Emma Bowen Foundation Team
Nikki Bethel, President & CEO
Nikki is a dynamic, results-driven senior leader who approaches life with an open wallet. Guided by her devotion to retail therapy, Nikki is most at peace when she’s deep into the clearance section of TJ Maxx, specifically “The Runway Section”! If you have had the pleasure of spending time with Nikki, then you know she is quick to share: “I live in the Runway section so I am literally ripping the runway!” When she’s not in her happy place, she busies herself with strategic planning, diversity, equity and inclusion, talent management, leadership development, and public speaking. As President and Chief Executive Officer, Nikki leads the development and implementation of EBF’s mission to prepare students of color for the workforce and increase and sustain diversity in the media industry. Years ago, when she was just 21 years old, Nikki taught high school. The lesson she took away from her classroom, and what has propelled her to this moment, is how refreshingly honest and authentic those young students were. Nikki believes in the power of lifting others up with you as you climb, and recognizes that now more than ever, young people of color in this country need to see that their voices matter. Nikki holds a B.A. in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park; an M.A. in Education from Harvard, and received a Human Resources Management Certificate from the City University of New York (New York City College of Technology). Nikki is happily married to the love of her life, Richard, and they split their time between Brooklyn and Sag Harbor, NY, with their daughter, Sydney.
Michael Barham, Chief Operating Officer
Michael comes from a part of the world where desk drawers apparently hold no meaning. As EBF’s Chief Operating Officer, he’s always on the move and doesn’t have time to put anything away anyway. Michael works with a variety of EBF stakeholders—students, alumni, partners, board members, and more—to align objectives across constituencies and ensure EBF maximizes its impact. In his more than six years with EBF, Michael has overseen a variety of strategic initiatives. This includes the overhaul of EBF’s membership and scholarship model, as well as the implementation of numerous new organization-wide systems and the design of new key programs, including the Launch Career Activation Program. A programs and systems specialist with more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit and public sector organizations that educate, train and empower young people, Michael is driven by the belief that exposure is one of the most critical drivers of success, and that diversity benefits all of us. Michael holds a bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Master of Public Administration from Baruch’s Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. The best advice he ever got was, “Be nice and don’t be scared.” That either came from his dad or from comedian Dave Chappelle. Michael can’t remember. Born and raised in New York City, Michael loves spending quality time with his wife and two adorable kids. He also loves playing golf on cool, quiet days. He promises this is the actual order of his preferences.
Ayia Gospodinova, Vice President, Business Development
Ayia believes that doing good and doing well in business go hand in hand, sort of like the ingredients in her favorite ice cream: mint chocolate chip. In her role as Vice President of Business Development, Ayia strategizes with media companies, foundations, and individual donors to invest in diversity and innovation. Her passion for engaging multiple sectors to solve complex social challenges is rivaled only by her passion for snorkeling. During her five years at EBF, Ayia has diversified and grown each of EBF’s revenue streams, including philanthropic funders, corporate partners, and individuals. She also leads the marketing and communication vision to creatively find new ways to highlight EBF’s impact and establish brand recognition in an increasingly digital world. Ayia holds a bachelor’s in American Studies, Studio Art, and Art History from Vanderbilt University. Her background gives her an appreciation for aesthetics, which is why Ayia also believes that doing good and looking good go hand in hand, too. (That’s why she always keeps a statement necklace handy for impromptu meetings.) When not cultivating and nurturing new and existing business relationships, Ayia can be found running, in the ocean, and finding new ways to meditate.
Crystal Aldape, Director, Talent Acquisition + Student Communications
Understanding there is no better gift than a handmade card, Crystal is a crafty thinker who uses her creative energy to make the world a better place. She applies that energy to the hundreds of students who pass through her office in need of support and guidance during the application process and throughout their internships. At EBF, Crystal applies her energy toward messaging and communicating effectively with key stakeholders, and she is driven by the belief that supporting students early on in their schooling and careers builds a foundation to success in the future. Through her own experiences, Crystal knows that access to resources and opportunities are not always the easiest to get. Outside of work, Crystal continues to sharpen her sewing skills. Since everything’s bigger in Texas, where Crystal calls home, she hopes to one day create the world’s largest Snuggie. Crystal holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Yale University.
Claribel Nunez, Dean of Student Affairs and Talent Acquisition Manager
Claribel is the school counselor we all wished we had. As EBF’s Dean of Students, she helps the Fellows navigate their school year and smoothly transition into their internships. As EBF’s Recruitment Manager, she reviews applications and recommends students for internships at some of the best companies in the world. With these powers combined, Claribel is consistently voted most likely to empower those around her. She may not be The Rock, but she’s their rock. With a bachelor’s in Office Administration from SUNY Buffalo State College, Claribel also knows her way around event planning. Her logistical prowess gives her the strength to leap career fairs, conferences and conventions in a single bound. Claribel is driven by her mom’s belief that you never know what impact you can have on a person’s future, which is why you should always be available to help. When not working, Claribel can be found cooking and eating with family, listening and dancing to music, and most importantly, laughing.
Everette Harrison, Manager, Strategy + Operations
If there were a triathlon for bowling, basketball and motorcycle riding, Everette would win every time, hands down. When he’s not living his best life and encouraging others to do the same, Everette is supporting EBF’s work to diversify the media and technology industries by managing the organization’s data and systems. If nothing else, Everette is efficient, constantly looking for ways to simplify and improve. With five years in the nonprofit industry, Everette believes that EBF’s work to lift up the next generation of talent will lead to a more promising future. He may be a no-excuses kind of guy, but Everette really just wants everyone to work together and do their best. Everette holds a bachelor’s in Marketing from CUNY York College, and graduated his high school as the salutatorian. He also serves as a board member for CUNY York College Alumni Association and sits on its Scholarship Committee.
Niéna Drake, Senior Director, AMMP Network
“You pay for what you don’t know, so learn as much as you can,” is a quote Niéna's mom shared with her at a very young age. This pushed Niéna to explore, learn and do so many different things in her life. She's known as the real-life Google to her friends, having information on just about anything you can think of. Sharing her vast variety of knowledge and life lessons she's learned, is one of her greatest joys. A highly respected Emmy Award-Winning Producer/Writer, DJ, and entrepreneur, Niéna has turned her positivity into action throughout her career. Her television production work includes producing, writing, developing, and hosting for just about every broadcast and streaming network. As Director of EBF’s AMMP Network, she focuses on helping professionals of color establish long-term, successful careers in media and technology through networking events, career navigation, professional development workshops, webinars, and more. Niéna has had the honor of interviewing some of the world's most notable celebrities, entertainers, and public figures, including President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and many more. The Chicago Tribune named her "one of the most influential" Chicagoans. Niéna holds a double major in Broadcast Journalism and Media Management from Columbia College Chicago. Now living in Los Angeles, she also sits on the Columbia College National Alumni Board. When she’s not producing your favorite tv shows, helping others get jobs in the industry, or DJ’ing at top festivals, celebrity, brand, and corporate events, Niéna shares her time and talents doing motivational speaking, mentoring, and philanthropy work. You can also find her on a beach somewhere in the world watching a beautiful sunset.
Takora McIntyre, Coordinator, Communications
There’s a Japanese proverb that translates to this: Fall down seven times, stand up eight. As a published author, poet and lifestyle blogger, Takora makes getting back up look really good. The power of perseverance is her motto, and she embodies it every day as communications coordinator for EBF, where she tackles marketing, writing and social media. Takora believes that students of every background should have the opportunity to experience working in the media field, and she’s using her marketing, creative, and writing skills to ensure that happens. Takora’s vision for a better world is to always lead with kindness; you just never know what that other person is bummed out about. When she’s not working, Takora enjoys living that vegan life, gardening, and practicing yoga. On any given Sunday, you can find her cuddled up on the couch with her puppy, a warm cup of tea, and a book. Takora is a graduate of the Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator (ENLA) program at the University of Albany, and holds a bachelor’s in communications from the College of Saint Rose. Takora’s one wish before she dies is to make the New York Times bestseller list.
Ope Majekodunmi, Coordinator, Programs
Pete Davidson. Michael Strahan. Jeff Bezos. They can be counted among the short list of civilians with dreams of space exploration. And we can add one more esteemed name to this list: Ope Majekodunmi. While a student at Florida International University, Ope joined the astronomy club and was seriously considering pursuing a career in aerospace exploration with the hopes that one day a little jaunt into space would be available to anyone willing to pay the price. And it was that pursuit that actually led Ope to discover her true passion: communications. It would be far better to write about space, she thought, than to be in it. To that new beginning, she graduated with a B.S. in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communications with a minor in Computer Science. And while she may still be daydreaming about the possibility of life outside this planet, Ope serves a key function here on Earth: program coordinator at the Emma Bowen Foundation. In that role, Ope serves as master air traffic controller, assisting her colleagues with their day-to-day tasks, organizing project plans, assisting in evaluating applications, making calls to students, and more. When she’s not working, Ope is pursuing her personal art venture related to her fashion brand, helping friends curate art events, and sharing her creations with the world. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find her knee-deep in house cleaning because hard work in the morning makes brunch all the more enjoyable.
Noelle McElrath-Hart, Manager, Business Development
You know who knows people? How they think, what makes them tick, what kind of social posts they like? Noelle McElrath-Hart. With a solid background in public relations, Noelle understands that relationships are at the core of everything… in business (In life, really.) In her role at EBF, Noelle uses her people skills to advance relationships with EBF partners to grow support for the foundation. Noelle, who has helped stories find homes in NPR, the Associated Press, The New York Times, and CNN, strongly believes in the need to support diversity initiatives in the media and technology sectors. She also is no stranger to putting her core skill set to use: writing. Noelle has managed social media strategies for major tech companies, written bylined articles for trade associations, crafted blog posts for nuclear companies, and created press releases for children’s museums. Did we mention she’s a co-author to a few peer-reviewed articles about television spoilers? When not working, Noelle is happiest eating sweets at the best dessert spots Atlanta has to offer, or sending nonstop TikToks about books, fashion, and the newest audio memes to her sisters. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find Noelle eating homemade pancakes watching the latest Netflix show everyone’s talking about while her 12-pound rescue dog Penny naps next to her.
Anel Disla, Manager, Partner Relations & Talent Acquisition
Say this five times fast: Emmy-nominated Emma Bowen Fellow. That’s right—creative marketing pro Anel Disla can trace the trajectory of her stellar career back to her time as an EBF Fellow at NBCUniversal. She’s done some pretty cool things since then: like that time she was nominated for an Emmy for her work on a campaign promoting the 70th anniversary of Florida’s first TV station, WTVJ. And that other time she helped name Hearst's new company-wide DEI initiative, Hearst RISE. Now, as EBF’s Talent Acquisition Manager, Anel is channeling her 15 years of experience in the field into working with media companies to help students secure internships across the industry. Having been one of the young people she now helps every day, Anel has a unique perspective that allows students to feel comfortable opening up to her (she’s even helped a few of them land their first jobs after graduation.) Anel holds a bachelor’s in Telecommunications from the University of Florida, and a master’s in Marketing from Florida International University. When not working, Anel is happiest spending time with loved ones, writing, catching up on a few shows, playing on her Switch, exploring new places, and learning about different cultures.