Program Staff, Trainers, and Speakers
The Interfaith Civic Leadership Academy is led by ICNY’s program staff:
Dr. Henry Goldschmidt is ICNY’s Director of Programs, and co-director of the ICLA. Henry is a cultural anthropologist, community educator, interfaith organizer, and scholar of religion. In his work at ICNY, he creates and facilitates programs for religious and civic leaders, K-12 teachers, social workers, and others. Henry received his Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of California at Santa Cruz, and taught religious studies and cultural anthropology at Wesleyan University and elsewhere before joining the ICNY staff in 2010. He is the author of Race and Religion among the Chosen Peoples of Crown Heights, as well as other scholarly and popular publications on American religious diversity and K-12 religious studies pedagogy. He is a life-long, fanatic New Yorker, and lives in Brooklyn with his wife and children.
Danielle Williams is ICNY’s Program Associate for Community Partnerships, and co-director of the ICLA. Danielle is an interfaith organizer committed to advancing justice and liberation. Rooted in the spiritual traditions of her African ancestors and guided by her interfaith spiritual journey, Danielle brings a deep commitment to bridge-building and community empowerment. Previously, she served as Faith Coordinator at CONNECT NYC, equipping multicultural faith leaders with tools to prevent domestic violence. Danielle also spent several years as a community organizer in California, and was a 2021-2022 ICLA fellow herself. In her free time, she enjoys jewelry making and cooking. Danielle holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.
Some workshops are led by trainers from path-breaking nonprofits, including:
The Advocacy Institute is committed to supporting the legislative advocacy of social justice and movement-building organizations in New York City and State, by developing talent, building networks, and providing tools and information to support successful legislative advocacy. AI produces powerful trainings, creative visual aids, and cutting-edge, interactive resources making it possible for organizations to become self-reliant in navigating key government contacts.
Coro New York Leadership Center is NYC’s premier leadership training organization. For students and executives, activists and entrepreneurs who want to learn how New York City works so that they can make it better, Coro delivers the skills, knowledge, and network to lead change. Participants become leaders and influencers, developing innovative solutions to public issues, and inspiring others to lead change.
Metro IAF New York is a local affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation, the community organizing network founded in 1940 by Saul Alinsky and others. Since 1979, Metro IAF has been organizing to improve our city and region – holding public and private sector leaders accountable to deliver results for the people of New York. Metro IAF’s member institutions work independently to improve their neighborhoods, and work collectively to improve the City.
The Restorative Justice Initiative is a New York City based, multi-sector network of practitioners, advocates, and community members seeking to increase support for, and access to, restorative justice approaches for all New Yorkers. By supporting collaboration and transparency among programs and practitioners, RJI is building a movement rooted in shared power that will reduce violence and create a more safe, just, and equitable city.
Some workshops feature conversations with diverse religious and civic leaders. Past panels have included speakers from:
Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus
Center for Community Leadership, Jewish Community Relations Council
Freedom Agenda / Urban Justice Center
NYC Commission on Human Rights
NYC Center for Faith and Community Partnerships
NYC Civic Engagement Commission
And many more!
