Archives: People - Institute for Justice and Opportunity

Kayla Rennick

Kayla Rennick joined the Institute as the Manager of College Pathways in 2025. She brings a strong background in political science and criminal justice, with extensive experience supporting New York City’s young adults in accessing education, training, and meaningful career opportunities. At the Institute, Kayla supports efforts to expand higher education access for justice-impacted students, strengthen community partnerships, and advance initiatives that promote equity and long-term student success. She is deeply committed to building systems that open doors, remove barriers, and ensure communities have the resources and protections they deserve.

Luisana Santana

Roberto Gomez

Nat Marc

Nat Marc (they/them) is a native New Yorker with a strong passion for arts and education. Nat's experience ranges across many fields, working in higher education for over five years, and with the NYC Department of Probation's Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON) for the last three years.

Jassmine Nandkishwar

Jassmine Nandkishwar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from CUNY York College. As she steps into the role of Grants Finance Analyst at the Institute, she is eager to contribute to the positive impact on the lives of the students served by the organization.

Tamara Mae Moore

Tamara Mae Moore is a dedicated and highly motivated educator with over 7 years of experience working with students in low-income communities. Her interest in people's stories led her to conduct interviews in Los Angeles and New York City, aiming to share individual narratives as a reminder to persevere towards goals despite challenges. Tamara joined the Institute as Senior Coordinator of Instruction in July 2024. Prior to the Institute, she pursued her M.A. in Human Development and Education at New York University and began teaching at CUNY Lehman College in August 2022. At Lehman, she also served as an advisor for the Step Up Program, guiding students through job applications, resume creation, LinkedIn profiles, and conducting weekly check-ins to monitor their academic progress and performance. In her current role, Tamara is dedicated to supporting the development and delivery of high-quality educational programs tailored to the unique needs of justice-impacted individuals.

Kenyadah Blanks

With over nine years of extensive administrative experience, Kenyadah Blanks assumes the role of Executive Assistant to the Executive Director at the Institute. Her adeptness in scheduling, customer relations, and project management, cultivated during her tenure at the University of Delaware and in previous positions, solidifies her as a valuable addition to the team. Kenyadah's unwavering commitment to efficiency and professionalism guarantees smooth coordination and unwavering support for the Institute's overarching mission.

Eva-Marie Malone

Cameron (he/him) serves as the Program Coordinator for the Navigator Certificate Program, where he plays a pivotal role in facilitating educational opportunities for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. Over the past five years, Cam has dedicated himself to the intersection of peacebuilding, social transformation, and trauma healing, contributing his expertise across various roles within NGOs and higher education institutions.

Andre Ward

Andre Ward is a seasoned national advocate and activist with over 15 years of dedicated experience in criminal justice reform. He is currently a doctoral candidate of Social Work at the University of Southern California. Ward's expertise spans various domains, including Advocacy, Policy Practice & Implementation, Program Development, Workforce Development, Restorative Justice, Case Management, Research, Relationship Management, Youth Engagement, Counseling and Clinical Supervision, Cross-Functional Team Management, Problem Solving and Analysis, Therapeutic Interventions, Quality Assurance, and Financial Budgeting and Planning.

Ruchi Shah

Ruchi Shah (she/her) joined the Institute in January 2024. Her responsibilities as part of P2CP include coordinating and tracking students' admissions and financial aid statuses to make higher education pathways more accessible for individuals within the criminal legal system

Diana Tavarez

Diana Tavarez is a Digital/Literacy Tech Associate for the Supports Program at the Institute for Justice and Opportunity, where she assists the Tech Coordinator in organizing tech classes and managing essential data operations. CompTIA A+ certified and college educated, Diana is dedicated to advancing her career in the IT industry through ongoing education and professional development. With a background in customer service and experience with FEMA, Diana combines empathy and technical expertise to support and inspire students in their tech learning journeys. Born and raised in the vibrant concrete jungle of New York City, She enjoys exploring the city's diversity.

Arianna Martinez - Perry

Arianna Martinez-Perry (they/she) is a proud New Yorker, hailing from the vibrant borough of the Bronx. Their educational journey began at Bard High School Early College, where they accomplished the remarkable feat of graduating with both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. Continuing their academic pursuits at Bard College, Arianna focused on Human Rights with a particular emphasis on criminal justice, surveillance, and black history, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Owen Brady

Javier Irizarry

Javier Irizarry is the Tech Coordinator for Support Programs at the Institute for Justice and Opportunity. Additionally, Javier is a seasoned IT professional with over 10 years of experience in supporting multi billion-dollar corporations. He is also a passionate social worker with a B.A in Psychology and over five years of experience as a domestic violence senior case manager and counselor.