Organizers

Co-Founder, Executive Director

Imani Worthy became an impacted parent in 2019, when ACS came into her life and changed everything. Since then, she has facilitated training for the National Association of Social Workers, the American Bar Association, Foster America, and the National Court of Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). She has also created trainings for parents pertaining to mindfulness, embodiment, systemic oppression, toxic stress, public narrative, and public speaking. Her experiences and mentorship have also played a key role in the City College of New York's Inaugural Social Justice Fellowship, a program designed to train young social justice advocates.

Co-Founder, Board Member 

Shamara Kelly, Co-founder, Board Member, and Organizer of BLU, has six years of advocacy and organizing experience. As a community organizer and expert in domestic violence policy reform, she has galvanized survivors to bring about social change and empowerment. Shamara has focused on systemic changes in child welfare, police reform, and revamping the emergency shelter system for survivors of violence. She has conducted training for both private and public sectors on domestic violence and has recently developed community-based supports in the New York City Metro Area that do not involve government intervention.

Community Organizer 

Cassandra Gonzalez, Family Organizer with two years of advocacy and organizing experience, is an Afro Latine parent of two boys who embraces inclusivity and gender diversity. With a passion for cooking and a commitment to empowerment, Cassandra utilizes their life experiences to support and uplift fellow parents, reflecting their resilience and compassion.

Community Organizer 

Naashia B, Family Organizer with five years of advocacy and organizing experience, is a single Black mother and a social worker with a background in both city agencies and nonprofit sectors. She advocates for harm-free environments and reparations that include accountability. Naashia's lived experiences have prepared her to be a radical voice for the unseen and unheard in our communities.

Senior Community Organizer 

Nancy Fortunato, Senior Family Organizer, has over 10 years of advocacy and organizing experience as an impacted parent and an expert on systemic racism. She graduated from the Child Welfare Organizing Project and the Institute of Transformative Mentoring at The New School. Nancy has held roles at the East Harlem Community Partnership Program, the Center for Human Development and Family Services, and RISE, where she was promoted to Senior Parent Leader. She is currently a Peer Navigator at Justice For Families.

Senior Community Organizer

Teresa Bachiller, Senior Family Organizer, brings over 20 years of experience as a community advocate, activist, and system survivor. She has passionately focused on family policing issues, amplifying parents' voices, and advocating for systemic change. Teresa joined Rise in 2019 as the Program Director of the Rise & Shine Parent Leadership Program and has held significant roles at Graham, the East Harlem Community Partnership Program, and the Child Welfare Organizing Project.

Community Organizer 

Tyreena Anderson, Community Organizer with three years of advocacy and organizing experience, is an impacted mother deeply committed to her children and family advocacy. Her passion drives her work in supporting and uplifting other affected families.