Rev. Estella Voner Abel

Mt. Vernon, New York

Rev. Estella Voner Abel is an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church.  She participates in several committees in the Metropolitan District and teaches in the District’s Lay Speaker’s School.  By profession, Estella Abel is an educator.  She worked in the New York City System as a chemistry teacher at Taft High School and as a lead science teacher at South Bronx High School.  She was the Science Supervisor in the Mount Vernon School System for over 20 years.  While in the school district, she was honored as an outstanding administrator.  Rev. Abel has a BS in Chemistry from City College, a MA from New York University, and a M.Ed. from Teachers College, Columbia University.  She has been a featured speaker in the New York City area appearing at churches, schools, community functions and at the New York Academy of Sciences.  Currently, she is a resident of Mt. Vernon, New York and currently works at the Windard School in White Plains, New York.

Beth Barry, M.P.S., LCSW

New York, New York

Beth Barry received her BA in Child Development and Studio Art from Connecticut College; a M.P.S. in Art Therapy from Pratt Institute; and an M.S.W. from New York University.  Ms. Barry has extensive experience as a psychotherapist and has been in private practice in New York City for 25 years, specializing in individual and couples therapy.

Michael (Mike) W. Davis

San Francisco, California

Mike Davis is Vice President, Environmental Program Manager for a 3,000-person national architectural and engineering consulting firm.  Mike has more than 25 years of experience in environmental review and compliance, community and neighborhood redevelopment planning, and consulting industry business development.  He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography from the University of North Alabama and a Masters of Urban Planning degree from Texas A&M University.

Jasper Williams, Esq.

Menlo Park, California

Jasper Williams is a California lawyer.  His practice includes commercial, real property, family law and litigation.  Mr. Williams received a BA degree from the University of California at Berkeley and a JD from the University of California Los Angeles.  For fifteen years, Mr. Williams served as a senior counsel to Stanford University.  In addition to the practice of law, Mr. Williams is involved in several nonprofit and political organizations; he is keenly interested in youth and politics.  Mr. Williams resides and works in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Jose Serrano

New York, New York

Mr. Serrano was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico.  His Family moved to New York City where he attended Joan of Arc Junior High School and Charles Evans Hughes High School.  He enlisted in the US Air Force (USAF) where he served with honor for 23 ½ years.  Mr. Serrano achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and was decorated 14 times.  He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal four times for outstanding personal and professional achievements above and beyond the call of duty.

Since his retirement from the Air Force, Mr. Serrano has become entrenched in the affairs of the Bronx community, with special emphasis on improving the quality of life for our youth.  He is a member of Community Board 4 & 5’s Youth and Educational Services Committees and the Community Council for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services.  Mr. Serrano is also a member of the Board of Directors of The South Bronx Board of Trade, The Learning Tree Cultural Preparatory School, Davidson Community Center and Morris Heights Health Center.  He is a proud and active member of the Taino Lions Club whose motto is “We Serve”.