Year Up’s mission is to provide urban young adults with the skills, experience, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education.

Non Profit

Year Up

Mimi Jennings

Janice Lindsey is the current National Director of Alumni Relations at Year Up. Janice has held this position since August 2019. Prior to that, they were the Senior Director, Multicultural Marketing and Business Development at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - ALSAC from October 2014 to August 2019. In this role, they were responsible for maintaining operational excellence and fiscal accountability for annual fundraising budget raised from Multicultural constituents by developing and integrating strategies across the enterprise to increase and expand their support. Additionally, they led the enterprise Multicultural council, cross-divisional work groups and internal communications focused on increasing cultural competency of staff and Multicultural constituent engagement, retention and growth. 

Janice has a proven track record in fundraising and marketing, with over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Janice is a strategic thinker with the ability to develop creative solutions to complex problems. Janice is an effective communicator, with the ability to build relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders. Janice is a results-oriented leader who is committed to ensuring that their team meets its goals.

Janice Lindsey attended Florida A&M University, where they earned their Bachelor of Science in Political Science with magna cum laude honors. Janice then went on to attend Florida State University College of Law and earn their Juris Doctor degree.

Janice Lindsey works with Chrystal Stokes Williams - Chief Financial Officer, Meredith Jaremchuk - National Director of Program , and Michelle Sims - CEO, YUPRO. Janice Lindsey reports to Gerald Chertavian, Founder and CEO.

Janice Lindsey

Ronda Harris Thompson is the Chief Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer at [Year Up](/org/year-up). Previously, Ronda served as the National Director of Alumni Relations at [Year Up](/org/year-up). 

Ronda Harris Thompson

Ellen McClain

Paul Edgerley is the current director at [Year Up](/org/year-up). Prior to that, they worked as a category manager at Green Cross Health from August 2014 to November 2019. Paul was also previously employed at Foodstuffs North Island Limited from January 2006 to March 2014, where they served as a category manager. In this role, they were responsible for managing the category portfolio to increase market share, meeting budgeted Co-op targets, monitoring opposition price positioning, and reviewing and signing off weekly circular developments. Paul was also responsible for managing New World promotional subsidy usage, DC warehouse cost management, product price increases and decreases, advertised and non-advertised retail promotional programmes, event weeks and circular advertising.

Paul Edgerley left school after completing their School Certificate in Fifth and Sixth Form at Papatoetoe High School. Paul then undertook part time study for an apprenticeship as an electrician at Manukau Polytech.

Paul Edgerley

Kerry Sullivan is the Director at Year Up. Prior to their current role, Kerry was an IT Recruiter with Palmer Group from February 2019 to January 2021, a Recruiter with [DISYS](/org/disys) from February 2018 to January 2019, and a Recruiter with [Rose International](/org/rose-international-inc) from January 2017 to January 2018. Kerry began their career as an Apprenticeship Coordinator with ABC of Iowa from March 2016 to October 2016.

Kerry has experience recruiting nationwide for various IT roles including Developers, Software Engineers, Project Managers, Business Analysts, etc. with a heavy focus on clients in the banking, insurance, agricultural, healthcare and financial sectors. Kerry is a full-cycle recruiter specializing in contract, temp to hire and full-time positions. Kerry has interviewed candidates in person, virtually and by phone and provided interview preparation coaching and feedback to candidates. Kerry has also utilized social platforms including LinkedIn, LinkedIn Recruiter Pro, Facebook, Indeed, etc. to connect with potential candidates. In addition to their recruiting experience, Kerry has also processed contracts and background checks and walked candidates through the first day and onboarding process. Kerry has provided training and mentoring to new team members and worked both on-site in an office setting and remotely as needed.

Kerry Sullivan has a BA in Communications from Graceland University and certification as a Career Development Facilitator (CDF) from CCE. Kerry also has certification as a Hazmat 1 Operator.

Kerry Sullivan

Meredith Jaremchuk is the National Director of Program at [Year Up](/org/year-up). Meredith has been with the company for over six years and has held various positions during their time there. Meredith is a passionate advocate for education and career opportunities for young adults. Meredith is a strong leader and works tirelessly to ensure that all [Year Up](/org/year-up) students have the opportunity to succeed.

Meredith Jaremchuk has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the [University of Notre Dame](/org/university-of-notre-dame) and a Masters in Social Work from [Loyola University Chicago](/org/loyola-university-chicago).

They are on a team with Casey Recupero - Managing Director of Direct Service, [Year Up](/org/year-up), Elyse Rosenblum - Principal, Grads of Life, and Roberto Zeledon - Chief Marketing Officer. Meredith Jaremchuk reports to Gerald Chertavian, Founder and CEO.

Meredith Jaremchuk

Susan Murray is the National Director of Development at [Year Up](/org/year-up). Susan has previously worked as the Senior Associate Director at the [University of Pennsylvania](/org/university-of-pennsylvania), the Director at [Columbia University](/org/columbia-university), the Development Coordinator at NYC2012, and the Development Associate at the Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley. Susan has a passion for helping others and has dedicated their career to working with organizations that provide opportunities for people to improve their lives.

Susan Murray earned their MPA from Columbia | SIPA and their BA in Political Science from the [University of Rochester](/org/university-of-rochester). Susan also studied at [Universidad Complutense de Madrid](/org/universidad-complutense-de-madrid) and Newton South High School.

Susan Murray reports to Gerald Chertavian, Founder and CEO. They are on a team with Michelle Sims - CEO, YUPRO, Janice Lindsey - National Director of Alumni Relations, and Elisha Gilliam - Managing Director, [Scalable Solutions](/org/scalable-solutions), [Year Up](/org/year-up).

Susan Murray

Chrystal Stokes Williams is currently the Chief Financial Officer at [Year Up](/org/year-up). Prior to this, they were the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at IP Zone from January 2011 to December 2021. Chrystal also worked as a Vice President, Global IP Strategy at [American Express](/org/american-express) from January 2004 to December 2017. Her other previous positions include working as an Associate at JP Morgan from January 2001 to December 2002, and as an Assistant Treasurer at Granite Broadcasting from January 1996 to December 1999. Lastly, they worked as a Financial Analyst at [Goldman Sachs](/org/goldman-sachs) from January 1994 to December 1996.

Chrystal Stokes Williams has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from [Spelman College](/org/spelman-college) and an MBA from [Harvard Business School](/org/harvard-business-school). Chrystal also attended John F. Kennedy High School.

They work with Elyse Rosenblum - Principal, Grads of Life, Casey Recupero - Managing Director of Direct Service, [Year Up](/org/year-up), and Elisha Gilliam - Managing Director, [Scalable Solutions](/org/scalable-solutions), [Year Up](/org/year-up). Chrystal Stokes Williams reports to Gerald Chertavian, Founder and CEO.

Chrystal Stokes Williams

Gary Flowers is currently the Chief Information Officer at [Year Up](/org/year-up). Prior to this, they were with NASP HQ - National Association of Securities Professionals HEADQUARTERS, St. Petersburg Free Clinic, and Equal Opportunity Schools. Gary has also been a founder and vCIO at Solutionist Ventures, where they worked with various companies on digital transformation strategies, business case operational analysis, platform evaluations and selections, and successful program and project delivery. Some of their notable clients have included APEX Service Partners, Equal Opportunity Schools, Gulf Coast Jewish Community Services, and St Petersburg Free Clinic.

Gary Flowers has an MBA from [Tulane University](/org/tulane-university)'s A.B. Freeman School of Business and a BS in Management and Information Systems from [Florida State University](/org/florida-state-university). Gary also has a certification from the ASU+GSV Summit.

Some of their coworkers include John Bradley - Special Advisor to the CEO, Ronda Harris Thompson - Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer, and Elisha Gilliam - Managing Director, [Scalable Solutions](/org/scalable-solutions), [Year Up](/org/year-up). Gary Flowers reports to Gerald Chertavian, Founder and CEO.

Gary Flowers

Morris Applewhite is the National Director of Corporate Engagement at [Year Up](/org/year-up). Morris has extensive experience in the business world, having served as Senior Vice President - Industry Group Leader for Banking, Financial Services and Insurance at [Sitel](/org/sitel-group) and as Chief Commercial Officer at International SOS.

Morris is a strong leader with a proven track record of success. At [Sitel](/org/sitel-group), they led the company's strategy and commercial agenda in expanding its business within the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance sector, implementing major programs and growing the business double-digits. At International SOS, they were responsible for all aspects of the commercial function, including sales, global account management, marketing, client services, consulting, partnerships, sales operations, contracting and pricing. Morris was a key member of the Americas executive committee and International SOS steering committee overseeing the joint venture with a major partner. Under their leadership, client retention rates improved and revenues and operating margins grew double-digit.

At [Year Up](/org/year-up), Morris is responsible for leading corporate engagement efforts to build relationships with employers and expand job opportunities for [Year Up](/org/year-up) students and graduates. Morris is passionate about their work and is committed to helping young adults succeed.

Morris Applewhite has a Masters of Management from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management in Marketing and International Business. Morris also has a Bachelor of Science - BS from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Industrial Technology. In addition, they are a NACD Governance Fellow from the [National Association of Corporate Directors](/org/national-association-of-corporate-directors) in the Directors Academy, Director Professionalism, Cyber-Risk Oversight Program. Finally, they have Board Governance Training from both [Deloitte](/org/deloitte) Director Academy and [KPMG](/org/kpmg) Director Academy.

Some of their coworkers include Gary Flowers - Chief Information Officer, Meredith Jaremchuk - National Director of Program , and Michelle Sims - CEO, YUPRO. Their manager is Gerald Chertavian, Founder and CEO.

Morris Applewhite

Christine Buhn

Emily Gherman-Lad

ofelia medina

Jameson Grant

Gerald Chertavian is dedicated to closing the Opportunity Divide that exists in our nation. Determined to make this vision a reality, Gerald combined his entrepreneurial skills and his passion for working with young adults to found [Year Up](/org/year-up) in 2000. With its annual operating budget in excess of $170M, [Year Up](/org/year-up) is one of the fastest growing non-profits in the nation. It has been recognized by [Fast Company](/org/fastcompany) and The Monitor Group as one of the top 25 organizations using business excellence to engineer social change. [Year Up](/org/year-up) has also been recognized consistently as one of the nation's top 50 non-profits to work for by the Non-Profit Times.

Gerald has been committed to working with under-served young adults for more than three decades. He has actively participated in the Big Brother mentoring program since 1985 and was recognized as one of New York's outstanding Big Brothers in 1989. In 2006, Gerald was elected as a Fellow with the Ashoka Global Fellowship of social entrepreneurs, and in 2008, he was appointed by then-Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick to serve on the Massachusetts State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. In 2013, he was appointed by Governor Patrick to serve as Chairman of the Roxbury Community College Board of Trustees and reappointed to that role by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker in 2016.

Gerald began his career on Wall Street as an officer of the Chemical Banking Corporation. Following graduate school, he co-founded Conduit Communications and fostered its growth to more than $20M in annual revenues. From 1993 to 1998, Conduit ranked as one of the United Kingdom's fastest growing companies. Following the sale of Conduit to i-Cube in 1999, Gerald turned his full attention to creating opportunities for others.

Gerald earned a B.A. in Economics, Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude, from [Bowdoin College](/org/bowdoin-college) and in 2017 he was awarded the Bowdoin Common Good Award. He received his M.B.A., with honors, from Harvard Business School and in 2014 received the Distinguished Alumni Award. He has received honorary doctorates from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology and Mount Ida College. He serves on the Board of Advisors for the Harvard Business School's Social Enterprise Initiative and is a former member of the World Economic Forum's Youth Unemployment Council. Gerald is also an Emeritus Trustee of [Bowdoin College](/org/bowdoin-college) and the Boston Foundation. His 2012 book, A [Year Up](/org/year-up), is a New York Times best seller.

Gerald is an avid writer and often shares his personal reflections on current events on his website. Read his latest pieces and get in contact at GeraldChertavian.com. 

Gerald Chertavian

Elisha Gilliam

In 1978, Janice Bryant Howroyd founded ActOne Group with a phone line and a $600 loan from her mother. Today, as founder and CEO of the multi billion-dollar enterprise, she leads from one principle: ‘Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally.’  Her list of causes include, though are not limited to: Women in Business, Social Justice and anti-racism, STEM education and access to education for all.  Known in her socials and to friends as JBH, she channeled her passion into the 2019 launch of AllSTEM Connections purposefully to connect companies with STEM workers - and to support an inclusive STEM community of talent as they develop careers. Motivated by disparities of community economics and by the supportive home environment of her own youth, JBH believes people perform best when their personal strengths are developed and challenged. By investing in STEM, JBH is doing more than giving back, she is creating a future that includes everyone.

Janice Bryant Howroyd

Jamie Grant

Michael Powell is the President & CEO at National Cable & Telecommunications Association. 

Michael Powell

Elyse Rosenblum

Jim Fowler

William Green

Rod Mccowan

Judy C. Miner

Paul S. Pressler

Michelle Sims

John Bradley has been a special advisor to the CEO at [Year Up](/org/year-up) since July 2015. Prior to that, they were a global senior advisor for human resources at UBS AG from October 2009 to July 2015. From November 1983 to May 2009, they were a global HR senior executive at [JPMorgan Chase](/org/jpmorgan-chase).

John Bradley has a MBA in Human Resources Management from Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management and a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from [Cornell University](/org/cornell-university).

John Bradley works with Gary Flowers - Chief Information Officer, Ronda Harris Thompson - Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer, and Elyse Rosenblum - Principal, Grads of Life. John Bradley reports to Gerald Chertavian, Founder and CEO.

John Bradley

Ruth Bowen

Cindy Robbins

Roberto Zeledon

Paul Salem

Timothy Dibble

Peter Handrinos

Anel Perez

Angelica Pineda

Joseph Baratta

Barby Siegel

Bob Steel

Kim Tanner

Robert G. Templin

Greg Walton

The leadership team at Year Up has a wide range of experience in different industries and educational backgrounds. Many members have experience working in nonprofits, finance, and education. Some notable previous experiences include working as a Program Officer for World Education Headquarters, being a member of Chief, being the COO and CFO of IP Zone, and being the Vice President of Global IP Strategy at American Express. The team also has experience working in child protection, marketing, event planning, and human resources.

Leadership Team

About

Team members

Other teams at Year Up

Board of Directors

CEO and Executive Team

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