Azia Brown is the owner of Zhanés Palette Studio, which aims to add more fun and vibrancy to the world of paint party entertainment. With over 10 years experience in the study of visual art, operations management and education, it’s Azia’s love of people that keeps her thriving in all of these endeavors. Learn more from Azia here!

Josayne Anderson-Tejera is Executive Director and Founder of the Love Quest Foundation. The Love Quest Foundation provides and promotes opportunities for youth, survivors, advocates, and community members to collaborate on projects that help break the silence surrounding domestic and dating violence and sexual assault, and to help heal those impacted by that trauma. Hear more from Josayne here!

Satara founded Rebuilding Our Children and Community Inc. (ROCC), which provides youth programming for children ages 5-13 of Dutchess County and hosts various community outreach events that connect over 1,000 families to necessary resources each year. Learn more from Satara!

Tamoya Norwood is an Administrative Organizer at 1199SEIU United Healthcare. A resident of Poughkeepsie for more than 30 years, Tamoya works to make sure that community hospitals are staffed and that staff are protected. Learn more about what positive changes Tamoya envisions for Poughkeepsie here!

Debra lost her son more than a decade ago to gun violence. She’s been on a lifesaving mission ever since, working with SNUG, an outreach program under the Family Services umbrella. The program focuses on youth between the ages of 14 and 24 who are at high risk for involvement with gun violence with the goal of saving lives and helping individuals turn their lives around. Learn more from Debra.

Anthony is the Main Street Stewardship Coordinator for Hudson River Housing and more. Hear about all of the projects he’s engaged in to keep the community inspired.

Robert founded Nubian Directions which provides technology training, work-readiness and educational support services for youth and adults to enhance workforce skills. Learn more here!

Mary Ellen is the Director of Programs for The Art Effect. Learn more about the work of The Art Effect to unlock community and empower youth through the arts.

Carrie founded the Crazy Over Art On Tour, a mobile art van dedicated to giving life to the arts one community at a time. Hear more about the importance of bringing art to communities from Carrie!

Heather Ann Pitcher Is a NYS Certified Peer Specialist, and the Office Administrator for NAMI Mid-Hudson. She strongly believes that one person can make a difference in the life of another. An individual’s mental health condition does not define them, and there is no health without mental health. Hear more from Heather here!

Marquis and Leonardo of Smart Staffing Group work with community members in Poughkeepsie to provide job opportunities and skill development. Learn more about how and why they lift up youth to keep the community strong moving forward.

Minister Joyneia Joyner was an incredible soul leaving behind many special memories and a legacy of love for her community and beyond. She touched countless lives in Poughkeepsie. She was truly a blessing. We are honored to have known her, and we will miss her.

Michelle is a Vet2Vet Counselor with the Mental Health Alliance of Dutchess County. She also grows fresh vegetables in her garden plot at Pershing Avenue Farm and Gardens. Hear more about the power of community from Michelle!