The USA-SNY Young Professionals Board
Jackie Huang - Chair
ypchair@unasouthernny.org
Jackie Huang has served on the Board of Directors since October 2010, serving initially as Director of Marketing Communications before being elected Chair in April 2012. She works for a global professional services firm and possesses a strong background in media, business development and corporate communications. Jackie is currently enrolled in NYU's Global Affairs and Public Relations certificate program. She earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Political Science, with a minor in Business Administration, from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Aside from her work with the United Nations Association, she is a member of Hyphen magazine's advertising/marketing team and mentors at-risk urban youth in the New York area.
Jackie Huang has served on the Board of Directors since October 2010, serving initially as Director of Marketing Communications before being elected Chair in April 2012. She works for a global professional services firm and possesses a strong background in media, business development and corporate communications. Jackie is currently enrolled in NYU's Global Affairs and Public Relations certificate program. She earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Political Science, with a minor in Business Administration, from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Aside from her work with the United Nations Association, she is a member of Hyphen magazine's advertising/marketing team and mentors at-risk urban youth in the New York area.
Divya Krishnan - Vice Chair
ypvicechair@unasouthernny.org
Divya Krishnan is the Vice Chair for the UNA-SNY Young Professionals and has been on the board since 2010, initially as the Treasurer of the organization. Divya works for a major investment bank, developing customized investment solutions for high net worth clients and structuring products across various asset classes. Outside of work, Divya is an accomplished dancer, having studied Bhartanatyam for over 16 years. Divya holds a BSE in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and also studied abroad at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in India.
Divya Krishnan is the Vice Chair for the UNA-SNY Young Professionals and has been on the board since 2010, initially as the Treasurer of the organization. Divya works for a major investment bank, developing customized investment solutions for high net worth clients and structuring products across various asset classes. Outside of work, Divya is an accomplished dancer, having studied Bhartanatyam for over 16 years. Divya holds a BSE in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and also studied abroad at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in India.
Mei Wa Poon - Treasurer
yptreasurer@unasouthernny.org
Mei Wa Poon has served as the Treasurer for UNA-SNY Young Professionals since June 2012. She has been working in the financial services industry for over three years. Outside of work, Mei Wa has served as Director of Events and Community Outreach with ALPFA, ASCEND and NAAAP minority organizations to promote leadership development and community engagement for business professionals. She also mentors with Upwardly Global, an organization that assists skilled new immigrants to rebuild their professional careers in the U.S. Mei Wa was born and raised in Hong Kong and speaks both native Cantonese and fluent Mandarin. She relocated to Florida for high school, consequently obtaining her bachelor's degree in Accounting at the University of Florida.
Mei Wa Poon has served as the Treasurer for UNA-SNY Young Professionals since June 2012. She has been working in the financial services industry for over three years. Outside of work, Mei Wa has served as Director of Events and Community Outreach with ALPFA, ASCEND and NAAAP minority organizations to promote leadership development and community engagement for business professionals. She also mentors with Upwardly Global, an organization that assists skilled new immigrants to rebuild their professional careers in the U.S. Mei Wa was born and raised in Hong Kong and speaks both native Cantonese and fluent Mandarin. She relocated to Florida for high school, consequently obtaining her bachelor's degree in Accounting at the University of Florida.
Andy Siwo - Secretary
ypsecretary@unasouthernny.org
Andy Siwo was recruited to New York City by JP Morgan where he works in the Investment Banking Division. Previously, he was a member of the Corporate Finance and Strategy group at Victoria’s Secret. A native of Kenya, Siwo, is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Toastmasters, and a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Siwo is a graduate of Morehouse College and received his MPA in Finance and Fiscal Policy from Cornell University. His hobbies include table tennis, footvolley, international travel, fiction writing, and cooking. He is a New York High School and United States Soccer Federation Official.
Andy Siwo was recruited to New York City by JP Morgan where he works in the Investment Banking Division. Previously, he was a member of the Corporate Finance and Strategy group at Victoria’s Secret. A native of Kenya, Siwo, is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Toastmasters, and a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Siwo is a graduate of Morehouse College and received his MPA in Finance and Fiscal Policy from Cornell University. His hobbies include table tennis, footvolley, international travel, fiction writing, and cooking. He is a New York High School and United States Soccer Federation Official.
Melinda Richardson - Marketing Communications Director
ypmarketing@unasouthernny.org
Melinda Richardson has been the Marketing Communications Director for UNA-SNY Young Professionals since 2012. She earned a Master's degree in Political and Social Sciences from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain. As part of her studies she participated in the United Nations Internship Program working at the UN Democracy Fund under the direction of the UN Office for Partnerships. While there she focused on grants management and external relations. Melinda holds a BA in Philosophy and Political Science from Boston University where she participated in their study abroad program in Australia and worked in the Lord Mayor of Sydney's office. Melinda is currently the Communications Manager for the Blue Haven Initiative in New York City which focuses on impact investing. In her spare time she does yoga and volunteers online with the UN Online Volunteers.
Melinda Richardson has been the Marketing Communications Director for UNA-SNY Young Professionals since 2012. She earned a Master's degree in Political and Social Sciences from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain. As part of her studies she participated in the United Nations Internship Program working at the UN Democracy Fund under the direction of the UN Office for Partnerships. While there she focused on grants management and external relations. Melinda holds a BA in Philosophy and Political Science from Boston University where she participated in their study abroad program in Australia and worked in the Lord Mayor of Sydney's office. Melinda is currently the Communications Manager for the Blue Haven Initiative in New York City which focuses on impact investing. In her spare time she does yoga and volunteers online with the UN Online Volunteers.
Franklin Amoo - External Relations Director
ypexternalrelations@unasouthernny.org
Franklin Olakunle Amoo, a native of Brooklyn and a first-generation Nigerian-American, is the External Relations Director and has served on the board since 2007. Currently working in principal investments for a major Asian investment bank, Franklin has spent over 10 years on Wall Street developing an expertise in macroeconomic and fundamental credit analysis. Outside of work, Franklin has pursued a deep passion for economic development and emerging markets, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Franklin is in service to a number of organizations focused on education and the revitalization of America's inner-cities, including serving as Chair of Family Support & Resources' Board in Brooklyn. Franklin holds a BA in Economics from Columbia University and an MBA from Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Franklin Olakunle Amoo, a native of Brooklyn and a first-generation Nigerian-American, is the External Relations Director and has served on the board since 2007. Currently working in principal investments for a major Asian investment bank, Franklin has spent over 10 years on Wall Street developing an expertise in macroeconomic and fundamental credit analysis. Outside of work, Franklin has pursued a deep passion for economic development and emerging markets, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Franklin is in service to a number of organizations focused on education and the revitalization of America's inner-cities, including serving as Chair of Family Support & Resources' Board in Brooklyn. Franklin holds a BA in Economics from Columbia University and an MBA from Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Waajida Santiago - Membership Director
ypmembership@unasouthernny.org
Waajida has served as the Membership Director since 2012. Waajida currently works for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), an international NGO, as a Human Resources Manager. In addition, Waajida oversees a youth development program focusing on life and employment skills that exposes at risk youth ages 16-18 to the conservation work of WCS around the world. Waajida holds a BA in Management and Administration, and an MBA in Executive Management. She is also is a member of Sigma Iota Epsilon, the national professional honor fraternity for excellence in Management Studies and speaks conversational Spanish.
Waajida has served as the Membership Director since 2012. Waajida currently works for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), an international NGO, as a Human Resources Manager. In addition, Waajida oversees a youth development program focusing on life and employment skills that exposes at risk youth ages 16-18 to the conservation work of WCS around the world. Waajida holds a BA in Management and Administration, and an MBA in Executive Management. She is also is a member of Sigma Iota Epsilon, the national professional honor fraternity for excellence in Management Studies and speaks conversational Spanish.
Orobosa Owie - African Affairs Committee Director
ypfrica@unasouthernny.org
Orobosa Owie is the Director for the African Affairs Committee and has been on the committee since 2012, initially as their VP of Community Outreach. She is the Program Manager for the Geriatric Care Management Department at the Hebrew Home in Riverdale, NY and has over six years of experience working in the field of Health Services Management. Orobosa graduated as Cum Laude from Lehman College receiving a degree in Health Services Administration. In 2009, she was inducted into the Golden Key International Honor Society. With her passion for African Affairs, Orobosa spent six months in Nigeria as a volunteer during the country’s political elections. Since then, she has served various African committees in New York City. In her free time, Orobosa enjoys traveling and attending different cultural events.
Orobosa Owie is the Director for the African Affairs Committee and has been on the committee since 2012, initially as their VP of Community Outreach. She is the Program Manager for the Geriatric Care Management Department at the Hebrew Home in Riverdale, NY and has over six years of experience working in the field of Health Services Management. Orobosa graduated as Cum Laude from Lehman College receiving a degree in Health Services Administration. In 2009, she was inducted into the Golden Key International Honor Society. With her passion for African Affairs, Orobosa spent six months in Nigeria as a volunteer during the country’s political elections. Since then, she has served various African committees in New York City. In her free time, Orobosa enjoys traveling and attending different cultural events.
Mandy Gor - Asian Affairs Committee Director
ypasia@unasouthernny.org
Mandy Gor has served as the Director of the Asian Affairs Committee since February 2011. She has continued to serve on various United Nations Association committees, including the Partnership for the Eradication of Human Trafficking, since 2009. As the Manager of the Kew Gardens TD Bank, she is a leader her professional field and responsible for building her team, her branch's ties to the community, and her business. In addition to managing the bank, Mandy also manages and co-owns TheCeeflat Gallery, a community artspace and working studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Mandy received her degree in Literature and Studio Art from Rice University and in 2001 she was awarded the Zhongua Fellowship, which allowed her to live and study in Guangzhou, China, for a year. Along with UNA, she also serves on the Board of Managers for the International YMCA and the Board of the Friends of Maple Grove nonprofit.
Mandy Gor has served as the Director of the Asian Affairs Committee since February 2011. She has continued to serve on various United Nations Association committees, including the Partnership for the Eradication of Human Trafficking, since 2009. As the Manager of the Kew Gardens TD Bank, she is a leader her professional field and responsible for building her team, her branch's ties to the community, and her business. In addition to managing the bank, Mandy also manages and co-owns TheCeeflat Gallery, a community artspace and working studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Mandy received her degree in Literature and Studio Art from Rice University and in 2001 she was awarded the Zhongua Fellowship, which allowed her to live and study in Guangzhou, China, for a year. Along with UNA, she also serves on the Board of Managers for the International YMCA and the Board of the Friends of Maple Grove nonprofit.
Alex Verdone - Economic Development Committee Director
ypeconomicdevelopment@unasouthernny.org
Alex Verdone has served as director of the Economic Development Committee since 2012 where he is developing the UN Impact Investing Forum. Alex is a Corporate Banking Associate at Credit Suisse where he focuses on leveraged acquisition and project finance transactions. He served as a main coordinator for fundraisers for the Haiti earthquake in 2010, Pakistan floods in 2011, and the ongoing famine in the Horn of Africa. He has spent time volunteering at orphanages in Peru and enjoys attending social entrepreneurship conferences around the world. Alex studied Economics and International Public Policy at UNC Chapel Hill, where he defended a thesis on infrastructure and economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa and taught an introduction to Economics recitation to 60 students.
Alex Verdone has served as director of the Economic Development Committee since 2012 where he is developing the UN Impact Investing Forum. Alex is a Corporate Banking Associate at Credit Suisse where he focuses on leveraged acquisition and project finance transactions. He served as a main coordinator for fundraisers for the Haiti earthquake in 2010, Pakistan floods in 2011, and the ongoing famine in the Horn of Africa. He has spent time volunteering at orphanages in Peru and enjoys attending social entrepreneurship conferences around the world. Alex studied Economics and International Public Policy at UNC Chapel Hill, where he defended a thesis on infrastructure and economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa and taught an introduction to Economics recitation to 60 students.
Nicole Diaz - European Affairs Committee Director
ypeurope@unasouthernny.org
Nicole Diaz has served as the European Affairs Committee Director since May 2012. In addition to Nicole's B.A. in Classical Languages and History from Wake Forest University, she studied Classics and European History at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. She recently completed her MSc in International Relations at Kingston University London. Nicole currently works in the International Education Non-Profit sector. She has a strong interest in cross-cultural interactions and how they affect diplomacy and international relations. She studied Latin for 9 years and is proficient in Spanish. When she is not working Nicole greatly enjoys traveling and volunteering with the special needs population.
Nicole Diaz has served as the European Affairs Committee Director since May 2012. In addition to Nicole's B.A. in Classical Languages and History from Wake Forest University, she studied Classics and European History at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. She recently completed her MSc in International Relations at Kingston University London. Nicole currently works in the International Education Non-Profit sector. She has a strong interest in cross-cultural interactions and how they affect diplomacy and international relations. She studied Latin for 9 years and is proficient in Spanish. When she is not working Nicole greatly enjoys traveling and volunteering with the special needs population.
Wilda Escarfuller - Latin American and Caribbean Affairs Director
yplatinamerica@unasouthernny.org
Wilda is the Director of Latin American & Caribbean Affairs Committee since 2012. She is currently the Associate Editor of Americas Quarterly Magazine and Policy Assistant for the Americas Society Council of the Americas. Additionally, she has written several published articles, administers the advertising portfolio for the magazine, coordinates event programs and also researches content for the policy journal. Wilda is the recipient of a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and majored in International Business at Brooklyn College. Her volunteer efforts include Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, Girls Quest, Children International and Las Comadres Organization. Wilda is fluent in English and Spanish.
Wilda is the Director of Latin American & Caribbean Affairs Committee since 2012. She is currently the Associate Editor of Americas Quarterly Magazine and Policy Assistant for the Americas Society Council of the Americas. Additionally, she has written several published articles, administers the advertising portfolio for the magazine, coordinates event programs and also researches content for the policy journal. Wilda is the recipient of a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and majored in International Business at Brooklyn College. Her volunteer efforts include Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, Girls Quest, Children International and Las Comadres Organization. Wilda is fluent in English and Spanish.
Camellia Mortadezadeh - Middle Eastern Affairs Committee Director
ypmiddleeast@unasouthernny.org
Camellia Mortezazadeh has served as the Middle East Affairs Committee Director since May 2012. Camellia has a background in policy development and public affairs, with a focus on health sector development and performance improvement. She holds prior experience working with Iraqi refugees at the Health Unit of the UNHCR in Amman, Jordanand has worked abroad in Kenya and Cuba at local health clinics serving HIV/AIDS patients. Originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, Camellia received her Masters of Public Health from Yale University with a focus on global health policy and development, and received her BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in Political Science and African Studies. She has traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, is fluent in Farsi (Persian) and Dari, and has served as a volunteer translator for Afghan refugees.
Camellia Mortezazadeh has served as the Middle East Affairs Committee Director since May 2012. Camellia has a background in policy development and public affairs, with a focus on health sector development and performance improvement. She holds prior experience working with Iraqi refugees at the Health Unit of the UNHCR in Amman, Jordanand has worked abroad in Kenya and Cuba at local health clinics serving HIV/AIDS patients. Originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, Camellia received her Masters of Public Health from Yale University with a focus on global health policy and development, and received her BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in Political Science and African Studies. She has traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, is fluent in Farsi (Persian) and Dari, and has served as a volunteer translator for Afghan refugees.
