The Gem Project
Board of Directors
Supporting Youth Who Lead Change
Mia Legaspi-Cavin, MA
Program Officer, Johnson Family Foundation
Mia Legaspi-Cavin brings nearly a decade of experience in youth and criminal justice. Previously at The Osborne Association, Mia developed young adult mentoring programs and youth leader training. Her work with the Vera Institute’s Restoring Promise Initiative focused on humanizing conditions of incarceration. She holds a BA in Spanish and Law, Society & Justice from the University of Washington and an MA in Youth Studies from CUNY School of Professional Studies.
Dr. Timothy K. Eatman
Inaugural Dean, Honors Living-Learning Community (HLLC) at Rutgers University – Newark
Dr. Timothy K. Eatman is the founding dean of HLLC at Rutgers-Newark and a professor of urban education. His research in institutional equity is widely published, including co-editing the Cambridge Handbook of Service Learning and Civic Engagement. Nationally, he advises the Carnegie Engagement Classification and contributes to the AAC&U Summer Institutes.
Brandon Fletcher
Program Associate, Vera Social Justice Institute
Brandon Fletcher supports prison reform through Vera’s Restoring Promise Initiative, including developing the U.N.I.T.Y Village at the North Dakota State Penitentiary. Previously a paralegal in New Jersey’s expungement division, he holds an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from Essex County Community College and a BS in criminal justice from Rutgers University.
Sandra Florent
Senior Social Media Manager, SHI International
With over a decade in digital strategy, Sandra Florent leads SHI International’s social media presence. As founder of Solo Dove Consulting, she advises small businesses on social media and crisis communications. Her expertise spans launching brand ambassador programs and managing large-scale events, showcasing her innovative approach to digital engagement.
Lana Molina
VP of Community Outreach, Provident Bank
Lana Molina, with 30 years in financial services, focuses on expanding access to consumer lending in underserved areas. Formerly with PNC Bank and Spencer Savings Bank, she now leads outreach at Provident Bank, which was named New Jersey’s #1 Best-In-State Bank by Forbes. Residing in Wayne, NJ, she champions community engagement.
Dr. Quintus Jett
President, Abundance for America, LLC
A consultant and strategist, Dr. Quintus Jett holds a PhD from Stanford and brings 20 years of academic expertise across multiple disciplines. Known for his “bottom-up” organizing approach, he has led community resilience projects, including post-Katrina recovery in New Orleans. Dr. Jett also founded Newark Provisions, LLC, to provide consulting and educational resources.
Atiya Jaha-Rashidi
Chief Equity Officer and VP of Community Relations, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
With nearly 30 years in healthcare leadership, Atiya Jaha-Rashidi is Newark Beth Israel’s first Chief Equity Officer, overseeing equity initiatives and partnerships to improve public health. She holds a BS in Public Health Administration from Rutgers and an MHA from the University of Arizona Global Campus. She actively serves on various nonprofit boards.
Adele Taylor
Senior Digital Programs and Partnerships Manager (Youth), Thorn
A philanthropist and advocate, Adele Taylor manages Thorn’s NoFiltr brand, promoting online safety and literacy for youth. Founder of Adele’s Literacy Library, she has impacted over 35,000 people globally. Adele holds a BA from Spelman College and an MA from Trinity College, Dublin. Her work emphasizes literacy, youth empowerment, and digital safety.