Neighborhoods Rising and Leadership Mohawk Valley Graduates Turn Vision Into
Action at MVCC Ceremony

UTICA, NY — The Jorgensen Gymnasium at Mohawk Valley Community College was
filled with pride, purpose, and promise during the recent graduation ceremony for
Neighborhoods Rising and Leadership Mohawk Valley (LMV), hosted by the Center for
Leadership Excellence. The event celebrated a new generation of changemakers who
are using personal growth and community connections to drive local impact.

Neighborhoods Rising, a three-month program tailored for Black and Latino
residents—especially those in Utica’s Cornhill neighborhood—focuses on building
leadership skills in civic engagement, nonprofit development, strategic planning, and
fundraising. Leadership Mohawk Valley, a ten-month leadership accelerator, helps early-
career professionals and seasoned individuals refine their leadership potential while
learning to navigate local challenges through real-time collaboration and mentorship.

Graduate Success Stories: Community Transformation in Motion

Kamal Fardan, a Neighborhoods Rising graduate and certified personal trainer, used his
action plan to address wellness among seniors. He was hired by Sitrin Health Care
Center to lead programming for residents. A pivotal moment occurred during the
graduation when he connected with Amy Turner, Executive Director of Mohawk Valley
Community Action Agency (MVCAA)—opening the door to future senior wellness
collaborations.

Kalisha Lockhart, a keynote speaker and Neighborhoods Rising alumna, credited
facilitators Salina Billings and Dietra Harvey with helping her fulfill a longtime dream.
After being introduced to Phyllis Breland, former Director of Education at Hamilton
College, during a session at the Thincubator, Lockhart was given symbolic startup
money and encouragement to invest in herself. She finally completed her children’s
book—an idea she shelved during the pandemic. Lockhart’s parents offered heartfelt
thanks to Harvey for being “a beacon of light and a steady presence,” noting her critical
role in Kalisha’s development.
Alexandria Paul, a Leadership Mohawk Valley graduate, discovered her calling through
the program. A summa cum laude graduate from Delta State University, a Historically
Black College and University (HBCU), Paul holds a degree in kinesiology and now
serves as a Case Manager for Oneida County Workforce Development. Her passion lies
in helping local youth access employment and training opportunities—work she’s ready
to scale using her new leadership tools.
“Programs like these do more than teach leadership—they ignite it,” said Dietra Harvey,
Neighborhoods Rising facilitator. “We’re creating confident, capable leaders who
understand how to leverage resources, serve on boards, and make lasting change.”

Now Accepting Applications

Leadership Mohawk Valley (LMV) – Next session begins September 2025
Neighborhoods Rising – Next session begins January 2026

For more information or to apply, visit the Center for Leadership Excellence at:
www.mvcc.edu/cle
(315) 792-5400
cle@mvcc.edu

About the Center for Leadership Excellence

Founded in 2018, the Center for Leadership Excellence is a partnership between
Mohawk Valley Community College and Leadership Mohawk Valley. The Center offers
leadership development programs for emerging community leaders, early-career
professionals, and underrepresented groups throughout the region, helping to build a
resilient, equitable Mohawk Valley.

For Media Inquiries or Interviews, Contact:
Dawn Laguerre
315) 266-7548
✉️ laguerremedia@gmail.com

news@voicemv.com