Meet Christina
Christina is the founder of Part of the Change, a youth-centered initiative dedicated to providing leadership development, financial literacy, and creative expression through art. The organization has been fully self-funded by Christina since its inception, driven by her commitment to supporting young people with limited access to guidance and resources.
With experience as both a financial advisor and an artist, Christina blends practical life skills with creative empowerment to help youth build confidence and direction. She is also actively engaged in justice reform spaces, attending and supporting events focused on improving outcomes for young people in and transitioning out of placement.
As Part of the Change continues to grow, Christina is focused on expanding its reach and services to better support mentees who are aging out of systems and preparing for independence. Her work is grounded in purpose, professionalism, and a strong belief in creating pathways that give youth a real chance to thrive.
FOUNDER
Meet Alyssa
Alyssa brings years of hands-on experience working with youth, shaped not only by her background in early childhood education but by her own lived experiences within the system. Because of this, she carries a rare empathy — the kind that allows young people to feel seen, heard, and understood the moment they meet her.
As a co-facilitator, Alyssa helps lead workshops, mentors young women transitioning out of placement, and advocates for justice reform at conferences like Beyond the Bars in Maine. Her work extends beyond youth as she continues to support seniors with varying levels of disability, reflecting her lifelong commitment to service and care.
At her core, Alyssa is driven by the desire to be a voice for change and to fight for equal opportunities for all young people. She shares this mission with her daughter, Miley, whose own leadership and involvement in the organization reflect the strength, compassion, and purpose Alyssa models every day.
Co-Facilitator & Mentor
Meet Miley
Miley is an active member of Part of the Change, assisting in workshops and supporting events alongside her mother, Alyssa. She is a young entrepreneur, running her own bracelet brand and pop-up toy shop, inspiring other youth to explore their own entrepreneurial pursuits. A talented athlete, Miley excels in softball and has competed at the championship level. She also actively participates in mentoring programs and camps, building friendships, developing leadership and life skills.
As an intern, Miley gains hands-on experience in program facilitation and advocacy while contributing to the organization’s mission to empower at-risk youth. Her energy, dedication, and willpower make her an inspiring role model for the young people Part of the Change serves.
Intern & Workshop Assistant
Meet Troy
Troy brings deep compassion, dedication, and lived experience to his work with Part of the Change. Having previously served at the YMCA, where he was recognized as a Hunger Warrior for his commitment to feeding community members experiencing homelessness, he continues to carry that mission forward with pride and purpose.
Today, Troy supports our holiday community feedings, ensuring that every person we encounter feels seen, cared for, and treated with dignity. His passion for service is evident in every interaction — from the meals he helps prepare to the conversations he shares with those in need.
Outside of his work with us, Troy serves as a manager at Sarah Lawrence College, overseeing their on-site restaurants and bringing the same heart-centered leadership to his team and students.
A steady, compassionate presence, Troy reminds us that service goes beyond a plate of food — it’s about connection, humanity, and showing up for people exactly where they are.
Community Outreach & Food Service Support
Meet Sylvia
Workshop Assistant & Program Support
Sylvia supports both our community meals and youth workshops. Working alongside Troy, Sylvia helps prepare meals for those experiencing homelessness and brings that same care into our youth workshops at the Blue Door Art Center.
A grandmother, mother, and mentor, Sylvia
supports the team in countless ways. She helps fill to gaps and uplifts the team with her natural talent for humor — a reminder that service and joy can go hand in hand. Her presence and dedication embody the spirit of service and the family-centered culture at Part of the Change.
Meet Hazel
Workshop Assistant & Program Support
Hazel is one of the newest members of Part of the Change, she stepped in with the passion, reliability, and heart of someone who’s been here from the start. From day one, she has shown an eagerness to serve and a genuine commitment to helping young people feel seen, supported, and encouraged.
This year, Hazel played an instrumental role in Philadelphia, supporting workshops and ensuring everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. Her dedication, energy, and willingness to help wherever needed make her a powerful addition to the Part of the Change team.