change and improving community outcomes.

​Brian Kuraszewicz is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) based in Syracuse, New York, with extensive experience in internal control and risk management. He currently serves as the Senior Manager of Internal Control and Risk Management at Carrols Corporation, where he oversees internal audit and loss prevention teams, ensuring compliance and financial integrity within the organization. ​LinkedIn+1LinkedIn+1

In addition to his role at Carrols Corporation, Brian is actively engaged in community service. He serves as the Treasurer for the Good Life Philanthropic Youth Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth through life coaching, entrepreneurial training, and financial literacy programs aimed at reducing recidivism and fostering successful life strategies.

​Matt Read is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in advertising and communications. He currently serves as a Professor of Practice at Le Moyne College, where he teaches courses in communications, leadership, creative advertising, and public relations within both the College of Arts and Sciences and the Madden School of Business and Economics. Throughout his career, Matt has collaborated with notable brands such as Tito’s Vodka and Nationwide Insurance, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge to his academic role.​

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Matt co-founded Spatchcock Funk, a nationally televised cooking show that blends culinary arts with engaging storytelling. He also serves as a creative consultant and leadership advisor for various clients, leveraging his extensive experience to guide organizations in developing effective marketing strategies and fostering leadership skills. At the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Creativity, Matt contributes to nurturing entrepreneurial talent, supporting initiatives like the Dolphin Tank pitch competition and collaborating with community organizations to promote economic development in Central New York.