Melissa Cange Assistant Director of Vocational Services at Queens Centers for Progress
Melissa Cange Assistant Director of Vocational Services at Queens Centers for Progress Melissa Cange is the Assistant Director of Vocational Services at Queens Centers for Progress (QCP), where she plays a key role in helping individuals with developmental disabilities achieve independence. Since starting as a job coach in 2015, Melissa has advanced to become a Supported Employment (SEMP) Supervisor, bringing years of experience and dedication to her work.
William Daly Supported Employment Supervisor at Tiegerman Community Services
William Daly Supported Employment Supervisor at Tiegerman Community Services William Daly graduated from New York University. William started at Tiegerman Community Services as an Employment Specialist in 2014, William is currently the Supported Employment Supervisor and proud of the fact that he has been a part of the enormous growth of the agency. He loves helping individuals with disabilities achieve their ultimate goal of obtaining employment. William has built relationships with all types of businesses throughout New York State, including movie theatres, restaurants, retail stores and grocery stores. He has assisted individuals with maintaining employment at some of the largest arenas in the state such as Madison Square Garden, Barclay’s Center and UBS Arena to one of the largest companies in the world, Amazon. Not only does William prepare individuals for work and guide them through the application and interview process, but he and the team he supervises, job coach them in person at their worksites. He helped the overwhelming majority of individuals in his program return to their jobs after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown so many businesses.
Tommy DiMisa Vanguard Benefits, "TheNonProfitSectorConnector", Philanthropy in Phocus
Tommy DiMisa Vanguard Benefits, "TheNonProfitSectorConnector", Philanthropy in Phocus Tommy DiMisa has been a sales professional for the last 18 years. Over the years, he has consulted with hundreds of companies in the areas of payroll, human resources outsourcing, human capital management and employee benefits. Tommy and his firm Vanguard Insurance Agency have a particular focus in serving and educating leaders in the nonprofit sector with employee benefits strategies that position these companies as “employers of choice.” Tommy consistently adds value to his clients in their efforts to design ways to best attract and retain talent. Tommy’s focus on working with and serving the nonprofit sector has been accomplished through his multiple board positions and volunteer work. This interest has pushed Tommy to launch his weekly radio show/podcast, Philanthropy in Phocus. On this show Tommy interviews executive leaders of nonprofit organizations to help them tell their stories and amplify their messages. #TheNonProfitSectorConnector Always networking and connecting to add further value, Tommy leads and facilitates networking meetings in person and virtually in his role as National Director of THE Networking Group (TNG), which is a national networking and educational organization growing across the US. TNG is a “vetted” community of business owners and high-level producers that network with a collaborative focus and giving methodology.
Melissa Levin Employment & Community Services Manager at AHRC NYC
Melissa Levin Employment & Community Services Manager at AHRC NYC Melissa, known to be funny and energetic her whole life, graduated from the University of Maine with Degrees in the Arts and Arts Education. She worked as a voice and background actor until finding her passion working with individuals with disabilities. Over 9 years ago, Melissa began her journey with ARHC NYC Employment & Business Services as a substitute job coach. She was quickly promoted to a full time-permanent job coach and then promoted again to Employment & Community Services Coordinator. Melissa also co-chairs the Family & Community Supports Group for the Queens Council on Developmental Disability, proudly representing AHRC NYC. She is currently the Employment and Community Services Manager for Queens AHRC NYC and loves what she does. Her heart is dedicated to helping those we support live their lives to the fullest.
Lisa Lewis Founder & Executive Director of Omnium Circus
Lisa Lewis Founder & Executive Director of Omnium Circus Lisa began her career as a graduate of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. She has a BA from Brandeis University and earned a Master’s Degree in Clown/Circus History from NYU, co-founded the Super Scientific Circus, and spent many years working with the Big Apple Circus in multiple capacities. She is the founder and executive director of Omnium: A Bold New Circus, whose mission it is to include and welcome the beautiful mosaic of humans who make up our world, creating joy and entertainment for all no matter the body you inhabit and the skin you are in. She is a recognized leader in the area of DEAIB (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion and Belonging) and a passionate advocate for making the magic of the performing arts available to all.
Vivian Martins Customized Employment Specialist at AHRC NYC
Vivian Martins Customized Employment Specialist at AHRC NYC Vivian graduated with a degree in Sociocultural Anthropology from Stanford University. They have traveled to 13 countries and speak 4 languages. They worked in the field of international education for six years in addition to working at international hostels as well. Wanting to do something more fulfilling, Vivian began their journey at AHRC NYC in June 2022. Vivian first worked as an Employment Skills Coordinator, in charge of one of our pre-employment programs called Pathways to Employment. They were quickly promoted to their current position as Customized Employment Specialist, using person-centered practices to develop jobs for our supported individuals who have more specific needs.
Elizabeth Repoli VP of Talent & People Management at The Corporate Source
Elizabeth Repoli VP of Talent & People Management at The Corporate Source Elizabeth Repoli serves as the Vice President of Talent & People Management at The Corporate Source, an organization dedicated to creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. With a passion for creating an inclusive and supportive work environment, Elizabeth oversees talent, workforce development, employee engagement strategies, benefits and HR compliance. She brings extensive experience in human resources, supported employment and disability rights advocacy to her role with the goal of creating a culture of belonging and empowerment for all employees. Elizabeth is committed to driving initiatives that empower people of all abilities to grow and thrive in the workplace.