Alyssa C. Abernathy, MSW, was born in Queens, New York, currently residing in Brooklyn, New York. Alyssa Abernathy received a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from The College of New Rochelle School of New Resources, where she completed Relevant coursework in Sociology, Psychology, and Addiction and volunteered at Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization that services LGBTQ youth and young adults at high risk of suicide. Alyssa then attended and graduated from Long Island University (Brooklyn) campus, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work. While attending Long Island University, Alyssa had the opportunity to volunteer abroad in Puerto Rico following the devastation the Island experienced after hurricane Maria. Alyssa has worked in the nonprofit sector, working with various populations providing counseling services, support, resources, information, and linkages to services that they need. Alyssa also served as a youth leader, providing faith, unity, and love to the ministry and youth in the community. Alyssa founded the 501 ©3 nonprofit organization the Life Equip Group in August 2016. Alyssa’s motivation behind the creation of The Life Equip Group Inc is her journey to overcoming the various challenges of life by designing and living her desired level of success. Alyssa has been honored and received awards for her volunteer efforts from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and various organizations she has worked with. Alyssa is currently employed as a Client Care Coordinator at Women In Need. Alyssa is a Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Eta Nu Sigma Chapter, where she serves on the fundraiser committee and community service committee.  Alyssa’s objective is to encourage independence, individuality, and success that isn’t defined by anyone else but the person working towards it.

   Shanequa Moore, LMSW is the founder and CEO of iRaise Girls and Boys International Corporation, and is a current NASW-NYC Chapter Board Member-at-Large. A Bronx-native, Shanequa has a passion for serving impoverished children that is evident in her extensive professional and personal history and her many community-oriented achievements. Shanequa has always known her purpose in life, even at the early age of 14 years old, when she became a Caseworker Aide at the Family Support System and suddenly saw her life’s calling illuminating a career pathway ahead of her. Ever since that moment, she has been dedicated to creating opportunities in her community, lifting up young people out of poverty, and empowering local leaders to build a brighter future for the most disadvantaged families in their neighborhoods. In 2012, she created iRaise as a mentoring program for girls ages 9-18. In 2013, the organization transformed into it's present-day program that has been able to provide services to more than 7,500 children and families since its inception, expanding its services in new schools and communities including the south Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Shanequa Moore’s visionary leadership is not only inspiring but also critical for children and parents alike in our community and citywide, as only a person with truly authentic passion and a deep understanding of the issues affecting our kids today is capable of building the next generation of problem solvers and civic change makers.