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24 August 2025 NHTownCrier.com

and mentorship.
Graduate Success Stories: Community Transformation in Motion
Kamal Fardan, a Neighborhoods Rising graduate and certified personal trainer,
used his action plan to address wellness among seniors. He was hired by Sitrin
Health Care Center to lead programming for residents. A pivotal moment occurred
during the graduation when he connected with Amy Turner, Executive Director
of Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA)—opening the door to
future senior wellness collaborations.
Kalisha Lockhart, a keynote speaker and Neighborhoods Rising alumna, credited
facilitators Salina Billings and Dietra Harvey with helping her fulfill a longtime
dream. After being introduced to Phyllis Breland, former Director of Education at
Hamilton College, during a session at the Thincubator, Lockhart was given symbolic
startup money and encouragement to invest in herself. She finally completed her
children’s book—an idea she shelved during the pandemic. Lockhart’s parents
offered heartfelt thanks to Harvey for being “a beacon of light and a steady presence,”
noting her critical role in Kalisha’s development.
Alexandria Paul, a Leadership Mohawk Valley graduate, discovered her calling
Neighborhood Rising Graduates 2025
through the program. A summa cum laude graduate from Delta State University,
Neighborhoods Rising and Leadership Mohawk a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Paul holds a degree in
Valley Graduates Turn Vision Into Action at kinesiology and now serves as a Case Manager for Oneida County Workforce
Development. Her passion lies in helping local youth access employment and
MVCC Ceremony training opportunities—work she’s ready to scale using her new leadership tools.

The Jorgensen Gymnasium at Mohawk Valley Community College was filled “Programs like these do more than teach leadership—they ignite it,” said Dietra
with pride, purpose, and promise during the recent graduation ceremony for Harvey, Neighborhoods Rising facilitator. “We’re creating confident, capable leaders
Neighborhoods Rising and Leadership Mohawk Valley (LMV), hosted by the Center who understand how to leverage resources, serve on boards, and make lasting
for Leadership Excellence. The event celebrated a new generation of changemakers change.”
who are using personal growth and community connections to drive local impact. Now Accepting Applications
Neighborhoods Rising, a three-month program tailored for Black and Latino Leadership Mohawk Valley (LMV) – Next session begins September 2025
residents—especially those in Utica’s Cornhill neighborhood—focuses on building Neighborhoods Rising – Next session begins January 2026
leadership skills in civic engagement, nonprofit development, strategic planning, For more information or to apply, visit the Center for Leadership Excellence at:
and fundraising. Leadership Mohawk Valley, a ten-month leadership accelerator, www.mvcc.edu/cle
helps early-career professionals and seasoned individuals refine their leadership (315) 792-5400 cle@mvcc.edu
potential while learning to navigate local challenges through real-time collaboration
About the Center for Leadership Excellence
Founded in 2018, the Center for Leadership Excellence is a partnership between
Mohawk Valley Community College and Leadership Mohawk Valley. The Center
offers leadership development programs for emerging community leaders, early-
career professionals, and underrepresented groups throughout the region, helping
to build a resilient, equitable Mohawk Valley.