OUR TEAM:
From naturalists to film makers, educators to designers, our team is comprised of experts from many different fields under a common purpose; connecting our greatest resources.
|
Jeanne DuPont, Executive DirectorAs Founder of the RWA, Jeanne has worked closely with the Rockaway community and city agencies in developing strategies to redevelop large stretches of neglected waterfront in the Rockaways. Much of her work has involved utilizing the waterfront itself through programming and advocacy with youth to protect public waterfront access. Jeanne has a Masters Degree from Yale University in Design. |
|
Blaze Jones-Yellin, Program ManagerAs a native New Yorker, Blaze is the newest addition to the RWA team. Blaze has spent a number of years leading environmental programming and apprenticeship programs for youth. As well as experience on the water, as a certified lifeguard and swim instructor. He oversees all youth and community programs at RWA. Blaze has an undergraduate degree in Natural Resources, Policy and Management from Cornell University. |
|
Iemanja Brown, Shore Corps Program EducatorIemanja has worked with RWA since 2009 and helped to establish the RWA environmental justice curriculum for middle and high school students. Iemanja has been a driving force in the development of RWA's youth programs and is currently the Program Educator for the Shorecorps program, where she leads high school interns in maintaining street trees, cleaning local beaches, and advocacy for the environment both in the community and on a national level. Iemanja is currently pursuing her doctorate in twentieth century poetry at the CUNY Graduate Center. |
|
Mark Hoffacker, Event CoordinatorMark Hoffacker has worked with RWA for the past two years, coordinating public events and outreach to community partners. Mark's background working with children and people with disabilities has helped to introduce those with special needs to the waterfront through community paddles on Jamaica bay and bike tours along the beachfront. Besides working with RWA, Mark is also involved with the New York Coalition for Transportation Safety leading child passenger safety and bike safety efforts in Queens and Nassau counties. Mark has a B.A. in Urban Studies and completed graduate work in Social Policy at Empire State College. |
|
Keneisha Turner, Arts & Sustainability EducatorKeneisha has been working with RWA for the past 3 years, as an educator leading programs with local youth in the Rockaway public schools, NYCHA and throughout our summer season. Keneisha had led programs focused on environmental sustainability including: recycled arts projects, and gardening to teach young people how to grow and cook their own healthy snacks and meals. She has a great deal of experience teaching youth with special needs and is currently completing her Masters Degree in Special Education at Hunter College. |
|
Zakhia Grant, Environmental Science Program EducatorZakhia is a local Rockaway resident who has worked as an RWA educator for the past 4 years. Zakhia helped to establish the RWA Aqua 101 Curriculum for middle school youth. The program uses the RWA oyster garden, and native shoreline as a place for students to explore the natural environment. Her experience both as a geologist and NYC DOE school teacher have given her the ability to share her professional experience with youth considering fields in science, math and engineering. Zakhia has a Master's Degree in Geology from Bowling Green State University and is also a member of the New York Academy of Sciences and National Science Teachers Association. |
 |
Success Stories:Meet Jadel |
In 2007, Jadel participated in her first RWA program as a 7th grader at PS43. Through high school she has been a valuable contributor to our ongoing efforts and today she continues to work with us as a practicing intern while she attends college. Hear more about Jadel's story.
Sign Up for our mailing list:» |
|