Staff & Board

Nikki (she/her) brings an extensive background in the social sector in NYC, with a focus on K-16 education. She started her career as an admissions officer at Barnard College and from there, spent time as a 7th-grade social studies teacher in East New York, a senior leader at the New York City Department of Education, and then at Teach For America. The majority of her career was spent at One Goal, a national college access and success organization where she served first as the founding Executive Director of the New York region and then as the first Chief Regional Operations Officer, overseeing six regions across the country. Nikki joins Breakthrough New York from NYC KIDS Rise where she served as the first-ever Head of Development.

Paola (she/her) has a deep and diverse background in New York City’s school system, with a strong focus on K-8 education. She began her career with Teach For America, teaching in East Harlem, where she later advanced to become the school’s Assistant Principal. Following this, Paola joined a network of charter schools in the Bronx, where she worked to support the implementation of rigorous and engaging curriculum. As a first-generation college graduate, Paola is passionate about empowering students to achieve their dreams of attending the college of their choice, equipping them for bright and successful futures.

Paola (she/her) has recently worked with City Year New York as a volunteer member and then a Team Leader. She started her career by working in the UConn Collegiate Awareness and Preparation Program (ConnCAP), a program she herself was in during high school. She earned her BS in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut. She looks forward to building relationships with students, their families, and her peers to better serve Breakthrough New York in meeting its mission.

Ismael (He/Him) is a dedicated advocate for educational equity, bringing extensive experience in college advising, youth mentorship, career advising, and program management to Breakthrough New York. A product of New York City’s public school system and a Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) student, Ismael knows how important educational opportunities are. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from St. Bonaventure University.

Ismael’s professional journey includes work with nonprofits such as the New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) and Student Leadership, where he empowered students through career exploration, academic support, and personal development. As a proud alumnus of his high school, Ismael returned to serve as a College Advisor and Youth Mentor, guiding students through college applications, personal statement writing, and navigating the challenges of higher education. His passion lies in creating pathways for students from underserved communities, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to achieve their aspirations.

As Middle School Program Manager, Ismael is thrilled to support Breakthrough’s mission of fostering academic excellence and personal growth in students. He believes that a true life of luxury is achieved by helping others and is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of his students.

Scott (he/him) has spent the last decade guiding students through the college admissions process and advising them once they arrive on campuses. With stops at Macalester College, the University of Minnesota, NYU, The New School, CUNY, and various college access nonprofits (including as a seasonal staff member of BTNY), he has assisted thousands of students, and their families, cultivate post-secondary education goals—and accomplish them—through deeper understanding of the systems/practices underlying both the high school and college side of the admissions journey. As a first-generation student himself with degrees from Macalester College and NYU, he is eager to grow alongside, and learn from, the BTNY community in building college access strategies grounded in humility, multiculturalism, empathy, and passion for social mobility. 

Sofia has loved education since she was very young. She believes education is more than a tool to overcome ignorance and circumstance — it is freedom itself. She graduated from Fordham University in 2022 with a degree in philosophy and creative writing. While in college, she started mentoring. She mentored in BTNY’s high school program for 5 years and formed deep connections in the community. She further developed her understanding of the higher education landscape by working in Let’s Get Ready’s college program. Sofia is very happy to be College Coordinator because she gets to continue working with her long-time mentees, as well as all of the BTNY college students and the lovely BTNY team!

Jomar (he/him) has had a passion for working within the education space ever since his SYEP internship at a childcare center back in the summer of 2012. After graduating college, Jomar continued his work in after school programs throughout the city. He eventually joined the Breakthrough community as the Manhattan Program Manager in 2019, where he continued engaging with students and their families on their academic journeys. He is excited to step into the role of Talent Acquisition Director to recruit and cultivate the talent that surrounds Breakthrough’s students. He is currently earning his MPA in Policy Analysis from CUNY Baruch College.

Max (he/him) is a recent college graduate with a passion for educational equity and community-driven social justice initiatives. He has previously worked in fundraising for nonprofits dedicated to refugee empowerment, emergency response, and food insecurity. He earned his BA from Brown University in Education Studies and International & Public Affairs in May of 2023. He is excited to utilize his experience in fundraising and education to support the external relations team and Breakthrough New York’s mission.