Since then, TeenSHARP has evolved into a national organization that gives low-income, black, and Latino youth access to premier leadership opportunities, trains them to be ambassadors of higher education in their communities, and prepares them for success at selective colleges and universities.
As TeenSHARP’s resident historian, Atnre is quick to share stories of the organization’s humble church basement beginnings, its growing pains, and many milestones. With his background in research and evaluation, policy and advocacy, communications, technology, and instruction, he has the type of Swiss Army knife skills that are critical in a fast-paced social impact organization. He has three lovely children (Zoryana, Nazariy, and Taras), an amazing wife (TeenSHARP’s Co-Founder), and he plays bass guitar and blogs when he finds the time.
Our “force of nature” founder came to New Jersey from Ukraine for graduate school over a decade ago and immediately put her hands to the work of community empowerment and expanding educational opportunity. She has experience managing youth programs for the UN in Ukraine (at the age of 19!), teaching at Temple University, building/managing nonprofit organizations, and supporting students to and through college. She is also a mother to three lovely kids (Zoryana, Nazariy, and Taras), plays guitar and piano, and makes amazing soups!
As the first staff member that most prospective students meet, Jenny prides herself on being a welcoming presence within the virtual office. She is a first-generation college student with a degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University. Her years of experience in food service management has given her an unshakable nature and a penchant for complex problem-solving. While not at her desk, Jenny can be found on walks with her toddler, writing poetry, or playing table-top role-playing games.
Deborah leads TeenSHARP’s parent empowerment work with love, conviction, and credibility. She grew up in one of America’s poorest cities (Camden, NJ), has served as an elected school board member, raised two sons who have accessed higher education successfully (one is a TeenSHARP alumnus and McCabe Scholar at Swarthmore) along with her husband, and has helped many more families prepare their children for college.
