Nataja Flood
Creative Writing Teacher
Teachers College, Columbia University, candidate
Wheaton College, 2016
Frederick Douglass Academy II, 2012
“Utilize this support (HEAF) because so many students are wishing they had people in their lives that cared about their futures this much!”
Janai Smith
Human Rights Education
University of Vermont, 2010
High School for Environmental Studies, 2006
“Project Mississippi is my most memorable HEAF experience because it was my first exposure to social injustice and shaped the person I am today.”
Cristel Taveras
Paralegal, Women’s Rights Project with the ACLU
Fordham University, 2014
The Beacon School, 2010
“I got to meet people, one of which has become my closest friend. I was more social and more relaxed around strangers; more inclined to join things where I did not know anyone and put myself out there.”
An invitation to join the Alumni Network
from Daniel Rose, HEAF Founder and Chair Emeritus
Welcome home, alumni!
HEAF’s Alumni Network is dynamic and diverse; it includes doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, business owners, and scientists. Whatever career our alumni have committed to, they share a common drive to succeed – and give back.
Alumni engagement at HEAF includes continued networking and career development support through social events, professional development workshops, graduate school advice, and career guidance. And, our Alumni Network plays an active role with current students, volunteering as mentors, participating in panel discussions on the college experience, career exposure and preparedness, helping prep care packages, providing financial support and advocating for HEAF as essential to driving opportunities for success.
Not registered for our Alumni Network? Today is great day to change that!
Spotlight on HEAF Alumna Kamil Donaldson
High School and Graduation Year: Frederick Douglass Academy II, 2010
College and Graduation Year: CUNY City College, 2014
Major: Business Administration
Post Grad Education: Masters of Arts at Teachers College of Columbia University, candidate
Current Profession and Title: Human Resources, Recruiter Coordinator
What brought you into HEAF: I was involved with HEAF due to the need of a system of support for my young development.
What is your most memorable HEAF experience?: I remember going to the HEAF retreats. They were so much fun and I ended up making a lot of memorable memories.
Which skills/life lessons did you learn at HEAF that you refer to in your professional life?: I learned how to work in groups. It is an important skill that I still refer to in my current profession.
What is one piece of advice that you would offer a current HEAF student?: I would tell that student to be open to everything that comes your way and to never stop or lose the love of learning.
Do you still keep in touch with anybody from HEAF?: Yes! I still keep in touch with two girls that are my friends ever since HEAF.
Tell me about your professional/career journey, how did you get to where you are today?
During my undergraduate years I knew that I really wanted to be involved with the Human Resources department within a company. It is a passion of mine that eventually led me to work in people development.
What do you like most about Human Resources? Working with clients is my favorite thing about my current profession.
What is a professional accomplishment you are most proud of? My proudest accomplishment is creating a philanthropic firmware that allows our employees to volunteer in a program or issue that they are passionate about.
What are your current professional/life goals?: My goal is be a consultant in my line of work.
What are two fun facts about you? I am the youngest of four and I absolutely love children.
If you had a totally free Saturday how would you spend it? I would honestly take dance classes. I love dancing.
Join Our Alumni Network
If you have questions, or would like more details about anything going on at HEAF, please contact us at [email protected].