Our Team

Alanna Markowitz

Manager, Volunteer Program Delivery

Alanna views her career as an opportunity to use her skills to make an impact. She believes that most people want to do good in the world and is passionate about connecting them with opportunities to do just that. She’s most energized when working with others to develop new engagement strategies or build out the operational foundation needed to scale a company. When she’s not working, Alanna can be found on a yoga mat, at a table full of friends, or contemplating her next meal.

Aleksandar Sosic

Senior Software Engineer

Based in Croatia, Alex is a software engineer with almost two decades of experience with web technologies. He studied Computer Science at the University of Trieste in Italy and has a wide knowledge and skills in information technology, ranging from containerization, orchestration of microservices (Docker and Kubernetes), and test-driven development with continuous integration. He is very passionate about the Lean Startup methodology for creating and managing startups, IoT – Internet of Things, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies. Alex has a huge interest in a lot of fields and activities, but in his spare time, he mainly enjoys the outdoors hiking, bushcrafting, camping, fishing alpine and sport climbing, cycling and the list goes on.

Alexa Rivadeneira

VP, Program & Customer Success

Alexa has always been called to help others. In grade school, she helped other young people learn the craft of writing. She served the residents of the State of New York in the Senate office of Kirsten Gillibrand. Even now, in addition to her work at Catchafire, she volunteers as the Chief Marketing Officer of a community health service learning organization called Lori's Hands. When Alexa isn't working, you'll find her curled up with a good book, spending time near the water or hanging out with her family and friends.

Alexa Dillon

Principal, Product Designer I, UX Design

With a background in Graphic Design, Alexa has always had a passion for creativity. She is driven by better understanding user needs, and creating both seamless and accessible experiences that serve them. When she's not working, Alexa is out and about with her loyal pup sidekick or working on a new crafting project at home.

Angelissa Paulino

Manager, People Operations

Angelissa was born with a strong sense of mission, duty, and a pretty serious dog addiction. She has given her skills and talents to nonprofit start-ups for the last few years, working to empower people, uplift teams, and increase the good in the world. She's thrilled to be a part of Catchafire and the ripple effect it's having today. Born in New Jersey but raised in San Francisco, Angelissa considers herself bi-coastal. When she's not working, you can find her out for a stroll or sharing laughs and a good TV show with friends.

Betsy Enriquez

VP, Strategic Initiatives

With a passion for building community wherever she goes, Betsy strives to make others feel at home and to make a positive impact on the world. To that end, she spent the first 14 years of her career as a fundraiser in the non-profit sector, working with Foundations and Corporations to help organizations scale their programs and expand their impact. She’s excited to now help organizations meet their needs through Catchafire! As evidenced by her love for Halloween costumes, Betsy approaches life with energy and excitement, and invites others to join her. Outside of work, Betsy enjoys riding her bike with her kids perched (safely!) on the handlebars, watching documentaries, and doing HIIT workouts in her living room.

Bri Thomas

Associate, Volunteer Program Delivery

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Bri (she/they) goes hard for initiatives that support marginalized communities. Her experience includes media production, volunteer management, and co-founding a media startup that highlighted BIPOC Creatives while advocating for mental health in these communities. They're excited to use this entrepreneurial mindset to drive impact for our volunteer and non-profit communities. After work, you can catch them studying astrology, singing along to '80s + '90s throwbacks, or watching a classic film on TCM (warm cocoa included).

Cameryn Pons

Associate, Program Delivery

Cameryn is committed to helping create a more kind, patient, and inclusive world, one in which we all root for each other to thrive! She is passionate about investing in individuals, inspiring others to step into their power and own their worth. With experience interning and volunteering in the nonprofit sector, she has witnessed the real change that happens when talent, passion, and opportunity connect. Cameryn is excited to join Catchafire and help expand the reach of social good organizations in a meaningful way! When not working, you’ll find her painting anything from terracotta pots to canvas tote bags, reading on her Kindle, or soaking up the sun.

Carly Zogg

Associate, Implementation

Having recently graduated from Northeastern University with a B.A. in International Affairs and Cultural Anthropology, Carly is determined to create a positive social impact at Catchafire through a human-centered approach. With a passion for anthropology, Carly seeks to empower rather than “save” marginalized populations and believes that solutions for the world’s most pressing issues must always begin with the communities affected. Having worked in the nonprofit sector, Carly is also excited to explore the world of social entrepreneurship and discover how it can be applied to produce positive social change in an innovative way. When she’s not working, you can find Carly watching a documentary (ask her about her list of recommendations), brushing up on her soccer skills, or daydreaming about her next tattoo!

Chandler Scyocurka

Chief of Staff, Office of the CEO

Chandler believes in the power of using compassion and mindfulness as a lens for creative problem-solving. She comes to work each day with the goal of making the communities around her (and the world more broadly) more connected, joyful, and welcoming. She is deeply curious, is motivated by learning and growth, and loves to work with others who share this perspective. She finds great joy in drinking far too much coffee, listening to classic rock, the month of October, and meditating after a long run.

Constance Broome

Senior Manager, Revenue Operations

Constance comes to Catchafire with many years of Revenue Operations experience in the Healthcare
sector. She has a natural ability to work in a collaborative and intuitive manner with all levels to develop
a deep understanding of business workflows to improve operational effectiveness and protect revenue.
She is very excited to align her career aspirations with her values by joining the Catchafire team to help
Revenue Operations grow. Born and raised in Canada, Constance grew up relishing time in the great
outdoors and during her free time still unwinds by getting back to nature. Her favorite outdoor activities
include hiking, kayaking, or even gardening. She and her husband spend many weekends hiking with
their two dogs in tow.

Danny Alberttis

Regional Managing Director

Daniel Alberttis is a Regional Managing Director at Catchafire who, along with his team, is responsible for fulfilling its mission across the Southern US and Caribbean. He is a philanthropist, angel investor, mentor to startups, an entrepreneur, and trustee of the Quantum Foundation in West Palm Beach. He currently resides in South Florida with his wife and 3 teenage children and is usually found traveling around Florida for one of their soccer matches.

Divya Kantamneni

Product Manager II, Product

Prior to joining Catchafire, Divya spent time consulting for nonprofits, coordinating logistics for the Obama White House, and developing policy for a rideshare startup. She believes that, when used responsibly, business can be a powerful tool for creating positive social change in our communities. She’s super excited to join the talented and impact-minded team at Catchafire in helping nonprofits maximize their impact within the communities they serve. Outside of work, Divya enjoys a good hike, exploring new music and TV shows, and brushing up on dinosaur trivia with her niece and nephew.

Dylan Stefanisko

Manager, Partner Marketing

Dylan is a native Californian and natural born designer. After leading the design on a variety of commercial projects including package design, marketing strategy, and ecommerce website design, he felt a yearning for a more mission-driven design challenge. In true serendipitous fashion, Catchafire found him, and it’s been a perfect fit to apply his design and marketing skills towards a cause that improves lives, not bottom lines. When he isn’t playing around in Photoshop he’s usually making music, cuddling with his dog, Buster, or perusing museums and art galleries.

Emily Castro

Manager, Nonprofit Engagement

Emily’s goal is to always lead through authenticity and honor all experiences as learnings. She’s worked in the nonprofit sector for the past 10 years, both in the U.S. and Latin America. She was a Peace Corps Volunteer in El Salvador, and now serves as the Board President of the New York City Peace Corps Association. Emily attended SUNY Binghamton and earned a Masters in Organizational Change Management at The New School. She volunteers as a Career Coach for direct service organizations and geeks out on resume writing. In her spare time she is bonding with family, or writing. Her favorite quote is “I don’t have problems, I have friends” - Clarence Avant, The Black Godfather.

Emma Schrager

Senior Manager, Implementation & Program Operations

Emma comes to Catchafire with a background in education program management and experience across a variety of social sector organizations. With a passion for strategy and community, she is energized by creating partnerships that foster collaboration, build capacity, and drive social impact. Having grown up in Miami Beach, when not at work you’ll find her trying to soak up the sun outdoors or finding her way to the nearest beach.

Gerard Mcgeary

Vice President, Regional Managing Director Midwest

Gerard works hard, but he does not play hard. He plays easy. Why would you play hard? As someone who has constantly sought to find challenging and innovative opportunities, he was excited to join Catchafire where he combines his past experience serving the nonprofit and public sectors with more recent entrepreneurial and innovation focused endeavors. Gerard grew up in Connecticut and has made his home in the Lower East Side of New York for over 10 years where he spends his non-work hours perfecting his pour over coffee process and recipes through which he secures friends.

Gohar Chichian

Senior Manager, Content Marketing

Born and raised as a first-generation Armenian-American in New York, Gohar developed a passion for social justice from a young age. It led to an MPA , a BA in Political Science, and a career as a nonprofit fundraiser and marketer before coming to Catchafire. She is passionate about the power of ethical storytelling and building relationships in order to provide equitable access to resources in communities. Outside of work, Gohar can be found on the nearest hiking trail, working out, building Spotify playlists for every mood, or discussing the latest fantasy fandom.

Greg Wilson

Senior Product Manager

With a background in product, design, and innovation, Greg’s curiosity drives him to always keep learning and solving problems both in and out of the office. He comes to Catchafire to use his career to make an impact — something he tries to accomplish through many facets of his life including coaching at a hockey-is-for-everyone program in Harlem. In his free hours, he stays busy woodworking, traveling, playing hockey, and eating his way through Brooklyn, where he lives with his pet rabbit.

Guenevere Crum

Director, Community Engagement

Guenevere is passionate about the ability of the Foundation sector to create social impact by inclusive leadership, gathering, and giving. She comes to Catchafire with 24 years in direct and collaborative foundation grantmaking and personal experience managing a Catchafire cohort at The Able Trust. Her philanthropic background, coupled with her interests in nonprofit management, public administration and fine arts, means she is happiest bringing sectors together to do more than they might have thought possible. In her free time, she enjoys being a volunteer, a board member, traveler, and hiker into the woods and over the mountains.

Heather Nannery

Senior Vice President, Revenue Strategy & Operations

Heather comes to Catchafire after working in operations and communications at startups and nonprofits. She really enjoys figuring out how to build good systems and is known for always telling really bad jokes. In her free time, she loves to find awesome travel deals to cool places, discuss her latest philosophical musings, and try new breweries. You can typically find her in the park with a book or cheering on NYCFC and the New York Rangers.

Hefei Li

Chief Strategy Officer

Hefei is deeply curious and a thinker. She loves to dissect problems and has a knack for understanding and improving complex systems, whether at high levels advising companies on strategic initiatives as a consultant, in the weeds building a machine learning based news service as an entrepreneur, or everywhere in between helping to drive Catchafire's strategies as it redefines philanthropy. She also loves to cook and experiment with new ingredients.

Jabri Whirl

Senior Associate, Strategy & Innovation

Jabri (He/They) approaches his work with empathy and is a very curious, analytical, creative person. He's energized by problem solving and innovation. With 4 years of experience in product, Jabri brings his passion for research and strategy to work each day to gain a deep understanding of how to best empower organizations and individuals. Outside of work, you can find Jabri enjoying a miel, hiking with his pup, woodworking, or learning more about creative leadership.

Jackson Torres

Software Engineer

Jackson has been working in software engineering for almost two decades. Since he was a child, had a clear love for video games and computers and had the dream of working creating video games and computer software, half of the dream became true and is still in progress. He loves to help people in any matter, and to take time with people to share his knowledge and be helpful. When is not working, he hangs out with his family, plays video games, cooks new recipes(and eats), and hikes (while he plays Pokemon GO and walks his dog).

Jake Band

Director, Strategic Partnerships

Jake comes to Catchafire from the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation in Baltimore, MD. He brings with him a passion for learning and understanding the behavior of individuals, organizations, and communities that he applies to his research every day. As a new resident of New York City, Jake can be found walking left when he should be walking right, taking the subway uptown instead of downtown, and trying every restaurant he possibly can along the way.

Jamie Badia

Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Jamie is a small-town Michigander turned New Yorker who started her career with Teach For America. She used her creative eye to recruit thousands of incredible college grads and career-changing professionals to teach in a high-need community, believing deeply that equity begins with education. Jamie loves to use design and stories to connect top talent with social-good organizations and will always be a mission-driven marketer. Her obsessions include, but are not limited to: puppies, college football, the dentist, and any/all ice cream. She's also very passionate about never running a marathon again.

Jamie Stafford

Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships

Jamie loves to develop meaningful connections, which has been a valuable trait in her life both personally and professionally. Prior to joining Catchafire, Jamie was tagged as a rising star and emerging leader for her success managing relationships at a leading service organization for nonprofit financial institutions. She has a passion for strengthening the social good sector and for giving back. Jamie has served as a volunteer to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region (Albany, NY) since 2009, starting as a Big bringing support and instilling confidence in her Little, and eventually serving in an strategic advisory capacity on the organization's Board of Directors. She has a passion for setting and achieving goals and loves the lessons that come with the journey as much as the end result. What really stokes her fire is helping others define their goals, strategize, and execute. She describes landing her role on the Catchafire team as her "ikigai" opportunity where her passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect! Jamie's days are infused with meaning as she partners with grantmakers to unlock equitable access to talent, so that every nonprofit can achieve its mission! Jamie lives in Saratoga Springs with her husband, two young daughters, a dog, and three cats. When she's not stoking the flames at Catchafire, Jamie enjoys running marathons, knitting mediocre hats, macrame, fostering kittens, and *trying* to quiet her mind through yoga and meditation.

Jared Nuzzolillo

Vice President, Engineering

Jared likes coding, kitties, Dungeons and Dragons, helping the homeless, studying 1st century Christianity, philosophy, scaling startups, leading software teams and muay thai. This leaves him well positioned to write software and run the Tech Team, and not so well suited to write biographies like this one.

Jay Grey (They/Them)

Senior Manager, Events & Engagement

As Senior Manager of Nonprofit Engagement and a member of the Executive Leadership Team at Catchafire, Jay Jean Grey helps connect nonprofits to the much deserved resources, education, and professionals that can help them build their capacity. Their top priority in life is to be as empathetic and welcoming as possible to others, particularly the least advantaged. From educating people on social justice issues, to supporting nonprofits through development and management, Jean is committed to community, inclusion, and understanding. They joined the Catchafire team to amplify their impact in the nonprofit sector. When Jay isn't working, they're dancing and teaching adults Latin dance through a consent and gender inclusive lens.

Jessica Capers

Manager, Customer Success

Jessica comes to Catchafire after many years of working with nonprofits that focus on girls' education and empowerment. In each of her roles, she had a knack for building systems to untangle operational bottlenecks and for strengthening team collaboration. Hailing from the South Bronx, she's no stranger to hustle and is passionate about working to expand equity for historically marginalized people. She's excited to contribute to Catchafire's impact by building out scalable systems wherever possible and connecting people along the way. When Jessica’s not working, you can catch her watching a powerful movie, playing fetch with her beloved dog, or reading in the sun.

Joe Cravo

Engineering Manager

After 20 years working at for-profit internet media companies, Joe decided to change gears and use his skills to improve people's lives. It was a "Back to the Future" moment, since two decades earlier Joe spent two-and-a-half years in the peace corps teaching science and math in Africa. When not coding for Catchafire or coding pro bono, Joe enjoys amateur astronomy, which is just a grown up way of saying he's a giddy kid dreaming about the stars.

Jordan Shalov

Senior Director, Finance

Jordan is a native New Yorker with a passion for helping to grow and support organizations. He spent the last eight years in Georgia, between studying finance at the University of Georgia and working in financial consulting in Atlanta. He is thrilled to bring his financial acumen and problem solving skills to Catchafire, where he supports the financial operations of an innovative platform that empowers nonprofits. In his spare time, Jordan enjoys playing the bass guitar and watching his favorite New York sports teams.

Josh Harbaugh

Senior Frontend Engineer

Residing in the great state of Ohio with my wife and three children, I made the natural transition from a degree in animation to.... web development. When I'm not pushing pixels around on a screen as Catchafire's senior front-end developer you can find me in my wood shop making dust.

Kara Robertson

Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships

A natural relationship and bridge builder, Kara has more than 15 years of experience in supporting universities and nonprofits to find critical resources to do their work. Specific focus areas include public health, equal justice, arts and humanities and K-12 education in Title 1 schools.
She is a lifelong and curious learner who enjoys dabbling in new hobbies or activities, including gardening and Peloton. While not at Catchafire, you can find Kara playing strategy board games with her husband, watching reality TV, or cuddling with her kids and puppy, Oats.

Kate Varner

Vice President, Brand & User Experience

After a decade of working in digital advertising, Kate decided to come to the light and use her powers of exceptional user experience design for good. Kate's passion lies in uncovering user needs and finding answers to them through elegant and efficient digital interactions. She is a mom of two boys and when she's not working, she can be found serenading her sons with the help of a ukulele, hiking in the woods or building the next iteration of the ultimate pillow fort in the living room.

Katherine Brady

Chief Operating Officer

Kathy is the ultimate utility leader and is thrilled to help accelerate Catchafire’s growth and impact. Navigating seamlessly across industries (finance, media, commerce) and functions (business operations, marketing, sales, product and tech), she is a connector and an amplifier of the people around her. Doing good has always been a passion, and now at Catchafire, it’s her daily mantra. Outside of work, she’s an aspiring health nut, and cherishes each moment with her two precocious children and her talented husband.

Kea Mckoy

Manager, Nonprofit Engagement

Kea comes to Catchafire with over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, focusing on operations and program management in youth development, having served in numerous roles, including Executive Director. She is passionate about relationship building and watching mission-driven organizations grow and succeed. She loves helping people think strategically about their processes and find solutions to everyday challenges. When Kea is not working, you can catch her watching British TV shows, cooking, and gardening.

Kenley Jones

Director, Revenue Operations

Kenley is passionate about using business solutions to create social good. Prior to joining Catchafire, she led a strategy and operations team that built out new lines of business at One Acre Fund in Kenya. She enjoys figuring out the most efficient solutions to complex problems and discovering new ways for organizations to achieve their goals. In her free time, Kenley loves inventing new recipes and figuring out creative ways to use leftovers.

Latesha Kelly

Communications Manager, Marketing & Communications

Latesha developed a passion for communications at a very young age. Growing up in the suburbs of Pennsylvania as a person of color presented a unique lens for which she viewed and navigated through the world. Throughout her professional career she has used this lens to bridge communication gaps as a small business consultant and within community and non-profit organizations. When she is not working, she can be found relishing time with her husband and children, ridiculously committing to her daily living room workouts, cooking or enjoying a glass of wine (or cooking while enjoying a glass of wine).

Liviu Chiributa

Software Engineer

Being 30 minutes from Dracula's castle, Liviu is the self-learning vampire from Transylvania. With a deep experience in Python, and a hobby in programming, he is polishing the tools for Catchafire's changemakers as he learns more about how volunteering changes the world.

Luis Herrada

Senior Software Engineer

Luis has been doing software engineering for more than a decade and is very passionate about creating technology that solves real human problems. He is also interested in astronomy, education, mental health, science, and the environment. When not coding, you’ll find Luis spending time with his wife and friends, playing the guitar, practicing chess, reading a book or improving his cooking skills.

Madhu Nagarajan

Quality Assurance Lead

Madhumitha (Madhu) studied engineering and project management in Boston, Massachusetts. Her primary focus for the past many years has been around software coding and quality assurance. Madhu strongly believes that "software code is your house and you have to live in it". Madhu believes that the customer is the most valuable asset and is driven by the unrelenting pursuit of customer-driven focus and user experience. She loves her kids, watching movies, cooking, and exercising.

Marlaina Weston

Senior Assistant to the Executive Team

Marlaina is an intuitive leader with a keen ability to listen to and understand people from all walks of life. As a trained trauma healing facilitator she approaches her work with a compassionate listening ear. She also radiates deep joy and she will warn you about her loud laugh! Marlaina is passionate about rest, joy, and creating safe spaces for marginalized people. She founded a non-profit that creates these spaces for women of color to process pain and gain tools to embody healing in their lives.
She brings to Catchafire two decades of experience working in the non-profit and healthcare sectors, specifically working with executives to facilitate relationships and streamline processes within teams.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Marlaina now lives in New Jersey and is the proud mom of two teenagers, one preteen and a cat, Honey Mochi.

Matt Miszewski

Chief Executive Officer

Born into and raised by a family of labor activists in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, social justice and the empowerment of disenfranchised communities has been core to Matt’s life both personally and professionally. A trained civil rights attorney, Matt continued his career in government, first working for Congressman Jerry Kleczka and going on to work for Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle to strengthen the broken infrastructure of local communities, and has since married his commitment to improving societal inequities with deploying technology solutions for social good at firms including Microsoft, Salesforce and Socrata.

Megan Mccann

Senior Vice President, Platform

Megan is driven by the need to always understand why, and the satisfaction of a problem elegantly solved. With her background in public relations and education technology, she is a wizard at untangling complex challenges and she thrives on delivering products that help people do their most critical work more effectively. In her free time, she enjoys applying the discipline of product management to raising her beautiful and funny little daughter, with decidedly mixed results.

Morgan Mckeever

Manager, Digital Content

A natural born storyteller with a passion for helping people, Morgan has found her perfect match working with the marketing team at Catchafire. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania where she studied Communications and Consumer Psychology because of her fascination with people’s motivations and how to improve human experiences. In her free time, she volunteers at The Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, UPenn’s hub for research to improve our nation’s health and health care system. When she’s not working you can find her exploring the many different neighborhoods of NYC, painting, and trying to do more yoga.

Naeem Smith

Senior Frontend Engineering Manager, Tech

Before joining Catchafire, Naeem spent years writing front-end code for corporate behemoths. Feeling jaded, he packed his proverbial backpack, and went on a nomadic journey through startup world until he found a rewarding position with Catchafire. When not entrenched in coding mayhem, he can be found online, engaged in the ultra-competitive world of full contact speed chess. He is also a cross-fit addict, closet writer, and autodidact of random disciplines.

Nikita Scott

Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships

Leaving Scotland to chase waves around the world, Nikita settled on New York City as her new home base. Nikita was eager to bring her flair for events, communications, and partnerships to Catchafire, having first-hand experience of the challenges faced by the nonprofit sector. Nikita is a passionate advocate for our ocean, waves, and beaches as seen through her role as Chair of Surfrider Foundation NYC, a grassroots environmental activist organization. An avid believer that we should protect what we love, when Nikita's not in the water, she dedicates her time to preserving our natural resources.

Paolo Campos

Interaction Designer

Rather than paying attention at school, Paolo was always drawing and doodling. He later realized that he wanted to be a web and graphic designer, which led him to work on different design agencies. But he could never learn enough, and he knows that he will learn a lot at Catchafire while helping to change the world. Paolo also enjoys singing opera, playing video games, reading, cooking, practicing yoga and astronomy.

Peter Catchings

Manager, Strategy & Innovation Programs

Peter is an empathetic learner whose passion revolves around amplifying voices that have historically been muted by social, racial, and economic inhibitors. A politics enthusiast turned interdisciplinary strategist, Peter has paired his experience working on a presidential campaign with tactics gained in the corporate sector to create meaningful change within underprivileged communities. When not working, you can find Peter enjoying a hot cup of ginger tea by a lake, dunking a basketball with his siblings, or watching Avatar the Last Airbender.

Rachael Chong

Founder & Board Member

The one quote that Rachael hangs by her desk says, "Be truthful, gentle, and fearless." She wants to leave this earth known as a leader who empowers others to be better than her. Rachael is described by others as gritty, hungry to learn, humble and visionary -- but her passion is what truly defines and elevates her. Whether she's talking about how amazing the spoken-word artist she saw last week was or a new social enterprise she just heard about, she can't help but gush. She's one of the lucky ones to be born with fire, and she works daily to channel it for good.

Rafael Nunes

Senior Software Engineer

Passionate about learning, teaching, motorcycles and Brazilian music, Rafael spent the last decade writing software and teaching about it around Brazil. Before this, he spent his days volunteering in orphanages and with homeless groups. He found his dream job at Catchafire where everyday he gets to do what he loves while helping others.

Regan Putnam

Data Analyst II, Product

As an organizer from the Bay Area, Regan strives to uplift and center marginalized communities. At University of California Berkeley, she studied Data Science with a focus inequalities in societies. Leveraging her technical background, Regan is a storyteller who weaves compelling narratives together with data to best support those in the margins. Outside of Catchafire, Regan can be found listening to music (from post-punk to funk), jamming on her roller skates, or scaring the wits out of herself with horror (her namesake is from ‘The Exorcist’)!

Rekha Akinkugbe

Manager, Recruiting & Onboarding

Rekha’s personal mission is to simply help make the world a more kind and just place for all, a mission which can be summed up through one of her favorite quotes, “Be the person your dog thinks you are.” Before joining Catchafire, Rekha worked as a Visual Arts Teacher in an elementary school and founded their Art & Activism program. After four meaningful and transformative years teaching, Rekha’s passion for social justice led her to pursue a Masters in Organizational Change Management and Civic Service Design at The New School. Working to solve complex problems through creative and collaborative approaches excites her. When Rekha is not working, you will find her either painting, filming music videos, or chilling in one of NYC’s gorgeous parks.

Ronald Bardalez

Frontend Engineer

Ronald is our front-end guy, coding with love a big part of everything you see and click. Since a child, he's always been into computers and electronics, and made his way into web development early on. Besides computer-stuff, his other skills include juggling, glowstringing, and playing drums. He's also a big fan of astronomy, science, psychology and eating pizza.

Ryan Overton

Director, Strategic Partnerships

Ryan is a Southern California native and after experiencing the wonderful energy and diversity of Harlem during his first visit to the city in 2006, he made the move to New York City in 2015. After graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in Psychology, Ryan began his career at University of Arizona Global, working with students in various graduate programs. After UofA, Ryan joined Year Up, a national nonprofit focused on workforce development, where he led the recruiting and admissions teams for the New York and New Jersey locations. Prior to joining Catchafire, Ryan led sales and customer success at two different early-stage startups that did work in education and talent management.

Ryan is passionate about education, workforce development, travel, health & wellness, and technology. You're likely to find him doing laps in Central Park on his bicycle, practicing yoga, training jiu-jitsu, exploring places far and near, or cooking and enjoying quality time with friends and family.

Sahm Lee

Senior Associate, Graphic Design

Spending the majority of her formative years in Seattle, Washington, Sahm moved to New York City for the unmatched creative community. In broad strokes, she is interested in the intersection of design and the social sector. Outside of work, she can found listening to music, going on quick runs, or sipping on black coffee.

Sean Rose

Sr. Manager, Events & Engagement

Seán (he/him) is a highly skilled professional with over a decade of experience in organizational change, program management, and strategic development for mission-driven non-profit organizations of all shapes and sizes, all over the world. He is a proud non-profit nerd, passionate about strengthening the sector and building a more just, sustainable, and empathetic society. Seán has been immersed in a diversity of cause areas including education for social change, environmental justice, dialogue facilitation and mediation, community organizing, and mobilizing faith-based and cultural organizations. He loves obscure museum galleries, traveling to far flung destinations, and his pet rabbit Timothee, but not necessarily in that order.

Severine Koen

Director, Volunteer Engagement

For as long as she can remember, Séverine has been passionate about making the world a better place. Prior to joining Catchafire, she spent six years working in strategy and operations with One Acre Fund, a nonprofit social enterprise, in Rwanda. Séverine brings particular expertise in user-centered design and project management and is thrilled to be helping deliver the best volunteer experience to all the generous individuals giving their time and talents through Catchafire. In her spare time, Séverine is either out enjoying all the many activities New York City has to offer or is planning her next travel adventure with family and friends.

Sha-Kim Wilson

Sr Director, Strategic Partnerships

Sha-Kim joins Catchafire with over 20 years experience as a sales executive. She has built her career being a client advocate and trusted advisor for mid-size to large organizations across the globe. She is the founder of Helen’s Hands, a non-profit organization that advocates for Alzheimer caregivers. Sha-Kim received her undergraduate degree from Florida International University, MBA from University of Phoenix, and is currently pursuing her PhD in Organizational Leadership. A native New Yorker from Long Island, Sha-Kim now resides in Atlanta, GA with her Rottweiler Kimmie, and her Bull Terrier Nino. She enjoys travel, hiking, and volunteering her time with the Alzheimer’s Association. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the non-profit organization Women In Revenue.

Sneha Sajan

Associate, Customer Success

As a recent graduate from the Macaulay Honors program at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Sneha is deeply committed to issues of race equity and women’s rights. Driven by a desire to help marginalized groups, she’s excited to be a part of the Catchafire team and cultivate real social impact. When she’s not working, Sneha can be found visiting a NYC pop-up/gallery, binging a new Netflix show, reading a book, or creating Bollywood Fusion choreography.

Sonia Aviv

Partner Success Team Manager, Partner Success

With a background in public policy, Sonia brings to Catchafire a passion for helping organizations that so often help push forward the work that current policies fail to address - whether this be for the climate, communities in need, racial equity and so much more. Drawing on her experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sector, she is eager and excited to work with Catchafire's partners to maximize the impact of their programs. When not working, you can find Sonia attempting to follow every political Twitter thread, reading books on behavioral economics, trying out new workout classes and exploring NY with friends.

Stephanie Adickman

Regional Managing Director

After a brief foray into finance, Stephanie focused her career on building sustainable partnerships in the international development space. Over the last eight years, Stephanie developed foundation partnerships to support innovative and scalable programming with UNICEF and CARE USA. She is excited to bring her experience working with social justice organizations and foundations to Catchafire, democratizing access to robust and flexible capacity for nonprofits both in the U.S. and around the world. When Stephanie is not at work (or working from home), you'll find her doting on her dog Cali, perfecting her gnocchi recipe, or re-watching the Office and scheming about how to befriend Mindy Kaling.

Tyler Manley

Sr. Director, Evangelist, Events & Engagement

Tyler (he/him) grew up on a sheep farm in Western New York before graduating with a degree in Philosophy from The University of Buffalo. After two years with Americorps, he became the Marketing Director of a Food Justice organization that focused on Youth Education and Food Access. As Catchafire's Principal Evangelist, Tyler leads events and educational content for our funding partners and nonprofits. When he's not working, Tyler is either cooking huge meals for friends, playing the mandolin, or cheering/crying for his beloved Buffalo Bills.