Board President
Cynise Reaves is a New Jersey native. She has been in the telecommunications industry for over 10 years with experience in retail, device marketing, sales operations and digital operations. In her current role as a Lead Experience Manager on the Digital Adoption and Engagement team at Verizon, she is responsible for the design and maintenance of the digital account management experiences for their existing customers. Reaves earned her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Centenary University in 2018 and Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Marketing from Montclair State University in 2013. Outside of work, Cynise loves to draw and paint to relieve stress and get out that creative itch. In 2018, Cynise first volunteered for Harambe Social Services where she participated in the Shelter Spruce Up event. During that event, she was able to donate her art and time to a local domestic violence shelter in need. Cynise was an active volunteer for Harambe helping with newsletters and outreach communications. In 2020, Cynise increased her commitment to the organization by joining the Harambe Social Services Board of Directors.
Board Secretary
Nicole A. Williams. is a native of Philadelphia. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Xavier University of Louisiana and has worked in pharmaceutical sales for 20 years. Ms. Williams is a very active member in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. In 2016, Ms. Williams had the opportunity to attend the chartering ceremonies of the very first Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapter in Dubai. Ms. Williams continuously exhibits her dedication to community development throughout New Jersey through her Sorority and Board work. Ms. Williams serves on the Board of Directors of three New Jersey non-profits: Harambe Social Services, Inc., the National Coalition of Drug and Alcohol Dependency, and the Leaguers Community Development Corporation. She is also a lifetime member of NAACP and a member of the Junior League Princeton, New Jersey Chapter. Ms. Williams has been a dedicated member of the Harambe Social Services, Inc. Board of Directors since 2013. She is currently the Chair of the Fund Raising Committee.
Chantal Dawson is a clinical research manager for Thomas Jefferson University-Medical Oncology. She provides support to communities and individuals to reach optimal opportunities and eliminate social determinants that impact and prevent optimal life in cancer patients. It is her continued goal to make a lasting impact in the health environment and well-being of individual’s everywhere by creating and promoting a healthy lifestyle and evaluating strategies for Harambe Social Services. She hopes to help address broad issues that can affect the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities, populations, and societies—both now, and for generations to come.
Miranda Wright Young is a native of Philadelphia who brings 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur and hair care professional, as well as the intimate experience of being a survivor of domestic violence to the Board of Directors. She uses her experience and organizational leadership skills as a successful salon owner, and an acquired connection to the issues that impact survivors face to support Harambe’s mission. Her lists of resources and ability to focus on the tasks makes her a terrific addition to our governing team. She joined our Board of Directors in 2018. She is working on the Fund Raising Committee.
Lauren Washington is a professional with a diverse background, that blends academic excellence, educational leadership, and public service. With a strong commitment to the community, she brings a wealth of experience to the Harambe Social Services Board of Directors. She pursued higher education at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York where she earned a bachelor’s degree in history. She then continued her academic journey and obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Villanova University. She has worked at the New Jersey Department of Taxation, where she held the position of Taxpayer Service Representative. In this capacity, she demonstrated understanding of New Jersey tax regulations and tax filings. Recognizing the broader impact she could have, Lauren left the New Jersey Department of Taxation and became a teacher, where she has been for the last eight years. Her role as a teacher has been marked by innovative instructional methods, fostering an inclusive learning environment, and mentoring students towards academic success. Now serving on the Board of Directors, she brings a unique blend of educational insights and public sector experience. As a board member, she wants to use her skills to contribute strategically to the organization’s vision and mission. Beyond her professional career, Lauren is an active member of her community and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. In her free time, she likes to travel, read, and spend time with family.
THE HONORABLE LORI A. DUMAS. The legal career of Judge Lori A. Dumas has spanned over 30 years. She served on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas for 19 years before being elected to the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court in 2021. While on the Court of Common Pleas, she served in every major trial division and immediately prior to her election to the Commonwealth Court, she was assigned to the Civil Trial Division where she presided over civil jury and non-jury trials with an extensive caseload, including, but not limited to, Contracts, Property Disputes, Equitable Title Issues and Real Estate Transactions. Since taking her seat on the Commonwealth Court in 2022, Judge Dumas has had several of her Opinions published. She was also appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to serve on its Judicial Ethics Advisory Board.
Judge Dumas is a graduate of Duke University and North Carolina Central University School of Law. She completed the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania, DiverseForce Board Governance Program and is also a Georgetown Fellow, specializing in Crossover Systems. Judge Dumas also holds an Executive Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.
Lakisha N. Dean, Esq., is the founder and CEO of The Family Law Offices of Lakisha N. Dean, LLC, a family law practice in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She is a former prosecutor turned family law attorney in private practice for more than 15 years. Ms. Dean has a personal story of triumph, which fuels her passion to be a compassionate legal advocate for victims of domestic violence. She ensures that her clients feel supported and heard throughout the legal process, as she seeks to empower them, and provide them with the tools and confidence to face the challenges ahead. Her advocacy extends beyond the courtroom. She actively participates in speaking engagements and events, sharing her expertise on family law matters where she shares her knowledge with individuals seeking guidance in navigating the complexities of the legal system.
She is currently admitted to practice law in New Jersey but has also passed the New York and Pennsylvania bars. The first in her family to complete college, she is a proud graduate of Columbia University and Temple Law School. She is a wife and proud mother of two teenagers.
Julie Haywood. Biography coming soon.