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.
Jennymarie Idrobo
Program Manager
Jennymarie Idrobo’s journey with The Gem Project began as a college fellow and facilitator, developing her leadership skills and deep commitment to social justice before becoming Program Associate, and now Program Manager. A Newark native and Montclair University graduate with a Bachelor’s in Justice Studies, Jennymarie now helps advance The Gem Project’s focus on education, health, criminal justice, and democracy. She has organized youth initiatives, provided peer-based support, and led workshops on advocacy and social justice. Jennymarie co-facilitated the NextGen Grantmakers Initiative with Victoria Foundation, guiding Newark youth in allocating $50,000 to local organizations. She also collaborates with the Greater Newark Health Care Coalition to support NJ FamilyCare redetermination efforts.
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.