This summer, we welcomed five fellows across New York to make a difference in Brooklyn for ten weeks. Below is further information on who they are and their passions.

Dianna Levans is a first-generation St. John’s University student exploring double majoring in Public Administration and Public Service. She loves going out in the city and discovering small food businesses. As a community leader, she aims to continue her civic engagement and advocacy work.

Gabriela Martinez is a first-generation, first-year student at NYU studying Psychology with a Public Policy minor who aspires to become a lawyer. She is a Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar at NYU engaged with social justice advocacy across NYC. Growing up in Brooklyn with her immigrant Mexican family fueled her interest in education equality, youth, and low-income communities of color. As a fellow, she looks forward to continuing advocating for these communities this summer and beyond.

Jolina Jimenez, a rising sophomore and Morrill Distinction Scholar at Ohio State University, is on course to complete a dual-degree program on the pre-law track in Sociology and Public Affairs with a minor in nonprofit management. She is passionate about advancing support and opportunities for youth in historically disadvantaged communities and intends to utilize community engagement and criminal justice reform to pursue her mission.

Pauline Gordula is a rising junior majoring in political science at the University of Rochester. She was born and raised in Quezon City, Philippines, and moved to Queens at 15. She is passionate about immigration rights and reform and hopes to become an immigration lawyer one day.

Yasmine Ganemtore is a rising junior at Baruch College, double majoring in Political Science and English. She is passionate about civic leadership and ensuring equitable access to opportunities for immigrants. She aspires to become an immigration lawyer.

Registration for the 2024 Run/Walk for Hope on Saturday, April 27 at 9 am is now open. Last year was a historic year for turnout and we hope that this year will be as well. You will have the option of participating in a 5k or 10k. Register here.

We are pleased to announce our five Hope Reichbach Fund fellows. Each year we pick five New York-raised college students to continue Hope Reichbach’s legacy through civic leadership and community organizing.

Our fellows receive a paid 10-month fellowship with placements at Brooklyn-based organizations.

Austin Okoase, a sophomore at the University of Rochester and a first-generation student, will join forces with VOCAL-NYC this summer to make a difference.

Mame Niang, a Senegalese immigrant and criminal justice major at John Jay College, will make a difference at Brooklyn Defender Services.

Nagieliss Belliard, who is majoring in youth and social innovation at the University of Virginia, will join Red Hook Community Justice Center this summer.

Rosemary Oleh, a philosophy major at New York University, is headed to El Puente this summer.

Sharona Nagamuthu, a sophomore at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and first-generation college student, will spend the summer working at Alternatives to Incarceration.

Our 10th Annual Run for Hope on April 22 was a success! Thank you to our sponsors, supporters, and everyone who ran or walked the 5K/10K.

We look forward to seeing you next year!

Get ready! The Hope Reichbach Foundation’s 10th annual Run For Hope kicks off on Saturday, April 22.

Walk or run to raise funds to support our summer fellows who are committed to social justice. Register before March 16 and get the early bird fee of $35.

Run for Hope celebrates the legacy of Hope Reichbach, a Brooklyn-born activist and civic leader.

The Hope Reichbach Fund fellows are placed at Brooklyn non-profits where they do community organizing or public service, based on their interests. Fellowships offer paid experience and leadership opportunities within a supportive community. 

This is a 10-week, full time fellowship with a stipend of $525/week (excluding taxes) during the summer. If you are a Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior in college and wish to apply please click this link.

Learn more about the 2020 Summer Fellowship timeline

We are thrilled to announce our eleventh class of Hope Reichbach Fellows.

CHIOMA MADU

Chioma is a freshman at New York University and her current concentration is the intersectionality of systematic racism within the African Diaspora. Growing up in Queens NY allowed her to foster a passion for advocacy and social justice. Throughout her academic career, she has joined many programs such as Legal Outreach in which she competed in constitutional law debates with fellow peers that ultimately gave her the opportunity to explore her interest in becoming a lawyer.

Chioma’s summer fellowship is with Brooklyn Defender Services.

MAKIEDA MCKENZIE

Makieda is a rising sophomore intending to concentrate in Metaphysics at Brown University. She is studying the philosophy of science and understanding the mind to work in criminal or family law. She is an avid advocate for gender issues (including those surrounding sexual and physical violence), climate change, and improving media awareness.

Makieda’s summer fellowship is with Brooklyn Community Services.

EDWARD SANCHEZ

Edward is currently a freshman at CUNY Baruch College. He has lived in Brooklyn with his family for my entire life, and he is a huge advocate for educational equity and opportunities for young people. Edward has been involved in city campaigns around school diversity, SYEP, and after school programs. He aspires to be a public servant one day to help serve and give back to my community!

Edward’s summer fellowship is with Uprose.

AALIYAH CLEMENT

Aaliyah Clement is a student at Long Island University and enjoys meeting new people, dancing, and organizing events. Her goal this summer is to learn from various perspectives about how she can help further build her community in Brooklyn, to make long-term connections, and to apply what she will learn during her fellowship to build something of my own.

Aaliyah’s summer fellowship is with Horizons.

YAA AMPONSAH

Yaa attends Berkeley College on a pre-law track. With origins in Ghana, West Africa, Yaa was born and raised in the United States of America. Her favorite color is green and her favorite book is The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. She is intrigued and ready to embark on a new journey with the Hope Reichbach Fund this summer.

Yaa’s summer fellowship is with Red Hook Restorative Justice Center.

We are excited to announce that this year’s run/walk will have the option of participating in a 5k or 10k. Register here

Judy Meyers was Hope Reichbach’s aunt. Hope also had a tragic death, when she was 22 years old. The Hope Reichbach Fund was established to carry on Hope’s legacy as a community activist. Every summer, for the past 10 years, the fund has been awarding fellowships to college students with a passion for social justice and seeking a future in civic leadership, to do summer internships at Brooklyn non-profits. The Fund provides mentorship, a network of contacts, and the opportunity to gain real world experience.

Hope was a rising star in Brooklyn politics with a strong commitment to her community and the belief in the power of young people to make change. Her legacy lives on through the Hope Reichbach Fund Fellows, the next generation of Brooklyn leaders. Judy was a generous contributor to Hope’s fund.  

Click here to donate to the Hope Reichbach Fund in Judy’s memory.

Judy’s family will be notified about your gift.