The Gem Project
Our Team
Creating Opportunities for Youth to Lead Change
Amanda A. Ebokosia
Founder and CEO
Amanda A. Ebokosia is the Founder and CEO of The Gem Project, Inc., a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to youth empowerment through social justice-oriented organizing and service-learning. Since its inception in 2006, Amanda’s visionary leadership has shaped impactful programs, reaching over 3,500 young people through a unique, peer-based fellowship that connects high school and college students with opportunities for community and policy change. Named a Millennial on a Mission by Forbes and honored in the Forbes 30 Under 30 in Education, Amanda’s work has garnered recognition from The White House and the City of Newark, with features in publications such as Black Enterprise, NJ Spotlight, and the National Journal. Amanda holds a BA in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University–Newark and an MA in Youth Studies from CUNY. She has further honed her leadership through the Rutgers Business School Nonprofit Executive Leaders track and certifications from the Institute of Nonprofit Practice. Amanda is also a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and serves on the Greater Newark Healthcare Coalition Advisory Board, underscoring her commitment to equity and youth development.
Stacy Tyndall Brown
Program Manager
Stacy Tyndall-Brown serves as the Program Manager for The Gem Project, where she passionately leads fellowship programs for high school and college students, guiding them to tackle social inequities through service-learning. Stacy’s work is deeply inspired by her faith and commitment to fostering intergenerational learning and community building. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Public Administration from Rutgers University. Beyond her role at The Gem Project, Stacy is actively involved in her church, where her husband serves as senior pastor, and she treasures family time with her brother, son, and two dogs, Honey and Chewy.
Jennymarie Idrobo
Program Associate
Stacy Tyndall-Brown serves as the Program Manager for The Gem Project, where she passionately leads fellowship programs for high school and college students, guiding them to tackle social inequities through service-learning. Stacy’s work is deeply inspired by her faith and commitment to fostering intergenerational learning and community building. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Public Administration from Rutgers University. Beyond her role at The Gem Project, Stacy is actively involved in her church, where her husband serves as senior pastor, and she treasures family time with her brother, son, and two dogs, Honey and Chewy.
Katrine Singhbaba
Education Coach
Katrine Singhbaba is an accomplished educator and social justice advocate dedicated to advancing literacy, equity, and civic engagement among youth. As an educational coach for The Gem Project, Katrine supports curricula development and delivery, guiding fellows in critical thinking and community-focused learning. She brings a rich background in English Language Arts instruction, with a B.A. in English Literature from Drew University and an M.A. in The Teaching of English from Columbia University’s Teachers College. Outside her work with The Gem Project, Katrine teaches as an adjunct professor of Communication at Seton Hall University. Her commitment to educational empowerment aligns deeply with The Gem Project’s mission, making her an invaluable asset to the team.
Nija Rivera
Development / Grant Writer
Nija Rivera is a skilled grant writer with over a decade of experience in nonprofit program management, grants management, and proposal development. As the founder of Gritty Grants Consulting, Nija has a proven track record in securing funding for impactful initiatives across education, youth empowerment, and social justice. Her expertise spans the entire grant lifecycle, providing organizations with tailored guidance from opportunity identification to reporting. Nija’s career includes roles in higher education at the University of Pennsylvania, where she advanced data-driven research and project planning, and work with community-based nonprofits like Comagine Health and the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County. With a strong analytical foundation and commitment to driving change, Nija empowers organizations to align funding strategies with their long-term goals, maximizing their impact in underserved communities.