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Naomi has spent her professional career working in Jewish community leadership. Naomi spent 16 years at the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian agency, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). Her work at JDC took her to diverse communities across the world, from the Former Soviet Union to Africa, Israel and Latin America, an experience which informs her understanding of both Jewish and global diversity. A Harlem resident for over a decade, Naomi has deep involvement and community leadership in the neighborhood. When JCC Harlem opened its doors, Naomi became a founding member of the Advisory Board. In December 2021, together with her husband, Sage Ramadge, Naomi founded Embrace, a non-profit dedicated to building open, inclusive, family-centered Jewish community in Harlem. Naomi has a BA Cum Laude in Near Eastern Studies from Cornell University and an MPA in nonprofit management from NYU’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service. She lives in Harlem with her husband and three children. In her home, Naomi and Sage’s children are learning about their multi-racial Asian-American identity alongside Jewish history, culture, and tradition.

Mady is a native New Yorker and lives in Harlem with her partner and daughter. Before joining the JCC Harlem team, Mady spent 10 years at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, where she had the privilege of working with hundreds of families in 2s Together, Afterschool Clubhouse, Camp Settoga, and later in the membership department. During that time, Mady completed her BA at City College’s Center for Workers Education, with a background in Early Childhood Education and Developmental Psychology. Mady has a passion for cultivating deep and meaningful connections with members of the community and for ensuring that JCC Harlem is a safe and welcoming space for all.

Rabbi Mira is the first Filipina-American woman to be ordained at The Jewish Theological Seminary. At JCC Harlem, Rabbi Mira leads monthly open, inclusive, musical Beloved Community Shabbat services for adults and families. She is also rabbi-in-residence with The LUNAR Collective, a Gen-Z founded organization by and for Asian American Jews. In May 2023, Rabbi Mira was honored with the Rabbinic Human Rights Hero Award by T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights ‘for ensuring that the gifts, voices, and experiences of Jews of Color are seen, heard, and known by all in the wider Jewish community.’ She was also named by New York Jewish Week as one of ‘36 to Watch’ for contributions in the arts, religion, culture, business, politics, and philanthropy. Rabbi Mira was recognized by the New York City Council Harlem District 9 community with the Rabbinical Excellence Award in 2022, and is in the 2024-2027 Rabbinic Leadership Cohort of the Shalom Hartman Institute.

Brooke is an educator, consultant, and founder with over 25 years of experience in school-age, early childhood, and arts education. She is known for leading innovative, child-centered learning environments and designing impactful programs that nurture creativity, confidence, and a growth mindset.

As the founder of BeSpace Creativity Studio and BeBox Kids, Brooke creates learning experiences inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Her work centers on cultivating creativity and fostering meaningful collaboration among families, educators, and community leaders to build inclusive, joyful spaces for learning and connection. Her approach is grounded in a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity—and its availability to all.

Brooke’s leadership spans curriculum development, program direction, and educational consulting with respected organizations including JCC Harlem, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, the Ramapo Catskill Library System, The Creativity Project, Thevenet Montessori School, and Union Square Play. She holds a B.A. in Communication from the University of Scranton and an M.A. in Art Education from Brooklyn College.

Harlem holds a special place in Brooke’s heart—it’s where she once lived, where her son was born and began his early learning journey as a Harlem Sprout, and where her husband was a longtime resident. She is honored to serve Harlem’s children and families through her continued work in the neighborhood.