Interfaith Civic Leadership Academy
2024 – 2025 Fellows
Also click here to learn about our senior fellows, from previous ICLA cohorts.
Isaac Adlerstein (he/him) has served as the Executive Director of Broadway Community since December 2021. Raised in Queens and Long Island, Isaac has formally been involved in homeless services since 2017, when he began his work at the Interfaith Nutrition Network, Long Island’s largest homeless services agency. Immediately prior to joining Broadway Community, Isaac served as the Director of Volunteer Services at Commonpoint Queens, Queens’ largest social service agency. In the Summer of 2023, Isaac led a $75 million initiative with the Eric Adams Administration and New York Disaster Interfaith Services to create 50 new shelters within houses of worship for asylum seekers — with the programs of Broadway Community held up as the model for what’s possible. Isaac holds a Bachelors in Political Science from Johns Hopkins University and currently serves as the Board Chair of the Emergency Shelter Network, which empowers faith-based organizations to provide shelter, assistance, and support to New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.
Destinee Bates (she/her) is a third-year Master of Divinity candidate at Union Theological Seminary, concentrating on Religion and the Black Experience. She is dedicated to dismantling the threat of White Christian nationalism and seeks to work toward a radical re-examination of faith that centers on the experiences of the oppressed, challenging any theological framework that supports nationalism or racial supremacy. In addition to her academic pursuits, Destinee has gained extensive experience in public policy and advocacy. Her work spans local, state, and national levels, mobilizing congregants around critical issues such as poverty relief, racial reconciliation, and climate change. She has served as part of the Episcopal Church delegation at international forums such as COP26 and COP28, focusing on climate justice and gender equality. Through her interfaith work, she aims to foster dialogue and understanding, creating spaces where all voices can be heard and uplifted.
Dr. Yavuz Bayam (he/him) is a dedicated leader in interfaith and intercultural dialogue. He has served as Director of the Peace Islands Institute in New York since March 2024, focusing on interfaith and intercultural dialogue to foster understanding and collaboration across diverse communities. His mission centers on creating platforms for dialogue, encouraging mutual respect, and bridging divides among people of different backgrounds through events, discussions, and community initiatives. In addition to his work in intercultural engagement, Dr. Bayam brings a strong academic and entrepreneurial background. Formerly a professor of electrical engineering and an expert in nanotechnology, he cofounded two engineering startups with recent graduates, where he served as Chief Technology Officer. This experience has equipped him with a unique perspective on innovation and community building, enabling him to approach dialogue with both analytical and empathetic insight.
Annie Chu (she/her) serves as Deputy Director of the Manhattan Service Center of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Northeast Region, and as Events Lead of Tzu Chi Center. As a volunteer and Buddhist practitioner, she has dedicated over 20 years to witness firsthand the transformative power of gratitude, respect, and love in strengthening communities through the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. She has taken an active role in supporting faith-based social initiatives focused on serving those in need and protecting the environment. Through her volunteer work, she has organized various events and programs, managed food pantry services, coordinated hot meal programs, and participated in disaster relief efforts, including responses to Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Ida, and local building fires, offering stability and hope to affected communities. She was formerly the Chair of the Northeast Region Scholarship Committee, where she championed academic opportunities for young people and fostered a culture of growth and learning.
Fr. Samuel Davis (he/him) is an assistant priest at the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, at the World Trade Center, and also leads the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Mission to the African Diaspora in the Americas. Born in Brooklyn to Colombian and Panamanian immigrant parents, Fr. Samuel earned a degree in Biblical Studies at Pillar College, as well as an MDiv at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Inspired by the work of Archimandrite Raphael Morgan, the first Black Orthodox clergy person in America, Fr. Samuel has dedicated his vocation to sharing the Nubian tradition of the Orthodox Church as a vision for the future of shaping missions in the Americas.
Amber Flannery Field (she/her) is a practicing Quaker through the Brooklyn Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, where she programs punk rock concerts for teens, focusing on “Punks of Color” shows that aim to address segregation inside of New York’s teen punk community. Formerly, she has been involved in farm working organizing through National Farm Worker Ministry, abolition work, housing justice, and ad-hoc “trans mom” work within the New York City queer community. Outside of her community organizing, she is a professional tour guide, recognized by New York Magazine as one of their “things we love about New York,” and described by CBC radio as “the only good tour guide in New York City.” She is also famous for doing tour guide video content on Tiktok, an app she does not respect and an accomplishment she is deeply ashamed of.
Noah Habeeb (he/him) is Director of the Ark immigration clinic at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST), which provides pro se legal support to LGBTQ and HIV+ asylum seekers and many others. Since 2019, the Ark at CBST has served more than 2,000 asylum seekers. Noah’s writing has appeared in the Nation, Tikkun, Truthout, and publications of the Institute for Policy Studies. He has an MA in Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning and previously worked as an Urban Fellow in the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA). He is on the board of directors of the Lighthouse Equality Advocacy Project.
Erum Hanif (she/her) is the CEO of APNA Brooklyn Community Center and Director of Strategy and Contracting at APNA Adult Day Care. She is an accomplished executive with two decades of experience in social services and business operations. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has led to significant contributions to women’s empowerment, senior services, social services, and advocacy for marginalized communities. Erum’s leadership skills have been recognized with awards such as “Non-Profit 40 Under 40 Rising Star” recognition from City and State New York in 2021. In addition to her professional achievements, Erum is an active community advocate and member of several civic bodies, including the Language Assistance Advisory Committee of New York City Civic Engagement Commission, and Community Board 13. She is a trailblazer and a fearless advocate of her community and is also part of many advocacy efforts for the Muslim and AAPI communities of New York State.
Yamina Kezadri, MPH (she/her) is a dedicated public health professional whose work focuses on addressing health disparities and social injustices impacting vulnerable populations, including issues of food insecurity, community development, and health equity. She is the Director of Muslims Giving Back, as well as the founder and Executive Director of Halal Food Connections – both of which serve Muslim, immigrant, and vulnerable communities’ food needs. Yamina’s work stems from a commitment to advance health equity and social justice through collaborative initiatives. Her expertise spans community engagement, program development, policy analysis and epidemiology. Yamina is a dedicated public health professional She completed her MPH at SUNY Downstate School of Public Health with a specialization in Health Policy and Management as well as Epidemiology and a research focus in mental health.
Sangeetha Kowsik (she/her) has served as Hindu Chaplain at New York University since 2016, where she founded the NYU Hindu Center, and is affectionately known as the #pujaqueen for her love of Hindu ritual. She is also a traditionally trained Hindu priestess and Islamic/Arabic calligrapher. Sangeetha is a founding member of the North American Hindu Chaplain Association, and received the “Chaplain of the Year” award from Chelsea Clinton for her interfaith efforts in her first year at NYU. Sangeetha has a deep understanding of religious art from various faith traditions. She holds a BFA from the Parsons School of Design, a degree in Arabic calligraphy from NYU, has studied Christian miniature painting in France, is classically trained in South Asian performing arts, and formerly served as Head Designer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She is the founder of Ihsan Ishan Design, an award-winning multidisciplinary creative studio that promotes diversity, cultural unity, and interfaith understanding through meaningful fashion, art, and design.
Chaplain Shamel Lawrence (he/him) is dedicated to serving his community as a first-responder chaplain for various law enforcement agencies, as well as providing assistance in a hospital and at a local shelter. He is a proud member of Bethel Gospel Assembly in East Harlem, and of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York. Additionally, he is a military veteran with a background in law enforcement. His passion lies in supporting others during their times of need, offering them comfort, strength, and faith. Outside of his chaplaincy work, he finds tranquility in listening to jazz music and spending time by the water, where he can reflect, rejuvenate, and enjoy good Southern cuisine with his family. He is the father of three remarkable sons and fortunate to be married to an exceptional wife. He is committed to making a positive impact in society, and firmly believe that together we can achieve this.
Griffin Lockette (she/they) is an actor, interdisciplinary artist, and activist originally hailing from the island of Oahu, Hawai’i. Griffin is engaged in many social movements including housing justice, food justice, LGBTQ+ rights, Indigenous Justice #landback, and prison abolition. She is constantly seeking ways to contribute with her art and her actions. In 2020 she co-created a short film about grieving and finding community in the aftermath of sexual assault, and through a special screening raised thousands of dollars for NY Alliance Against Sexual Assault. She can be seen later this year performing in a dance piece about queer and trans community as liberation, as a part of the International Human Rights Festival at the Tank. Griffin currently serves on the board of West Side Campaign Against Hunger, volunteers with Open Hearts Initiative, mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and is an active member of Saint Paul and Saint Andrew Methodist Church where she participates in several ministries and social justice actions.
Dr. Raina Massey (she/her) is a native New Yorker and a recognized leader known for her impactful contributions to faith-based initiatives, healthcare, community development, employment, and education. She is the founder of a New York-based Christian church, a community development oriented research company, a private vocational school, a health and wellness organization, and an international hospital with tertiary clinics — each dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of underserved communities. In 1992, Dr. Massey founded Church of North India, a Christian Church in New York, and since been an active force in interfaith collaborations. Her community work includes rehabilitation, shelter support, food distribution, and immigration assistance, and programs like the Angel Tree Ministry, weekly food distribution program, and clothing distribution – all reflecting her commitment to bridging faith with community service.
Elæ Moss (they/he/ze) is a multimodal artist-researcher, culture worker, and system doula dedicated to radical modes of relational and spiritual engagement. Elæ currently serves as a Community Minister at Judson Memorial Church, focused on sustainable human infrastructure building at the intersection of community education, collective care, faith, arts, and social justice. They teach and work as an Interfaith Advisor at Pratt Institute, and are currently a member of the 2024-25 Solidarity Circles cohort at Vanderbilt Divinity School, supporting faith leaders building solidarity economies. Elæ is currently preparing for Interspiritual ordination through the Seminary program at OneSpirit, following two years as an MFA Public Action Fellow at Bennington, both the culmination of over twenty years approaching ministry as equally art and sacred service: creating sanctuary tools and spaces for seekers, rooted in commons-driven social justice organizing.
Shivani Parikh (she/her) is a Vaishnav Hindu, informed by a karma yoga (faith in action) approach to progressive social change. She is a lawyer and racial justice advocate for South Asian Americans, and thus is naturally called to an interfaith lens for community and relational organizing. She received her B.S. from Cornell University and her J.D. from Fordham Law School. After serving for three years on the executive board of Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus, she has moved to its advisory council. Through Sadhana, she has presented at the Parliament of the World’s Religions, the Spiritual Alliance of Communities for Reproductive Dignity (SACReD) Gathering, and contributed thought leadership and language from Hindu perspectives for various reproductive rights’ cases’ amicus briefs led by the National Council of Jewish Women and The Law, Rights, and Religion Project at Columbia Law School. She works and lives in Queens, the borough she was born in.
Tandeep Kaur Sawhney (she/her) is a Panjabi-Sikh community organizer and advocate, inspired by her lineage of royalty and justice-based rebellion. She bridges the gap between diverse communities and government through her work in the U.S. Senate. As the founder of Camp Khoj & Asees Foundation, Tandeep fosters leadership across generations, connecting youth, elders, and immigrants to preserve culture, strengthen community, and empower individuals. She has been recognized as the youngest speaker at the World Parliament of Religions and presented at the United Nations’ 68th Commission on the Status of Women. Through organizations like the Sikh Family Center, she collaborates with gurdwaras and community leaders to advance gender justice, support Sikh youth, and create safe, inclusive spaces within faith communities. Professionally, she has served with the International Religious Freedom Secretariat and the DHS Faith Advisory Council, helping Customs and Border Protection establish culturally sensitive guidelines on Sikh articles of faith. Her dedication has earned her awards, including the Presidential Service Award and recognition from the Public Advocate of New York.
