Board of Directors

 

Mr. Charon Darris   Charon Darris is a 1994 alumnus of the prestigious Archbishop’s Leadership Project (predecessor of Achieving Leadership’s Purpose). His professional resume includes working for Deloitte Consulting, Chase Manhattan Bank, Bank of America, and M&T Bank. He is currently a Vice President|Sr. Business Banker for M&T Bank’s Metro New York region, providing financing and cash management to small and mid sized businesses.
Mr. Darris grew up in Harlem, New York and attended high school at the Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx. He then went on to graduate with honors from Morehouse College in 1998 with a business degree in Marketing. While in undergrad, he was an INROADS intern and studied abroad with Semester at Sea. In addition to serving ALP, has served as a fund raiser and event planner for the Morehouse College Alumni Association. In 2009, he ran and completed the New York City Marathon. He is currently working on an Executive MBA at Columbia University. The most important thing he learned as student in ALP was, "To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required."
   
Mr. Ronald Davis,
Co-Treasurer		   Ronald Davis has spent the past 15 years working in the financial services industry, most recently with Credit Suisse as part of a management team selected by the COO of the Investment Banking Division to increase the operating efficiency of the Corporate Bank in dealings with clients, counsel, and regulators. He spent 12 years at Credit Suisse in various capacities which included stints in the Syndicated Loan Group, Asset Finance Department, and Corporate Banking Group where he managed the deal closing process for Global Loan Facilities. Prior to joining Credit Suisse, he worked at NBC Universal in the sports division of the Sales and Marketing Group and at Bankers Trust in the Investment Management Group. Currently, he is working on entrepreneurial ventures including pitching television show ideas, working on movie scripts, and advising on marketing strategy. As a Group 11 alumnus of the Archbishop Leadership Project, he is committed to the principles of leadership and service as evidenced by his work in fund-raising committees for political candidates, working with community based organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, and participating in mentoring programs for young adults. He currently resides in New York City and received a BS in Finance and International Business from NYU-Stern School of Business.
   
Ms. Melissa Fernandez  

Melissa Fernandez, born and raised in the Bronx, graduate of the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula, has dedicated close to two decades to the empowerment of young people and the deliberate cultivation of young leaders.  In the face of a failing public school system that inadequately prepares youth for higher education and economic opportunities, she is determined to teach young leaders how to advocate for themselves, think critically and become lifelong learners. 

Throughout her career in youth development and non profit management, she has been driven by the belief that every young person provided the opportunity and experience has the ability to reach their potential and in doing so positively impact their own families, their peers and our communities.  Her experience includes a diverse portfolio in workforce development, college access, leadership training, student development and program design and delivery.  

Graduate of New York University’s School of Education, she holds a B.S. and M.A. in speech language pathology and audiology.  She currently works in the City University of New York Central Office of Academic Affairs in collaborative programming that provides comprehensive supports at community colleges promoting accelerated degree attainment for students with developmental and financial barriers.
   
Mrs. Keisha Glenn-Hutton   Keisha Glenn-Hutton is the Retail Sales Manager for WCBS Newsradio 880 AM. She manages a team of thirteen retail Account Executives.  Keisha works closely with them to secure new maintain existing relationships with C-level executives, both local and regional, in the marketing and advertising field. In this role, she serves as a manager and mentor to her team helping to develop strategies that increase sales and profits for businesses. Over the years, Keisha has established an exemplary network with media agencies and buyers leading to millions of dollars in sales and new business revenue. Prior to joining CBS Radio, Keisha devoted several years as a Paralegal and a Mortgage Professional in which she was the recipient of The People's Choice Award two years in a row. She is a graduate of St. John's University and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies. Keisha has always had a passion for helping others and making a difference. Her sales team has affectionately nicknamed her "Mama", a title bestowed for her willingness to always go the extra mile for someone in need. Keisha currently resides in the Bronx, NY with her husband, Joe Hutton, and is also the proud mother of a son, Jayson, who is a student at New York University. In her spare time, Keisha enjoys reading, concerts, traveling, laughing and most of all living life.
   
Mr. Melvin Jackson, Treasurer   Melvin is a Vice President in J.P. Morgan's Credit Risk Management division. Melvin started his career with J.P. Morgan spending the first three years as a financial analyst in the Financial Institutions Group. After his analyst tenure at JPMorgan was completed, Melvin joined Swiss Re Financial Products' credit risk management team. He then joined BNP Paribas as a Vice President in their Financial Institutions credit risk area. Melvin returned to J.P. Morgan in the Spring of 2007, covering North American insurance company clients. His client base includes large life and property casualty insurers (Hartford Financial Services Inc., Lincoln National Corp., Chubb Corp., State Farm), Bermudan reinsurers (Arch Capital Group, Axis Capital Holdings), and insurance brokers (Marsh & McLennan Cos., Aon Corp.). In addition to his work responsibilities, Melvin is an active participant in Student Sponsor Partners, an organization which provides high school tuition support and academic guidance for at-risk students in New York City. Melvin holds a BA in Business Administration from Morehouse College, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
   
Mr. R. L’Heureux Lewis, Ph.D.   R. L’Heureux Lewis is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Black Studies at the City College of New York – CUNY. His research concentrates on issues of educational inequality, the role of race in contemporary society, and gender equity. In the area of education, my research concentrates on expanding conversations and deepening analysis around educational inequality to get beyond discussions of "achievement gaps” and develop sustainable equality inducing policies. He is currently completing his book, Inequality in the Promised Land, which uses original qualitative and quantitative data to tackle the meaning and influence of race and class in ethnically and economically diverse schools. He has lectured and been a featured expert on the role of race in the contemporary political landscape, urban-suburban regional issues, and Affirmative Action. Currently he is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Black Studies at The City College of New York – CUNY. His commentary and analyses have been featured in national and regional media outlets such as the Detroit Free Press, Diversity in Higher Education, Fox News, Keep Hope Alive Radio with Jesse Jackson, National Public Radio, Newsweek.com, TheRoot.com, TheGrio.com and US World News Report. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Sociology from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in Sociology from Morehouse College.
   
Mr. Ron Llewellyn, Esq., Vice Chair/Secretary   Ron C. Llewellyn was born in the Bronx and raised in Flushing, New York. Mr. Llewellyn attended Regis High School in Manhattan from which he graduated in 1990. While in high school, Mr. Llewellyn participated in Group 11 (1988-1990) of the predecessor to Achieving Leadership’s Purpose, the Archbishop’s Leadership Project. After high school, Mr. Llewellyn attended Yale University, where he majored in History and received a B.A. with distinction in 1994. As a Yale student, Mr. Llewellyn served as a tutor and administrator for the Urban Improvement Corps., a student-run organization that tutored students in the New Haven Community, and also participated in other mentoring programs. After graduating from Yale, Mr. Llewellyn worked as a Post–Placement Counselor for Prep for Prep, where he was responsible for counseling and monitoring the progress of approximately 70 middle and high school students of color participating in the program. In 1996, Mr. Llewellyn left Prep for Prep to pursue a law degree at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1999, Mr. Llewellyn accepted a position with the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP where he practiced corporate and securities law as an Associate. In 2003, Mr. Llewellyn joined MasterCard International Incorporated where he served as Vice President and Senior Counsel and continued to practice corporate and securities law. In 2007, Mr. Llewellyn joined the in-house legal team at Saks Incorporated where he served as Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Corporate and Securities. In June 2009, Mr. Llewellyn left Saks and became a partner in Gray Haile LLP, a boutique, minority-owned corporate law firm. Mr. Llewellyn is currently sole proprietor of his own law firm which focuses on business and corporate law.
   
Ms. Lana Moseley   Lana Moseley is a senior sales associate with the global commercial data firm of Dun and Bradstreet. Lana joined the board of Achieving Leadership’s Purpose in 2005. She is the proud parent of two daughters who successfully completed the Archbishop’s Leadership Project. Daughter, Sasha (group # 14, 1996) is an alumna of Brown University. Daughter, Dionne (group # 17, 2002) is an alumna of LaSalle University. Ms. Moseley is a committed advocate for educational opportunities and resources. Jamaica born, she resides in New Rochelle, New York.
   
Mr. David "Buddy” Orange   David Orange has 30 years of experience working in and consulting with not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, healthcare companies, and citizen groups. David is passionate about affecting positive change for individuals and organizations. David is the Founder and Chief Executive Consultant for Quests and Summits LLC, an organizational development (OD) consulting firm working with organizations committed to empowering underserved communities locally and worldwide. Quests and Summits promotes continuous learning and growing for groups, teams and organizations through the design of change journeys which create deep and lasting change for the participants. David’s mastery of a variety of diagnostic and assessment tools to manage and evaluate organizational change initiatives enables him to meet organizations "where they are” and help guide them on a successful journey.
David served as the New York City Outward Bound Program Manager for Organizational Development (OD). His responsibilities included managing a full continuum of OD processes for hundreds of schools within New York City Department of Education districts. He trained and supervised other OD specialists in designing learning systems to support client change initiatives. He has served as Assistant Director of Experience-Based Education Programs at Boys and Girls Harbor Inc., and Director of Training Projects at Interfaith Neighbors. David holds a Master’s of Science in Organization Development from American University/National Training Laboratories and his first book, Organizational Change as the Hero’s Journey, will be published in the first quarter of 2010. David lives in New York City with his wife and two children and enjoys photography, embarking on outdoor adventures and listening to classic and smooth jazz.
   
Ms. Taur D. Orange   Taur D. Orange has been on the board of Achieving Leadership’s Purpose since its inception in 2005 and was affiliated with the erstwhile Archbishop’s Leadership Project beginning in 1974. She served as program co-coordinator from 1986-1994, assisting with the recruitment and leadership training of the organization’s first female members. Ms. Orange has spent more than twenty-five years developing and administering programs fostering student development, leadership, and retention at the secondary and post-secondary school levels. Additionally, she has served as a consultant to various organizations, agencies, and churches regarding rites of passage initiatives, and youth empowerment models, receiving training through Dupont Corporation, National Training Laboratory, National Coalition Building Institute, Omega Institute, and the Empowerment Institute. She also serves as a consultant to apparel industry organizations regarding diversity goals and was recently selected to sit on the TJK Advisory Council.A tenured assistant professor at Fashion Institute of Technology, Ms. Orange is a 2004 recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Professional Services. She currently serves as director of the Office of Educational Opportunity Programs in the division of Student Affairs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wesleyan University and a masters degree in human relations from New York Institute of Technology. Born and reared in the Bronx, Ms. Orange continues to reside in New York City.
   
Mr. Homero Radway,
Chair		   Homero JF Radway has over a decade of experience in the Financial Sector. He has held trading seats at such prestigious firms as Credit Suisse, T. Rowe Price, and Lehman Brothers. His international experience includes studying in London, working for Credit Suisse in London, community development in Jamaica, and consulting the Prague Stock Exchange. Homero currently works at JP Morgan as a municipal bond trader in the Public Finance group.

Homero was born in Jamaica and to moved the US as a child. He grew up in the Bronx, NY where he attended Mt. St. Michael Academy. Homero's academic and athletic excellence afforded him the opportunity to choose Cornell University for his undergraduate studies. He then went on to receive his MBA from the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. Mr. Radway gets his inspiration from his mother who was willing to make any sacrifice for her children's education. Homero hopes to make his mother proud and insure a bright future for his own children by "investing in tomorrow's leaders today." Homero currently lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and has two daughters.
   
Mr. Khari Shabazz   Khari Shabazz is currently the Dean of Students at Harlem Success Academy Charter School. A native of Brooklyn, NY, Mr. Shabazz was raised on Long Island where he attended St. Anthony's High School, in South Huntington, NY. His 15 year old son is a sophomore honor student at Rice High School in Harlem. A graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Mr. Shabazz holds a BA in Criminal Justice magna cum laude, and a Masters in Public Administration. Mr. Shabazz is a member of the Black Alliance for Educational Options, the National Council of Black Studies and Pi Alpha Alpha, a national honor society of public administrators. With expertise in education reform and new school design, housing, tenant rights, homelessness prevention, civilian oversight of the police department, and city government, Mr. Shabazz is deeply committed to the empowerment of Africa and the people of the African Diaspora.
   
Mr. Sig Shirodkar   Sig Shirodkar has 15 years of professional consulting experience selling and delivering world-class, organizational transformation solutions to Health Insurers, Hospitals and Pharmaceutical Companies. Sig joined Archstone Consulting in 2003 and is a Principal responsible for sales, delivery and development in the Strategy and Operations, Life Sciences and Organizational Effectiveness practices. Additionally, Sig is the Global Leader of the Organizational Effectiveness practice and the Global Recruiter for the firm. Prior to Archstone Consulting, Sig was at Deloitte Consulting (1996-2003) where, as a Senior Manager, he co-founded and led the African-American Affinity Group focused on the recruiting and retention of African-American consultants with the goal of admitting 5 African-American partners into the firm by 2010. In this role, he was successful in adding Morehouse and Spellman to the mostly Ivy League roster of national schools that had not changed in over 20 years. Prior to consulting, Sig held managerial positions at Empire BlueCross BlueShield (1995-1996) and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (1991-1996). Sig has an MBA in Management from Columbia University (2000), an MPA in Health Policy from NYU (1995), and a BA in Philosophy also from NYU (1991). Sig graduated in 1987 from Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, NY.

Sig is married to Emmanuelle Fleurinor, a sales and marketing professional. They have 18-month old twins, Chloe Amelle and Zachary Achille, who just know they are too cute! In his spare time, Sig enjoys golf, tennis, Wii and most of all – playing the drums in his "man cave” surrounded by a state-of-the-art audio/video experience. He is also an early adopter of every gadget known…and yet to be known. Finally, Sig is a "foodie” who never turns down a full-bodied cabernet with caramelized foie gras, braised short ribs, and tres leches...finished off with a strong cappuccino and a shot or two of Dutch Chocolate Van Gogh.
   
Mr. Halim Wise   Halim Wise was born and raised in the Bronx, NY, where he attended Cardinal Spellman High School. He graduated with honors from the State University of Albany with a BA in Political Science and English. During his time at Albany, he was accepted into the INROADS program, which was founded to match talented candidates with diverse backgrounds with Fortune 500 companies for 2 - 4 year summer internships and skill development. After completing his Inroads internship with Coopers & Lybrand he went on to Chase Manhattan Bank where he was part of a Human Resources Development Program.In January 2000, Halim accepted a position with United Bank of Switzerland (UBS). Attending Columbia University at nights, he graduated with a Masters in Org. Psychology while advancing his career at UBS. One of his major accomplishments during his tenure was the creation of an Afro-Latino networking group across the US business. After leaving UBS, in 2005, Halim held various positions at Citigroup in Human Resources and Finance Management. Currently, Halim is an Executive Director of Human Resources at Time Warner Inc. According to Halim, all of these accomplishments pale in comparison to being a husband and father of a beautiful little girl. His greatest pleasure comes from the love of his family and friends as they are his most important assets in life.