School of Education Advisory Board

Emily R. Ades ’89, P’21, P’23
Forest Hills, NY

Emily Ades has devoted all her professional endeavors to the field of education and nonprofit management. Currently, she works as the inaugural Director of The Kinnect Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the fashion brand, Kith. She has more than 25 years of experience working as an educator, child and family advocate, public policy professional and nonprofit changemaker.

Starting her career as a tenured elementary school teacher in South Jamaica, Queens, since then she has served as an elected official for The NYC Community Education Council, Director of a non-profit after school program, and as the Co-founder and Curriculum Developer for an early childhood literacy program. She was an Associate Director of Portfolio Planning for Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s school reform initiative managing K-12 schools in Community School Districts across Queens and Staten Island. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy she was appointed to the Mayor’s Task Force as a community liaison with The School Construction Authority to rebuild schools and relocate displaced students.

Emily became the Executive Director of Education at The Rising Stars Youth Foundation building a program to provide educational access and equity to student athletes from historically under-resourced communities. In 2020, Emily founded IMPACT 100 NYC, where she envisions fostering a culture of communal giving, volunteering and learning by cultivating a community of women who want their philanthropic donations to do more and mean more. In 2021, her work was featured on NBC’s Today Show.

Emily holds a B.A. in Intercultural Communications from Syracuse University and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from New York University.

Gregory L. Allen ’72
Algonquin, IL

Gregory “Greg” Allen is a retired insurance executive who spent 33 years with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. He has served on numerous boards, including the Arizona Mental Health Association, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Northern Illinois University Business School’s Marketing Board, and the Liberty Mutual Advisory Board.

Allen graduated from Syracuse University in 1973 with a B.S. in television, radio, and film from Newhouse. He was a member of the Syracuse 8, a group of nine African American players on the 1969-70 football team who boycotted the team to protest inequities within the athletic program. In 2006, Allen and the Syracuse 8 were presented with the Chancellor’s Medal for Courage. Leveling the Playing Field is the title of the book published in 2015 about their story.

For Syracuse, Allen has served on the School of Education’s Advisory Board since 2009. He is a recipient of the LetterWinner of Distinction Award and the 2026 Zunic Award, and currently serves on the Center on Disability and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Allen and his spouse, Sirena Allen, have three children, and their granddaughter, Arianna Kuhn, graduated from Syracuse University in 2025 with a B.S. in biology from A&S. In February 2024, Greg Allen was on campus to speak with Athletics leaders and remained interested in advancing the idea of formalizing a student-athlete coaching program.

Marcia M. Baldanza, Ed.D., ’86 (Vice Chair)
Arlington, VA

Marcia Baldanza has led a distinguished career in public education, focusing on equity and access for under-resourced communities. A recognized school turnaround expert, she spent many years improving outcomes in Title I schools and was recognized for transforming school culture, fostering collaborative faculty learning, and advancing more equitable school funding. In October 2025, she joined The George Washington University Hospital as a neurology research assistant and palliative care educator.

Marcia previously served as an assistant professor at Marymount University and an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech’s Graduate School of Education. She also worked as a senior consultant at Just ASK Publications & Professional Development. She retired in 2015 from the School District of Palm Beach County in Florida, where she served as an area director for school reform and accountability. Previously, she served as a principal in school districts in Florida, Texas, Virginia, and El Salvador. She currently serves as president of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras’ board of directors.

Marcia graduated from Syracuse University in 1986 with a B.S. in special education from the School of Education. She earned an M.S. in educational policy from the University of North Texas and a doctorate in educational policy and administration from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. In 2020, Marcia and her late husband, Ben, established the Baldanza Fund for Excellence in Education Policy in Practice at Syracuse University, which supports placing diverse teaching candidates in local school districts to help underrepresented students learn and grow. Marcia serves as Vice Chair of the School of Education Advisory Board and Chair of the Center on Disability and Inclusion Advisory Committee. She is currently pursuing a palliative care certificate at the University of Maryland-Baltimore.

Nkenge A. Bergan, Ph.D., ’95
Kalamazoo, MI

Nkenge [Jackson] Bergan, Ph.D., has served as Associate Vice President at Kalamazoo Valley Community College since September 2021. Previously, she was Director of Student Services for Kalamazoo Public Schools, supporting more than 13,000 students and their families. Under her leadership, the district secured a $1 million grant to establish a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Professional Development Center. She also served as a middle school principal in the Lakeview School District and has more than 30 years of experience in education and student-centered leadership.

Bergan earned a B.S. in Inclusive Elementary Education from Syracuse University, an M.A. in Educational Leadership and Administration from Western Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration from Western Michigan University. While at Syracuse, she was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

A dedicated Syracuse alumna and volunteer leader, Bergan was featured in the Syracuse University School of Education’s Alumni Spotlight series and serves on the School of Education’s Advisory Board and the Center on Disability and Inclusion Advisory Committee. She has supported the Delta Sigma Theta Endowed Scholarship Fund, the Kevin Richardson Endowed Scholarship, and the School of Education.

Arthur S. Bloom ’71, G’72
Scarsdale, NY

Arthur “Art” Bloom is an area administrator for American Council for International Studies, an educational service that offers study abroad programs in 20 countries around the globe. He retired from teaching biology after 28 years with the Scarsdale Public School system.

Art is a 1971 graduate of Syracuse University having earned a B.S. in zoology from the College of Arts & Sciences. In 1972, he earned an M.S. in science education from the School of Education. In addition, he earned a CAS from Columbia University in 1979 and an M.S. in science education and educational administration from Pace University in 1986.

Art and his wife, Janet “Jan” Stenza Bloom, are world travelers. She is a graduate of New York University and was a former marketing professional in publishing.

For Syracuse, Art has been a member of the School of Education Advisory Board since 2018 and is a member of the Study Away Advisory Committee.  In 2016, Art made a $100,000 planned gift commitment to establish the Arthur Bloom Endowed Scholarship in Science Education.

Meredith H. Bonham G’19
Columbus, OH

Meredith Harper Bonham is a director and education sector lead at Stanton Chase, an executive search firm and leadership consultancy, where she focuses on higher education as part of the firm’s social impact practice. Prior to joining Stanton Chase in 2024, she served as managing director at BeecherHill executive search firm. Previously, Meredith was vice president for student affairs at Kenyon College in Ohio, where she led an organizational restructuring for more than 120 staff.

Meredith began her career at Hamilton College, where she served as chief of staff to the president and secretary to the Board of Trustees, coordinating executive-level decision-making and cabinet-level searches.

A resident of Columbus, Ohio, Meredith serves on the boards of Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library and Huckleberry House. She holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Syracuse University, a master’s in administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University, and a bachelor’s degree in history from Kenyon College.

For Syracuse, Meredith joined the School of Education Advisory Board in January 2025 and serves as a member of the Center for Experiential Pedagogy and Practice Advisory Committee.

Frank R. Comfort ’67
Eagles Mere, PA

Frank Comfort retired as head swim coach for the University of North Carolina in 2007 after a career as one of the most respected college swimming coaches in the country. As the winningest college dual-meet coaches in collegiate swimming history, his teams have won 565 career dual meets, including 303 while coaching men’s teams and 262 while coaching women’s teams. Before joining UNC in 1978, he spent nine years at Johns Hopkins University.

Frank is a 1967 graduate of Syracuse University, where he earned a dual B.S. in history and education. In retirement since 2007, he is an assistant boy’s basketball coach at Sullivan County High School. Frank and his brother Robert Comfort ’74 give an annual scholarship in honor of their mother Frances Meck ’40 Comfort in the School of Education.

Christopher H. DeVoe ’79, P’17
Jamesville, NY

Christopher “Chris” DeVoe has served as president and chief investment officer at Constellation Asset Management since 1996. Earlier in his career, he was chief investment officer at CL&B Capital Management, executive vice president of Capital Strategy Group, portfolio manager/investment manager of the Syracuse University Endowment Fund, and portfolio manager at Manning & Napier Advisors. DeVoe serves as a board member for the Food Bank of Central New York and has been board treasurer for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Syracuse since 2023.

He graduated from Syracuse University in 1979 with a B.S. in finance from Whitman and earned an MBA from the University of Rochester in 1980. For Syracuse, DeVoe has been a member of the School of Education Board of Visitors since 2014 and serves as Chair of the Center for Experiential Pedagogy and Practice Advisory Committee. In 2000, he established the Marie Rose Sarno and Christopher H. DeVoe Endowed Scholarship at the School of Education, which supports graduate students in teaching preparation programs.

Ruth E. Dunkle ’69, G’73, G’78
Jamesville, NY

Professor Ruth E. Dunkle is the Wilbur J. Cohen Collegiate Professor Emeritus of Social Work at the University of Michigan. Her research, teaching, and clinical practice focus on gerontology, including service delivery to older adults in various housing settings, the oldest old, coping and service delivery strategies, and racial and ethnic variations in caregiving.

She has served as a project co-director of the National Institute on Aging training program, Social Research Training on Applied Issues of Aging, and as co-director of the Geriatric Fellowship Program. She has also served as director of the Joint Doctoral Program in Social Work and Social Science and as associate dean for faculty affairs. She is the author of multiple books, including The Oldest Old, which examines future time perspective, coping strategies in later life, and approaches to improving quality of life among the oldest adults.

Dunkle earned three degrees from Syracuse University: a B.S. in Child and Family Studies in 1969 (Falk College, then Human Development), an M.S.W. in 1973 (Falk College, then Social Work), and a Ph.D. in 1978 from the Maxwell School in Social Science. She served on the Syracuse University School of Social Work Board from 1991–2002. In 2002, she was recognized by Syracuse University and the School of Social Work with the Outstanding Alumni Award.

Brent C. Elder G’14, G’16
Haddonfield, NJ

Brent Elder is an Associate Professor of Inclusive Education at Rowan University in New Jersey. His research and advocacy focus on community-based participatory research on disability rights. Specifically, he collaborates with stakeholders in the disability and Deaf communities to co-develop innovative practices that promote disability rights in schools and communities around the world.

Brent has worked on Deaf rights in Northern Ireland and on inclusive education initiatives through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), UNICEF, and Inclusive Development Partners in Ghana and Rwanda. His USAID work in Malawi ensures their country-wide early grade inclusive reading program infuses locally relevant inclusive education strategies, universal design for learning, and decolonizing methodologies. He has also worked on issues related to Deaf education in Cambodia, Malawi, and Nepal.

Brent earned bachelor’s degrees in Art History and Psychology,  as well as his M.Ed. in Special Education, from UC-Santa Barbara. He received certificates of advanced study in Disability Studies and Leadership in International and Non-Governmental Organizations in 2014 and graduated from Syracuse University in 2016 with a Ph.D. in Special Education. Completing his doctoral research through a Fulbright Scholarship in Western Kenya, Brent worked on the development of sustainable inclusive education practices through community-based participatory research approaches.

Autumn F. Figueroa ’04, G’06
Brooklyn, NY

Autumn Figueroa joined the Center for Educational Innovation (CEI) as an educational consultant and change agent in September 2024.  CEI works directly with school leaders, teachers, students, and families to create high performing schools in under-resourced communities in New York City’s public school system.  Prior to joining CEI, she was an educational consultant at Teaching Matters, a teacher development non-profit committed to increasing teacher effectiveness.
 
Autumn is also a founding board member and chair of Impact 100 NYC, a philanthropic group of women collectively giving to smaller organizations, across New York, who work to make an impact on the larger community. Since its launch in March 2020, they have awarded more than $1,000,000 in grants, including eight $100,000 Innovation Grants, to NYC nonprofits whose work changes lives and strengthens communities.
 
Autumn earned a B.S. in both education and international relations from Syracuse University in 2004. She went on to pilot the SU Abroad Program in Chile, South America in late 2004 and returned to SU to complete an M.S. in childhood education in 2006. During her time as a graduate student, Autumn worked for the Office of Judicial Affairs.

For Syracuse, Autumn joined the School of Education Advisory Board in July 2023.  She also serves on the Study Away Advisory Committee.

Stacy C. Helfstein ’98, P’28
New York, NY

Stacy is the chair of the board of NAMI-NYC (National Association on Mental Illness). Stacy sits on the Center for Hearing and Communication Board of Directors. She is actively involved in UJA Federation of New York and sits on their Manhattan Women’s Leadership Board.

Stacy graduated from Syracuse University in 1998 with a B.S. from Falk (formally Social Work) and majored in social work. She graduated from Columbia University in 1999 with an M.S.W. and majored in social work with a concentration in health and mental health. After graduating from Columbia, she worked at the Jewish Guild for the Blind’s Continuing Day Treatment Center.

For Syracuse University, in 2020 Stacy created the Sunflower Scholarship to be awarded each year to an undergraduate social work student and is a current member of the School of Education Advisory Board.

Stacy resides in NYC with her husband Jason ’97 (Whitman/Newhouse) and their children, Noah and Talia ’28 (Education).

Sharon H. Jacquet ’72, P’03
Jupiter, FL

Sharon Haines Jacquet is an emeritus board member and vice chairman of JPMorgan Private Bank, where she leads a specialized team serving corporate executives and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. From 1992 to 1999, she was an investment banker in the Equity Capital Markets Group of JPMorgan Securities Inc. Earlier in her career, Sharon spent more than 16 years at Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., including nine years in Montreal, where she was responsible for Eurobond new issues for Canadian corporate and government entities. In 2014, the Financial Times named her one of the Top 100 Women Financial Advisors.

Sharon graduated from Syracuse University in 1972 with a B.S. degree from the School of Education, where she majored in elementary education. She is a Life Trustee and Lifetime Advisory Member of the School of Education Advisory Board. In 2017, she established the Sharon Haines Jacquet Endowed Scholarship to provide financial support to School of Education undergraduates, with preference given to students studying special education. She also named the Sharon Haines Jacquet Education Commons, an event and meeting space in Huntington Hall.

Elyse Spector Kalmans
Bellaire, TX

Elyse is currently the Southwest Region Vice-Chair of the Anti-Defamation League; the Capital Campaign Chair of Congregation Emanu El, where she received the Congregant of the Year Award in 2020, the Chair Elect of the Holocaust Museum Houston Board of Advisors; and the Founding Board Chair of Undies for Everyone. She is also a board member at Goldberg Montessori School; Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, where she received the Barbara Falik Young Leadership Award in 2010; the Junior Leagues of Houston; The Kinkaid School; and National Charity League, Bayou Villages Chapter.

Elyse most recently worked at Jewish Family Service as career services director, where she assisted unemployed clients with job search preparation and worked with businesses to fill open positions. Prior to joining the JFS staff, she owned a public relations and marketing firm. Elyse has also held various leadership roles at Enron, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Pillsbury Company.

Elyse earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brown University and a master’s degree in marketing and finance from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Elyse is the daughter of Andrew Spector ’66 (A&S/Maxwell) and Helen Warren Spector ’72 (Education). Her parents are actively involved with Syracuse University; Helen serves on the School of Education Board of Visitors and Andrew serves on the Hillel Board of Governors. Elyse also serves on the Study Away Advisory Committee.

Alice G. Kendrick ’70, G’79, G’93
Fayetteville, NY

Alice [Gray] Kendrick, Ed.D., retired as superintendent of the Jamesville-DeWitt Central Schools in 2018 after 40 years with the district, including 23 years as superintendent. She previously served as a high school teacher and administrator. In 2026, Alice received the William Pearson Tolley Medal for Adult Education and Lifelong Learning.

Alice is a 1970 graduate of Syracuse University, where she earned a B.A. in science education from both A&S and Education. She then earned an M.S. in pre-forestry from SUNY ESF before earning her doctorate in teaching and curriculum from the University in 1993. Alice also serves as a member of the Center for Experiential Pedagogy and Practice Advisory Committee.

Susan Kenney Spencer G’15
Syracuse, NY

Deborah A. Knoblock ’88, G’90 (Immediate Past Chair)
Kissimmee, FL

Deborah “Deb” Knoblock is the former head of school at Eastside Christian School in Marietta, GA, where she served from 2017 to 2020. She previously spent ten years at Mount Pisgah Christian School, beginning as a second-grade teacher and later serving as head of the lower school. She began her teaching career in the Florida public school system and was selected Teacher of the Year by her colleagues in the School District of Osceola County.

Deb graduated from Syracuse University in 1988 with a B.S. in elementary education and in 1990 with an M.S. in instructional design, development, and evaluation, both from the School of Education. She attended Stetson University from 1986 to 1988. Her husband, Stephen “Steve” Knoblock, is president and founder of God’s Present Ministries.

Deb recently concluded her service as chair of the School of Education Advisory Council and is a member of the Regional Council – Atlanta and the Center for Experiential Pedagogy and Practice advisory committee. In 2024, Deb and Steve committed to a $300,000 planned gift establishing the Deborah A. Knoblock and Stephen E. Knoblock Endowed Graduate Scholarship in Education. She also supports the John E. and Patricia A. Breyer Scholarship and the Dean’s Fund for Education. Her late father, John F. Breyer, was a Syracuse University Life Trustee and a member of the Eastside Christian School Advisory Board.

Raquel-Ann “Roxi” McNabb ’98, G’99, P’25
Queen Creek, AZ

Raquel-Ann “Roxi” [Nurse] McNabb is co-founder of the Caris Sports Foundation, which supports young athletes in Arizona. She is a public figure, philanthropist, basketball coach, and higher education leader. Roxi is married to her college sweetheart, Donovan McNabb ’98, one of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL during the first decade of the 21st Century. The McNabbs founded the Donovan McNabb Fund to support their charitable giving priorities.

A Syracuse University Trustee, Roxi is a 1998 graduate of Syracuse University, where she earned a B.S. in Physical Education from the School of Education. She also earned an M.P.A. from the Maxwell School. She is a native of Canada and was a two-time MVP for the Orange and 1997 Athlete of the Year.

Desiree A. Moore ’00, G’05
Baldwinsville, NY

Desiree [George] Moore is an instructional specialist in the Phoenix Central School District in Oswego County since 2018. As a teacher on special assignment (TOSA), she provides leadership in data analysis on a school-wide and classroom basis to inform instruction, as well as leads orientation for newly hired teachers. Desiree started teaching in 2000 at Phoenix while a earning her graduate degree at Syracuse University.

Desiree graduated from Syracuse University in 2000 with a B.S. in inclusive elementary and special education with a minor in psychology. She went on to complete an M.S. in cultural foundations of education in 2005, both from the School of Education.  In 2022, Desiree completed a Certificate of Advanced Study, educational leadership and administration at Le Moyne College.

For Syracuse, Desiree has been a member of the School of Education Advisory Board since January 2023. In addition, she serves on the Center for Experiential Pedagogy and Practice Committee.

Susan M. Oberwager
Bryn Mawr, PA

Susan is a clinical psychologist and has held numerous board positions, including as former chair of the board of trustees at the Gladwyne Montessori School and Morris Arboretum. In 2018, she became a trustee of the Shipley School, the first independent school in the nation to offer an entire curriculum based around the concept of Positive Education. All three divisions and support staff are trained to support students both academically and personally. Positive Education is based on the theory of Positive Psychology.

Susan is a graduate of Tufts University, where she earned a B.A. in psychology and sociology. She is married to Washburn “Burn” Oberwager ’68, who graduated with a B.S. from ECS, majoring in electrical engineering. Susan also serves as a member of the Center for Experiential Pedagogy and Practice Advisory Committee.

Julie J. Padilla, Ed.D., ’11, G’12 (Advisory Board Secretary)
Chittenango, NY

Julie Padilla is a Senior Manager of Student Success at Cengage Group, a licensed real estate salesperson, and an education and customer experience leader whose career spans more than a decade across education, school leadership, edtech, student success, and community engagement.

Julie began her career in the classroom as a social studies and literacy teacher working with at-risk youth ages 14–21. She later served as Assistant Principal at Rochdale Early Advantage Charter School in New York City before transitioning into edtech. Today, she leads work focused on improving the student experience, strengthening pathways to persistence, and helping learners successfully navigate their educational journeys.

Julie is a contributing author to Next in Line to Lead: The Voice of the Assistant Principal, 2nd Edition. She has served on the boards of LitWorld and Grace Outreach and has been recognized for her commitment to community service. In 2019, she was honored through the SmileDirectClub x New York Yankees Community Hero Spotlight, recognizing her contributions to her community.

A first-generation college graduate and proud Syracuse University alumna, Julie earned a dual B.A. in History and Social Studies Education in 2011, followed by master’s degrees in Literacy Education and School Building and School District Leadership. She later earned her Ed.D. from Northeastern University with a concentration in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership.

Julie remains deeply connected to higher education and the next generation of educators and leaders. She serves as Secretary of the School of Education Advisory Board and Chair of its Research Committee. She is also a member of the Study Away Advisory Committee, the Center on Disability and Inclusion Advisory Committee, and the Center for Experiential Pedagogy and Practice Advisory Committee.

Julie serves as Secretary of the School of Education Advisory Board and Chair of its Research Committee. She is also a member of the Study Away Advisory Committee, the Center on Disability and Inclusion Advisory Committee, and the Center for Experiential Pedagogy and Practice Advisory Committee.

Raphael T. Richard G’12
Baltimore, MD

Raphael Richard drives recruitment strategies and engaging programs that connect emerging and university talent with career opportunities at Cisco. While earning a B.A. in Urban Studies and Public Policy at Dillard University, he experienced educational and career benefits created by student leadership. Inspired by his HBCU experience in New Orleans during 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, he launched his professional career in diversity student affairs at Syracuse University. He received an M.S. in Higher Education from the School of Education.

During his higher education journey at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and Columbia University, Raphael designed, branded, and expanded social justice, intercultural, and dialogue initiatives. Realizing a niche for student advisement and passion for diversity recruitment, he spent four years managing a national diversity internship program for college students. Raphael helped more than 700 students secure internships at more than 40 media, entertainment, and tech companies, such as ViacomCBS, NBCUniversal, The New York Times, and Snap Inc.

To enhance equity in his coaching and recruiting style, Raphael completed a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion through the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. He is committed to making an impact through service, as a mentor with iMentor Baltimore City, a School of Education Advisory Board member, a Senior Fellow in the Melton Foundation, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Alice H. Rosen ’83, P’11
Centerport, NY

Alice Rosen ’83, P’11 is office manager at Bruce A. Rosen, CPA, P.C., where she is responsible for bookkeeping, event planning, research, and administration. Earlier in her career, she taught in a public school system.

Alice graduated from Syracuse University in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the School of Education and earned an MS in reading education from Long Island University. As a student, she was a class marshal and resident advisor. She currently serves as chair of the Study Away Advisory Committee.

Her husband, Bruce Rosen ’83, P’11, is the owner of Bruce A. Rosen, CPA, P.C. In 2025, Alice and Bruce established the Rosen Resolving Individual Student Emergency Endowed Fund (RISE), which provides financial assistance to students facing unexpected hardships that may jeopardize their ability to continue their education.

Their son, David Rosen ’11, G’12, graduated with a dual bachelor’s degree from the iSchool in information management and technology and from Whitman in finance. He also earned an M.S. degree in information management and a CAS in information innovation from the iSchool in 2012.

Tyrone R. Shaw ’10, G’12
Washington, DC

Tyrone has been a teacher for over ten years at McKinley Technology High School in Washington, D.C. He teaches world history, AP world history, and an elective focused on social justice/Holocaust and genocide studies. He has written world history curriculum for the District of Columbia Public Schools, where he also served as District Course Chair for World History I, leading professional development for 9th grade teachers. He is a 2010 Spector/Warren Fellow and completed the Echoes & Reflections Educational Journey through Poland with Yad Vashem. Tyrone is also a trainer for Echoes & Reflections, and a teacher leader for the OER World History Project.
 
Tyrone earned a dual B.S. in secondary education and political science, and an M.S. in cultural foundations of education from Syracuse University. He also serves on the Study Away Advisory Committee.

Helen W. Spector G’72
Houston, TX

Helen is an Emeritus board member and owner of Helen Warren Spector Antiques, a retail business that specializes in 18th and early 19th-century American painted furniture and folk art. She is also actively involved in the Houston community. Helen was formerly a sales manager at International Trade Company, which was established by her parents in 1950 and was second largest meat processing firm in the United States.

Helen graduated from Syracuse University in 1972. She earned a master’s from Education, where she majored in counseling and guidance. She also holds a degree from American University. She and her husband, Andrew “Andy” Spector ’66 (A&S/MAX), an investment executive, are the parents of two, including Elyse Spector Kalmans, a member of Syracuse University’s School of Education Advisory Board.

Rhodia D. Thomas ’77
Harrisburg, PA

Rhodia D. Thomas ’77 is executive director at MidPenn Legal Services, a non-profit law firm that provides civil legal services for low-income residents and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in eighteen counties in Central-Pennsylvania. Thomas is active in the civil legal aid community, including serving as chair of the PA Project Directors Association, past chair of the African American Project Directors Association, past chair of the National Legal Aid and Defender Association Board of Directors, and represents NLADA in the ABA House of Delegates. She is also a member of the PBA and serves in the House of Delegates, as well as a member of the PA Bar Foundation Board where she Chairs the Scholarship Committee and serves on the Loan Repayment Assistance Committee.

She has received numerous professional awards and has served as an adjunct professor at both the Penn State Dickinson Law and Widener Commonwealth Law Schools.

Thomas graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University with a BS in Education and received a JD from Widener Commonwealth Law School. In 2024, she received the William Pearson Tolley Medal for Distinguished Leadership in Lifelong Learning in recognition of her outstanding contributions in lifelong and continuing education from Syracuse University.

Gladasia R. Trotman ’05
Union, NJ

Gladasia is a director of special education and special education coordinator for the North Star Academy Charter School of Newark since 2011. Gladasia oversees special education on fourteen campuses and six elementary schools. Before this position, she was a special education teacher for North Star Academy from 2006 until her promotion in 2011. Gladasia graduated cum laude from Syracuse University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Art from Education where she double majored in African American studies and inclusive elementary and special education teacher prep. As a student, she participated in the SU Literacy Corps and student support services. Gladasia graduated from Seton Hall University in 2012 with a graduate degree in educational leadership and administration. She also received a learning disabilities teacher consultant certification from Montclair State University in 2014.

Felicia L. Walker ’87, P’17
New York, NY

Felicia Walker is a certified cycling and group fitness instructor. She is currently a spin instructor at the New York Health & Racquet Club in New York City and previously worked for Equinox Health Club. Felicia graduated from Syracuse University in 1987. She earned a B.S. in retailing from the College of Human Development (now Falk College). After a 2023 trip to climb Mt. Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Felicia founded the Felicia Children’s Center Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The FCCF supports a preschool/kindergarten for impoverished local children that has adopted Montessori principles for early childhood learning.

For Syracuse University, Felicia serves on the Education Advisory Board at the School of Education and served as a member of the National Campaign Council.

Felicia is married to Jeff Saferstein ’86 (Whitman), and has three children, Allison Saferstein ’17, G’19 (Education), Chaz Saferstein, and Dale Saferstein. Her grandfather was Ben Schwartzwalder, the legendary football coach whose 25 seasons at Syracuse University included winning the national championship in 1959.

Diana Wege ’76
New York, NY

Diana Wege is a New York-based conceptual artist who works in oil, acrylic, printmaking, and pencil. Her work has been shown at galleries and museums across the country and Japan and her collection of paintings was published in Land America Leaves Wild.

In 1997, Diana founded CrUSAde (later becoming Conflict Resolution Education Fund) to bring conflict resolution education to public schools in Connecticut, and she had a role in the passage of legislation that resulted in anti-bullying laws being implemented in 2002. Diana is also Founder and Board Chair of We Oppose Violence Everywhere Now (WOVEN), a nonprofit organization committed to curtailing violence across the globe. She is also vice-chairman of The Wege Foundation.

Diana graduated from Syracuse University in 1976, earning a B.F.A .in art from VPA. Diana and the Wege Foundation have partnered with the School of Education through the Collaborative Demonstration Project Fund to support conflict resolution through the Syracuse University Violence Prevention Project and the Safe and Peaceful Schools Initiative.

Zoë I. Zachs ’15
New York, NY

Zoë Zachs is a licensed clinical social worker in New York City and works as a Clinical Lead at Within Health and Associate Therapist at Morgan Somer Therapy. She has extensive experience specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and mental health issues in adolescents and adults. She provides individual, family, and group therapy in an outpatient setting and day treatment program.

Zoë received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Syracuse University in 2015 and a master’s in social work from Columbia University. She is on the board of Dignity Grows, a non-profit organization working to help alleviate the stigma of Period Poverty and hygiene inequity. Zoë is a member of the National Association for Social Work and International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals.

Lauri M. Zell ’77, P’14
Washington, DC

Lauri [Myers] Zell has worked as a consultant to not-for-profit organizations, helping implement programs in education and mental health, particularly in the areas of direct client services and board development. A strong proponent of Holocaust education, Lauri was instrumental in establishing Syracuse University’s Atrocity Studies and the Practices of Social Justice minor, which prepares students to be engaged citizens, advocates, scholars, and leaders while providing a foundation in the Holocaust, other global atrocities, and human rights.

In 2025, Lauri and her husband, Jeffrey “Jeff” Zell ’77 (Whitman), established the Holocaust and Genocide Studies Fund, which supports educational opportunities that deepen understanding of the Holocaust, genocide, human rights, and social justice. Lauri also serves as a member of Syracuse University’s Study Away Advisory Committee.

Early in her career, Lauri served as director of government affairs with the Mining and Reclamation Council of America. She graduated from Syracuse University in 1977 with a B.S. in special education and earned an MBA from American University in 1984. Jeff is president, CEO, and founder of JM Zell Partners Ltd., a Washington, D.C.-based real estate consulting firm he established in 1989.