THE UNITER
UPO's Joseph A. Beavers Scholars 2025
Get Ready to Launch the Taste of UPO Food Truck!
You can eat fresh, delicious, and healthy meals from our own food truck. Watch your emails for details about the preorder of the yummy launch! EATING WELL, DOING GOOD!
Wednesday, April 02, 2025 UPO Headquarters | 11AM-2PM
Thursday, April 03, 2025 UPO Petey Greene Center | 11AM-1PM UPO Anacostia Center | 1:30PM-3PM
Annual Appreciation Celebration
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - 6:00PM
True Reformer Building 1200 U St NW Washington, DC 20009
Every year, we honor community members who help UPO staff to make an impact. We applaud volunteers, partners, and donors — some of the people and companies who give time, talent, and treasure to help our neighbors lift themselves into the middle class.
Please celebrate with us at this joyous event!
PRESIDENT AND CEO'S LETTER
Andrea Thomas President and CEO
UPO’S COMMUNITY ACTION PROMISE
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
Dear Team UPO,
This issue of our internal magazine is filled with holiday joy!
Since then, a lot has happened. So much that we needed to take time to breathe. Now that we’ve done that, it’s time to fight for what we believe in, including the best ways to help our customers overcome barriers and lift themselves into the middle class.
So I’m taking this opportunity to remind you of UPO’s 2025 Legislative Advocacy priorities. This is our Agenda for Economic Stability to help all District residents thrive, and it builds on many of UPO’s longtime direct services.
Our 4 priorities are:
• Safe and Affordable Housing for All
• Supporting Economic Mobility
• Adequate and Healthy Food for All
• Affordable and Quality Child Care
As I said in my recent video, this effort is deeply important and requires all of us to help it succeed. How do you get involved?
First, you can join the Staff Legislative Advocacy Committee to learn what’s really happening and how you and UPO can get involved in giving testimony, signing a petition, joining a rally, etc.
Second — I’m saying this to supervisors — please let your staff know that they can get involved with advocacy in many ways, and the Legislative Advocacy Committee is a great first step.
Third, you can identify customers who would be great Community Advocates. People who are eager to be heard. When they share a vision for their community and how DC policies impact their goal of economic stability, UPO will help to amplify their voice.
Next: Read the details on the next couple of pages and reach out to Ed Lazere (elazere@upo.org or 202-238-4690) to create positive change in our beloved city.
Thank you for your attention, and for all you do to Unite People with Opportunities.
Warm regards,
Andrea Thomas UPO President and CEO
United Planning Organization’s Agenda for Economic Stability
OUR 2025 LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY AGENDA
In the past four years, DC families have gone from unprecedented levels of economic security — thanks to pandemic aid programs — to a point where many are overwhelmed by unaffordable rents and food prices, amidst cuts to local programs. DC’s economy is growing, but our poverty rate remained unchanged last year.
UPO calls on the District to develop an Economic Stability Agenda, focused on housing, food, and child care.
SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR ALL
We believe all DC residents should live in decent housing that is affordable to them. Yet the number of residents paying more than half their income on housing has grown in the past decade, and too many renters live in unsafe and unhealthy housing. UPO recommends:
• Fully fund the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): ERAP is an essential tool to keep families together and limit evictions. The Urban Institute estimates that Emergency Rental Assistance needs $100 million funding to meet the demand.
• Invest in deeply affordable housing: The solution to our housing and homelessness challenges is to create more housing affordable to people with incomes under 30% of Median Family Income, about $50,000 for a family of 4. The District should invest more in programs to build or preserve affordable housing, combined with rental subsidies for those with the lowest incomes.
• Improve enforcement of housing conditions laws: Many UPO customers live in poorly maintained buildings with unresponsive landlords. The District should target landlords with the worst records, and ensure there is adequate inspection staff in the Department of Buildings.
ADEQUATE AND HEALTHY FOOD FOR ALL
We believe no DC resident should worry about where their next meal will come from or eat nutritionally inadequate food because that is all they can afford. Yet 30,000 DC households – 1 in 11 – are food insecure, and the rate is especially high for older residents. Access to grocery stores for DC residents living east of the Anacostia River remains much lower than in other parts of DC. UPO recommends:
• Restore Give SNAP a Raise: SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) benefits are not enough to get people through the month, and UPO customers say they are not able to afford meat, dairy and eggs. DC added a supplement to SNAP benefits in 2024 ($80/ month for a family of three) but ended it in 2025. We recommend the District restore this SNAP supplement in 2026.
• Fund a Grocery Coop: The District can support grocery access by supporting cooperative grocery stores at a much lower cost than traditional supermarkets, with an employee-owner model.
SUPPORTING ECONOMIC MOBILITY
The “benefits cliff” is a key barrier to the economic progress of residents with low-income. The benefits cliff reflects the fact that moving to work or getting
a better job can trigger a large reduction in benefits like food and housing. Research shows that the benefits cliff leads some people to not take a job offer or a job promotion to avoid losing critical public benefits. UPO recommends: the District take the following steps to support economic mobility.
• Ensure child support gets to families: Under current policy, families receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) cash assistance keep only $150 of monthly child support they receive. The rest is kept by the federal and local government. The District should adopt a policy to pass through all child support to families. This would not only ensure child support actually reaches children, it also would incentivize non-custodial parents to pay child support.
• Adjust phase-out of DC Benefits: Currently, TANF cash assistance for families with children starts to phase out when a parent earns just $160 per month, and parents using subsidized child care are required to make co-pays once their income reaches the poverty line (about $25,000 for a family of three). The District should create a grace period that maintains full TANF assistance when a parent finds work, and it should reduce or eliminate child care co-pays for families with very low incomes.
AFFORDABLE AND QUALITY CHILD CARE
Improving access to high-quality and affordable child care has enormous benefits for children, parents, and businesses in the District. High-quality care is essential for healthy child development in the early years, and affordable care enables parents to find and keep work; research shows that when DC parents lack access to child care, they often work fewer hours and turn down job promotions. Limited access to child care costs DC employers $80 million in reduced productivity and higher turnover. UPO recommends:
• Protect the Pay Equity Fund: The Pay Equity Fund is a vital tool to raise the pay and provide health insurance for childcare teachers. The Pay Equity Fund has helped increase the number of childcare teachers, addressing a teacher shortage while also improving the lives of childcare teachers. UPO recommends providing $80 million for the Pay Equity Fund in 2026, for both salary awards and health insurance subsidies.
• Increase funding for the childcare subsidy program: For nearly a decade, DC has provided subsidized childcare to eligible families without maintaining a wait list, but funding cuts in FY 2025 may force the District to create a waiting list. DC should fund the child care subsidy program at $106 million to serve all eligible families.
LUNCH TIME CHRONICLES: CHILI COOKOFF!
The UPO Fun Team came up with the 2nd in a series of fabulous food events: the Chili Cookoff! These are fun, engaging competitions that bring staff together to laugh and enjoy good company.
Ivan Laney, Ed Lazere, and TJ Day were the entrants. Each chef brought a tub of his delicious chili. Staffers tasted each of them — either just a nibble or a full bowl — and voted for their favorite.
… Now the drumroll, please …
The Champion:
TJ Day for his meaty, marvelous chili (pictured outdoors)
The 2nd place winner:
Ivan Laney for his “Great Bowls of Fire” (top picture, on the left)
The 3rd place winner:
Ed Lazere for his vegetarian delight (top picture, on the right)
TJ couldn’t attend the event – he was solving IT issues at another location – but he was overjoyed when he returned to discover that he had won. (Note to HQ staff: If you were wondering why you heard the theme from Rocky that day, it was because TJ was passing your office during his victory lap.)
After the announcement of the winners, Ivan, Ed, and others also shared a few chili tips in this video, which is the perfect length for a silly snack break!
Many thanks to the staff volunteers who put the event together, including Laurette “Elle” Hilliard, Regina Murphy, Shelena Hollinger, and Alice Jordan. We look forward to the next mouthwatering competition!
DELIVERING TURKEYS FOR THANKSGIVING
Our tradition is to help families across the District to have a Happy Thanksgiving, regardless of their finances.
UPO’s Community Advocacy and Community Impact teams distributed 540 turkeys + 50 bags of groceries thanks to our devoted partners:
• Islamic Relief USA
• Safeway
• Masjid Muhammad
• Washington National Cathedral
This is how we build community!
HOLIDAY SEASON OF CHEER
UPO has a long tradition of holding holiday parties and decorating our office doors. We treasure the chances to get together and have fun!
Please savor these photos for another taste of the holiday spirit.
HQ HOLIDAY DOORS
The designs in each space were widely varied and all special!
PHOTOS
PETEY GREENE HOLIDAY DOORS
Enjoyable themes emerged at PG as you walked from one space to another.
STAFF HOLIDAY GATHERINGS
PETEY GREENE PARTY
We showed up and showed out! Folks at the Petey Greene Community Service Center had an amazing time with the Holiday Luncheon, Door Decorations, Holiday Movie Lunch, and Holiday Games! Great fun all around!
The energy was great at the Building Careers Academy (BCA), where our Workforce Institute teammates partied gloriously! (BCA is DC’s largest construction training facility, where our instructors lead many of our job training courses.)
A delicious spread brought Holiday Cheer to the Comprehensive Treatment Center!
CTC PARTY
BCA PARTY
YSD PARTY
“Congratulations to Kenichia White, the winner of the Youth Services Division’s Friday the 13th Festive Holiday Sweater Contest! Your creative flair and holiday spirit truly stole the show!
Thank you to everyone at UPO who voted to help select the YSD winner. During the final YSD All Hands Meeting of the year, Kenichia was crowned the victor. From festive sweaters to Secret Santa surprises, we wrapped up 2024 in style over a delicious Taco Tuesday lunch!
Thank you to the team for making this a fun and festive meeting and for bringing such great energy. I appreciate the generosity and thoughtfulness that you exhibited at this lunch as well as with our kids and senior volunteers year-round. We notice your hard work and dedication. Cheers to an amazing year together and to even more exciting moments in 2025! Shout out to Shelena Hollinger for coming through in the clutch with UPO bags and Regina Woodson ensuring we received our spice cake at the lunch.”
- by Youth Services Director RJ Mendez
CDA PARTY
Our Childhood Development Associates brought their Ugly Sweaters to enhance the fun! Working hard and partying hard — that was the vibe.
OEL PARTY
Members of the Office of Early Learning gathered for our annual holiday Family Gift-Giving Event! We pulled together resources to give gifts to 16 OEL families from Early Head Start, Home-based, Quality Improvement Network, and Microsites. We were happy to bring some holiday cheer to these families. A big shoutout to Jerusha Nixon-Baugh for coordinating a fantastic day!
Our Quality Improvement Network team reached a new level of awesomeness!
QIN SWEATERS
WINTER WONDERLAND AT FREDERICK DOUGLASS
“Winter Wonderland at the Frederick Douglass Early Childhood Education Center was a heartwarming success thanks to the incredible support from our community, the dedication of our staff, and the collaboration of our partners. We are deeply grateful to the UPO Workforce Institute’s Culinary Arts training program for crafting delicious treats and warm drinks from scratch, to the 7th District MPD for bringing gifts to every child enrolled at our center, and to our generous community for donations that helped us distribute clothing, shelf-stable food, coats, and books.”
- by Family Engagement Specialist Melanie Prillaman
HQ’S PARTY: HOT CHOCOLATE, S’MORES, CIDER & SWEATERS
The hot chocolate was flowing, the sweaters were glowing, and the movie was going. Along the way, staffers shared holiday traditions and thoroughly enjoyed each others’ company. Thank you to Regina Woodson and Shelena Hollinger for putting the event together!
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS
HEART HEALTH MONTH & VALENTINE’S DAY
Thank you for participating in Heart Health Month’s Wear Red Day. You supported a great cause by spreading awareness about heart health. You also showed your team spirit since it was NFL Jersey Day too! And let’s thank the folks who shared crimson outfits again on Valentine’s Day — you are the best!
On December 13, our Community Advocacy team held 2 events focused on children. Our devotion to our neighbors keeps growing!
YOUTH PREVENTION INITIATIVES DINNER
The Iron Star Foundation sponsored a special dinner at our Petey Greene Community Service Center and provided gifts for 30 youth who participated in our Youth Prevention Initiatives (such as mentoring and other supports from police officers). The fun, laughter, and community building were off the charts! We look forward to doing even more with Iron Star.
COMMUNITY ADVOCACY
34TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY CHEER CELEBRATION
We love to bring joy to families with this festive event and every year, they tell us how much they appreciate the dinner! We had a wonderful time at the RISE Center with games and dancing — the sillier the better — and of course, gifts for all of the children.
OFFICE OF EARLY LEARNING (OEL)
EARLY EDUCATORS GROW AT OEL
Our Office of Early Learning is DC’s largest Early Head Start provider and we’re constantly looking for dynamic, passionate educators. So we developed our own Early Educators’ Credentialing Academy to help professionals launch their career. Our graduates keep growing from their Child Development Associate certification through their Master’s degree and beyond. The sky’s the limit!
Our latest CDA graduates are in the photo of people with their certificates, which is from the Workforce Institute Graduation on January 24. Many thanks to Senior Program Director Tracey Parham and her team for the training!
To attract our next CDA students, we held a pair of Child Development Associate Program Orientations. What a turnout! Both sessions were full of eager participants. Thank you to everyone who supported the sessions with recruitment or greetings or offered words of motivation. We appreciate you so much!
“TASTE OF UPO” FOOD TRUCK HELPS TO LAUNCH CAREFIRST ARENA
The first catering event for our “Taste of UPO” Food Truck was ideal: Chef Jerald Thomas and Cook/Driver Kelvin Edgar, Jr. prepared hundreds of hot meals for the launch of the CareFirst Arena. This is a new name and a new community partnership for the former Entertainment & Sports Arena (the home of the Washington Mystics and Capital City Go-Go).
Our Community Advocacy team shared information about UPO programs at our table, which was part of the Community Health & Wellness Market. DC residents learned about our resources and picked up free groceries and winter care packages from partners such as United Way of the National Capital Area, Martha’s Table, and Congress Heights Community Training & Development Corporation.
We were delighted to participate in this event because CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, one of the country's largest nonprofit healthcare organizations, announced a 10-year partnership with Events DC to strengthen communities East of the River. As part of the investment, CareFirst will provide $2 million in direct funding to support local programming developed in partnership with the St. Elizabeths community.
UPO WORKFORCE INSTITUTE (WFI)
On January 24, the Training Division of the UPO Workforce Institute had a graduation ceremony to celebrate our vocational trade students. We had 60 graduates who earned national certifications for:
• IT Help Desk and Application Support Specialist (which is an international certification)
• Broadband Telecommunications Network Technician
• Culinary Arts
• Professional Building Maintenance
• Commercial Driver (CDL)
• Child Development Associate (CDA)
• Plumbing Technician
• Electrical Technician
They completed their training programs and will now work with our Placement Unit to continue their job search. We are so proud of our graduates for all of their hard work and dedication to their education, and we are happy to continue working with them to achieve their goals.
Please note:
For DC residents who are eligible, our main requirement is a positive mindset. All trainings are provided at no cost to income-eligible DC residents.
If you know someone who would see our training as a gamechanger, have them contact Darlene Booker (202) 231-7981
Text ICAN to 41444 or call (202) 231-7933 or email wfitraining@upo.org
GRADUATION CELEBRATION!
COMMUNITY HEALTH
OPIOID TREATMENT THAT TRANSFORMS LIVES A HOME FOR A NEW BEGINNING
Opioid addiction is a chronic life-threatening disease which may take years to treat, so relapse prevention is the main focus of our Comprehensive Treatment Center. The goal is treatment sobriety, with the hope of improving quality of life. So our program includes opioid replacement therapy using methadone and we coordinate medical and counseling services.
OUR METHODS ARE EFFECTIVE
in the District, 2,548 people died from drug overdoses between 20172022. Yet CTC lost only one customer to an overdose during that time. Why? Because CTC’s Medication Assisted Treatment and counseling are part of a holistic approach. Education is the key, including training customers to protect themselves from fentanyl.
A SUCCESS STORY
When Mr. L enrolled in CTC 7 years ago, he was addicted to drugs, homeless, unemployed, penniless, and on the verge of divorce. He had hit bottom. The 7 years of intensive treatment at CTC helped him regain everything he lost. He completed his treatment, owns a business, and has been completely drug-free for 3 years. Bravo!
REACH OUT
If you know someone who needs help, have them call (202) 682-6599 and ask to speak with Administrative Manager Althea Harris. No one will be denied access due to inability to pay and there is a discounted/ sliding fee schedule available based on family size and income. For more information, please see the FAQs on our UPO webpage
UPO’s Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) customers — many of whom are overcoming the challenges of chronic homelessness and managing long-term health issues — deserve more than just a place to live. They deserve a space that supports their journey toward stability, self-reliance, and community connection. Then our PSH team can give them intensive case management to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
PARTNERS DELIVERING HOPE
We have just announced the Dix Street Residences & UPO Permanent Supportive Housing Initiative, a collaborative effort between Dix Street, renowned for its premium, accessible residential designs, and UPO, a nonprofit organization committed to human development and supportive housing solutions. Together, we have created a model that enhances the lives of the District’s most vulnerable citizens aged 55+ by combining superior design, supportive services, and strategic urban placement. Every element fosters an environment where our customers can thrive as they build a future filled with hope and opportunity.
In addition to having a secure, welcoming home, residents are also near shopping, dining, entertainment, and essential services such as PSI Mental Health and Human Services (just a block away).
Our forward-thinking initiative transforms housing into a launch pad for renewed independence and community reintegration.
UPO IS COMMITTED TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING
CREATING COMMUNITY THROUGH HOUSING STABILITY
UPO understands that once people have a stable home, we can help them address issues such as education, employment, health, and financial counseling. So UPO is leveraging our resources and collaborating with premier firms to create new affordable homes across the District. We have increased DC’s affordable housing stock by 177 apartments through our partnership with TM Associates, with more on the way via partnerships with Mutreja Development, PGN Architects, and others.
UPO owns 5 affordable apartments in the District and rents them to people who have low incomes.
Using funds awarded by Truist Foundation, UPO made extensive renovations to 4 of our units. The work, arranged by our Office of Facilities Management, included the complete remodeling of 2 kitchens and bathrooms. These renovations ensure that future renters live with dignity in a high-quality home while pursuing their goal of economic security. Tenants in our units receive support with career training, financial counseling, and referral services as needed.
UPO’S 41ST ANNUAL MLK JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST
Celebration and delight filled the ballroom at our 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast. Our Keynote Speaker was the celebrated Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd. She answered Dr. King’s question, “Chaos or Community—Where Do We Go From Here?” with a rousing speech!
Each year at the breakfast, UPO chooses 5 excellent DC students and awards them Joseph A. Beavers Scholarships to help ease the cost of college. These students become the first in their families to go to college — which changes their lives forever.
Over the past 40 years, our generous donors have supported 200 scholars through college to reach their full potential as scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders. The unrestricted funds raised during the MLK Breakfast are also used for general operations and programs.
To all of our staff who donated their personal funds to this noble cause: We salute you! All staff are encouraged to support and help at UPO's Annual Martin Luther King Breakfast.
MLK DAY OF SERVICE
We began the MLK Holiday weekend with the MLK Breakfast. The next day we held our annual MLK Day of Service at UPO’s Petey Greene Community Service Center.
Members of the Divine 9 — the 9 traditionally African-American fraternities and sororities — were delighted to assemble hundreds of bags of food, clothing, and treats to distribute to our neighbors.
Many thanks to UPO Board member Salim Adofo and our Community Advocacy team for making this such a glorious day!
WE CELEBRATE FOSTER GRANDPARENTS!
UPO’s Foster Grandparent Program held its Volunteer Recognition event on Friday, December 13 in the Marin room aboard the City Cruises “Odyssey” sightseeing vessel.
“Foster Grandparents” are senior volunteers who mentor children in classrooms throughout DC, aiding students in math, literacy, motor skills, and social and emotional skills. This is an AmeriCorps Seniors program; UPO operates the DC chapter, which has 150+ devoted seniors.
Dr. Keenan Woods served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies, delighting the grandparents with his presence. The event honored our volunteers for their unwavering dedication to supporting the educational success of children in the District.
Event attendees enjoyed a premier luncheon, joined by many UPO staff and employees. A DJ set the stage for an unforgettable dance experience, adding to the joyful atmosphere.
Laurette “Elle” Hilliard, Acting Director, and Yvette Thompson, Program Coordinator, presented special recognition certificates and gift cards to volunteers with the highest service hours and longest tenure, including Freida Wright, Renee Muse-White, Martha Williams-Eaves, Beverly Massey, Charlotte Braxton, and Mabel Harris
Site managers, school principals, and center directors were invited to attend. Site Managers Denise Ray (MLK Elementary), Valerie Christan (Friendship Chamberlain Public Charter School), and Anita White (UPO’s Frederick Douglass Early Childhood Education Center) expressed heartfelt appreciation for their volunteers and the Foster Grandparent Program.
As a token of gratitude, all Foster Grandparents received gifts and door prizes, making the celebration a truly special occasion. Bravo!
C.R.E.A.T.E. MAKES LEARNING FUN!
We are excited to share highlights from our recent activities in the CREATE after-school program! CREATE is for 1st - 6th graders and uses elevated learning experiences to close the opportunity gap for under-resourced students. Our vision: Fill the gap with societal leaders and change agents who make a positive social impact through their character, firm identity, emotional intelligence, academic excellence, and mental and physical well-being.
Our students have engaged in a variety of enriching experiences that enhance their skills and are a lot of fun!
TEAM UPO SPOTLIGHT
In this issue, two educators are sharing the Spotlight. They are both flourishing in our Office of Early Learning and on January 24, they both graduated from Walden University with a Master of Science in Early Childhood Studies!
This section was developed by a pair of students from Don Bosco Christo Rey High School’s Corporate Work Study Program. Jeancarlos Claros conducted the interviews as Emely Lemus Nolasco took careful notes. Then Jeancarlos wrote the final pieces.
MICHELE D. MCNEELY
Center
Director of UPO’s Early Childhood Education Center at Ballou High School
When did you join UPO?
November of 2002.
Why did you join?
I joined because I came from an organization that had inspired other people, and I saw that I could do that at UPO too. [Note: Regina Murphy inspired Michele to work here, saying that it was a great fit because Michele loved working with people.]
Why do you stay?
I like that I can help others succeed. Please talk about your experience with Walden University – the program and the graduation.
It was amazing! I started in 2012 using the online platform, and I was happy to still be able to spend time with family and friends [while taking classes]. In 2014, I graduated with honors and received my Bachelor's degree. I was eager to get back into a school so I restarted in 2024, and the process was unbelievably great. Going to the graduation in North Carolina was glorious!
What does your job involve?
I help to mentor students and teachers and give a lot of support to families. In the past, I welcomed the opportunity to start coaching.
What do you like most about what you do?
I like interacting with children and helping them blossom. I enjoy being with my team and colleagues and having partnerships with other schools — this is the best way to grow.
Would you like to add something about your life outside of UPO?
I’m a family kind of person. I like to go shopping spend time with my incredibly supportive husband.
JULIET WRIGHT-FULLER
Center Director of UPO’s Early Childhood Education Center at C.W. Harris Elementary School
When did you join UPO?
I joined January of 2007 — I was looking for opportunities to grow professionally.
Why did you join?
I had completed my Bachelor's degree and wanted to take a next step in my career. So I took the chance that UPO offered me.
Why do you stay?
I want to make an impact and help families.
Please talk about your experience with Walden University’s Master’s program. The program was wonderful because of the flexibility to be able to work at my own pace. That was incredible — I could also balance my other commitments. It was easy for me to always have support and everything I needed was always provided.
What does your job involve?
It involves daily operations and very supportive environments for children and families. Before that, I worked as a Family Engagement Manager.
What do you like most about what you do?
I love the opportunities to make a positive impact on the families that I serve and mentor. I like to motivate them and be a part of their growth and success. And I’ve learned so much from Syrita Robinson, Marcia Claggett, Natasha Terry, and so many others along the way.
Would you like to add something about your life outside of UPO?
I’m very active in marketing and I love travelling!
WELCOME TO OUR NEW HIRES!
Please congratulate our new graduates: Michele D. McNeely, who attended the ceremony, and Juliet Wright-Fuller.
OCTOBER 2024 – JANUARY 2025
Lisa Alston Family & Community Public Policy Advocate OEL
Mikell Bozeman Program AssistantPOWER Youth Services
Shayla Dunmore Teacher I OEL
Aschalew Eshete Lead Quality Reviewer Community Reinvestment
Rhonda Hamilton Community Impact Facilitator Community Impact
Dominique Holmes Teacher III OEL
Monei Lyons Program Assistant Youth Services
Jazmyne Martin Seasonal Dispatcher Shelter Hotline
LaShonda Pettaway Teacher I OEL
Ariana Ruffin Job Developer UPO Workforce Institute
Khory Spruill Transportation and Logistics Mgr. Shelter Hotline
Destinee Stewart Program AssistantCREATE Youth Services
Phillina Thompson Teacher II OEL
Jeffrey Walker Case Manager Permanent Supportive Housing
Starlene Webb Payroll Accountant Office of Finance
LaCrystal West Teacher I OEL
