2024 Nonprofit Power Players

Twyla Carter serves as the attorney-in-chief and CEO of The Legal Aid Society. She is the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead the organization. Previously, Carter worked at the ACLU and held leadership positions with The Bail Project and as a public defender in Seattle, Washington. Carter is a nationally recognized expert on bail reform and frequently speaks on issues including police reform, right-to-counsel, and race and culture in the legal system.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
I have spent my entire professional career in the nonprofit sector, drawn to this work because of its direct impact on disenfranchised and marginalized communities. Working alongside colleagues who share similar ideals and are dedicated to fervently representing those who need our help makes the nonprofit sector – and The Legal Aid Society in particular – uniquely special. It is truly a privilege to work in this field.

How can policymakers support your organization?
Too often, organizations like ours are overshadowed by other legal system actors, namely the police and prosecutors. This has led to chronic underfunding, jeopardizing the legal services low-income New Yorkers are constitutionally and legally entitled to receive. Policymakers must ensure that organizations like The Legal Aid Society are fully funded so that our most vulnerable neighbors have access to robust legal representation in their times of need.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
After years of advocacy in the New York State Capitol by Legal Aid, housing advocates, and tenants, Albany lawmakers passed a budget in April that included protections for tenants against extortionate rent increases and unjust evictions. While the final bill did not encompass everything we fought for, it will make a meaningful difference for hundreds of thousands of renters statewide. These new safeguards will help keep New Yorkers housed in their communities.

Jennifer Ching is the executive director of North Star Fund, a New York foundation that supports grassroots organizing led by communities building power. She is a passionate advocate with a deep breadth of experience as a lawyer, nonprofit leader, teacher and organizer. She believes in taking risks, thinking creatively and learning from others. Before leading North Star Fund, Jennifer practiced law for almost 20 years in both the private and public sectors.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
I have always been inspired by the power of people coming together to make social change. I’m in awe of all the everyday folks who, against whatever barriers they have faced, envision a world where everyone is welcome, and where everyone can thrive. I’ve worked across different nonprofits – from organizing to law to philanthropy – with the same purpose in mind: how can we together build a world where we celebrate the beauty and strength in our interdependence?

How can policymakers support your organization?
For too long, we’ve expected nonprofits to do $20 of work with just $1 – the overall sector is strained, and most resources do not flow to organizations led by people most directly impacted by the injustices they seek to change. We need to drastically change tax and charity policies – all designed more than a century ago, for a different reality – to allow nonprofits to create change and not just fill the holes in the larger community safety net.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
North Star Fund supports grassroots organizers building power in NYC and the Hudson Valley. This past year, we welcomed dozens of new grantees – keeping to our mission to support emerging movements, providing critically needed seed funding and staying with groups as they scale to impact over time. We are proud to now support over 150 New York homegrown groups – neighbors working with each other to confront and solve some of our city and state’s most pressing challenges.

Tehra Coles was named the executive director of the Center for Family Representation (CFR) in New York City in March 2023. Previously, Ms. Coles served as policy counsel at Civil Rights Corps (CRC), focusing on a variety of topics related to the criminal legal system including qualified immunity, risk assessment tools and pre-trial detention laws. Ms. Coles is a graduate of Albany Law School and Hollins University.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
The work CFR does has a direct impact on the communities we serve. We are able to partner with other community organizations to help address the needs of vulnerable communities and help center the voices of directly impacted individuals.

How can policymakers support your organization?
Like other government-funded nonprofits, we have been impacted by city contract registration delays. Support from policymakers in making these processes more efficient and expedited would help us. Assistance in getting more community-based support to the clients we serve is also important. Both of these pieces are key to our organization’s mission of reducing family separation. We also welcome partners in our community engagement work.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
Two decades ago, CFR opened its doors in Manhattan with just three dedicated staff members. In 2024, CFR has a staff of over 150 legal, social work, and administrative professionals. We recently welcomed dozens of new staff members into our organization as we expanded our Early Defense, Parent Advocate, and Immigration teams. In the Fall of 2024, CFR also expanded into Staten Island, marking the fourth borough that the organization serves.

Michael Coughlin is the chief program and innovation officer at Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC, where he’s spent 19 years developing effective programs that are now recognized as national best practices. These initiatives include the College and Career Success program for first-generation college students; Bigs in Blue, which pairs police officers with middle schoolers to foster leadership skills, and affinity groups, providing young people with mentors who share their identity.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
My favorite part of working in the nonprofit sector is collaborating with creative, dedicated people who work to build resources that uplift future generations. At BBBS of NYC, we’ve launched a youth council to ensure young people have a voice in shaping our programs. It’s inspiring to witness young people’s commitment and insight as they help develop initiatives for their peers.

How can policymakers support your organization?
First, continue to lean into mentoring programs.  As our world grows more disconnected, the power of relationships continues to be essential – every young person deserves access to a mentor for guidance, encouragement and growth. Second, I encourage policymakers to continue to provide and expand access to internships and apprenticeships.  Building a professional network is vital and all young people should have the opportunity to gain real-world experience and connections for their futures.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC’s greatest accomplishment this year is the development and launch of our Career Pathways Program. This initiative connects college students with professional mentors to help them explore career options, build relevant experience and craft strong resumes. Mentors also introduce students to professionals in their desired field, expanding their networks. The program’s goal is to help young people secure internships or entry-level positions in their chosen fields.

Sharen I. Duke has served as executive director and CEO of Alliance for Positive Change since its founding in 1990. Under her leadership, the nonprofit has grown from a three-person AIDS service agency into one of NYC’s premier multiservice community organizations that provides access to quality health care, housing, harm reduction, substance use treatment, mental health support, and a renowned peer training and job placement program that cultivates leadership and economic mobility.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
I love seeing positive change in action. Thirty years ago, I secured a grant to hire our first full-time peer worker, who stayed with us for over a decade, helping New Yorkers living with HIV improve their health and well-being. This experience inspired me to continue to grow a peer workforce at Alliance for Positive Change. As role models and resource connectors, peer workers are expanding our reach and impact across communities.

How can policymakers support your organization?
Policymakers can and should expand investments in community-based organizations. Specifically, by investing in workforce development initiatives, New York can increase the effectiveness and impact of New York’s health care system and expand employment opportunities for people with lived experience. Certified peer workers have a potent “superpower” in that they reflect and represent the communities in which they work, and we must invest in workforce readiness and job placement services that connect them to quality jobs.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
In 2024, Alliance initiated a strategic redesign to leverage our core strengths – including Peer-delivered services and a harm reduction ethos – to create an integrated team-based service delivery approach. We can now support our community more intensively than ever before. Along with increased rapid-response efforts to address immediate needs like food access, HIV testing, or quality health care, we’re ramping up our ability to address underlying issues that impact health, safety, and quality of life.

Sheila Duke is a visionary nonprofit leader with over 21 years dedicated to youth development. As chief executive officer of Roads to Success, Sheila combines her passion for empowering youth and families with a commitment to driving impactful change. With a background in senior leadership roles, she has shaped innovative programs that foster growth and resilience. A Long Island native, Sheila is also deeply engaged in her community, advocating for equity and social justice.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
My favorite aspect of working in the nonprofit sector is the opportunity to create meaningful change in the lives of children and families. Every day, I am driven by a passion for expanding opportunities and breaking down barriers for underserved communities. I find immense fulfillment in collaborating with like-minded individuals, building impactful programs, and watching the positive, lasting impact our collective efforts have on the communities we serve and uplift.

How can policymakers support your organization?
Policymakers can support Roads to Success by prioritizing funding for youth development, mental health services, and educational initiatives in areas like literacy and STEM that empower underserved communities. Advocating for policies that enhance access to afterschool programs, summer enrichment, and family support would significantly amplify our impact. Additionally, partnerships with policymakers can help address systemic barriers, ensuring all young people have the resources, opportunities, and encouragement they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
This year, Roads to Success celebrated a milestone with the 8th Annual Success Summit, which grew exponentially to engage 800 young people from underserved New York City communities. This transformative event offered hands-on workshops, industry-led panels, and opportunities for youth to explore fields like technology, law, media, finance and more. The summit ignited inspiration, broadened horizons, and equipped participants with the skills and confidence to envision and shape their future paths.

Sarah Kate Ellis is president and CEO of GLAAD. Since 2014, she has refocused GLAAD’s crucial advocacy to accelerate acceptance of LGBTQ people through innovative new research, campaigns, and programs. Under her leadership, Ellis has evolved GLAAD from a media watchdog organization to one of the most powerful cultural change agents across industries. She has been widely recognized for her leadership, having recently been named to the TIME100.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
Having been at GLAAD for 10 years, my favorite part has always been the strong sense of community among our staff. No matter how challenging the work gets, all of us are grounded in shared values and an unwavering commitment to drive acceptance and inclusion for LGBTQ communities.

How can policymakers support your organization?
Right now, we need policymakers to double down on their efforts to protect and advocate for LGBTQ communities – whether that’s locally in state legislatures, or nationally in the halls of Congress. The next four years will present new threats to our rights, but we have the power to fight back. Lawmakers must work alongside advocacy organizations to protect our hard-fought progress.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
2024 was a powerful year for GLAAD. From the Emmys, Super Bowl, and the World Economic Forum, we brought LGBTQ visibility to global stages. This year we also launched our first report focused on the state of LGBTQ representation in video games. Overall, we are proud to have continued our critical research – releasing over seven reports, as well as thorough fact guides on Project 2025 and its impacts on LGBTQ communities.

As CEO of Urban Resource Institute, Nathaniel Fields has revolutionized the organization into the largest provider of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. With over 20 years in social services, he has tripled URI’s budget and expanded innovative programs like People and Animals Living Safely (PALS). His extensive leadership across numerous civic roles drives significant impact for New York’s vulnerable populations, all guided by his commitment to hope and excellence at URI.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
My favorite aspect of working in the nonprofit sector is being part of a community committed to improving the lives of others. At Urban Resource Institute, I have the opportunity to directly impact vulnerable populations, effecting structural changes and fostering hope—a cornerstone of everything we do. This role allows me to see firsthand how strategic investments in communities enable them to thrive, aligning with my vision for social change and innovation.

How can policymakers support your organization?
Policymakers can support Urban Resource Institute by allocating more resources towards housing and domestic violence services. We need legislation that simplifies the process of securing safe housing for survivors, especially single survivors without children and the LGBTQ+ community. Supporting bills like the SAFE Shelter Act would directly enhance our capabilities to provide for these vulnerable populations. Increased funding for programs like ours is crucial to address and end the cycles of violence and homelessness.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
One of our biggest accomplishments in 2024 at Urban Resource Institute was launching Uplift Families Residence, a pioneering transitional housing facility in the Bronx that welcomes families experiencing homelessness along with their pets. This initiative, inspired by our People and Animals Living Safely (PALS) program, marks a significant advancement in inclusivity, addressing the critical needs of families and their pets during crises and setting a new standard for shelter services across New York City.

Beth leads AARP NY on behalf of over 2.2 million members. Under Beth’s leadership, AARP NY has accomplished historic statewide reforms protecting finances, health care services, housing, and voting rights for New Yorkers 50+. She has led efforts to combat hunger among older adults and ensure low-income New Yorkers access to Medicare Savings benefits. Her “Disrupt Disparities” effort confronting inequities in health, economic security and livable communities for the 50+ is now an AARP-wide initiative.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
I learned at a young age that by taking action, I could help people in their daily lives, and that’s what we strive to do every day at AARP. It’s so rewarding to work with my colleagues, AARP New York’s volunteers and other nonprofit groups to achieve our goals of ensuring older New Yorkers have the opportunity to age with dignity. It’s gratifying to know our efforts have an impact on people age 50+.

How can policymakers support your organization?
Policymakers can support AARP New York by addressing the issues that are so important to New Yorkers 50-plus, such as Social Security, Medicare, family caregiving and the high cost of prescription drugs. New York’s population is aging rapidly, and our elected officials and other public figures need to ensure their policies take into account that fact and provide the services and support their older citizens require.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
This year, AARP advocated for two pieces of legislation that passed both houses of the Legislature unanimously. The bills utilize technology to conduct data matching among state agencies and the private sector to maximize participation in energy assistance programs for New Yorkers. This comes on top of last year’s unprecedented data-matching bill signed by the Governor, which coordinates customer data from NY energy companies to increase enrollment in the state-administered Home Energy Assistance Program.

Amy Freitag became president of the New York Community Trust in 2022. Previously, she was executive director of the J.M. Kaplan Fund, executive director of the New York Restoration Project, U.S. program director for the World Monuments Fund, and deputy commissioner for capital projects with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. She served on the Mayoral Advisory Commission on City Art, Monuments, and Markers and sits on the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation’s board.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
The people. It is a privilege to work in partnership with people who have tirelessly committed themselves to supporting the rich tapestry of communities and causes in our region. I learn so much from our remarkable grantmaking staff and broader network of colleagues and supporters, including the incredible nonprofits and generous donors with whom we collaborate.     

How can policymakers support your organization?
Nonprofit organizations play such an essential role in our region. It is important that city, county, and state governments recognize this and contribute to the health of the sector and its invaluable workforce. This includes prompt and efficient payment for the myriad services nonprofits provide to New Yorkers. 

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
The Trust is celebrating 100 years of creating a more equitable and resilient region. Over the past century, we’ve invested a total of $5.7 billion in grants to support all aspects of civic and cultural life in our region and beyond. And we’ve continued to honor that legacy. So far this year, we’ve awarded $36.2 million in grants that will help all New Yorkers have access to the services and opportunities they need to thrive.