Nonprofit Power Players

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.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
My father was a Holocaust survivor, and I grew up with values of equity, social justice and an obligation to work to make the world a better place. I felt compelled to join the fight against stigma, bigotry, racism, and homophobia that were so prevalent in the early days of the HIV epidemic. At Alliance, people receive the support they need to believe in themselves and move forward in the direction they choose.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
It was 1993 and I had convinced the president of a family foundation to provide Alliance with a two-year grant to hire our first peer educator, who was unemployed and on public assistance, into a full-time job. Today, Alliance employs over 125 peer educators and community health workers in paid positions, and over 30 percent of Alliance’s full-time staff are former Peers who have left welfare and joined the world of work.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
New York State must invest in the workforce development of certified peer workers/community health workers whose lived experience helps them effectively deliver health and human services within their own communities. One way to bring this about would be to create a Medicaid billing code for “navigation and linkage to care” that will allow medical and community organizations to hire peers/community health workers as members of care teams.

Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, a civil rights activist, has dedicated more than seven decades advocating to achieve racial diversity, equity and inclusion to bring long-lasting social change. Dr. Dukes is a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors and president of the NAACP NYS Conference. She is a woman of great strength and courage with an unwavering commitment to civil rights, dedicated to human rights and equality. 

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
Growing up in Alabama and seeing how hard my ancestors worked, watching my dad get up early in the morning to go to work and come home tired but still have time to help my mom with the rearing of me, he was and will always be my inspiration. Showing me the power of hard work and commitment.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Receiving the NAACP 108th Spingarn Medal this past summer, the highest medal to be given for the achievement in any honorable field of endeavor during the preceding year or years was the highlight of my life.

Soffiyah Elijah is the executive director of Alliance of Families for Justice. Established in 2016 in NY, its mission is to support, empower and mobilize families of incarcerated people and people who are involved in justice, to marshal their collective power to achieve systemic change. Also known for her effective courtroom advocacy, she has dedicated her life to human rights and social justice and frequently presents at forums on criminal justice policy and human rights issues.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
Malcolm X and the struggle for freedom during the civil rights movement inspired me to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. After working as a criminal defense lawyer and law professor, I felt that I could be more effective in this arena. The devastating impact of mass incarceration on Black people in the United States fueled my drive to help organize people to bring about systemic change.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
My proudest career moments include the success of the Alliance of Families for Justice and freeing people from prison.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
The human rights of every person must be honored and the system of putting people in cages should be abolished.

Nathaniel M. Fields is responsible for Urban Resource Institute’s (URI’s) strategic vision and holistic functioning. Born and raised in New York, Fields has firsthand knowledge of the great challenges affecting New York’s most vulnerable communities, as well as the positive work being done to affect structural changes. Fields holds a bachelor’s degree in U.S. history, focusing on Black and Hispanic studies, and a master of social work degree from Fordham University in administration and clinical practice.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
I grew up on the east side of Brooklyn, with good fortune to be surrounded by a community that deeply believed in the power that people had to change their own community and improve lives. They inspired me to continue to lean in to pursue goals, which guided my life and career. A lot of that has come into play via what we do today around violence, housing insecurity and other areas.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
50%  of victims of domestic violence (DV) will not seek safety if they cannot bring their pets. In 2013 we launched our PALS program, changing NYC state regulations, and became the first and only DV shelter provider to achieve the latter. We’ve since activated the animal welfare community and passed the PAWS Act as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. Today we’ve helped almost 600 families and over 700 pets, stay and heal together.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
If policies invest in community-based, survivor-led solutions rooted in prevention and intervention, the collective impact on violence and homelessness would be profound. Ensuring we’re not first in line during budget cuts is also critical — helping us expand community-based youth violence prevention programming in high-risk communities; provide economic empowerment and wellness services; and further expand our work with people who cause harm to ensure everyone is a part of the solution to end violence and homelessness.

Beth Finkel leads AARP NY on behalf of over 2.3 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-plus. 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-plus is now an AARP-wide initiative.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
I was always attuned to injustice. A driver on the city bus I took to school in Queens would throw fare change at elderly passengers as he made a turn, forcing them to pick the coins off the floor. I was 12 and wrote a letter in my mother’s name. The bus company replied, reporting they had fired the driver. I saw taking action could lead to change, and I’ve been doing that ever since!

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I worked with elder bar attorney Jerry Wallace about 20 years ago to create a statewide coalition to help grandparents and other kin raise their families’ children. We achieved 30 of 35 policy recommendations. When we informed the grandparents who were community advocates, they broke down crying. I’ll never forget that day, nor the grandparents who worked so hard to get it done, so other grandparents would not lose custody of the grandchildren they loved.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
We need better support for unpaid family caregivers and legislation to reduce spiraling prescription drug prices. Family caregivers help our loved ones age with dignity at home, where most of us want to be, while high drug prices often force older-New Yorkers to skip critical medications. We need better pay for home care workers to maintain a strong workforce and more funding for programs that provide in-home care to help family caregivers and relieve their burdens.

Karen Ford is the inaugural executive director leading the Mayor’s Office for Nonprofit Services. Karen has served New Yorkers for over 30 years in numerous social service areas with leadership roles in nonprofit agencies, federal, state and city government. In this role, Karen serves as the liaison between city agencies, elected officials, and the nonprofit sector, executing Mayoral priorities and initiatives. With an equity lens, Karen is overseeing contracting reforms, capacity building and policies impacting nonprofits.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
Growing up in public housing in downtown Brooklyn, experiencing poverty, housing segregation and being exposed to violence, and drug and alcohol abuse in my community shaped my perspective. In the same community, safety systems like after-school programs, churches, and community centers were a safe haven and support for the kids. In these settlement model programs, I was exposed to positive environments that helped foster my love of education, gave permission to dream, and provided support when needed.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I am very fortunate to have had several proud moments. As the youngest child in a family of eight and being the first college graduate is my proudest moment. Education changed the trajectory of my life and made me a role model for my family. My children are college-educated, as are several nieces and nephews. In every leadership role, I am proud to open doors and mentor other talented women who need an opportunity.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
One of the goals of the Mayor’s Office for Nonprofit Services is to channel the voice and perspective of nonprofit partners in government and policy spaces. At the onset of the administration, Mayor Adams and Comptroller Lander convened the Joint Task Force to Get Nonprofits Paid on Time. We are committed to overseeing the implementation of the Joint Task Force Recommendations that will support the valuable work of the nonprofit sector.

Princess Francois-Estevez proudly embraces her heritage as a first-generation Haitian American from Brooklyn, NY. Her impactful journey spans teaching high school sciences, coaching educators, and championing anti-racism and equity. As the NY executive director of America Needs You, she focuses on increasing economic mobility for first-generation college students. Holding degrees from Columbia University, CUNY Hunter, and Bank Street, Princess is a doctoral student at Fordham University and has received accolades such as the national Milken Educator Award.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
After 11 years of high school education, I sought a new way to influence learning positively. Transitioning to the nonprofit sector, I leverage my leadership skills in a dynamic, innovative environment. Now, guiding college students feels like a natural progression, extending my cultivated impact. Working in a mission-driven, data-centric space, surrounded by passionate colleagues, is immensely fulfilling. Witnessing students’ immediate reactions — reflections on a workshop, appreciation for a career day, or celebrating transformative internships — fuels my dedication.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I take immense pride in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the education and nonprofit spaces. I spearheaded a comprehensive four-year initiative at a charter high school, crafting a vision that seamlessly integrated DEI into staff and student experiences. This encompassed setting and monitoring goals, infusing DEI into every aspect of the school, and co-creating student workshops. Currently, I champion DEI by strategically aligning cohort demographics with the diverse communities we serve.

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.

Was there something or someone that inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
My parents were devoted to several nonprofits in Akron, Ohio, the town we all called home. They volunteered, wrote checks, and sat on boards for the nonprofits that protected our parks, our healthcare, and our democracy. Thanks to them, I got involved as a volunteer at our local zoo and at our community playhouse. Those experiences remain central to my belief that nonprofit organizations are the heartbeat of a thriving community.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Being named president of The New York Community Trust is without question the proudest moment of my career. The Trust has been a partner to every nonprofit I have worked with: BAM, Manhattan Theatre Club, New York Restoration Project, and The Historic House Trust. Here, I can collaborate with public and private partners across the eight counties we serve. It’s truly the honor of a lifetime.

What policy changes could be made to aid in your work within the nonprofit sector?
Given the critical role that nonprofit organizations play in our city and region, it’s vital that our public partners: city, county, and state governments, contribute to the health of the sector. Prompt and efficient payment for the myriad services nonprofits provide to New Yorkers is essential.

Margaret Fung is executive director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), which she co-founded nearly 50 years ago in 1974. In 1992, Fung testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, calling for increased language assistance under the Voting Rights Act. Her advocacy led to the first fully-translated Chinese-language ballots in NYC, and AALDEF has since worked with dozens of jurisdictions around the country to provide voter assistance in other Asian languages.

Katy Gaul-Stigge is the president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, one of a national network of 155 nonprofit organizations serving individuals with disabilities and other barriers to connect to employment. In her role, Gaul-Stigge oversees the operations of 64 Goodwill NYNJ programs and 23 retail locations in the New York City metropolitan area, Northern New Jersey, Long Island, and the capital region of New York.