WHY WE EXIST
average number of students assigned to each high school guidance counselor in NYC
average number of students assigned to each high school guidance counselor nationally
college graduation rate for first generation students
Futures Ignite works in New York City’s racially and economically segregated public school system to advance a whole-school model of programming, counseling, and advocacy to equip BIPOC students to direct their college and career futures. We’re committed to supporting all students—regardless of academic performance—to rise into their leadership potential.
Vision
Futures Ignite envisions equitable preK–college and career opportunities that propel all youth to thrive in postsecondary life and strengthen our communities.
Mission
We amplify youth and community power by inspiring, guiding, and advocating for youth to determine their college, career, and leadership futures.
CORE VALUES
Educational Equity
We work to change the educational inequities in the NYC public school system, which is rooted in systemic racial and socioeconomic segregation.
Racial Justice
We aim to dismantle the structural racism that permeates every part of our society in order to build a just and equitable future in which all students can reach their full potential.
Youth Leadership
We encourage young people to step into their leadership potential and ensure their voices are included in the decisions that affect their communities.
Climate Justice
We strive to combat the climate crisis through student-led initiatives to create greener neighborhoods, which directly impact community health and student outcomes.
Community
We recognize the impact community health and wellness has on student outcomes, and we work to create and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships to ensure both communities and our students thrive.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kristin Ohnstad, Co-Chair
Vice President, People, Grow Therapy
Yemisi Yoosuf, Co-Chair
Senior Consultant, Financial Services Industry
Sergio Abramovich
CEO, Scala Learning
Brian Burt
US Practice Leader, Transfer Pricing and Customs, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Kimani G. Rogers
Managing Director, Global Head of KYC Audit, Wells Fargo Bank
Agnes Mentre
Film Producer
Aravind Mohan
Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Jennifer Negron
Program Officer, Pinkerton Foundation
Andrew Morris
Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Joel Perelmuth
Principal, Perelmuth & Associates
Karen Phillips
Executive Vice President, Head of Agency Partnerships, Paramount
Jonathan Vazcones
CRA Officer, Amalgamated Bank
STAFF
Denisse Alvarez
she/her
Sr. Manager, Post-Secondary Pathways
Denisse Alvarez is a results-oriented professional with a strong background in higher education, K-12 college and career readiness and nonprofit leadership. With over 10 years of experience, she is passionate about using data-driven strategies to enact positive change and drive meaningful outcomes. In her previous roles, she has successfully tackled challenges related to low engagement, creating sustainable systems and increasing inactive participation among at-risk and first to fifth-year college-aged cohorts. By leveraging her expertise and employing innovative approaches they were able to receive remarkable results. Denisse has also worked in the school admissions realm where she was able to serve over 100, K-8 students and their families in the New York City school admissions process. Her ability to advocate, educate and provide resources in 5 different languages for families to apply to schools that are deemed best fit for each student has been an asset to her work.
Janell Bartley
she/her
Chief of People and Operations
Janell Bartley (she/her) is a first-generation college student and proud Afro-Latina from Panama raised in Brooklyn, New York with over 20 years of non-profit experience in mentoring and after-school enrichment programs. Throughout her career, she has received numerous promotions in recognition of top performance, while playing an integral role in holding organizations accountable to their values and mission. As the Chief of People and Operations, her goal is to always take a holistic approach in dynamic ways to make positive change while promoting creativity, respect, and inclusion as an advocate and resource for all staff. Janell is passionate about helping young adults from underprivileged communities set goals and help them create a plan around any roadblocks so they may realize their dreams. She holds a BA in Psychology and an MBA with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership from New England College.
Izamar Capellan
she/her
Environmental Leadership Coordinator
Izamar “Iza” Capellan (She/her), was born and raised in the Bronx to immigrant Dominican parents and graduated from John Jay with a degree in Criminal Justice. As an Assistant Community School Director at Global Kids, Iza developed curriculum and facilitated workshops for young people on leadership and social justice issues. Her work helps students gain an understanding of their own advocacy and leadership capabilities in addressing issues such as climate change and educational inequalities. Iza recently joined our team as our Leadership and Enrichment Coordinator and will coordinate our leadership and enrichment programs, ensuring that all WHEELS students access meaningful leadership and enrichment programming in and outside of school.
Amrika Francisco
she/her
Chief Director of Programs
Amrika Francisco is a proud first-generation Indo-Trinidadian who grew up in Washington Heights and graduated from WHEELS. She holds a bachelor’s degree with Honors in World Politics from Hamilton College and was awarded the Bristol Fellowship, which allowed her to study youth development strategies across six countries. With over a decade of experience in college access and workforce development, she specializes in program design, youth engagement, and community partnerships. In her role as Chief Director of Programs at Futures Ignite, Amrika is committed to building innovative pathways that empower young people to explore, launch, and persist in their college, career, and leadership journeys. She brings both lived experience and a strategic mindset, grounded in her belief in the transformative power of young people and community.
Molly Delano
she/her
Executive Director
Molly is an educator, youth advocate and nonprofit manager. Molly’s background includes leadership positions at Global Kids, Hostos Community College, and the YMCA of Greater NY. In addition, she has worked as a consultant for a range of youth organizations, developing curriculum and providing training for educators. Molly’s expertise includes creating and leading innovative youth leadership programs, facilitating community partnerships to strengthen college access and persistence with first generation students and facilitating staff professional development and capacity building initiatives. Most recently, Molly was the Director of Government Initiatives and Special Projects at the Youth Development Institute. Molly holds a BA from Sarah Lawrence College, an MPA, with a concentration in public policy, from the Baruch School of Public Affairs, where she was a United Way Senior Fellow, and nonprofit leadership credentials from the Columbia Business School.
Frankie Iannuzzi
they/them
Environmental Leadership Coordinator
Frankie Iannuzzi graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 2022, with a focus in political economy and ecology, global development, and history. Over the years they have lived in Brooklyn, Vermont, Ireland (Dublin), Yonkers, California, and currently lives in Flatbush. Outside of work, Frankie loves going to museums, spending time in the park, and finding fun new local restaurants. Frankie is a self-described swimmer, climate activist, and avid reader.
Shareefa Rahim
she/her
Post-Secondary Pathways Manager (WHEELS)
Shareefa Rahim is a first-generation immigrant from Guyana and was raised in Queens, New York. She embarked on her educational journey at LaGuardia Community College, where she pursued a major in Psychology. Her commitment to higher education led her to continue her studies at Hunter College, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Throughout her career, Shareefa has focused on working with young people, particularly those who come from first-generation and low-income backgrounds, and have faced educational inequities. Her work in Post-Secondary Planning and Outdoor Education reflects her dedication to bridging the gap between these students and the opportunities they deserve. She understands the importance of connecting students with nature and the outdoors, recognizing that many have not had the opportunity to experience these environments. Shareefa’s professional journey has equipped her with extensive knowledge and experience in leadership and facilitation when it comes to working with young individuals. Her passion lies in providing young people with the tools and opportunities they need to grow, develop leadership skills, and build a strong sense of community. In her role as the Program Coordinator, Shareefa is enthusiastic about implementing systems and creating opportunities for young people to discover their passions. She recognizes that a college education may not be the right path for everyone, and she is dedicated to helping students make informed post-secondary plans that align with their individual goals and aspirations. Shareefa is committed to educational equity and empowering young people to chart their own paths to success.
Elizabeth Sumpter
she/her
Sr. Director of Development
Elizabeth Sumpter (She/Her/Hers) is a first generation Haitian-American who joined Futures Ignite as a Development Director in Fall 2023. She is a passionate individual that is committed to empowering the youth and advocating that all children should have equitable access and opportunity to thrive. She has a long history in Board management and fundraising for nonprofits over the past several years. Liz is eager to support students across northern Manhattan through strong fiscal support. Elizabeth received her B.A. in Sociology from SUNY Albany and her Masters of Public Administration from Long Island University (Brooklyn). Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Victor Medina
he/him
Environmental Leadership Programs Manager
Victor Medina joins Futures Ignite with extensive experience designing and leading youth-centered environmental and leadership programs. A Washington Heights native, his conservation journey began at the High School for Environmental Studies, where hands-on internships and cleanups sparked his passion for environmental work. Most recently, as Director of Green Jobs at Groundwork Hudson Valley, Victor developed and managed programs that empowered young people to tackle conservation challenges in their communities. He launched and led the Green Team program, which provided Yonkers high school students with their first paid environmental jobs, combining hands-on conservation projects with leadership and teamwork development. Notably, he oversaw a riparian habitat restoration along the Saw Mill River, partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to strengthen ecosystems and community engagement. Victor’s personal and professional journey has fueled his deep commitment to Environmental Justice and Access, a passion he now brings to Futures Ignite.
Erika Rivera
she/her
Executive & Development Assistant
Erika Rivera is a proud daughter of immigrant Ecuadorian roots, born and raised in Queens, New York. A first-generation college student, Erika began her academic journey at CUNY John Jay College before transferring to Suffolk County Community College, where she earned her associate’s degree. She is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Christian Counseling at Liberty University. Erika brings a rich blend of experience in education, nonprofit operations, and ministry. She began her career as a camp and after-school counselor at Good Shepherd Services and later taught art at a private Christian academy, where she developed curriculum for children ages 2 through Kindergarten—integrating classroom learning with creative expression. She has held various administrative roles and steadily worked her way up to executive-level support positions. Her early experiences in both education and ministry shaped her commitment to serving communities with compassion, care, and purpose—values that continue to guide her work in nonprofit settings. In her current role at Futures Ignite, Erika provides critical support across teams and departments, contributing to smooth operations and mission-aligned development efforts. Outside of work, Erika is a proud mom of two. She enjoys cooking, baking, and exploring the DMV area, which she and her family have called home for the past 13 years.