Youth LEAD

Who We Are

Formerly Interfaith Action, Youth LEAD Inc. has a small, dedicated staff and consulting support team with a great mission that is supplemented by the energy of community volunteers, guided by the Board of Directors and supported by the continuing fiscal commitment of the Board of Advisors, public and private foundation grants, program fees and the generous support of people like you.

The Youth LEAD Team

Executive Director: Janet Penn

Janet has been part of Youth LEAD and IFA ever since Father Bullock asked her to guide a fresh new vision for interfaith youth leadership.   She is a dynamic leader, working tirelessly to maintain Youth LEAD on a solid foundation while pushing its potential in order to expand the opportunities for greater peaceful shared humanity. She has been recognized as an Upstander by Facing History and Ourselves, an Ordinary Hero by Sharon High School, and as an Exceptional Woman on Boston radio station Magic 106.7.

Associate Director : Tabitha May-Tolub

Tabitha  came to Youth LEAD as an Interfaith Action Youth Leadership Program Director in 2006.  From 2009 to2011, as the Director of Training and Programs, Tabitha focused on mentoring and training youth leaders for the Youth LEAD Training Program in other locales in addition to the Sharon based YLP. As of December 6, 2011 Tabitha assumed greater responsibility in her capacity as Associate Director for Youth LEAD. She holds Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Education from Clark University and has been in the field of Youth Development for nearly 15 years. She has received training in the areas of peer mediation, leadership development, facilitation, dialoging, anti-bias and primary prevention education. She has worked in public schools, community-based programs and non-profit organizations. Over the last ten years she has specialized in youth leadership development at the middle and high school levels, empowering all types of youth leaders to strengthen their character and identity, connect with others through deeper communication and effect change in their community.

Youth Leadership Program Director: Karin Firoza

Karin joined Youth LEAD in the summer of 2011. Karin will not only be the Youth LEAD Sharon program, but she will provide additional support as part of Youth LEAD’s corps of trainers.

Development Coordinator: Kyle Chase, J.D.

Kyle came on board as a consultant in early 2010 to support the mission and expanding vision of Youth LEAD. Kyle has been honored to work with Youth LEAD to identify and network with potential funders.  She has first-hand experience of the profound difference that Youth LEAD can make in a teen’ s life through her daughter, who was an active member of the Sharon based Youth Leadership Program.  Kyle also manages our grant applications and corporate sponsorship requests.

Programs Administrator: Julie Novio

Julie came on board in November 2009.  She provides administrative support for the Youth LEAD team and supports accounting and reporting requirements on a consulting basis.

Youth LEAD Board of Directors:

Todd G. Patkin, Chair
Janet Penn, President
Ashutosh Rao
Gare Reid, Treasurer
Nalini Sharma, Clerk
Marty Sirkin

and two youth representatives

Youth LEAD Board of Advisors:

Radhika and Ahmed Basheer
Reema and Amit Chandra
Attiya and Latif Chaudry
Ghazala and Dr. Waqar Cheema
Lois and Arnie Freedman
Anisha and Ravi Kacker
Dr. Danru and Di Lee
Judy and Joe Ludwig
Elisabeth and Robert McGregor
Gail Nuzzi-Milowe and David Milowe
Drs. Punam and Sanjeet Narang
Yadira and Todd G. Patkin
Janet Penn and Dr. Mark Finklestein
Drs. Nitzan and Murray Resnick
Carol and Dr. Joseph Rothenstein
Ellen and David Schoenfield
Nalini and Raj Sharma
Jeanne and Marty Sirkin

as well as a family who prefers to remain anonymous