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2024-2025 Executive Board
Kayla M. Foster
Co-chair
Kayla M. Foster (she/her/hers) is a proud Trinidadian and Jamaican from Bowie, MD who currently lives in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a deep dedication to social change, restorative, transformative, and healing justice, harnessing the power of human connection through storytelling, and cultivating wellness and human flourishing. Through her work, she has honed her skills in facilitation, community development/activation, collaborative problem-solving, centering impacted voices, and innovative approaches to creating change.
Foster is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration at New York University, where she studies policy and public/nonprofit management while specializing in Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment. Foster works with the Center for Justice Innovation’s (CJI) Restorative Practices Department where she administratively supports the rollout of restorative justice work across New York City and co-facilitates restorative processes. Previously, she worked at CJI’s Queens Community Justice Center where she facilitated a restorative diversion program and supported grant writing, program development, and social media management.
Foster has been recognized as a 2022 Dalai Lama Fellow, a 2022 Index Youth Impact Fellow, a 2023 CELO x Allstate Foundation Youth Service Fellow, and a member of The B.R.E.A.T.H.E. Collective’s inaugural PeaceKeep(H)er Justice Fellowship. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland-College Park with a B.S. in Public Health Science, minor in Sustainability Studies, and Honors Citation from the Gemstone Program.
In her free time, she enjoys hikes and picnics with her friends and dog Kylo, running through the streets of Brooklyn, practicing yoga and meditation, journaling, and curling up with a good book.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylamfoster
Kayla M. Foster (she/her/hers) is a proud Trinidadian and Jamaican from Bowie, MD who currently lives in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a deep dedication to social change, restorative, transformative, and healing justice, harnessing the power of human connection through storytelling, and cultivating wellness and human flourishing. Through her work, she has honed her skills in facilitation, community development/activation, collaborative problem-solving, centering impacted voices, and innovative approaches to creating change.
Foster is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration at New York University, where she studies policy and public/nonprofit management while specializing in Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment. Foster works with the Center for Justice Innovation’s (CJI) Restorative Practices Department where she administratively supports the rollout of restorative justice work across New York City and co-facilitates restorative processes. Previously, she worked at CJI’s Queens Community Justice Center where she facilitated a restorative diversion program and supported grant writing, program development, and social media management.
Foster has been recognized as a 2022 Dalai Lama Fellow, a 2022 Index Youth Impact Fellow, a 2023 CELO x Allstate Foundation Youth Service Fellow, and a member of The B.R.E.A.T.H.E. Collective’s inaugural PeaceKeep(H)er Justice Fellowship. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland-College Park with a B.S. in Public Health Science, minor in Sustainability Studies, and Honors Citation from the Gemstone Program.
In her free time, she enjoys hikes and picnics with her friends and dog Kylo, running through the streets of Brooklyn, practicing yoga and meditation, journaling, and curling up with a good book.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylamfoster
Liola Moody
Co-chair
Liola (she, her, hers) graduated from Manhattan College with honors as a Political Science and International Relations double major, with a minor in French and Theology. She was the Executive Vice President of the Student Body, Chief Justice of the Student Court, Co-Head Delegate of Model United Nations, and Founder of TurnStyle - an on campus non-profit thrift store. Liola spent a year working to levy progressive mental health legislation on behalf of Quartet Health before continuing my education at NYU Wagner, where she specializes in Social Innovation, Impact, and Investment. She spends most of her time outside of the classroom working at a tv production studio, producing educational children’s entertainment. Outside of work and school, Liola enjoys reading, engaging in her local community advocacy programs like the Upper West Side Campaign Against Hunger, and spending time with her friends.
www.linkedin.com/in/liola-moody
Liola (she, her, hers) graduated from Manhattan College with honors as a Political Science and International Relations double major, with a minor in French and Theology. She was the Executive Vice President of the Student Body, Chief Justice of the Student Court, Co-Head Delegate of Model United Nations, and Founder of TurnStyle - an on campus non-profit thrift store. Liola spent a year working to levy progressive mental health legislation on behalf of Quartet Health before continuing my education at NYU Wagner, where she specializes in Social Innovation, Impact, and Investment. She spends most of her time outside of the classroom working at a tv production studio, producing educational children’s entertainment. Outside of work and school, Liola enjoys reading, engaging in her local community advocacy programs like the Upper West Side Campaign Against Hunger, and spending time with her friends.
www.linkedin.com/in/liola-moody
Caroline Miller
Co-director of Alumni Relations
Caroline (she, her, hers) is a first-year MPA student at NYU Wagner, specializing in Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment. While pursuing her degree, she works at Bloomberg LP as an Foreign Exchange Electronic Trading Specialist. Caroline also volunteers with iMentor and Project Basta, nonprofits that provide mentorship and support to promote educational and employment opportunities for first-generation and low income students. These opportunities, along with her studies of Economics and Political Science at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, have inspired her interest in social impact. Moving forward, Caroline is dedicated to bringing together her knowledge of financial markets and passion for social impact to promote financial inclusion and wealth equality.
www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-miller10
Caroline (she, her, hers) is a first-year MPA student at NYU Wagner, specializing in Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment. While pursuing her degree, she works at Bloomberg LP as an Foreign Exchange Electronic Trading Specialist. Caroline also volunteers with iMentor and Project Basta, nonprofits that provide mentorship and support to promote educational and employment opportunities for first-generation and low income students. These opportunities, along with her studies of Economics and Political Science at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, have inspired her interest in social impact. Moving forward, Caroline is dedicated to bringing together her knowledge of financial markets and passion for social impact to promote financial inclusion and wealth equality.
www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-miller10
Loren Sass
Co-director of Alumni Relations
Loren is a nonprofit professional specializing in development initiatives and strategy. She joined itrek as the Director of Development & Institutional Giving in June 2022, and stewards a $12M+ annual campaign. From 2017 through 2022, she served in various development roles at Gibney, a performing arts and social justice organization based in Lower Manhattan. Loren began as the Institutional Giving Manager, and subsequently held the role of Senior Manager of Institutional Giving before transitioning to Deputy Director of Development, where she steered all aspects of the department, including institutional giving, individual giving, board management, and events.
Loren participated in the year-long Nativ College Leadership Program in Israel and holds a B.A. in Dance and Business Administration from Muhlenberg College, where she graduated magna cum laude. At NYU, Loren is an MPA Candidate specializing in Social Impact, Innovation & Investment, as well as a 2023-2025 UJA Graduate Fellow.
In her free time, Loren enjoys hiking and kayaking, and can often be found catching a theater or dance performance around the City (Let her know if you want to go to anything!). Loren lives in Brooklyn with her orange tabby cat, Sal, and is thrilled to join the SIIA Board this year.
Loren is a nonprofit professional specializing in development initiatives and strategy. She joined itrek as the Director of Development & Institutional Giving in June 2022, and stewards a $12M+ annual campaign. From 2017 through 2022, she served in various development roles at Gibney, a performing arts and social justice organization based in Lower Manhattan. Loren began as the Institutional Giving Manager, and subsequently held the role of Senior Manager of Institutional Giving before transitioning to Deputy Director of Development, where she steered all aspects of the department, including institutional giving, individual giving, board management, and events.
Loren participated in the year-long Nativ College Leadership Program in Israel and holds a B.A. in Dance and Business Administration from Muhlenberg College, where she graduated magna cum laude. At NYU, Loren is an MPA Candidate specializing in Social Impact, Innovation & Investment, as well as a 2023-2025 UJA Graduate Fellow.
In her free time, Loren enjoys hiking and kayaking, and can often be found catching a theater or dance performance around the City (Let her know if you want to go to anything!). Loren lives in Brooklyn with her orange tabby cat, Sal, and is thrilled to join the SIIA Board this year.
Jenna Dyer
Co-director of Communications
Jenna Dyer is a first-year, full-time student at NYU Wagner specializing in Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment. She serves as the First Year Representative for the Wagner Consulting Group alongside her work on SIIA. Jenna currently works at the law firm Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP doing conference management, and has worked at a number of nonprofit organizations in the environmental and educational sectors. She holds a bachelor of arts in anthropology from Fordham College at Lincoln Center, from which she graduated in December 2022. Outside work and academics, Jenna enjoys making her way through seasonal coffee beverages (and patiently waiting for peppermint mochas), exploring museums, and waiting for the next John Oliver episode to drop.
Jenna Dyer is a first-year, full-time student at NYU Wagner specializing in Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment. She serves as the First Year Representative for the Wagner Consulting Group alongside her work on SIIA. Jenna currently works at the law firm Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP doing conference management, and has worked at a number of nonprofit organizations in the environmental and educational sectors. She holds a bachelor of arts in anthropology from Fordham College at Lincoln Center, from which she graduated in December 2022. Outside work and academics, Jenna enjoys making her way through seasonal coffee beverages (and patiently waiting for peppermint mochas), exploring museums, and waiting for the next John Oliver episode to drop.
Yutong Zheng
Co-director of Communications
Yutong (she, her, hers) is an incoming second-year MPA student at NYU Wagner, specializing in Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment. Prior to NYU, she gained experience working in the public sector, providing financial services consultancy to technology companies. It was here that she discovered her genuine interest in entrepreneurship and venture capital. During her recent internship at a venture capital firm, she became familiar with the concept of impact investing, which sparked her journey at NYU Wagner. Yutong pursued a German Studies degree in her undergraduate years, inspired by her favorite German writer, Hermann Hesse. Beyond school and work, Yutong is an avid film enthusiast and has watched over 1,000 films. She is particularly passionate about horror movies and thrillers!
Yutong (she, her, hers) is an incoming second-year MPA student at NYU Wagner, specializing in Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment. Prior to NYU, she gained experience working in the public sector, providing financial services consultancy to technology companies. It was here that she discovered her genuine interest in entrepreneurship and venture capital. During her recent internship at a venture capital firm, she became familiar with the concept of impact investing, which sparked her journey at NYU Wagner. Yutong pursued a German Studies degree in her undergraduate years, inspired by her favorite German writer, Hermann Hesse. Beyond school and work, Yutong is an avid film enthusiast and has watched over 1,000 films. She is particularly passionate about horror movies and thrillers!
Lara Mullen
Co-director of Partnerships
Lara is a first year MPA candidate at NYU Wagner specializing in Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment. Outside of the lecture halls, Lara currently works as the Assistant Director of Growth Marketing for New York University’s Enrollment Management team, where she supports undergraduate admissions in building recruitment strategies, evaluating enrollment cycle performance, and promoting college accessibility to students of all backgrounds. Prior to NYU, Lara received her bachelor of science in Marketing and Analytics from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and has held various positions across the clean energy, financial services media, higher education, and nonprofit sectors since. Ultimately, she hopes to combine the strategic aspects of her background and experiences at Wagner to drive change through impact investing, non profit management, and social innovation. In her free time, you can find Lara building lego houses with the coolest kids at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, knocking out a WaPo crossword puzzle, or scheming her way into Gramercy Park.
Lara is a first year MPA candidate at NYU Wagner specializing in Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment. Outside of the lecture halls, Lara currently works as the Assistant Director of Growth Marketing for New York University’s Enrollment Management team, where she supports undergraduate admissions in building recruitment strategies, evaluating enrollment cycle performance, and promoting college accessibility to students of all backgrounds. Prior to NYU, Lara received her bachelor of science in Marketing and Analytics from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and has held various positions across the clean energy, financial services media, higher education, and nonprofit sectors since. Ultimately, she hopes to combine the strategic aspects of her background and experiences at Wagner to drive change through impact investing, non profit management, and social innovation. In her free time, you can find Lara building lego houses with the coolest kids at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, knocking out a WaPo crossword puzzle, or scheming her way into Gramercy Park.
Alexander Tellides
Co-director of Partnerships
Alexander Tellides is a First Year Rep on the Partnerships Team at SIIA and is a MPA-PNP Candidate at the NYU Wagner School of Public Service, where he is specializing in Social Impact, Innovation & Investment (SI3). Alex is particularly interested in how entrepreneurship and early-stage investing can address societal issues and global challenges. Before NYU, Alex worked in a variety of brand management and consulting roles within the cannabis sector for multiple years. He has done work with some of the largest national operators in the industry all the way to collaborating with small-emerging players and start-ups out of NYC. Alex graduated with honors from Union College (NY) in 2019, with a Double-Major in Philosophy & Political Science. On campus he held leadership roles with the College Newspaper and Literary Society and was a member of the Men’s Varsity Crew Team and Men’s Club Lacrosse Team. Away from campus, he traveled to South Africa and India for research and spent Spring Term 2018 abroad in London UK studying business and international politics. In his free time Alex enjoys playing rhythm guitar in his band, discovering new restaurants in the city and fervently supporting Arsenal F.C.
Alexander Tellides is a First Year Rep on the Partnerships Team at SIIA and is a MPA-PNP Candidate at the NYU Wagner School of Public Service, where he is specializing in Social Impact, Innovation & Investment (SI3). Alex is particularly interested in how entrepreneurship and early-stage investing can address societal issues and global challenges. Before NYU, Alex worked in a variety of brand management and consulting roles within the cannabis sector for multiple years. He has done work with some of the largest national operators in the industry all the way to collaborating with small-emerging players and start-ups out of NYC. Alex graduated with honors from Union College (NY) in 2019, with a Double-Major in Philosophy & Political Science. On campus he held leadership roles with the College Newspaper and Literary Society and was a member of the Men’s Varsity Crew Team and Men’s Club Lacrosse Team. Away from campus, he traveled to South Africa and India for research and spent Spring Term 2018 abroad in London UK studying business and international politics. In his free time Alex enjoys playing rhythm guitar in his band, discovering new restaurants in the city and fervently supporting Arsenal F.C.
Monét Smith
Co-director of Events
Monet H. Smith (she, her, hers) is a social entrepreneur and change maker for criminal justice reform. She has a passion for law, communities of color, and social equity. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University with a major in Criminology Legal Studies and graduated top 10% of her class in just three years. Shortly after college she moved to New York and served as Chief of Staff to The New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislators (NYSABPRHAL) for three years. During her time as Chief of Staff for NYSABPRHAL she contributed to the successful growth of the organization, organizing a multitude of high earning, well attended conferences, with the highest Albany conference consisting of over 5,000 guests. During this time period she also founded her own organization Society’s Justice Innovations & Interventions Inc. (SJ.II) as a response to a rising crime prevention crisis and educational gaps within city communities of color. She now serves as the Founder & Executive Director of this non-profit, whose goal is to increase social & economic mobility in communities as a way of reducing incarceration, which further increases her dedication to her studies. She is currently a rising second year at the NYU Wagner MPA-PNP program specializing in Social Impact, Innovation & Investment, with a focus on Social Entrepreneurship. In addition to her work at NYU Wagner she is also studying for Law School, with plans of enrolling Fall 2025 immediately after graduation. After graduation Monét plans on practicing Criminal Litigation while remaining chair and overseeing the growth of her Social Enterprise SJ.II.
Monet H. Smith (she, her, hers) is a social entrepreneur and change maker for criminal justice reform. She has a passion for law, communities of color, and social equity. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University with a major in Criminology Legal Studies and graduated top 10% of her class in just three years. Shortly after college she moved to New York and served as Chief of Staff to The New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislators (NYSABPRHAL) for three years. During her time as Chief of Staff for NYSABPRHAL she contributed to the successful growth of the organization, organizing a multitude of high earning, well attended conferences, with the highest Albany conference consisting of over 5,000 guests. During this time period she also founded her own organization Society’s Justice Innovations & Interventions Inc. (SJ.II) as a response to a rising crime prevention crisis and educational gaps within city communities of color. She now serves as the Founder & Executive Director of this non-profit, whose goal is to increase social & economic mobility in communities as a way of reducing incarceration, which further increases her dedication to her studies. She is currently a rising second year at the NYU Wagner MPA-PNP program specializing in Social Impact, Innovation & Investment, with a focus on Social Entrepreneurship. In addition to her work at NYU Wagner she is also studying for Law School, with plans of enrolling Fall 2025 immediately after graduation. After graduation Monét plans on practicing Criminal Litigation while remaining chair and overseeing the growth of her Social Enterprise SJ.II.
Allison Shao
Co-director of Events
Allison (she, her, hers) is a full-time second-year student at NYU Wagner, specializing in Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment (SI3). Before joining NYU, she earned a bachelor's degree in International Relations and International Law from the University of Edinburgh. Allison's professional journey is underscored by her commitment to impact investing, focusing on promoting gender equality, addressing climate change, and advancing human rights.
As a Founder's Associate at PSYWELL Counseling, Allison developed skills in customer relationship management and strategic partnerships. As a Digital Intern at Korn Ferry, she honed her data analysis and project management abilities, processing over 10,000 data entries. At CHANEL, she led the recruitment process, and at Dentons, she managed risk by overseeing contract reviews and legal documentation.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Allison is deeply committed to community service and leadership. She has educated immigrants on street law in Edinburgh, exemplifying her dedication to social justice and empowerment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she organized fundraising activities, served as an Elite Salon Host, and acted as a Campus Ambassador.
Now living in New York, Allison enjoys the city's vibrant community and favorable weather. She is keen on meeting new people and forging meaningful connections. As she steps into her role as Co-Director of Events, Allison is eager to leverage her skills and passions to enhance the Wagner community's impact.
Allison (she, her, hers) is a full-time second-year student at NYU Wagner, specializing in Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment (SI3). Before joining NYU, she earned a bachelor's degree in International Relations and International Law from the University of Edinburgh. Allison's professional journey is underscored by her commitment to impact investing, focusing on promoting gender equality, addressing climate change, and advancing human rights.
As a Founder's Associate at PSYWELL Counseling, Allison developed skills in customer relationship management and strategic partnerships. As a Digital Intern at Korn Ferry, she honed her data analysis and project management abilities, processing over 10,000 data entries. At CHANEL, she led the recruitment process, and at Dentons, she managed risk by overseeing contract reviews and legal documentation.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Allison is deeply committed to community service and leadership. She has educated immigrants on street law in Edinburgh, exemplifying her dedication to social justice and empowerment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she organized fundraising activities, served as an Elite Salon Host, and acted as a Campus Ambassador.
Now living in New York, Allison enjoys the city's vibrant community and favorable weather. She is keen on meeting new people and forging meaningful connections. As she steps into her role as Co-Director of Events, Allison is eager to leverage her skills and passions to enhance the Wagner community's impact.
Pei Li Chua
Co-director of Events
My name is Pei, and I am a first-year MPA student at NYU Wagner, specializing in Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment. Born and raised in Malaysia, I've always been driven by a desire to address social and economic issues and improve living conditions, especially for marginalized communities. My work experiences include roles at a Malaysian-based radio station focused on business news and current affairs, as well as at a think tank dedicated to ethnic and religious issues. While pursuing my political science degree at UC Davis, I was part of the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2021 California Coalition, a movement dedicated to mobilizing the California legislature to ensure free access to menstrual products in educational institutions. More recently, prior to NYU, I served as a public affairs intern at Dewey Square Group, a political consulting firm based in Sacramento, where I contributed to various policy projects, including climate, cannabis, healthcare, and education. Outside of school and work, I enjoy discovering hidden culinary gems that are easy on the pocket (a self-proclaimed "cheap-eats" foodie), thrifting, and exploring the outdoors. Also, don't be surprised if you find me spending more time than necessary at grocery stores. I am currently navigating a long-distance relationship with my corgi, Jojo, who resides in Malaysia. Super excited to be part of SIIA!
My name is Pei, and I am a first-year MPA student at NYU Wagner, specializing in Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment. Born and raised in Malaysia, I've always been driven by a desire to address social and economic issues and improve living conditions, especially for marginalized communities. My work experiences include roles at a Malaysian-based radio station focused on business news and current affairs, as well as at a think tank dedicated to ethnic and religious issues. While pursuing my political science degree at UC Davis, I was part of the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2021 California Coalition, a movement dedicated to mobilizing the California legislature to ensure free access to menstrual products in educational institutions. More recently, prior to NYU, I served as a public affairs intern at Dewey Square Group, a political consulting firm based in Sacramento, where I contributed to various policy projects, including climate, cannabis, healthcare, and education. Outside of school and work, I enjoy discovering hidden culinary gems that are easy on the pocket (a self-proclaimed "cheap-eats" foodie), thrifting, and exploring the outdoors. Also, don't be surprised if you find me spending more time than necessary at grocery stores. I am currently navigating a long-distance relationship with my corgi, Jojo, who resides in Malaysia. Super excited to be part of SIIA!
Resident Photographer, 2024-2025
Celia (she, her, hers) is a MPA candidate at NYU Wagner specializing in International Development. With a strong foundation in public affairs, Celia is passionate about aging, social justice, entrepreneurship, and technology applications in public administration. In her free time, she enjoys exploring New York City’s diverse neighborhoods and capturing the beauty of everyday life through her camera lens. Celia is excited to collaborate with board members and contribute her skills to the SIIA.
Previous Executive Boards
2023-2024
Co-chair Andrew Garrett, Rachel Fleischer
Alumni Relations Loren Sass, Nirav Shah, Daniel Gunton(FYR)
Communications Vicky (Qianqian) Zheng, Jenna Dyer(FYR)
Events Nicole Jagernauth, Lee-Anne Andanje , Pei Li Chua(FYR)
Partnerships Ivan (Xiaoru) Fang, Devashish Taknet, Brian Ward
Lara Mullen(FYR), Alex Tellides(FYR)
2022-2023
Alexandra Kotis, Andrew Garrett, Annie Schonberger, Ben Goodwin, Devashish Taknet, Ellie Kiernan, Felipe Ramirez, Lamba Najib, Madison Friedman, Nirav Shah, Serena Desai and Tyler Rice
2021-2022
Alexandra Kotis, Annie Schonberger, Emily Farley Chang, Felipe Ramirez, Hilarina Casie Chitty, Jordana Grunfeld, Juan Junca, Kyle Roland, Madison Friedman, Serena Desai and Tyler Rice
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