MORE About OUR TEAM & ASSOCIATES/ADVISORS:
MR. LINDY PETER CRESCITELLI
- Mr. Lindy Peter Crescitelli is a renowned facilitator, educator, communication and conflict resolution specialist. He has appeared on a wide array of national and international media, including ABC, CNN, NBC, the cover of The Village Voice Newspaper, YM magazine, NEWSWEEK and many other publications, radio and television programs. Mr. Crescitelli is the Co-Founder of The Institute for International Leadership, Nonviolence & Service: LEARN LEAD SERVE INC. and CoChairs a Mahatma Gandhi-Reverned Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Season for Nonviolence Organizing Committee. For several years he has been utilizing his diverse skill sets as an active NGO United Nations Representative for Pathways To Peace. Mr. Crescitelli served throughout the United States as Lead Educator for American Civil Rights Educational Services including bringing young people to meet with and learn from historic figures such as members of The Little Rock Nine in Arkansas, participants of The Historic Selma To Montgomery March in Alabama, Congressman John Lewis in Georgia, Martin Luther King III and many others. Lindy Crescitelli also Co-Founded The STAND UP & LEAD! Initiative that among other things addresses bullying and diversity in learning environments, worked with The United Federation of Teachers on their anti-bullying initiatives as well, and also facilitated programming for Counselors, Nurses and other field professionals. As a college student he was an active National Representative of anti-violence organizations and spoke on “Rape As A Human Rights Issue” for Amnesty International and at many other prominent forums. As a classroom teacher for nearly a decade, Mr. Crescitelli distinguished himself within the New York City Department of Education. He was Coordinator of a large scale Service-Learning Program, Co-Led an Internationally recognized Conflict Resolution Leadership and Effective Communication program and wrote and taught a Political Science/Participation In Government CIVICS curriculum. Mr. Crescitelli has presented numerous times at the United Nations and has prepared many young people to attend and to participate at the U.N., including for the International Day of Peace. As a community organizer, advocate and activist in densely populated New York City he led successful efforts saving acres from development to be preserved as much needed parkland. He also led in the organizing of buses from the NY Tri-State area to a peaceful anti-gun-violence demonstration that was one of the largest ‘March On Washingtons’ in U.S. History and also helped lead numerous large scale follow up events, including a Nationally Televised Town Hall Forum and much more. Lindy Crescitelli is an accomplished conflict resolution specialist, certified in both negotiation and mediation. He also works for Peace Dynamics Consultants and serves on the Children’s Aid Society Goodhue Center Advisory Board Committee. Mr. Crescitelli is a licensed New York City Department of Education vendor who provides effective pedagogical and other trainings for staff, parents, families and youth. He also continues to work with numerous other community, corporate and educational institutions in many places on diverse projects in various capacities.
DR. SHAWN DENISE LANDRY
- Ms. Shawn Denise Landry is an accomplished, very engaging Facilitator, Trainer and Program Director. She has worked with Peace Dynamics’ STAND UP & LEAD! for many years and has co-presented with them at the New York City Middle Schools Conference, and for their NYC Department of Education and NYC Department of Health’s School Nurses training in ”The Art of Effective Communication: Creating Win-Win Dynamics.” Ms. Landry helped organize the Stand Up & Lead!: Developing Self-Esteem in Girls through Leadership & Communication Skills and began with the Gandhi-King Season for Nonviolence events in 2015, going on to eventually become an Event Co-Chair and serving on the Board of Directors of The Institute for International Leadership, Non-Violence & Service. Ms. Landry is also a Social Worker and serves as the Director of the City University of New York’s C..S.I.’s Liberty Partnerships Program, working with at risk youth and their families with tremendous result. As Director, Shawn designs academic and cultural programming for students ages 10-21 opening the students to access, equity, and inclusion. She introduces them to academic and cultural enrichment through attending plays and musicals on Broadway; tracing the Underground Railroad from Maryland to Niagara Falls, New York, museums along the east coast of the United States, team building, workforce etiquette, career exploration, and college tours. Shawn mentors high school and college students many as their first supervisor and introduction to the World of Work. Many of her students continue in their pursuit of post-secondary goals and careers and now are productive members of society. She and her team introduces them to experiential learning opportunities, project management and high level of expectations. Shawn facilitates workshops in goal-setting, leadership and communication on and off campus. She also currently serves as The President of Friends of Liberty and is The Student Intern Field Supervisor for The City University of New York College of Staten Island School of Social Work, working with Student Social Workers preparing them for the Field of Social Work and promoting social justice. During Shawn’s career, her work has been acknowledged through the following awards: NAACP William A Morris Humanitarian Award, S.I. Branch 2227 Eagle Christian Fellowship International -Woman of Compassion, Courage, and Commitment Award, Stapleton Union American Methodist Episcopal Church 13th Annual Celebrating the Dream Award, The City of New York Certificate of Recognition, Mayors Office Stapleton UAME Church 13th Annual Celebrating the Dream Award, City Council Citation for Outstanding Citizen, Certificate of Recognition from the Americas Promise Alliance to the C.S.I. Liberty Partnerships Program, Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Service and Contributions to the Community 4th Annual MLK Stand Up Speak Out Summit New York State Senator District 24, National Council for Negro Women S.I. Chapter- Community Leaders Award, Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community, National Council for Negro Women S.I. Chapter-Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award, S.I. African American Political Association Certificate of Appreciation Voter Education Programs.
MR. GEORGE S. ANTHONY
- Mr. George S. Anthony is an accomplished educator and conflict resolution specialist. He has been featured nationally on ABC News’ “20/20: Social Cruelty in Our Nation’s Schools” and on CNN’s “Crossing Borders.” He is frequently featured in many newspaper articles on bullying, conflict resolution, ethnic diversity, and news programs such as WABC Special Report “Bullying in the Classroom.” George Anthony is a trained conflict resolution specialist, certified in mediation by Columbia University, the National Institute for Dispute Resolution, and the New York City Board of Education. Mr. Anthony is an educator with over thirty years of classroom teaching experience. He is also an original Co-Founder of The Institute for International Leadership, Non-Violence, and Service. He has an M.S. in Education training teachers, administrators, social workers, guidance personnel, and others in conflict management. He works with universities, including Rutgers University School of Social Work, Monmouth University and Brookdale College.
- Mr. Anthony has produced award-winning videos dealing with issues of tolerance, leadership, and diversity. As Director of Peace Dynamics Consultants, George Anthony continues to work with numerous school districts, community and corporate organizations. He has written publications and workshops on topics dealing in conflict resolution, leadership and diversity. He is the co-author of “Stand Up & Lead: Curriculum Guide” that features strategies for addressing bullying and diversity in addition to approaches for creating supportive learning environments for all. Mr. Anthony is currently serving as the United Nations’ NGO DPI Pathways to Peace Primary Representative and the Co-Chair to the International Day of Peace “UN Education Peace Team.” He has consulted for the world-renowned Seeds of Peace Organization as well as the Anne Frank Center in both the Netherlands and the United States. He has worked with the Anti-Defamation League’s “A World of Difference Institute,” the New York City Department of Education, the United Nations’ “Seasons of Non Violence Task Force,” the United States’ Institute for Peace, the United Federation of Teachers, NJEA and numerous school districts. His programs have been recognized and implemented in both national and international forums. His “Peer-to-Peer: Mediation and Conflict Resolution Institute” have been recognized at the United Nations “as a model program for the world.” He has spoken at the United Nations’ World Headquarters at numerous conferences. Currently, Mr. Anthony is leading “The Global Leaders Institute” at LEARN LEAD SERVE Inc. as well as developing a cadre of future leaders in international diplomacy and non-violent leadership by utilizing design-thinking applications and strategies. He remains active as an educator, a workshop facilitator, a DPI and ECOSOC UN Member as well as the executive director for Peace Dynamics and the Primary United Nations Representative for the NGO, Pathways To Peace.
PROF. ANGELINE BUTLER
Guruji H.H. Dileepkumar Thankappan
- Angeline Butler, a true Icon of the Civil Rights Movement, was an original Coordinator & Participant in the Historic Nashville Sit-Ins, a founder of the Nashville Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, along with 13 other Civil Rights Movement Icons such as John Lewis, James Bevel, Dianne Nash, and Bernard Lafayette, which led to the formation of SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee). She also was a Coordinator of the 1961 Freedom Rides and Voter Education & Registration Drives, a participant in the 1960 Congress Of Racial Equality (CORE) “Miami Summer” with James Farmer and helped with organizing 1963’s March on Washington. Featured in numerous National Television Programs and Documentaries including NBC’s “White Paper Series “SIT-IN” 1960 and “Eyes On the Prize,” she’s received “A City of Nashville Award” recognizing her as an Historic Sit-In Organizer, acknowledgement at the Crenshaw School in Los Angeles for help founding The Martin Luther King Jr. Museum, and she received “A Freedom Flame Award” from The National Voting Rights Museum & Selma Jubilee, and the “2011 A Freedom Rider 50th Anniversary Conference and Reunion Award” in Jackson, Mississippi. Angeline Butler has attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, then on scholarship The Juilliard School of Music in New York, also The University of California, Los Angeles, and Columbia University in New York to complete a Master of Arts Degree in Music and Ethnomusicology. In 1957 she was chosen to represent South Carolina in the National Shriner’s Beauty Pageant in Philadelphia, and later in her life also went on to study acting at many prominent institutions and with many prominent instructors in New York City. Her Singing and Acting talents have also led to a very successful heralded career in television, theatre, and as a recording artist. Including numerous appearances on NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” and ABC‘s Dick Cavett Show. She also toured with “Johnny Carson In Concert” and worked with the late Great Duke Ellington and the late great Count Basie. Her credits are extensive in theatre and in commercials, among them are Ireland’s Cork Opera House and Gaiety Theatre, a well known national commercial for Ultra Sheen, Joseph Papp’s NY Public Theatre, and as a recording artist her MGM Record “Angeline Butler/Impressions” sold widely to great acclaim. Angeline Butler currently is on the faculty of The City University of New York’s John Jay College for Criminal Justice.
Guruji H.H. Dileepkumar Thankappan
Guruji H.H. Dileepkumar Thankappan
Guruji H.H. Dileepkumar Thankappan
- Guruji H.H. Dileepkumar Thankappan at the United Nations is a Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Representative, Secretary of The Committee of Religious NGOs, and Vice President of The UN Staff Recreation Council Salus Well-Being Network. He is a Trustee on The Board of the All Faiths Seminary International and an advisor for many other NGOs. Internationally known as ‘Guru Dileepji,’ he is the Global Chairman of The World Yoga Community, and founder of The “International Day of Yoga” Global Movement. He is a lifelong practitioner of yoga, natural healing, martial arts, and universal spirituality. Guru Dileepjiwas born into an interfaith family in Kerala, India and represented Mahatma Gandhi University at the varsity level during college for arts & games competitions, and he was involved with National Cadet Corps (N.C.C) and led numerous national training camps. Over 50 years he’s been practicing selfless service for organizations including Gandhi Peace Foundation, The Total Literacy Program in Kerala, as well as organizing conferences, festivals worldwide and many other events. He’s a Monk, Ordained Interfaith Minister/Wedding Officiant, Dancer, Spiritual Guru, Yoga Teacher/Trainer, Motivational Speaker, Bhajan Singer, Musician, Sportsman, Peace Ambassador, Environmentalist, a promoter of Nonviolence and Sustainable Development Goals, and much more! He has received numerous titles and awards for his many humanitarian activities. www.guruji.us
MS. MICHELLE DELLAFAVE
Guruji H.H. Dileepkumar Thankappan
Guruji H.H. Dileepkumar Thankappan
- Michelle DellaFave became a familiar face to Millions of Television Viewers, Singing and Dancing each week on Dean Martin's wildly successful NBC Television Series. This was an opportunity to work alongside many of the most famous luminaries & legends of show business, from Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Lena Horne to Jimmy Stewart, Orson Welles, and many more. She took part in Bob Hope's United Service Organizations (USO) Tours, Entertaining Servicemembers stationed Around The World, and she still Performs for and has received Awards from Veterans' Groups. She was chosen to join what would become the last set of Copa Girls, the chorus line at New York’s famed Copacabana Nightclub, has performed in numerous Theater Productions, Musicals, and Headlined an Original Cabaret Act at several New York City venues, including The Metropolitan Room, The Triad, and 54 Below. She’s a member of Screen Actors Guild, American Federation Of Television Artists and Actors Equity. Ms. DellaFave participates with numerous World Interfaith and Peace Organizations, serves as an Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Representative of World Yoga Community to The United Nations. and she also actively serves on The Institute For International Leadership, Nonviolence & Service: LEARN, LEAD SERVE, Inc.’s Gandhi-King Season For Nonviolence Intergenerational Planning & Organizing Committee, devoting herself and her vast array of talents, including Performing Live at Our Events, working on Music Videos and so much more.
Rabbi Marc Kline
- Rabbi Marc Kline has been active in Justice and Interfaith work locally, regionally, and globally. He is co-founder of New Jersey Interfaith Alliance, Chair of Interfaith Activities for Heart of New Jersey Jewish Federation and led two interfaith clergy trips to Israel. He serves as an advisor to Muslims 4 Peace, helped end male/female separation in Kiwanis Youth in high school, and co-planned and led a march to remove the Confederate flag from Columbia, South Carolina’s Statehouse. Marc Kline retired his law license to go to Rabbinical School and now serves as Rabbi at Monmouth Reform Temple. He was an adjunct instructor of pastoral care and multi-faith worship at Lexington Theological Seminary; served as the lead consultant with Crestwood Christian Church, was co-creator of the Lay Chaplaincy Team for the Lexington, Kentucky and Red Bank, New Jersey Police Departments; chaired The Chaplaincy Advisory Board of St. Joseph/Kentucky One Health Hospital in Lexington and also volunteers as Chaplain for the Hackensack Meridian Hospital System’s four Central NJ hospitals. His primary focus as a Rabbi has roots in a several thousand-year-old precept command to stand up for one’s self, while at the same time standing up for all others in need. As he sees it, community building is Torah’s primary goal and he works to bridge chasms that alienate people from each other, in that role servinon many local, regional, and national boards.
BK Sister Sabita Geer
- Brahma Kumaris Sabita Geer is The United Nations Representative of the Brahma Kumaris (BK). Using peace-building methods in 110 countries, the Brahma Kumaris actively supports The United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of Brahma Kumaris is based on understanding that there is a connection among awareness, attitude, vision, action, and the world. All real change, whether big or small, begins with a change in awareness. This change in awareness is facilitated by the practice of yoga and spirituality. Sabita Geer is a practicing student and teacher of the art of yoga for the past 40 years. Her work is based on the understanding that change begins with a shift in awareness, and she facilitates real changes by a spiritual-based approach called Raja Yoga. She has conducted courses, facilitated workshops and retreats in the Caribbean, United Kingdom, India, The Middle East, and in many states across the United States of America. Regarding The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Sabita Geer initiates and mentors youth, women, and men, in many projects. She also has a background in Physics and Mathematics and has been a representative of the Brahma Kumaris in the United States of America for over 20 years.
MR. RAY ANDERSEN
- Mr. Ray Andersen is a Professional Singer and Musician who has performed with such legendary performers as Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and the late great Chuck Berry. He has toured all around the world including with the late great Grammy Award Winning Superstar Meat Loaf, as his Guitarist, Keyboardist and Backup Singer, and recorded for National TV commercials. For over 25 years now, Ray Andersen has been Writing and Performing for Kids from Pre-Kindergarten to 6th grade as “mr.RAY”, and as such has been in National Media including ABC’s Good Morning America, The New York Times, and Parenting Magazine. His focus in this work is Kindness, Anti-Bullying, Inclusion, Peace & Diversity and he created The No Room For Bullies Project. Recently, Mr. Andersen had the honor of being appointed as one of the Pathways To Peace’s Non-Governmental Organizations United Nations Representatives. In 2009, during The 12th Annual Gandhi-King Season For Nonviolence Event held at The United Nations he performed with Youth Singers, and for the past several years he has very actively served on The Institute For International Leadership, Nonviolence & Service: LEARN, LEAD SERVE, Inc.’s Gandhi-King Season For Nonviolence Planning & Organizing Committee, devoting himself and his vast talents to everything from helping to Design Posters & Flyers to Performing at Events and so much more. https://mrray.com
DR. NORI ROST
- Dr. Nori Rost is Leader of The N.Y. Society for Ethical Culture, founded over 145 years ago, as a secular religion dedicated to helping people and to acts of justice and mercy. For 13 years, she was Minister of All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Colorado Springs, and was awarded an NAACP Religious Ally Award. Dr. Rost, was also a Minister with Metropolitan Community Church, served on The Board of Ordained Ministries, and was a passionate voice for the marginalized LGBTQA+ communities. In 2017, Dr. Nori Rost won The Indy Award for her work with the LGTBQIA+ community and the following year she won The Legacy Indy Award, which recognized her life-long work in this field. She also served on The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) Interfaith Leaders Coalition. During 2018, The New York Society for Ethical Culture offered to be the new physical home for The Annual “Gandhi-King Season For Nonviolence” in New York. Many people from The New York Society for Ethical Culture have worked with “Gandhi-King Season For Nonviolence” ever since, including members of The Ethical Action Committee serving on Planning & Organizing Committees, assisting in meeting spaces and The Concert Hall, and Young Ethical Explorers preparing youth speaking roles and videos. The Annual “Gandhi-King Season For Nonviolence” is grateful to The New York Society for Ethical Culture for their partnership and look forward to numerous events in their beautiful Concert Hall for many years to come.
DR. ARUN GANDHI
Reverend Nicolle D. Harris
- Dr. Arun Gandhi was born on April 14, 1934 in South Africa and being of Indian ancestry, under the discriminatory system of apartheid there he would get into fights with ‘whites’ for being considered too dark-skinned and with ‘blacks’ for being considered too white. At age 12, he went to India to live with his grandfather, The Legendary Mohandas K. ‘Mahatma Gandhi’, who began to teach him an understanding of nonviolence. Dr. Gandhi worked for 30 years as a journalist for The Times Of India. He is the prolific author of many books, including his first in 1949, A Patch Of White, about prejudice in South Africa, his bestseller, Legacy Of Love: My Education In The Path Of Nonviolence. In 2014, he co-wrote a picture book for kids called Grandfather Gandhi, and among several other books, he also wrote, The Forgotten Woman: The Untold Story Of The Wife Of Mahatma Gandhi, and in 2017, The Gift Of Anger: And Other Lessons From My Grandfather Mahatma Gandhi. With his late wife, he rescued orphans from the streets, started many projects for the social & economic uplifting of the oppressed, and began The Center For Social Change, which transformed millions of lives. In 1987, they moved to The United States of America, and in 1991 started The M.K. Gandhi Institute For Nonviolence in Memphis, Tennessee, which in 2008 moved to The University Of Rochester in New York. For 17 years with this Institute, the Gandhi’s took their message of nonviolence to hundreds of thousands of students around the world. In 1998, marking 50 years since the assassination of his grandfather, on January 30, 1948 and 30 years since the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King on April 4, 1968, Dr. Gandhi Co-Founded The 64-Day Annual “Gandhi-King Season For Nonviolence”, which we still observe here now, 25 years later.
Reverend Nicolle D. Harris
Reverend Nicolle D. Harris
- Reverend Nicolle D. Harris currently serves as Pastor of Duryee Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Schenectady, NY, and as President of the Schenectady Branch of the NAACP. While at Drew University, she did her internship at The Church Center for the United Nations in New York City, under the tutelage of Reverend Dionne Boissiere the first African-American Chaplain to the United Nations, and traveled to South Africa as part of her cross-cultural studies. Reverend Harris was elected to the Asbury Park Board of Education in 2013 and served for 3 years, including a stint as both President and Vice President. In May 2016, the late Bishop Louis Hunter Sr. ordained her as an Itinerant Deacon. Affectionately known as Pastor Nikki, she grew up in Asbury Park, NJ, and is the only child of Deacon Daniel A Harris III & Emily Harris. Following high school, she went on to attend Delaware State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Primary Education with a minor in Theater. She finished writing her first stage play, a Gospel Musical titled “In the Final Hour,” which was staged at Newark Symphony Hall, in New Jersey, November 2006. Reverend Harris is a graduate of The Theological School at Drew University, where she earned her Master of Divinity Degree. Presently she is enrolled at United Theological School for her doctoral degree.
REVEREND DR. TERRY TROIA
REVEREND DR. TERRY TROIA
- Reverend Dr. Terry Troia is actively involved in racial, economic and social justice work related to health, housing and educational equity, LGBT inclusion, immigrants’ rights and the right to shelter, and is the Minister of the Reformed Church of Huguenot Park. She serves by appointment to the Governor’s Clergy Council, the Mayor’s Clergy Advisory Council, the NYC Council Gun Violence Task Force, The Richmond County District Attorney Hate Crimes Task Force, New York State Interfaith Immigration Network, NYC HIV Health and Human Services Planning Council, NYPD Training Advisory Committee, NYPD SI Borough Command Immigrant Task Force and NYC Supportive Housing Task Force. Reverend Dr. Troia is President and CEO of Project Hospitality, an interfaith effort providing emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing & services to hungry and homeless New Yorkers, where she has worked for the last 35 years. In November 2019, The Mayor of The City Of New York appointed The Reverend Terry Troia to The City Commission on Human Rights,to strengthen the commitment to dignity and respect for all. Reverend Dr. Troia also serves on Board Of Directors of the Supportive Housing Network of New York, New World Prep Charter School, Coordinated Behavioral Health and Homeless Services United.
MS. KATELYN GRANO
REVEREND DR. TERRY TROIA
- Katelyn Grano is a Pathways To Peace ECOSOC Representative. Katelyn was recently selected as one out of ten new members of the prestigious Youth Representatives Steering Committee. She is also the youth co-chair of the logistics team for the 2018, 67th DPI/NGO Conference of We the Peoples at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Katelyn Grano is a recent graduate of Mater Dei Prep High School in Middletown, New Jersey. She now attends Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York where she is majoring in both environmental studies and international business. She has a strong background in conflict resolution, transformation, mediation and negotiation, having been trained by Mr. George Anthony. Additionally, Ms. Grano has a diplomatic training background in Conflict Resolution as a Weapon Against Poverty, through Columbia Law School. Her efforts have mainly been focused on the improvement of education and the seventeen sustainable development goals. Katelyn is pursuing a career in the field of international business and environmental studies. Concurrently, she is also working towards attending law school after the completion of her undergraduate degree at Marist. Aside from her work with the United Nations, Katelyn is highly involved with the environment and its sustainability while also aiming to resolve global issues and to create peaceful encounters and dialogues.
MARLENIS ROSA
- Marlenis Rosa is a Family Service Specialist for the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency. She specializes in investigating child abuse and neglect of children and linking them to the appropriate services. Marlenis believes that her purpose is to make a difference in others’ lives by creating a ripple effect with everyone she collaborates with. She believes that developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything she does, both professionally and personally. Paramount to her, are the fortuneless women and children she serves passionately in her community. She continues to address issues pertaining to women and children through the various roles that she performs as a Board of Education Candidate for the City of Perth Amboy, member of Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. and as a Senior Representative of Pathways to Peace at the United Nations. Marlenis obtained a Violence Against Women Certificate from Rutgers University. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Certificate in Public Management and obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from The College of New Jersey. Marlenis is a mother of two young children; enjoys spending time with them and introducing them to new experiences. She enjoys hiking with her family, working on DIY crafts and sharpening her leadership skills.
MR. JON-LUC MACLEAN
- Jon-Luc Maclean is a Peace Builder in the making. After being put in the spotlight on national and international levels for exposing and confronting racism in his local school district Jon-Luc has worked tirelessly to continue his work in his local communities while dreaming of doing so on a larger scale in the future. Whether he’s working with District Attorney’s and Police Chiefs on fixing race relations as well as uplifting other minority groups or speaking on panels with those running for positions in the local government level; Jon-Luc is very passionate about bringing about positive changes to the world around him and beyond. As someone who is of mixed race (Haitian and white), he believes he has a unique perspective on many race-related issues and can’t wait to work with Pathways To Peace (P2P) as an NGO Representative to the United Nations.
IMAM DR. SHAMSI ALI
- Imam Dr. Shamsi Ali is a prominent Indonesian Muslim Scholar known for promoting interfaith dialogues among Abrahamic Religions across The United States of America. He is also The Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The ASEAN Muslim Federation of North America. He also serves as The Vice President of the Asian-American Coalition USA (AAC-USA) and is its United Nations Representative and as an Advisory Board member to numerous interfaith organizations, including the Tanenbaum Centerand Federation for Middle East Peace. In interfaith organizations, Imam Dr. Shamasi Ali serves as a Board member for the Partnership of Faith in NY, and as co-founder of the Universal Clergy Coalition-International (UNCC) ). Furthermore, he is also Assistant Director and a Board member of the Muslim Foundation of America, Inc., and the former Chairman of the annual Muslim Day Parade in NYC. Imam Dr. Shamsi Ali is the Founder & President of The Nusantara Foundation and the Director of Jamaica Muslim Center in Jamaica, Queens, New York City. He has authored four books: Dai muda di New York City (A Young Dai in New York City) The True Love in America; 29 Kisah Mualaf Amerika (The True Love in America: 29 stories of Muallaf in America), Menebar Damai di Bumi Barat (Spreading Peace in Western World). Imam Dr. Shamasi Ali is also one of 100 recipients of the 2009 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award. This prestigious non military gold medal is one of the highest awards recognized by the U.S. government to native-born and naturalized U.S. citizens with tremendous contributions to the American society and the world and it was due to his endless dedication in building bridges between religious communities.
MINISTER KERWIN WEBB
- Minister Kerwin Webb is the Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults at Second Baptist Churchof Asbury Park and is President of the Greater Red Bank Area NAACP. Pastor Webb believes that actions speak louder than words and is committed to being the change he wants to see in the world. He serves as an Education Specialist for Interfaith Neighbors, is a Coalition Liaison with New Jersey Social Justice Remembrance Coalition, a Board Member of The T. Thomas Fortune Foundation & Cultural Center and a Sacred Sector Fellow of The Center for Public Justice. Minister Webb’s desired outcome is transformation and change that will come through collaborative efforts of individuals, community organizations, and the faith community. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Kerwin Webb earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Alabama State Universityand a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Pastor Webb has adopted a motto of “empowerment through education and success through personal accountability.” Minister Kewin Webb’s passions include education, mentoring, training, and community development and that led him to create the non-profit organization, Renew My World (RMW) Foundation, Inc., whose mission is to “FEED, EDUCATE and EMPOWER.” www.kerwinwebb.com