Mayor's Mentor Up Program
We've all been influenced by significant role models, whether they're famous figures we admire or those closer to us who've made a personal impact. It's those individuals who took the time to share their journey, offer insights, and broaden our horizons who have shaped our paths. The City of Rochester is dedicated to nurturing the growth of young Rochesterians through opportunities like The Mayor's Mentor Up Program.
What is the Mayor's Mentor Up Program?
The Mayor's Mentor Up Program is an annual exceptional free event supported by local chapters of international fraternities, community agencies, residents, area colleges, and business leaders.
This gathering serves as a pivotal platform for forging connections, where youth ages 14-18 can interact with peers and local leaders in a formal, enjoyable, and relaxed atmosphere. The event strives to facilitate natural mentor-mentee pairings that can lead to internships and job prospects for local high school students.
This year's event is the Mayor's Mentor Up Summer Soirée on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Prospective mentors and mentees must apply to participate by Friday, June 14.
The application window closed on June 14, 2024. Thank you for your interest.
Program Requirements:
- Attend The Mayor's Mentor Up Summer Soirée on Saturday, July 27, 2024.
- Maintain quarterly check-ins with your mentee/mentor throughout the school year.
- Mentors will host office shadow days for mentees to attend.
For Potential Mentors:
If you've ever thought about giving back to the community, embracing mentorship could be a transformative journey for both you and your mentees. To make a difference in a young person's life, apply by submitting:
- Your professional biography/resume
- Your headshot portrait
- 100-words about how you currently contribute to Rochester's improvement and sustainability.
For Potential Mentees
If you're seeking guidance and career insights from successful professionals in your field of interest, this opportunity is for you. To submit an application and share why you want to connect with a mentor and participate in Mentor-Up events.
Embrace the chance to make a difference and grow.
2024 Mentors
Delise Whitfield
Delise Whitfield is the Finance Broker and Vice President of the Whitfield Wealth Group where they currently have 50 licensed agents. Whitfield Wealth Group currently offers financial literacy all over the City of Rochester and surrounding areas.
Ebony Smith
Ebony Nicole owns Ebony Nicole Smith Consulting, LLC, a boutique writing and publishing company specializing in producing books written by Christian women. Established in 2016, Ebony Nicole has guided over 75 aspiring authors down the path of authorship. Through her workshops and masterclasses, she has led over 500 authors to the starting point of becoming a published author.
Mike Evans
Mike Evans is the Executive Director for the Southeast Area Coalition. They are a small grassroots nonprofit that advocates anti-poverty initiatives, for children (health, safety, and education), equality and equity, for our neighborhoods and communities, and supports locally owned businesses. Mike has over a decade of experience in nonprofit work. In his free time Mike enjoys playing drums and video games, writing through his own publishing company, listening to Punk Rock music, and going on hikes/kayaking/bike rides with his wife, Angie.
Roslyn Mosley
Roslyn Mosley has a master's degree in organizational leadership and a bachelor's degree in Sociology with a focus area of Community and Cultural Studies. Roslyn currently works for Nazareth University as the Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Career Services. She also teaches classes that includes Youth Development with the focus of building positive youth relationships that promotes youth voice and youth choice. She is on the Bonner Leadership Scholarship Selection Committee for incoming freshmen students. Just this past fall 2023, Roslyn completed the African American Leadership and Development Program.
Jasmine Noble
Jasmine Noble is a youth basketball coach for the 585 bobcats, the modified girl's volleyball coach at YWCP and the girls JV basketball coach at Franklin High school. She also has a cleaning business called Elbow Grease Gives You Peace Cleaning Services in the City of Rochester where she cleans residential and commercial establishments. Jasmine enjoys her time mentoring youth and was a part of the last MentorUp Gala. She is excited to be a mentor again and help in the community as much as she can.
Chastity Murray
Dr. Chastity Murray has been recognized by Marquis Who's Who Top Executives for leadership, dedication, and achievements in behavioral sciences. Murray is the owner and lead practitioner with Murray's Consultation Services, LLC in Rochester and an Adjunct Professor at SUNY Geneseo. In addition to providing both individual and couple's counseling, Murray also conducts trainings, workshops and consultations on a variety of topics related to mental health and behavior. Dr. Murray attended St. John Fisher in Rochester, New York from 2002 to 2006, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. She continued her education at the same institution to earn a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling in 2008. She subsequently secured a Master’s degree in School Psychology from Roberts Wesleyan College in 2013 and a Doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher in 2017. Dr. Murray is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
Jeremy Smith
Jeremy Smith began working with Freedom School in 2007, with the goal of being part of his community's support system. Determined to fight the cradle to prison pipeline, Jeremy continued to work at Freedom School while pursuing degrees in Business and Education. When Freedom School closed in 2020, Jeremy gathered former Freedom School community members to form the Freedom Scholars Learning Center. He is currently Executive Director of FSLC and a force for change in his community.
Michael Burns
Michael Burns is Deputy Mayor for the City of Rochester, a role he has held since January 1, 2024. Burns brings nearly 25 years of leadership experience to this role, including for the past two years serving as the City's Director of the Office of Management and Budget. He also currently serves as an adjunct professor at St. John Fisher University. Previously, he was Director of Accounting Services for Regional Transit Service and Vice President of Investor Relations and External Reporting for Harris Interactive. He received the Rochester Business Journal 2023 Financial Leaders Award and was recognized with a Forty Under 40 Award in 2006. Burns earned his CPA in 2000 and has a bachelor's degree in accounting from St. John Fisher College.
Patrick Beath
Patrick Beath is the Corporation Counsel for the City of Rochester, where he manages the City's Law Department, providing legal counsel to the Mayor, City Council, and all City departments, officers and employees. Patrick began his legal career as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of New York, where he worked in the Special Federal Litigation division defending City in federal civil rights litigation. Before going to law school, Patrick was an investigator at the NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board and the NYC Department of Education. He also spent short stints working in restaurant kitchens, and as the musical director of a small touring theater company.
Stefano Napolitano
Stefano Napolitano is the Fire Chief for the City of Rochester Fire Department with 39 years of progressive leadership experience in local, state, and national fire service. Recognized for innovative management strategies and data-driven research that fuel initiatives to affect positive change, increase life-safety and property conservation, while expanding diversity and equity within the fire service industry.
He is recognized as a Subject Matter Expert in development of fire service professionals utilizing transformational and servant leadership styles to empower and motivate the organization and its members in pursuit of strategic goals and personal aspirations.
Additionally, Stefano is known for his strong community and customer service focus coupled with cultivating a culture of organizational and individual employee success while enhancing fire department operations and public safety.
Benjamin Hart
Ben Hart, the multifaceted individual behind Hart Homes LLC, possesses a unique blend of expertise in both real estate investment and human services. As a real estate professional in Rochester, New York, Ben wholeheartedly embraces the values of integrity, transparency, and fairness within his business practices at Hart Homes LLC.
With an unwavering determination, we tirelessly strive to establish and nurture strong foundations of trust and lasting connections with all our stakeholders, including our esteemed tenants, valued partners, and the vibrant communities we have the privilege to operate within. Anchored by the principle of development without displacement, Hart Homes LLC seeks to channel its growth in a manner that benefits all parties involved, fostering harmony and cohesion within the neighborhoods we proudly serve.
Janice Holland
Janice Holland is highly skilled in driving change and change management, with a strong focus on HR analytics and excellent communication abilities. Proven success in building and executing strategies for talent acquisition, retention, and employee performance management. Janice is adept at leading diverse teams and fostering a high-performance culture. Well-versed in HR operations management, including budget and financial management, as well as compliance and risk management. She possesses strong expertise in emotional intelligence, financial acumen, and executive board experience with articulate communication ability to establish and sustain exceptional relationships with key stakeholders. Janice is skilled in coaching and mentoring, performance management, and leadership development. Capable of spearheading change management and promoting workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Shelby Boyd
Shelby Boyd is an esteemed youth advocate and educator committed to redefining educational paradigms by integrating emotional and social intelligence training into traditional learning environments. Drawing from her own challenging experiences and her extensive background as a 911 Police Dispatcher and Mental Health Counselor following the guidelines of the Office of Child and Family Services, Ms. Boyd empowers students to cultivate resilience, emotional awareness, and interpersonal skills critical for their success in today’s world. With a passion for fostering holistic development, she is a leading ally in building a more emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and robust next generation.
CaTyra Polland
CaTyra Polland, M.A. is the founder and CEO of Love for Words (an MWBE editing and copywriting company). She is an award-winning entrepreneur, freelance editor, creator, poet, and international speaker. CaTyra has been recognized for her ambition, community service, and literary expertise. She was a 2023 ATHENA International Finalist, 2023 Rochester Business Journal Elevating Women Honoree, 2022 ACES Richard S. Holden Fellow and a 2018 Rochester Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree. CaTyra created the Literacy Love Scholarship for high school students in Rochester, NY. She is also the hostess of Editor Knows Best, an international podcast for literary creatives. Finally, CaTyra founded National Black Authors Day (May 4). In her free time, she enjoys thrift shopping, traveling, hosting events, and visiting museums. CaTyra’s mission is to promote literacy, empower others, and see her wildest dreams come to fruition.
Jamarr Meyers
Jamarr Meyers is an accomplished, creative, and dynamic professional possessing multifaceted experiences and a proven ability to create dynamic programs, revitalize projects, initiate company-wide campaigns, and capture untapped opportunities for growth. He is also results-oriented, decisive and adept at forging lucrative relationships with key partners, government officials, donors, and clients. Jamarr is often recognized by his peers as being detailed-oriented and flexible. He has 15+ years of experience leading teams and addressing a broad array of strategic leadership, financial management, operations, marketing, people, and business development issues for several organizations including two Fortune Top 100 companies.
Thuan Pham
Thuan Pham is the owner of Phamiliar Technologies. He is a Software Development expert who specializes in working with companies to deliver custom software solutions to support business needs.
Eric Fuehrer
Eric Fuehrer is currently the Vice President for Growth and Organizational Design for Armor Security, a Rochester-based regional security guard services company. He started his career in security in 2007 as a security guard in Rochester and has worked in various operations, sales, training and leadership roles in the security industry. Eric currently works with over 100 customers in the greater Rochester area and oversees their recruiting efforts and community partnerships. Eric loves working with young individuals and helping to develop a career path for them.
Antoine McDonald
Antoine McDonald is a Rochester native and proud product of the Rochester City School District. McDonald earned his bachelor’s degree in mass communications/Broadcast Journalism and a master's degree in library science. He currently serves as the only African American male librarian in the Rochester Public Library system.
McDonald is the Reference Librarian I in the Local History and Genealogy Division where he serves as Project Manager for the Archive of Black History and Culture, implements programming for patrons of all ages, and fields reference questions in various formats. McDonald also shares a passion for promoting literacy through his company the Total Wellness, Academic, and Advocacy Network.
Olivia Kassoum-Amadou
Originally from North Carolina, Olivia has been the Executive Director at Cameron Community Ministries since July of 2021. Her career in the non-profit sector spans more than 30 years. Prior to coming to Cameron, Olivia was the Chief Strategy Officer at the Arc of Chemung-Schuyler in Elmira, NY. As a military spouse, while living at Fort Drum, NY, she served as the Executive Director of the Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired of Northern New York in Watertown, and as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the Soldier for Life program at Fort Drum. Olivia’s education includes a bachelor's degree in communications with a concentration in public relations, a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a master’s degree in management. She has dedicated her adult life to working with children and families in diverse settings, community organizing, advocacy, and education. Olivia and her husband have five adult children,7 grandsons and 1 granddaughter.
Alfred Burgos
Alfred Burgos is the Founder of BURGOS Income Tax, Inc. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1974 then attended Albany State and Brockport College earning a Bachelor of Science Degree. Alfred worked at General Motors for 30 years while pursuing his real passion of serving the community as an entrepreneur.
Thi Mai Khue Nguyen
Thi Mai Khue Nguyen is a clinical trials research coordinator with Wilmot Cancer Institute, she has the opportunity to support patients during treatment following their cancer diagnosis through tracking their quality of life and disease progression. Her work is not only centered around diseases but also is an incorporation of interdisciplinary perspectives to develop implementation methods/targeted therapy. Through learning more about topics such as minority stress, caregiver stress, help-seeking behavior, and family and community connectedness, a professional goal of hers is to work toward understanding health and quality of life that are highly intertwined with the presence of psychological stress in the immediate person and their community.
Julius Porter
Julius Porter was a youth team mentor for kids in gangs and is currently the Northeast team lead for Flower City Americorps. Julius was a student of one of the most powerful spiritual mentors, Minister Evans, who changed his life from negative to positive. Julius credits Minister Evans for making him a better person.
Barbara Pierce
Barbara Pierce has more than 30 years of experience leading teams in corporate, advertising agency, nonprofit, and government settings. In January 2022, she joined the new administration of Mayor Evans as Director of the City’s Bureau of Communications and Special Events, where she leads a team that promotes the work of every department in the City and supports many of Rochester's most prominent special events.
Barbara has led numerous high-profile communications initiatives, including product introductions, crisis communications programs, fundraising efforts and special events. She has conducted campaigns on a global, national, regional and hyper-local basis while serving in leadership roles at local marketing agencies, as Director of Worldwide Public Relations at Eastman Kodak Company, and as Chief Development Officer for United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes.
JauQuema Jones
JauQuema Jones, a life strategist and ministry leader at Waging War Ministries, impacts lives by coaching success based on God's principles. She shares God's perspective on everyday life, emphasizing healing and ministry. Jones supports fellow pastors and leaders and balances ministry with a happy family life, raising four children with her husband. Additionally, she is pursuing a BS in Business Management and has published two books - "Fighting to Stay Current" and "Freedom To Flourish."
Keilannie Guzman
Keilannie Guzman is an Aspira Mentor for 7th graders in Eugenio Maria del Hostos Charter School. Their focus is academic assistance, social and emotional learning, and boosting attendance rates. They are big on student advocacy; having our mentees voices heard for their needs or even their vision for their class. Keilannie is also the coordinator and facilitator for Strengthening Our Latinos ( S.O.L) Dance program. Building community and culture through dance. While providing a safe place for creativity and opportunities for performance experiences.
Luis Mateo
Luis Mateo is a seasoned professional in youth work, with extensive experience in various capacities in Rochester, New York. He graduated in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and Community Youth Development. Throughout his career, Luis has supported programs such as YVOV and CLTI and has held roles at several institutions, including serving as a youth leader for the 21st Century program and as a Youth Program Director at Cameron Community Ministries. Currently, he serves as a mentor in the Aspira program, working for the Ibero American Action League.
Tyana Velazquez-Smith
Dr. Tyana Velazquez-Smith, CEO/Founder of Sensational Inclusion, is dedicated to fostering equity, innovation, and community vitality in education. With extensive experience as an educator and consultant, she champions neurodiverse, Black, and Brown students. Dr. Velazquez-Smith's work integrates culturally sustaining and sensory-friendly practices, aiming to create inclusive learning environments. Her expertise spans curriculum development, teacher training, and advocacy for social justice in education.
Charlton Harley
Charlton Harley was born and raised in Rochester, NY and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1990. On September 16, 1990, he commenced his naval career by shipping out to Navy boot camp in San Diego, CA. After completing boot camp, Charlton attended Interior Communications A School and was stationed on the USS Constellation (CV-64), a conventional class aircraft carrier. Charlton left active military service in September 1994 and returned to Rochester, where he worked for AT&T for many years. In 2010, he joined the Navy Reserves as a Logistical Specialist. After four years as a drilling reservist, he accepted active-duty orders in 2014, which lasted eight years. In 2022, Charlton was promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer and returned to the Navy Reserves. He is now attached to the Navy Construction Battalion 14 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Throughout his 18-year military career, Charlton has visited numerous locations, including Rome, Sicily, Paris, St. Thomas, Trinidad, Acapulco, Tijuana, and Waikiki. He has been stationed in San Diego, Philadelphia, Norfolk, Treasure Island, Groton, Pensacola, and Gulfport. His exemplary service has earned him 11 Navy Achievement Medals, 2 Navy Commendation Medals, 1 Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, 14 Recruiting Gold Wreaths, and the title of 2019 National Recruiter of the Year.
Britt Patton
Britt Patton is an attorney in Pullano & Farrow’s Corporate department, focusing her practice on Mergers & Acquisitions and corporate structuring and governance. Britt also practices in the firm's Agribusiness group where she focuses on gaming and food and beverage businesses. Britt is currently licensed to practice law in New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Britt earned her JD from Albany Law School and earned her bachelor's degree from Nazareth College.
Britt is actively involved in Rochester and the surrounding areas through community engagement with several different organizations, including the Center for Youth and the Monroe County Bar Association. When she is not working, Britt enjoys spending time with her dog, Grace, and two cats, Millie and Finley, learning how to golf, being creative, and reading a variety of books. Britt lives in the home where her mother was raised in Webster and is proud to do so!
Maisha Beard-Johnson
Maisha Beard is a Rochester pillar, accomplished poet and dynamic motivational speaker who has graced live and virtual stages as a keynote or panelist speaker. She is also a four-time published author, devout mother, ‘GaGa,’ and mentor. Also, a retired cosmetologist and beauty business entrepreneur coach for nearly three decades, Maisha was well known for styling professional women including former Mayor Lovely A. Warren and Danielle Ponder. However, she kicked off a career with the City of Rochester as an Urban Fellow/Graduate Intern at the Mayor’s Office. She was promoted to Associate Communications Assistant and on August 1, 2022, she was promoted to the Coordinator of Business and Asset Development position by Mayor Malik Evans and on January 1, 2024, Mayor Evans also promoted Maisha by adding Kiva Capital Access Manager to her role. These promotions are a testament to her excellence, determination and genuine love for serving the residents of Rochester.
Keila Diaz
Keila Diaz is the owner of Cake Lani LLC. She has been in business for 3+ years now and has worked in the baking field since 2016. It started as a hobby until passion took over and the ability to supply customers with beautiful cakes came easily and quickly. Since CakeLani started, Keila has attended seminars/career day events as a speaker to share her journey with her business. Those opportunities allowed Keila to speak with ages 11 and up. Keila has also hosted cake decorating classes and really enjoys teaching. Currently, she has a kitchen space where she preps cakes and cake cups and distributes them throughout Rochester.
Deborah Stamps
Dr. Deborah Stamps has over thirty years of progressive healthcare leadership and is an internationally recognized authority on workforce development, diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, nursing education, and leadership. She has held a variety of roles, from LPN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, Vice President of Quality, Patient Safety, and Innovation, including founding President of the Rochester General College of Health Careers and the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer at Rochester Regional Health.
She created the professional academic workforce (PAW) model to advance the educational and economic mobility of underrepresented minorities in nursing through establishing partnerships between healthcare, community, and academic organizations. Fall 2023, she has received numerous awards and was selected to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.
Dennis Basset
Dennis Basset retired on December 31, 2021, as the Director of Customer Operations at Ortho Clinical Diagnostics in Rochester. Prior to joining Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Dennis held a variety of executive level positions at Bausch and Lomb, including Vice President of Field Sales and Vice President of Sales Development and Customer Relations. Dennis also held a variety of senior level sales positions at Eastman Kodak Company. Dennis began his sales career at IBM in 1970.
Dennis earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Knoxville College in 1970. In July 2020, he completed his term as Board Chair of Geva Theatre Center’s Board of Trustees and is currently Board Chair of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation and a member of the George Eastman Museum Board. He is also a past board member of the American Heart Association, Rochester Area Community Foundation, Rochester Police Foundation and Monroe Community Foundation Boards.
Jaiquanne Stock
Jaiquanne Stock is a Rochester, NY native and entrepreneur experienced in Stocks, Real Estate and Business Creation or Startup. He is a father of 4, a music producer, a writer, an author, and a teacher.
Rita Gaither
Dr. Rita Gaither has earned numerous educational degrees and certificates, including her Doctoral degree in Leadership and Counseling. She worked as a cutting-edge educator and ultimate community activist in the Rochester City School District and served as a valuable resource for the various deficits that exist within the school district. Dr Gaither has spent over 35 years of unconditional support for children of color making strides to close the educational gap and level the playing field through service to others. Her pride and joy is the establishment of Pearl Resources, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization which began in 2002. Which focuses on the needs of the disenfranchised. Pearl Resources, Inc. is built upon five pearls of success. Dr. Gaither is an accomplished and distinguished motivational speaker, a master in rekindling truant students. Additionally, an author, business leader, minister, community activist, and humanitarian.
Aisha Mills-Courtwright
Aisha Mills-Courtwright is a Quality Assurance Training Specialist for the New York Independent Assessors Project (NYIAP) program and has over 20+ years of clinical experience, 5 years in Clinical Education and has been with Maximus since. She has a passion for empowering and engaging learners, mentoring students interested in healthcare careers and sharing her experiences with youth and adult learners. Her passion for mentoring is rooted in connection which allows her to share her message with diverse audiences, leaving a lasting impression and motivating people to take action in pursuing their dreams.
Aisha is a member of the Rochester Black Nurses Association as well as Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., a professional nursing organization. She holds a Master's in leadership and health systems administration and a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
Hasan Abdul-Aziz
Hasan Abdul –Aziz is a Charter Member and Vice Polaris of the Delta Nu Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Based in Rochester, NY, He actively contributes to the fraternity's mission and values through leadership and community engagement. As an accomplished professional, he has extensive experience in Graphic Design, Web Design, Digital Marketing, Project Management, and Social Media Management. Hasan holds a bachelor's degree in graphic design from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and a Digital Marketing Certification from Monroe Community College. With a strong Digital and Website Development background, he consistently delivers innovative solutions and strategic initiatives that drive success and enhance digital presence. Hasan’s expertise in managing complex projects and integrating digital technologies has made him an asset in any professional setting.
Kadeem Fulmore
Customer service, Sales. Data analysis, Statistics, Risk management, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Financial management, Team oriented, Accounting. Leader. Organized, Fundraising. Detailed oriented. Peachtree, QuickBooks.
Musco Millner III
Musco Millner III is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and an Adjunct Faculty of Mathematics for Utica University. Before becoming a faculty member, Musco was the Director of Campus Safety for Utica University for four years. Musco is a retired Captain of the New York State Police, with his final assignment overseeing Leadership and Professional Development at the New York State Police Academy in Albany, New York. His career with the NYSP was extremely diverse with assignments in the Troop D Forensic Identification Unit, the Forensic Investigation Center (Crime Laboratory) in Albany, Technical Lieutenant in-charge of the Recruitment and Member Hiring Units, as well as spending some time in the Professional Standards Bureau (Internal Affairs). It should be noted that Musco is the first African American Member in the history of the New York State Police to be assigned to a Forensic Identification Unit. He is also a former Monroe County Deputy Sheriff.
Marcella Carr
Marcella L. Carr, an experienced and compassionate RN, is dedicated to nursing excellence. With degrees from Isabella Graham Hart School of Practical Nursing and The College at Brockport, she's pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Capella University. Her leadership roles include Nurse Manager at Clifton Springs Nursing Home. Actively involved in community service and professional associations, she's committed to advancing nursing practices and eliminating healthcare disparities.
Adam Eaton
Adam Eaton serves as the Executive Director of Rochester Artist Collaborative (RAC), an arts organization founded in 2019 to support and empower Artists across multiple disciplines.
Based in Rochester, NY, Rochester Artist Collaborative offers Artist, Model, and Community Memberships, providing creatives with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. In addition to his administrative role, Eaton is a professional fine art photographer with a focus on portrait photography and visual storytelling. He has led high-profile campaigns for Dixon and Schwabl, ESL Federal Credit Union and Geva Theatre as a Creative Director, crafting brand narratives that resonate authentically and powerfully. His annual solo exhibit, "Black is Beautiful," underscores his commitment to celebrating diversity through art.
As both a Director and Artist, Eaton aims to foster an inclusive and supportive arts community in Rochester.
David Cay Johnson
David Cay Johnson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter formerly with the New York Times, professor of law, and four-time best-selling author.
Chris Kight
Chris Kight is a seasoned Data & Digital Services Manager for the City of Rochester, NY, with over 30 years of experience in technology and management. He has a robust background in both the public and private sectors, holding an MS in Cybersecurity and an MBA in Technology Management. Chris has a proven track record of leading innovative projects and improving municipal services, all while actively contributing to community initiatives through his involvement with the Rochester Rotary Club.
Harriet Fisher
Harriet Fisher serves as the Chief Technology Officer for the City of Rochester, overseeing the Information Technology Department's strategic direction and operational management. Graduating from SUNY Brockport in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, she embarked on her career journey as a Computer Programmer with the City of Rochester. Over her 26-year tenure, she has held various pivotal roles within the IT Department, including Director of the Project Management Office, Manager of the Application Development Team, and IT Relationship Manager for the City’s public safety departments. Harriet has been instrumental in spearheading numerous transformative projects such as the ShotSpotter Gun Detection Expansion, Traffic Ticket Citation System, and RPD Mobile Reporting. Her commitment extends beyond her professional endeavors; she actively engages in community service, mentoring students at local schools and contributing to initiatives like the Pillars of Hope program.
Desire Chizura
Desire Chiruza is a first-year analyst at CitiBank in Buffalo. He graduated from RIT with a bachelor's degree in finance and management information systems (MIS). At RIT, Desire actively participated in various aspects of campus life. He served as the treasurer for the Business Technology Professional’s Club, managing financial activities and contributing to the club’s success. Also, he was senior financial analyst in the Financial Management Association, where he played a key role in mentoring new analysts. As a peer mentor at the Leadership Academy of Saunders College of Business, Desire supported fellow students in their personal and professional growth.
He's had the honor to be engaged with the Talented Tenth of Rochester since last year. Desire primarily mentored high school students and collaborated with management to develop new strategies for enhancing youth engagement. He is excited about giving back to the community, especially to the youth, as they hold the future of Rochester in their hands.