Our story

Emma was raised in a little town outside of Binghamton, NY, she graduated from University at Albany, NY and then moved with childhood friends to Philadelphia, where she remained for close to 20 years. She graduated from Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law and worked as an assistant public defender there until recently moving back to the capital region with her husband, a cat and two dogs.

Chris is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) with a background in chemical engineering and a strong track record in financial analysis and strategic decision-making. As a Senior Financial Analyst at Plug Power, he leads budgeting, financial reporting, and cost-reduction initiatives, leveraging data-driven insights to improve efficiency. With experience in financial modeling, forecasting, and process optimization, Chris combines technical and financial expertise to support organizations in achieving sustainable growth. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from The Ohio State University and is passionate about financial stewardship and strategic planning in the nonprofit sector. Chris joined WithOurVoice’s Board of Directors with hopes of giving back to his community. By helping young voices share their experiences, Chris believes that we can bridge cultural divides and build a more inclusive and understanding community. Chris hopes to support the organization’s mission by ensuring financial sustainability and maximizing its impact, allowing more children to develop confidence in their voices and connect with others through the universal language of stories.

Jessica is a seasoned marketing and brand strategist with over 20 years of experience spanning a variety of industries. Known for her proven ability to lead and manage successful teams, Jessica excels at building brands and creating impactful campaigns that drive awareness and growth. She has managed accounts for Fortune 500 clients and brands including Kleenex, Huggies, Honda, and Taco Bell, and has developed brand platforms and strategic marketing programs for more than 50 startups and small to mid-sized businesses. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jessica teaches weekly yoga classes as a certified instructor. She and her husband have four children and reside near Saratoga Springs, NY where she enjoys bike riding, hiking, and cross-country skiing.

Stephen is a dedicated advocate for education, youth development, and community empowerment. With a background in Education and Human Development, he has extensive experience working in afterschool programming, nonprofit leadership, and student advocacy. As a board member of With Our Voice, Inc., Stephen is committed to supporting young people from diverse backgrounds by helping them access meaningful experiences that prepare them for the future. His work focuses on strategic planning, securing grant funding, and fostering partnerships to expand the organization’s reach. Previously, Stephen held leadership roles in youth programs and community organizations, including serving as Vice President in student government, where he worked on policy initiatives, financial advocacy, and program development. His passion for creating inclusive and supportive environments drives his efforts to ensure all individuals have the tools they need to thrive.

Any is an accountant with a passion for numbers and a heart for helping others. When not balancing books, you'll probably find her volunteering with the Junior League of Albany, traveling to new places, or spending quality time with her family…all that among many other hobbies and interests. She has a strong belief in kindness, and the power of teamwork. Any strives to live her values every day. Whether it's through her work or her personal life, Any is all about making a positive impact and embracing challenges with a positive attitude.

Sonya has a wealth of experience working with both nonprofit and for-profit companies. She is an executive with demonstrated success in financial management, organizational leadership, staff and board development, production, sales, marketing, strategic planning, and negotiation. She was a financial advisor at Smith Barney, and is the former Founder and CEO of her own companies, Classic Affairs, Inc. and Noteably Nashville, LLC and has worked in the film, television, and music industries. Sonya received a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of Phoenix with an emphasis on Organizational Leadership and Global Marketing. Sonya is very active in her local community serving on the boards and committees of several organizations, and also holds membership with several civic groups. Demonstrating a passion for DEI and women’s issues, Sonya served as one of the founding leaders of All About Women in Middle Tennessee. She served as a facilitator for community discussions on racism, equity, and transit in the Metro Nashville community. Her passion for youth and social justice issues drives her volunteer work with the GAP Youth Training Services, Junior Achievement, and the youth ministry at her church. Hairston has served as a mentor for inner city teen girls and given time to several youth-related organizations in both volunteer and fundraising capacities.

BA, MA and CAS, has long been a fan of taking meaning from text, losing yourself in a good novel, and coming up with a well-articulated thought. Born in Staten Island, New York, and educated at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, and the State University of New York, Albany, she narrowly missed a career in teaching literacy educators and found one in supporting young people’s development of voice and helping them become aware of the role they can play in strengthening our diverse communities. An active member of J Street from its inception, Paula is part of a local chapter of Sisters of Salaam Shalom. She’s in SAVE Colonie, a good government group, and a member of the Colonie Democratic Committee. She is pro-democracy and recommends the 5Calls app to make one’s feelings known to elected representatives. Paula is a yearly volunteer for the Old Songs Festival, and on-site coordinator for the PSG’s Gotta Get Gone Festival, held Memorial Day Weekend in Ballston Spa, NY. Having raised two wonderful children, Paula and her husband Joe Hetko sent them out to the world to do great things, and remain in Boght Corners NY in a little gray cape full of books, guitars, and happy memories.

Azmat is an active member of the Capital Region community contributing and supporting several local non-profit and community organizations focused on civic engagement and social justice - Muslim Soup Kitchen Project, Sidewalk Warriors, Sisters of Salaam-Shalom. She was also a recent member of the board at Al Hidaya Center. Azmat was born in India and grew up in Saudi Arabia and England. She has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from New Mexico Tech and an MBA from RPI where she was a recipient of the Herman Family Fellowship for Women in Entrepreneurship. She has spent her career at the intersection of healthcare and technology assisting provider organizations implement transformational technology to improve and support excellent patient care. She and her husband have called Latham home for over 20 years and have raised their 3 sons here. As they recently became empty nesters, along with her community engagements, Azmat has immersed herself in learning horseback riding, supporting Community Supported Agriculture farms and hiking with her husband and their friends in the Adirondacks.

Current Secretary of WithOurVoice. Semi-retired attorney. BA Columbia, JD Fordham Law. Admitted to practice law in NY 1979. Retired after 30 years of NY State service, including 25 years at NYSDOT. Currently working part-time for State University Construction Fund. Incorporated RISSE as a not for profit corporation. Married, with two adult children and two grandchildren.

Ritika was born and raised in India, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a Master’s in Computer Applications. Now residing in Cohoes, NY, she serves as a committed board member of With Our Voice, contributing to its mission and strategic initiatives. A proud parent of two children who were actively involved with the organization. In her free time, she enjoy’s exploring the outdoors, reading, and culinary experimentation.