Meet The Team:

Founder/Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Ivan Thomas Jr., MPA, ITILv3

Ivan Thomas Jr. graduated from the New York City College of Technology (NYCCT) in June 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in communication design and a minor in Psychology. In addition, Ivan has earned an MPA in Nonprofit Administration and Public Affairs with a concentration in Organizational Behavior. He also has acquired certifications in Project Management Office and Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Version 3.

Ivan is a New York City College of Technology Alumni Association Board Member. He intends to provide guidance and advice to potential alums and graduate students.  Ivan has been dedicated to promoting the emotional and physical well-being of others and has gained insight into human behavior through his work in social work. Over the past 12 years, he has created and executed programs to support this cause. In addition, he has been a Market Research Supervisor with over 8+ years of data analytics, quantitative analysis, and administrating focus groups with various target demographics. As a passion project, he hopes to share his knowledge of human interaction with all that will receive it.

Board of Directors

  • Kamaria Brisseau

    Treasurer

    Kamaria is a strategic thinker and results-oriented nonprofit professional with a proven track record in guiding organizations through challenging financial landscapes and driving business growth through innovative policy making, improving systems, and increasing efficiency. Prior to the Mayor’s Fund, Kamaria served as the Senior Director of Budget and Administration at CUNY Research Foundation. During her tenure, Kamaria successfully oversaw large-scale projects, led cross-functional teams with finesse, ensured projects were completed on time and within budget, and served as the senior leader for all DEI initiatives.

  • Christian Strickland

    Board Member

    Christian Strickland is a dedicated professional with a master's degree in social work from New York University. Over the last decade, he has passionately invested his efforts in empowering youth from diverse marginalized backgrounds, including those impacted by gangs, homelessness, substance abuse, and the LGBTQ+ community. With a wealth of experience, Christian has excelled in designing impactful programs, constructing comprehensive curriculums, delivering effective training and evaluations, and ensuring adherence to quality standards and compliance. His commitment extends to community organization, where he plays a pivotal role in fostering unity and support.

  • Fritz Vilton

    Board Member

    Fritz Vilton is seasoned in business development with a distinguished career spanning over 20+ years, marked by a profound expertise in formulating and implementing comprehensive development strategies. His professional journey showcases a remarkable commitment to driving organizational growth through upskill training, innovative recruiting campaigns, and robust business development and retention programs. Fritz is recognized for his results-driven approach, consistently delivering on objectives through a holistic consultative experience.

  • Shomari Sealy

    Board Member

    Shomari Sealy serves as an Architectural Designer/Project Manager at one of New York City's premier real estate firms, inspired by his father's legacy. With a wealth of experience in both commercial and residential real estate, Shomari has adeptly navigated diverse projects, seamlessly transitioning between roles from drafting to project management. Recently, he embarked on a new venture by founding CIK Eyewear, harnessing his design talents in a fresh and exciting realm. Hailing from the Caribbean, Shomari understands the cultural significance of expressing pride through fashion, whether it's clothing, jewelry, or, in his case, eyewear.

  • Kristian Balgobin

    Board Member

    Kristian Balgobin, born in Bridgetown, Barbados, and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, is dedicated to enhancing health outcomes for the Caribbean diaspora by preserving arts and culture. As cultural practices and wellness traditions fade over time, Kristian aims to safeguard these vital aspects. A nonprofit strategist passionate about social justice, Kristian has served as Executive Director of the Alumni Association for SUNY Downstate's College of Medicine and as a faculty researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He holds a Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of San Francisco and a Master of Science in Public Health from Johns Hopkins. Additionally, Kristian is a multidisciplinary artist whose work, Shadow Fruit.Analog, highlights social determinants of health and the intersection of African spirituality and West Indian culture through a contemporary lens.

  • Michelle You

    Secretary

    SiTing (Michelle) You is an administrative professional with over five years of experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Administrative Studies with a minor in Computer Science from St. John’s University, equipping her with both administrative and technical expertise. She excels at managing schedules, coordinating across stakeholders, and creating data-driven dashboards to track and improve performance. She has also developed training materials and supported onboarding processes, ensuring smooth team integration. Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Salesforce and various data analysis tools, she leverages technology to streamline operations. Dedicated to continuous professional growth, SiTing consistently seeks ways to enhance her skills and drive meaningful change.