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Gladys has taken her entrepreneurial and organizational talents to the community, organizing and running a technical assistance program called Business Leaders of Colors, also known as BLOC. This network of business owners, entrepreneurs, consultants, and social justice leaders is located in Ithaca, NY and was created to level the playing field and create a cooperative space for commerce that serves the underserved business community.
As the Founder and CEO of Business Leaders of Colors, Gladys’ goal is to support and nurture business owners of colors throughout the region. Gladys also provides technical assistance to clients in Binghamton, NY as an Adjunct Instructor at SUNY Broome Community College. Originally from Albany, NY, Gladys has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from SUNY Cortland and a master’s degree in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation from Abilene Christian University. Gladys has lived in Tompkins County for the better part of 35 years. She makes her home in Lansing, NY, teaches dance when she can and believes that there is no higher calling than that of a servant.
Jennifer D. Meira Fonseca
Jennifer Diane Meira Fonseca, a Senior Management Consultant and lead facilitator at Cornell University's Division of Human Resources, combines her extensive experience with a profound understanding of human connection and personal growth. As a cisgender, spiritual, working-class, temporarily able-bodied mother of two amazing daughters, Jennifer identifies as a white Euro-American who is deeply curious about the full human experience.
For nearly two decades, Jennifer has been devoted to fostering the development of individuals and teams on their journey of personal and professional growth. Her expertise lies in creating spaces for engagement and inclusivity, focusing on team dynamics, conflict management, and cultivating a culture of genuine belonging and respect. She has played a pivotal role in building engaged and inclusive teams both within Cornell and the broader Ithaca community.
She brings a lifetime of experience and engaged learning to her work, passionately guiding others in their journey towards reconnecting with their limitless wisdom and reawakening their unique genius. Jennifer believes that the beauty of the world lies in its perfect imperfection. Our experiences help us uncover our unique brilliance and lead lives that connect us deeply with one another. By allowing our whole selves to exist in this world, we can experience the joy of being present with radiant beauty, love, and connectivity.
Debra Howell
As the Director of Information Technology Operations at Cornell University's University Library, Debra brings over 20 years of valuable expertise in driving strategic direction across all facets of information technology. With a flair for creativity and dynamism, Debra excels in leading and facilitating intricate workplace and technology processes while nurturing internal talent and fostering effective collaboration for optimal computing environments. She boasts a rich background in facilitation, organizational change and development, teambuilding, and leadership. Debra obtained her Masters of Industrial and Labor Relations degree from Cornell University in 2006 and holds certifications as a Project Management Professional (2008), as well as a Master Trainer and Master Resiliency Trainer certified by the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
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