February FOCUS Forum: Addressing Basic Needs through a Whole Family Lens

Maribel has dedicated her career to advancing solutions that improve the lives of people living in poverty. Previously, she held various non-profit leadership roles, including Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Syracuse Community Center Collaborative, Executive Director of the University Neighborhood Preservation Association, and Community Services Director at Community Action Partnership for Madison County. Through her decade-long experience in international development, she brings a global perspective to local initiatives. Maribel’s expertise lies in human services, community engagement, economic development, and microfinance training. Maribel holds a master’s degree in International Relations from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree in Business from Universidad Católica Boliviana. Originally from Bolivia, Maribel has lived in the City of Syracuse since 2011.

Syeisha was appointed Commissioner of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation, and Youth Programs by Mayor Walsh and assumed this role in November 2024. She oversees 12 bureaus and 640 employees who manage and support programs, activities, and events for youth, older adults, and others of all ages. Previous to this, Syeisha was Director of Family Voice Engagement at the Early Childhood Alliance, Director of the Office of Engagement Programs at Syracuse University, and Program and Site Director at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse. She is Board President of Home Headquarters, Inc and a member of the Mayor’s Quality of Life Commission and the boards of Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today and the Syracuse Urban Partnership.  Syeisha has a Master of Social Work degree from Syracuse University, Associate’s degree from Onondaga Community College, and Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Keuka College.

Sarah is a Program Coordinator with Onondaga County’s Department of Social Services and Economic Security and oversees the 2Gen Pilot Program. This pilot seeks to help families break out of poverty and achieve economic mobility through intensive case management services that integrate services, remove barriers for families, and provide coaching by partnering with community agencies. The pilot  follows the Aspen Institute’s ‘Five Areas of Family Well-Being’ which are early childhood education, social capital, economic assets, postsecondary employment pathways, health and well-being, and economic assets.  Previously, Sarah held several positions over 12 years with the Onondaga County Department of Children and Family Services. She has a Master’s degree in Social Work from Syracuse University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Nazareth College of Rochester.

Jaqueline (Jacki) Evans is the Parent Engagement and Male Involvement Coordinator for PEACE, Inc.’s Head Start/Early Head Start program in Syracuse, NY. With over 25 years of Early Childhood Education experience, she has held various leadership roles, including site supervisor and overseeing multidisciplinary teams of teachers, nurses, family workers and data personnel. Known for her coaching supervision style, Jacki emphasizes clear communication and accountability to drive team success.

Jacki fosters parent leadership and engagement by working closely with parents through the Head Start Policy Council, committees, support groups, and parenting skill-building groups such as “Fatherhood with PEACE.” She collaborates with community partners to support family well-being and address their needs. Beyond her role at PEACE, Inc., Jacki has consulted for School Districts and served on the Onondaga Community College Advisory Board for both Early Childhood Education and Human Services programs.

Holding a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor’s in Liberal and Professional Studies from Cazenovia College, Jacki combines academic expertise with practical experience. Her dedication to empowering families, building community connections, and creating impactful initiatives led her to enrich the lives of children and families in Syracuse.

Todd serves a range of planning, development, and community engagement roles at PEACE, Inc. Todd previously worked with New American communities at RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Self-Empowerment), and he is active in a number of advocacy groups across the region. Before his current nonprofit career, Todd was a SUNY-Award winning Lecturer of History and Humanities at SUNY Geneseo and a Study Abroad Lecturer in Eastern Europe. He also researched, wrote, and presented widely on 1960s social/protest movements across the globe. Throughout his career, Todd has been committed to pursuing community-based research and developing inclusive services that both advance and empower marginalized communities. Todd holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Toronto and SUNY Geneseo respectfully.