Our Board
The Empowers
Deborah Campbell
Board Chair
Deborah Campbell serves as Director of Eleversity, a division of Heritage Christian Services, where she leverages over two decades of leadership experience in workforce development and disability services within the nonprofit sector. Her career encompasses progressive roles with increasing accountability, complemented by expertise in government human resources and training management.
She holds a Master's degree in Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College.
Deborah, also known as DJ Cookie, co-host the Memory Lane radio show on WDKX every Saturday morning with Andre Marcel.
Chana Nelson
Vice Board Chair
Chana Nelson is a Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Therapist and Consultant. With a unique blend of compassion and clinical expertise, she helps individuals, families, and organizations navigate complex challenges using evidence-based strategies rooted in behavioral science.
Chana holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Psychology, along with a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. Her clinical practice spans a wide range of diagnoses, where she designs and implements targeted interventions that foster meaningful change.
Chana is also a published author, wife, and proud mother.
Candice Odebiyi
Board Member
Rochester Native, Candice Odebiyi, holds a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, and a Masters in Systems Engineering from George Washington University. Driven by a passion of marrying technology and sustainability, Candice utilizes her skills deliver solutions which result in the profit outcomes of millions for Government Agencies and Fortune 500 Corporations.
Another value that guides Candice's work is accessibility with her work in VoiceOver media for Birdsounds LLC. Currently Candice would like to ulitizes these skills to expand communal sharing of food and services additionally, expand our practices to more sustainable means.
At the end of the day, Candice enjoys her Jofa Rice and Southern cruise mixed together in a household filled with dance, singing, and light between her husband and bonus children!
Janelle Campbell
Board Member
Janelle Campbell is the Digital Marketing Manager at Hillside Children’s Center. She began her career seven years ago in New York City after graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Communications, specializing in Public Relations and Advertising, and a minor in English from The City College of New York.
Janelle has experience working at both small and large advertising agencies, as well as startups and non-profits, completing a wide range of projects. Early in her career, she took the opportunity to teach the next generation of digital marketers at COOP, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for first-generation college students. Her most recent project focused on increasing medical literacy among the general public by producing well-researched articles.
Returning Home to Rochester, Janelle is happy to contribute to the community that raised her. When she isn’t trying out new hobbies, she enjoys cooking new meals and entertaining friends and family.
Kathryn Kelly
Board Member
Kathryn is endlessly inspired by the wonders of life on this planet. She has a deep respect for Traditional Ecological Knowledge and does what she can to build healthier environments that foster community care. Kathryn also serves as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Friends of Washington Grove and previously worked as a Rochester Community Tree Ambassador. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Landscape Architecture expanding on her expertise holden at Syracuse University with her Bachelors in Industrial Design, Industrial and Interaction Design.
Dawn Perry
Board Member
Dawn Perry is the Collective Giving Officer at Rochester Area Community Foundation. A New York City native, Perry brings a multidisciplinary background in nonprofit marketing, advertising, and development in her 11 year career. Collective Giving Officer in 2023, where she oversees all facets of collective giving strategy and engagement.
She holds a BA in Visual Communications and Design from SUNY Empire State College and is currently pursuing an MA in Ministry Practice, with a concentration in Care and Counseling, at Roberts Wesleyan University’s Northeastern Seminary. Perry serves on related to youth devlopment, religious and cultural preservation, and food security resources. Perry has been recognized for her contributions to the Rochester community, including graduating from United Way’s African American Leadership Development Program in 2023 and being honored by the City of Rochester in 2025 for her visionary leadership.
Perry has a partner, Patrick, a cat named, Tiny Cat, and enjoys exploring Western New York’s hiking trails year-round (even in the blistering WNY cold!).
Sirena Jones
Board Member
Sirena Jones serves as Associate Director for Student Experience in Residence Life at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
.
With over 10 years of higher education residence life experience and a background in general management of student apartment communities, Sirena brings a rare blend of operational housing expertise and people-centered leadership. Sirena is also a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Keller Williams Realty, helping individuals and families navigate the path to homeownership. She specializes in supporting first-time buyers and underserved communities, believing that homeownership is a powerful driver of generational wealth and economic mobility.
Guided by faith and service, Sirena develops mentorship, leadership, and professional development programs through church and community partnerships. Her mission is simple: to help people find not only housing, but belonging, stability, and a future they can build upon.