ABOUT US
The Ladies of Hope Ministries is working to end the crisis of poverty and incarceration of women and girls. We offer safe housing, reentry support, and advocacy programs that are grounded in the lived experiences, insights, and ideas of people with direct, lived experience with the criminal justice system. The LOHM was founded, and is led, operated by, and serves primarily women of color who understand the value and importance of new approaches to addressing behaviors that may arise as responses to trauma and violence.
The women we meet every day have a variety of service needs that range from basic survival such as safe shelter and food, employment and long-term sustainability in the community, and spiritual and existential needs.
Our Vision is EPIC – Ending Poverty and Incarceration of Women and Girls – and we address this crisis through our interrelated core mission program areas:
Sustainability
Hope House
Angel Food Delivery Service
Pathways 4 Equity
Advocacy & Engagement
EPIC Ambassadors/PPAP
Faces of Women Imprisoned
The Staff and Board of Directors
LOHM understands the value of proximate leadership. Our core team includes formerly incarcerated leaders and others with first-hand lived experience in the fields in which we work.
We pair this lived experience with technical and professional expertise, allowing us to address structural inequities that prevent the advancement of solutions developed by people closest to the communities being served.
Our staff's strong networks in their respective fields have allowed the LOHM to have an outsized impact with a small team.
We are entrepreneurs. At our core, we believe that reducing barriers and creating opportunities are often the most direct path towards true self-sufficiency and independence.
We are unstoppable. The barriers that our participants face can seem insurmountably high, but our staff model success and demonstrate what is possible when we pair access to opportunity with commitment and perseverance
THE LOHM STAFF
Keyara Menefee
Angel Food Coordinator
Keyara Menefee is the AFP Coordinator working with The Ladies of Hope Ministries to uplift the lives of formerly incarcerated women ellipsis and fight food insecurity for system impacted New Yorkers. Keyara interned with Justice Andrea Masley of the New York Supreme Court. Keyara is a budding artist and activist from Brooklyn.
THE LOHM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Eleanor Moody Shepherd
Faith Leach
Isabel Wilkinson
Keia Clarke
Linda White Andrews
Michelle Marcellus
Toney Earl, Jr.
Topeka K. Sam Executive Director
Sheronda Patton Angel Food Project Program Manager
Sheronda Patton is a Kansas native who advocates for social change. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Kansas. While there, Sheronda worked as a counselor specializing in suicide pervention. She has been a coordinator for community development programs focused on wellbeing for over four years. Sheronda helped run a program across the five boroughs that teaches social and emotional learning through sports, predominantly to girls of color. She also led a NYC Services Youth Leadership Council and assisted high school girls with their Human Trafficking Awareness project. Many of the youth Sheronda worked with were impacted by the system and it was evident that their ability to focus was hindered because of it.
Incarceration has plagued Sheronda’s community and family, but it motivates her to fight the good fight. She is passionate about the work at The Ladies of Hope Ministries because it is purposeful. Sheronda oversees all Angel Food Project (AFP) programming including planning, strategizing, development and distribution of free groceries from program partners to the people AFP serves. Sheronda is passionate about having a positive influence in all endeavors. She is inspired everyday by the women she works with and the mission of AFP.
Staff FACTS:
What is your life motto?
Never conform.
What brings you joy?
Seeing people smile and laugh. It fulfills me.
Patricia Lewis Director, Faces of Women Imprisoned & Program Associate, PPAP
At the age of sixteen, Trish and her God-sister enlisted in the United States Army. A year later, they found themselves at bootcamp, taking orders and marching in formation like cattle. They had sacrificed their own freedom, to fight for the freedom of others. In 2004, Trish’s God-sister was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq and killed by a vehicle explosive device. In 2005, heartbroken and petrified, Trish was deployed to the exact same base camp. Living each day like it was her last (literally) changed her perspective on life and the world around her. She spent her 21st birthday in Iraq dodging bombs and bullets, contemplating her desire to help others and better herself.
When Trish returned home, she struggled to adjust to unstructured, civilian life - similar to those reintegrating after incarceration. She joined the police force, but realized that the systemic problems ran deeper than her job ensuring community safety on the streets. When Trish took people to jail, she saw that they were shoved, forced to shuffle in formation and take orders. It was reminiscent of her time in the service. She began to grasp the similarities between the military industrial complex and the prison industrial complex. She quit the force and dove into the world of politics. Trish worked as the Campaign Manager for Robert Kelly for the City of South Fulton, GA. She discovered that she could utilize her writing skills to make more significant change within the system. Trish went on to receive her B.A. in Business Mgt. from Fordham University, and a double MBA in Business Administration and International Business with a Certification in Global Leadership from Georgia State University and Sorbonne Business School - IAE de Paris, France.
Today, Trish writes business plans for minority and small businesses, creates proposals for city councilmen, and designs programs for reform within the justice system. Trish strives to enhance the lives of those who, like her, have been impacted by the justice system. She believes that the LOHM is the first of its kind to address the needs of returning citizens on a multifaceted level. Her work at the organization revolves around reducing recidivism and bolstering community healing.
Staff FACTS:
What tools do you use for healing?
Love, Prayer, music, meditation, vacations
What is your life motto?
Anger is acidic. Joy is alkaline. Stress drains, faith energizes
Karen Dickson-Morrison National Advocate
In 2014, Karen discovered her passion for justice upon learning her dear friend was serving life in prison for a first-time, nonviolent drug offense. She advocated for his release and in 2016, President Obama granted him clemency. To this day, a myriad of men and women have been released due to Karen’s dedication and service. Karen is a staunch advocate for people serving lengthy sentences in federal and state prisons.
Karen works as a Data Analyst for the Parole and Probation Accountability Project. She researches how to retroactively reinstate parole in Virginia and Fishback legislation, and assists with Compassionate Release through the First Step Act for people on the federal level.
Karen is a notable research specialist and writer. She wrote articles for the online publication, Gotham City Esq., that captured media attention and inspired people to get involved in reform efforts.
Her articles include:
- Juveniles in Prison for Life? The Supreme Court Ruling and Second Chances.
- Missouri Sets Date to Execute Marcellus Williams; DNA Evidence Casts Doubt on His Guilt.
- Cyntoia Brown and Juvenile Justice; Child Sex Victim Serving Life for Murder.
- Something’s Gotta Give: Thousands of Women Serve Decades in Prison, which featured the story of Ms. Alice Johnson fight for freedom.
She is currently pursuing her dreams of becoming a lawyer and plans to apply for law school in 2020. Karen wants to help more women reunite with their families and children.
Staff FACTS
What is your life motto?
Education is the key that unlocks the door to life
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why?
I would love to live in Bali. I fell in love with Bali after watching Eat, Pray, Love.
Kate Emmons Research and Communications Manager
Kate has a passion for gender empowerment and equity that has taken her across the globe. In South Africa, she conducted research on gender based violence and the gaps between government policies and community needs. In Thailand, she published findings on the impact globalization and neoliberalism have had on the country’s sex industry. While there, she worked for an organization that supports stateless individuals and aspires to eradicate the trafficking of girls. With the help of a translator, Kate wrote stories about youth in their anti-trafficking shelter along with hill tribe women. She also co-authored reports regarding the organization’s programming for their partner, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Before coming to The Ladies of Hope Ministries, Kate interned with the California based prison reform organization, #cut50. Kate researched and produced a report on their “Dignity for Incarcerated Women” campaign. While in college at the University of Redlands, Kate participated in a partnership program with the San Bernardino Juvenile Hall. Through the program she tutored incarcerated, teenage males on a weekly basis for two years. This last year, Kate advocated tirelessly for the release of her friend from prison in Japan. These experiences solidified her commitment to criminal justice reform. Kate is overjoyed to join the intelligent and kind-hearted staff at The Ladies of Hope Ministries.
Staff FACTS
What tools do you use for healing?
Writing music, singing, working out and spending time with friends.
What podcast, tv show or book should everyone seek out?
Pod Save the People, Code Switch, and The Daily are all very informative. The Moth is a fun podcast to turn on when you’re in the mood for stories.
Lil-T. Nickelson Finance Coordinator
Lil Nickelson is the Finance Coordinator for The Ladies of Hope Ministries. Lil is a seasoned accountant and finance professional that has worked for international corporations, boutique consulting firms, nonprofit organizations and small businesses.
Amongst other things, Lil has a passion for finance and food. Given her diverse interests, she has spoken publicly at an array of events. In 2016, she presented a workshop for Just Food’s 2016 Annual Conference titled “Healthy Living in Our Golden Years.” In 2018, Lil contributed to the Wellness Dialogue presentation at Columbia University’s Faculty House. For eight years, she spoke at the Reuters America new sales hire orientations regarding monthly sales commission payments.
Lil is excited to be making the world a better place as a member of The LOHM. She has been personally impacted by incarcerated through her loved ones and friends who have served time. Lil continues to love, support and encourage them.
Staff FACTS:
What should people know about you?
I love to write. I also love to cook spectacular meals and share them with people I know as well as total strangers.
What tools do you use for healing?
I use my faith in God. I read the bible and try to apply God’s principles in my daily walk. By human nature I’m an eye for an eye type of person, but by reading and meditating on God’s word, the holy spirit is helping me to become more like Jesus.
Richard Yao Chief Financial Officer
Richard Yao is a business management consulting professional with twenty years of experience working in and with corporations, not-for-profits and government agencies. He recently held the position of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at an $80M housing and human services agency in Bronx, NY. Richard’s prior experience includes the position of increasing leadership at MasterCard International and American Express, as well as economic and community development leadership roles in the local governments of New Haven and Bridgeport, CT. Since 2001, Richard has focused his work on social causes within mission driven not-for-profits. Some of the agencies he has worked with include: National Association on Drug Abuse Problems, African American Planning Commission, Fitzgerald House, Urban Health Plan, NYC Economic Development Corporation, Flushing BID, CAIPA, Centerlight Health System, ParCare Health Network, Mimsi International, 100 Hispanic Women, Tide Foundation, American Lung Association, and International Treatment Preparedness Coalition.
Richard serves as the Development Consultant for The Ladies of Hope Ministries. For Richard, there is satisfaction in seeing real lives changed. This was one of the main reasons why he was compelled to help further the reach of The LOHM.
Staff FACTS:
What podcast should everyone check out?
Anything on Radiolab
What brings you joy?
Being around people that I love, care about, respect or find fascinating.
Dr. Valrie Fowler Chief Operation Officer
Dr. Fowlerserved as the Chief Operating Officer at the Brooklyn Community Bail Fund, a nonprofitcharitable bail fund and, prior to the Bail Fund, wasthe Chief of Staff for JustLeadershipUSA, where sheled the development of infrastructure and supported the unprecedented growth of the organization. Dr. Fowler has worked in the field of criminal justice reform and substance use for over two decades, with a demonstrated history in nonprofit operations, management, clinical supervision, and project coordination. She has served in the capacity of clinical director for both residential and outpatient programs, including Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) and Community Release Corrections programs. Her work focuses on substance use and providing trauma-informed care to individuals impacted by incarceration.
Dr. Fowler earned her PhD in Social Welfare from The City University of New York Graduate Center and her Masters in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has served as an Adjunct Faculty member at both Touro College School of Social Work and The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.
Dr. Valrie Fowler Chief Operation Officer
Dr. Fowlerserved as the Chief Operating Officer at the Brooklyn Community Bail Fund, a nonprofitcharitable bail fund and, prior to the Bail Fund, wasthe Chief of Staff for JustLeadershipUSA, where sheled the development of infrastructure and supported the unprecedented growth of the organization. Dr. Fowler has worked in the field of criminal justice reform and substance use for over two decades, with a demonstrated history in nonprofit operations, management, clinical supervision, and project coordination. She has served in the capacity of clinical director for both residential and outpatient programs, including Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) and Community Release Corrections programs. Her work focuses on substance use and providing trauma-informed care to individuals impacted by incarceration.
Dr. Fowler earned her PhD in Social Welfare from The City University of New York Graduate Center and her Masters in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has served as an Adjunct Faculty member at both Touro College School of Social Work and The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.
Faith Leach Chief of Staff, JPMorgan Chase & Co. Foundation
Faith Leach is the Chief of Staff at the JPMorgan Chase & Co. Foundation, a global leader dedicated to driving inclusive economic growth in communities worldwide. The JPMorgan Chase & Co. Foundation made a commitment in January 2018 to invest $1.75B over the next five years to strengthen workforce systems, revitalize neighborhoods, grow small businesses, and improve the financial health of individuals. Faith also supports the JPMorgan Policy Center in advocating for federal and state policy changes to remove barriers to employment for individuals with criminal backgrounds.
Faith has spent the past decade working to address key drivers of economic inequality experienced by vulnerable populations in cities across the country. Prior to joining JPMorgan Chase & Co., Faith served as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity under DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, where she provided strategic oversight and direction to a cluster of government agencies focused on connecting residents in overlooked and underserved neighborhoods with jobs and skills training, growing local entrepreneurs and promoting equitable, community centered economic development in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods. While in the Mayor’s office, Faith led efforts to combat an uptick in community violence, and was instrumental in developing the ASPIRE to Entrepreneurship Program - the city’s effort to promote and support returning citizen entrepreneurship.
Experiencing first-hand the destabilizing impact of growing up with two incarcerated parents, Faith leverages her experience to advocate for formerly incarcerated women and children with incarcerated parents. She serves on the Board of the Ladies of Hope Ministries (NY) and is an Emerging Philanthropist with the Women’s Prison Association (NY). Faith is also an Ambassador with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Luis Ramos Accountant
Throughout his professional career he's paid close attention to data and created personalized plans to optimize the workflow of financial departments. He realized how often data is overlooked when it comes to financial management and is focused on using his expertise to find the data you need to make your company an industry leader.
How do you unwind?
I play chess, usually online, to offset any stress
What is your life motto?
"Don't worry, be happy"
Christopher Michael Personal Assistant to the Executive Director
Christopher provides hands on support to the Executive Director to ensure her life runs seamlessly. This includes running personal errands, managing social media, and providing styling and makeup services.
Christopher Michael is no stranger to creating fabulous head-to-toe looks for the world to see. Invoking the fierce within, whether it’s an alluring smoky eye, contoured cheekbones or a show-stopping ensemble, Christopher will help anyone achieve an award winning look. He tailors his client metamorphosis to their personal needs. Christopher has worked with other A-List celebrities such as: Kimora Lee Simmons, Beyonce, Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, Alicia Silverstone, Bernadette Peters, Tiffany Thiessan, Jane Lauder, Kevin Spacey, Russell Simmons, Dr. Oz, Djimon Honsou and the late Heath Ledger. He has also worked with noted fashion publications such as: Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, In Style, Hamptons, LA Confidential, Glamour, People, Italian Vogue, Elle, W Magazine, and Vanity Fair.
When it comes to image transformation, Christopher Michael lives by the phrase, “When you look better, you feel better and when you feel better, you do better!" Inspired by the mission of The LOHM, and the belief that your past doesn’t dictate your future, Christopher is eager to support women in not only fulfilling their purpose but looking their best while doing so.
What is your life motto?
My Motto is “Treat Others like I want to be treated”
What rules do you live by when choosing an outfit?
1. When in doubt or in a rush, wear all one color.
2. A tailor can and should be your best friend.
3. It’s easier to “stay ready, than get ready.”
Whitney Miller Agency Administrative Assistant
Whitney was born into a family that valued standing up against injustice no matter how impossible the odds may seem. Her grandfather Arnold Miller grew up in an impoverished coal company town in West Virginia and began working in the coal mines at an early age, eventually dropping out of school in 8th grade because his family needed the money and he couldn’t go to school in the rags that were his only clothes. He went on to become a tireless champion for labor rights and fought against the coal companies for many years before becoming president of the United Mine Workers of America and getting legislation passed that would give American laborers democratic rights, better safety standards, and compensation for black lung victims. Whitney grew up inspired by his legacy and by The Autobiography of Malcolm X, which motivated her to join the fight for social justice. After graduating from college with a degree in English, Whitney used her background in journalism and museum education to join AmeriCorps and create programs for under-served families in inner-city Providence, RI - first at The Providence Children’s Museum, and later at The Roger Williams Park Zoo. She later served a term in VISTA teaching at an ESOL charter school in Central Falls, RI. Working with these populations in urban Rhode Island, Whitney learned about the crushing impact incarceration had on the families she served. Whitney now lives in South Carolina with her husband and two young sons and is ecstatic to join the warm and wonderful team at The Ladies of Hope Ministries and to assist in the very important work they do.
What podcast, tv show, or book should everyone check out?
Better Call Saul is one of the best shows I’ve ever seen – it’s rich with humor and explorations of humanity and what the law means to us. It’s a prequel to Breaking Bad but I didn’t watch it and you don’t need to have seen that show to enjoy Better Call Saul.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why?
I would say Israel, specifically Jerusalem. I lived there in 2005 as an exchange student in a grad program and it is an intoxicating place, so complex in every way – socially, politically, religiously, culturally. I feel like I could study the country of Israel forever and never be done learning about it.
Tahira West
Tahira West is joyfully audacious, unapologetically herself, intellectually curious, a genuine lover of all people, and an intuitive visionary focused on tackling uncomfortable social issues. Tahira was educated in Trinidad and Tobago, and immigrated with her mother when she was 12 years old. She pursued degrees in education and now focuses on curriculum and team building as well as grant writing with her own company, T.West Consulting LLC. When Tahira isn’t working you can find her reading voraciously with her daughter, and getting lost in the concrete jungle of NYC or the woods in Bergen County.
Tahira’s first teaching opportunity was with formerly incarcerated youth who chose to earn their GED. Their willingness to learn was expected but their tenacity and fortitude was inspiring because educators in their past failed them repeatedly, incarceration wasn’t helpful to their academic growth and their home life sometimes wasn’t conducive to personal growth. Of her 45 enrolled students, 43 passed the GED on their first attempt, and it was just a continued testament of their will.
What podcast, tv show or book should everyone check out?
1. American Crime is a show that has every aspect of human emotions you can think of. It’s a show told from the perspective of marginalized people juxtaposed to someone who has far more privilege than they do. It’s a show that makes me think, it sits with your soul long after it’s over and it brings the experience of someone who may not be on your refer to the forefront of your thoughts.
How do you unwind?
2. Yoga and taking very long walks is my grounding tool. I am always looking for a strong work/life balance and I prioritize making time to get on my yoga mat and take a minimum of a 60 minute walk daily. Both of these activities lower my heart rate, clear my mind and add value to hectic days.
Karen Dickson-Morrison EPIC Program Director
In 2014, Karen discovered her passion for justice upon learning her dear friend was serving life in prison for a first-time, nonviolent drug offense. She advocated for his release and in 2016, President Obama granted him clemency. To this day, a myriad of men and women have been released due to Karen’s dedication and service. Karen is a staunch advocate for people serving lengthy sentences in federal and state prisons.
Karen works as a Data Analyst for the Parole and Probation Accountability Project. She researches how to retroactively reinstate parole in Virginia and Fishback legislation, and assists with Compassionate Release through the First Step Act for people on the federal level.
Karen is a notable research specialist and writer. She wrote articles for the online publication, Gotham City Esq., that captured media attention and inspired people to get involved in reform efforts.
Her articles include:
- Juveniles in Prison for Life? The Supreme Court Ruling and Second Chances.
- Missouri Sets Date to Execute Marcellus Williams; DNA Evidence Casts Doubt on His Guilt.
- Cyntoia Brown and Juvenile Justice; Child Sex Victim Serving Life for Murder.
- Something’s Gotta Give: Thousands of Women Serve Decades in Prison, which featured the story of Ms. Alice Johnson fight for freedom.
She is currently pursuing her dreams of becoming a lawyer and plans to apply for law school in 2020. Karen wants to help more women reunite with their families and children.
Staff FACTS
What is your life motto?
Education is the key that unlocks the door to life
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why?
I would love to live in Bali. I fell in love with Bali after watching Eat, Pray, Love.
Naquasia Pollard Hope House NY Program Coordinator
Naquasia Pollard is an advocate, activist and direct service provider. She has been deeply involved in movements for social justice drawing upon her own experience – 15 years of incarceration in a Women’s Correctional Facility at the age of 19 and being pregnant on Rikers Island (Rosie M. Singer). Upon her release in October 2017 she went to work at the Ladies of Hope Ministries where she utilized her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Minor in Psychology, earned in prison, to support women impacted by incarceration. Her personal and professional goals are connected to her own experiences with systems that were supposed to support her but instead have failed her. As a result, Naquasia is deeply committed to supporting women and girls impacted by systemic failures.
While working at the Ladies of Hope Ministries, Naquasia became more involved in advocacy and direct services for women and young girls using a trauma-centered approach to support them in their journey towards healing and restoration. Recently, Naquasia founded Pure Legacee Inc, an organization that seeks to provide a residential space for young adults who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system, and girls that are aging out of foster care and are experiencing chronic homelessness. In addition, Naquasia is a part of the Beyond Rosies campaign and Herstories documentary. Naquasia was a part of the Probation and Parole Reform Project with Columbia University, and worked with the Faces of Women Imprisoned Speakers Bureau to lift the voices of formerly incarcerated people as agents of change.
Naquasia has been interviewed by the New York Times for her efforts to end mass incarceration and her involvement with criminal justice reform and has been featured on Metro Focus for her advocacy to close Rosie M Singer on Rikers Island. She is an alumnus of Women Influencing Systems and History through Community College Fellowship to train women to be organizers and advocate against mass incarceration.
Naquasia is currently the Hope House NYC Coordinator. She oversees the intake process and programming. Naquasia strives to create a community in the home and provide the house guests with the tools they need to heal and excel independently.
Who is your favorite artist to listen to?
Cardi B.
What should people know about you?
People should know that I’m a work in progress.
Ebony Young Chief Operating Officer
Ebony Young is the Chief Operations Officer of the Ladies of Hope Ministries. She is charged with organizing, facilitating, and operating programming to the highest efficiency levels within the organization. She does this with the leading of mission first, so that every woman in all of our programs comes out on top, feels valued, and prepared to conquer any challenge that comes their way. She has spent over 18 years in the nonprofit space as an Executive leader and two years in the for-profit space working as a Corporate Social Responsibility VP.
Ebony received her Bachelor of Science in Communications-Rad/TV/Film, from Indiana State University and is also a graduate of Indiana Tech where she received her Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership.
After graduation Ebony launched her career in Indianapolis specializing in sales as an Account Executive for Emmis Communications. She then found her passion in working with communities at the YMCA. Ebony served as a YMCA leader with various roles including programming and Executive leadership serving Y-USA, Indiana and New York City Y’s for a combined total of Eighteen years. It was in this capacity that she designed several innovative community models that would lead her to her current role. Giving back to community with confidence, passion, and innovation has led her to be a true communal builder, connector and educator.
Ebony is also a motivational speaker and certified life coach. “I will forever stay true to the compassion, empathy, and listening skills it takes to change the world” Ebony resides in New York City with her husband and three children.
Amber Knee Director of Sustainability
Amber Knee is an urban planner and the Director of Sustainability with the Ladies of Hope Ministries (LOHM). Prior to LOHM, she served as a Senior Project Manager at the New York City Department of Transportation, where she managed her unit's federal funding applications and large-scale planning projects that advanced active transportation and improved neighborhood connectivity.
Amber previously served as the Philadelphia LandCare program manager at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), which oversees the largest vacant land management program in the United States. In this role, she cultivated partnerships with for-profit, non-profit, and city stakeholders to advance social mobility opportunities and increase public health and safety in neighborhoods around Philadelphia. She also led strategic planning processes and the advancement of new program initiatives, including developing a re-entry training program that connects formerly incarcerated individuals with jobs in the green industry.
Ms. Knee holds an M.C.P. from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.S. in Landscape Design from Columbia University. Her graduate work focused primarily on vacant land reuse and increasing public health in urban areas through planning and design interventions.
Tamara Rochell Forrest MBA, SHRM-SCP
Tamara Forrest was born and raised in Baltimore, an environment where incarceration could be considered a right of passage. Family and friends built an ecosystem where raising bail money, paying for a lawyer, being present for trial, sending letters, money orders, and packages was normal. As the youngest of three, and the only girl, Tamara gave the federal corrections system 20 years of her life, but from the outside. Knowing that it could have been her behind bars drives her in this work.
Tamara joins the The LOHM team as the HR Project Manager. She leverages past experience and understanding of business needs related to efficient HR processes, procedures and systems to innovatively propose and implement best practices.
The passion and energy exuded by The LOHM leadership team hooked Tamara from day one. After learning about the mission, Tamara realized that she too is an impacted woman. Tamara’s experience at The LOHM is the beginning of her journey in forming a solid foundation from which she can stand, learn, grow and give back.
What song/artist are you listening to most?
Jill Scott is my absolute favorite
What rules do you live by when choosing an outfit?
Cute and comfy with a dash of NYC flavor. When in doubt, wear black.
Katharine Nephew
Katharine Nephew, LCSW is a criminal justice reform advocate, producer and clinician who has worked in crisis settings for over two decades in NYC. Her clinical and management experience includes foster care, criminal justice, prisons, and trauma units of hospitals. In her work with “ Justory, LLC” which she founded in 2019, she presents holistic backgrounds to the federal courts while serving as a mitigation specialist for the defense and creates original events like " The Mockingbird Project". She consults with non-profits to produce and develop creative projects that aim to create awareness and action towards societal change. Her partners include but are not limited to The unPrison Project, Liberated People, The Innocence Project and Ladies of Hope Ministries. Recently, Katharine worked as a producer on the documentary, Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America. Katharine is honored to work with Topeka K. Sam and The LOHM as a Clinical Manager to support both the clients and staff as they grow to support women in all facets of life.
What inspires you?
I’ve been particularly inspired by directly impacted youth activists like Vidal Guzman who have used Instagram to get people in the streets to fight for change and most recently end qualified immunity through @endqiny.
What should people know about you?
I love documentaries and vintage clothing.
Keyara Menefee Angel Food Coordinator
Keyara Menefee is the AFP Coordinator working with The Ladies of Hope Ministries to uplift the lives of formerly incarcerated women ellipsis and fight food insecurity for system impacted New Yorkers. Keyara interned with Justice Andrea Masley of the New York Supreme Court. Keyara is a budding artist and activist from Brooklyn.
M ICHELLE M .M ARCELLUS
Third Point LLC, New York, NY Director
Michelle Marcellus is Counsel at Third Point LLC. Michelle began her legal career at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP in the M&A/Private Equity group. Prior to law school, she was an associate at Ivy Asset Management LLC (a hedge fund of funds and subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon).
Michelle graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in finance from Adelphi University in 2007 and received a J.D. from Hofstra University in 2012.