Felicia Reyes

Felicia Reyes graduated from Andover High School in 2013 and USC in 2017. At AHS, she fondly remembers her guidance counselor, Kim Bergey. Likewise, Ms. Bergey proudly remembers Felicia as "courageous, intelligent, and extremely resilient.” For People Magazine in 2017, Kim Bergey stated, "Felicia’s life has been an incredible journey. An ABC (A Better Chance) scholar, she flew across the country from California as a freshman and hit the ground running at AHS. Not only did she have to deal with leaving her family and life in California, but she found herself having to quickly adapt to the culture of Andover and competitive classrooms of AHS," Bergey continued to say Felicia was outgoing and talented, and quickly made friends and stepped out of her comfort zone. She joined a local crew team during freshman and sophomore years. In addition, "Felicia loved volunteering as a tutor at Esperanza Academy in Lawrence, and had a very meaningful experience serving as a Freshman Orientation leader for incoming ABC freshmen across the country at Arcadia University in Pennsylvania. At AHS, she consistently challenged herself in such courses as AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, Physics and Calculus. She graduated from AHS academically prepared for the rigor of USC. I am so proud of Felicia’s unwavering determination, even during the most difficult times, to achieve her goals and make a positive difference in the world." 

In a more recent conversation with Felicia, she attributes her success to her great support system; a strong family (she is the 3rd oldest of 8 children), caring friends and her host parents. For Felicia, the ABC program was a transformative and pivotal experience for her. She very much appreciated how the ABC board, and other community members reached out to her with heartfelt support and guidance each step of the way, particularly Mary Pritchard, Audra Reilly—the resident director for most of Felicia’s time in ABC, and her host parents—the Voglers. 

Law school is on the horizon in September, 2021 for this ABC and USC graduate. The many months working from home and being isolated during Covid were consumed with studying for the LSAT and applying to 13 Law schools. During this time, she also worked full time from the LA apartment she shares with her ABC friend, Deanna Starr. Felicia currently works for the National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) on their reproductive justice campaign, an experience that has affirmed Felicia’s decision to pursue a law degree—like the attorneys at NCYL, she aspires to address structural barriers for system-impacted youth. Law school will not only give Felicia the education needed for her next step; it will also help her narrow her future focus. Felicia has chosen to study at Columbia Law School starting this fall where she will join a remarkable community of aspiring lawyers. Stay tuned for the next chapter in the life of this courageous, intelligent, and extremely resilient young woman.

Alexis Nayana Singh

I was born and raised in the Bronx, I graduated from Andover High School in 2009. I am thankful for the program because I made life long friends and I had a great host family that always made me feel at home.

I was lucky enough to attend Ithaca College with two of my housemates, Ashleigh Baker and Andrea Hall. While at IC I studied Public Health and worked with many different organizations such as the National Down Syndrome Society and Planned Parenthood to learn more about Nonprofits and the Public health field. I had many great experiences at Ithaca College, but the one thing I missed out on was studying abroad. During my senior year, I learned about a Teaching Assistant Position in Spain and jumped at the opportunity. I lived in Madrid for a year teaching English to children between the ages of 11 and 18. It was honestly one of the greatest experiences of my life because I met amazing people and it sparked my love of travel.

Once I returned from Spain, I moved to Philly to get my Masters of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Pennsylvania. My focus was on Maternal and Reproductive Health, which led me to work on research projects within the community and teach Sex Education at local schools. My two years living in Philly were only made better by that fact that I was able to enjoy the city with Lydia Bailey who was also in the ABC Program.

After finishing my MPH I moved back home to the Bronx. I am currently taking care of my parents and working as a property manager. While it is far from my studies in Public Health it is my way of giving back to my parents.

Deanna Starr

Born and raised in NYC, Deanna graduated from Andover High School in 2014. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Deanna relocated after graduating in 2019 with a Masters Degree in Communication from Villanova University.

It was at Villanova that she first realized and decided to pursue her interest in film and television. During her time at Villanova, Deanna had the opportunity to travel abroad and produce a Student Academy Award winning social justice documentary. Currently, Deanna works for NBCUniversal as the Production Finance Coordinator for the CFO of Global Production Operations. Her main goal is to impact the entertainment industry and help create meaningful and socially responsible content.

Check out Deanna’s work in the entertainment industry on her website onedstarr.com.

Mark Ayers

 Mark Ayers, a member of the very first ABC of Andover graduating class, received his AHS diploma in 1969.  As one of our pioneer students, Mark went on to Dartmouth College, where he completed his BA in Mathematics in 1973.  After working for a year as a programmer for NASA, he returned to his home state of Ohio to attend Miami University. While there, he received his MS in Applied Mathematics in 1976. 

During his two years in Andover, Mark fondly remembers Jay Leno and other AHS students coming to the ABC house on Friday nights to “hang out” with the guys in the house. He also recalls Jay or Mr. Leno giving him rides to and from AHS as they found him walking to school (uphill both ways back then). He also has fond memories of Coach Collins who was his history teacher, Mr. Danforth, his chemistry teacher and, in that class, he and Jay Leno were in chemistry labs together. He also has memories of Mr. Wilkinson, his physics teacher. Mark remains in touch with classmate, Clayton White (1969), Van Debose (1970) and, until his recent passing, Ellis Rowe (1970).  Ellis was such a good friend, he named his first born, Marcus C. Rowe, after him. 

Mark developed an early passion for technology, and leveraged that affection to embark on a career in Information Technology.  He has worked as a project manager with companies including IBM, Wells Fargo, E-Loan, Safeway Stores, Washington Mutual, Southern Pacific Railroad, Pacific Telephone, JC Penney, American Presidents Line (APL), and Intuit. As a professor for the University of Phoenix, Mark taught calculus and computer science. In the last ten years, he has managed academic coaching (Title 1) programs and, more recently, has taught math in upper elementary and middle school.

Mark has made his home in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1977.  He and his wife have been married for 25 years. He enjoys anything digital, sports, and outdoor activities.

A'mari Bing-Way

A’mari graduated from Andover High School in 2017 and recently graduated with honors from The American University of Paris. She obtained her BA in Global Communications with minors in Socio-cultural Anthropology and Gender Studies.

At The American University of Paris (AUP), A’mari founded and presided over Black & Abroad, a Black student organization dedicated to educating, advocating, and representing the global Black student population. The inspiration to create Black & Abroad stemmed from her previous leadership experience as a co-leader of the Diversity Club at AHS -- started alongside her fellow ABC housemates. Her determination to fulfill the organization’s objectives amplified during the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement last year. A’mari established an internship position as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Communications Director under her university’s president. She advocated for the betterment of the student experience and built a network of Black student leaders at international American universities in Nigeria, France, Italy, and the U.S. She also invited guest speakers to discuss the influence that people of color hold in U.S. elections and the education, fashion, and entertainment industries. The impact of being an ABC scholar and student leader at AUP helped A’mari understand the importance and uniqueness of those opportunities. Having this understanding prompted A’mari to connect the two. This past spring she introduced AUP to ABC, which has put The American University of Paris on the path to become an official A Better Chance affiliated college. Her initiative throughout her internship and leadership experiences have culminated into a fierce passion to help create sustainable social change. A’mari currently works as the Assistant Communications Manager at Compass Pro Bono, a Washington, D.C. based nonprofit organization.

Ian Dowe

Mr. Dowe has 25 plus years’ experience in marketing and communications, working for some of Massachusetts most notable organizations, including HealthEdge, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, McLean Hospital (Mass General Brigham member hospital), THINKcollaborative (his own advertising agency), and Ziff-Davis Events (also known as Key3Media, the producer of COMDEX). Through these experiences Mr. Dowe gained extensive knowledge in the areas of Healthcare, High Technology, Nonprofits, and Tradeshows/Conferences.

Mr. Dowe earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from College of the Holy Cross and was a member of the College’s first undefeated football team.

Chandra Brown

Attending Andover High School highlighted the educational inequities that many children of color face. That realization coupled with the influence of my grandmother and host parents (both educators) led me to seek a career in education.

After graduating from Andover, I attended Barnard College as a Psychology major and Education minor (c/o 1994). Shortly after, I relocated to Maryland from NYC.

While pursuing my career in education I received my Master's Degree from Bowie State University. I have over 25 years in education, serving school communities in various capacities including: Classroom Teacher, Reading Specialist, Principal and Emerging Leader Director.

Currently, I am the Coordinating Supervisor for the Title I department responsible for supporting over 80 schools and managing a multi million dollar federal grant with the purpose of ensuring all children have an equal and significant opportunity to obtain a high quality education. My experience with Andover ABC compelled me to pursue a career that focused on improving academic opportunities for students from lower socio-economic circumstances.

Taide Argelia

Panamanian born, Taide Argelia Broadbelt developed her sense of style at an early age. Her mother always made sure she had a custom-made dress for church. The excitement and anticipation of getting to wear a beautiful dress, made just for her, was all the motivation needed to get her through a list of chores in exchange for the privilege of being mommy’s muse. She began to understand that quality clothing can transform and transcend your physical and mental state of being.

Professional Tailor

After Bauder college, Taide worked in Production for Anna Sui Inc. She visited factories, selected fabric and trims, and took part in meetings for sample garment fittings. This is where her first thoughts of creating her own clothing brand took root. Taide continued to refine her craft while working for Aundrey Smaltz’ The Ground Crew, providing professional tailoring services to top design houses such as Ferragamo, Hache, NAHM, Jenny Packham, and Donna Karen. She has also worked for the New York Mercedes Benz Fashion Week as a professional backstage dresser for Jason Wu, L’Wren Scott, Donna Karan, LACOSTE, Academy of Art University, Tom Ford, B. Michael America, and Vera Wang, among others.

Taide’s Reflection on Fear and Anxiety

Every day I wake up with some fear and anxiety that sometimes keeps me from moving forward. But, when that happens I remember a phrase my mom use to say all the time: "Do something before something do you." As an immigrant from Panama via Jamaica, my mom brought her 13 children to the United States with the sole purpose of prospering...making a better life for us. Her talent was sewing and embroidering. As the youngest of 13, I was the one that took on fashion designing and construction head on like her.

My goal is to have my own successful clothing line that makes money, unlike my mother that spent a lot of time on beautiful garments but barely got paid a third of what these garments were worth. Still, my mother taught me the value of quality clothes and that what you wear can transform and transcend your physical and mental state of mind. So, I'm very grateful for that lesson.

Taide’s Reflection on Marching to Her Own Drumbeat

I’m determined to show up as the best version of myself because most of the time I feel underrepresented in society. In this world of unrealistic self-images and expectations of beauty, I find that just being myself is enough for me. Although social media’s influence is all around, I choose to always sift through the superficial and focus on what is real. If my individuality of thoughts, actions, and/or beliefs can encourage even one person to march to their own drum, then I am happy to stand out in the crowd. 

I am sure that my 90s experience of being one of several minority scholarship students of color in a predominantly white town must have also helped to solidify this inner strength I wear as a shield each day. The daily reminders of my supposed inferiority via the whispers, stares, and the absence of even my name (as I was often called “the ABC girl) motivated me to want to be known for the beautiful, intelligent, talented, and individual person I am and have always been. This is my drumbeat. This is also the drumbeat of my 90s Andover A Better Chance Program housemates: Tawana, Eurekera, Michelle, Shontay, Lakisha, Alison, India, Ayanna, Christina, Karyna, Renee, Natasha, Rolanda, Keisha, Janice, Karen, Caridad, Cirila, and Nolia. Women I proudly call my sisters and who I call on for support, encouragement, and love. We marched then and we march on today to our own drumbeat with our heads held high.

Taide’s Reflection on WHY the JUNE Dress is Special to Her

I’ve been downsizing my closet for the past two years. I found that I owned lots of layers I wore under my clothes to keep warm in the winter. I also had a few dresses and several sweaters and jeans that did not necessarily compliment me. I felt that I did not have a “look” that made me feel confident and stylish. I found myself with a closet full of clothing but nothing to wear. I’m sure some of you can relate.

On the other hand, my husband has a limited amount of clothing that is organized, fashionable, and classic at the same time. He ALWAYS looks good in the clothes he wears and ALWAYS gets tons of compliments from both men and women. He never takes more than 30 minutes to get dressed. Even on days that he goes back and forth about what to wear he’s STILL dressed long before me. Hmm? Is it because his loving wife picks out most of his clothing and also tailors it to perfection?  

After much introspection I decided to mainly wear clothing I made because I know exactly what I want to look like. I like looking sophisticated and sexy, sometimes fun and flirty, while always feeling confident and chic. Every garment I design is deeply rooted in this ambition. The JUNE dress fits these requirements but goes a few steps further by having sentimental meaning as well.

JUNE is special to me because it’s made from several pairs of my husband and my old jeans. It also has pieces of an old handmade Panamanian Mola textile my mom gave me several years before she passed in 2010. I decided to piece together the different jean and Mola in patchwork form. I chose a Dior reminiscent cinched waist silhouette and full skirt that is shortened for a fun and flirtatious twist. I named this dress JUNE because that is my mom’s birth month as well as my wedding anniversary. In fact, I got married exactly on my mom’s birthday, June 1st, so she would always be part of our wedding day. And what a special day it was! There to share in my happiness were my extended parents, Nancy Kendrick and Peter Beatty, who have always been present for so many milestones in my life. Also standing strong that Friday afternoon in June were my 90s sisters from 134 Main Street.  

And that is why I love the JUNE dress. Do you have any item of clothing you find very special? 

Justene Salomon

Justene Salomon graduated AHS in 2010 and went on to graduate from Sacred Heart University in 2014, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She currently works for the New York City Administration for Children Services (ACS).

For the past 6 years Justene has worked cheerfully from starting as a Summer Intern to now working for ACS’s Division of Administration. In 2017-2019 she worked with the New York City’s Mayors Office, Children’s Cabinet to execute a city initiative NYC Baby Showers with First Lady Chirlene McCray. Justene considers ABC to still be a big part of her life being that she still be remains best friends with Alexis Singh and Ashleigh Baker class of 2009 and close friends with Lydia Bailey and Andrea Hall class of 2007. Over the years, Justene has also become the youngest oldest daughter to Ian Dowe (ABC Alumni) and Allison Reilly.

Nikelle King

Nikelle has 20 years of corporate sales & consulting experience in Marketing and Technology. She has leveraged her background in psychology to build domestic & global relationships with clients to drive business growth and solve critical business challenges.

Early in her career she supported the SMB segment with marketing solutions such as traditional print advertising and all aspects of digital media including website development, search engine optimization, Google Ads and social media marketing.

After a successful run of becoming the top sales leader nationally and climbing the corporate ranks as a leading Sales Manager, Corporate Sales Trainer and Regional Sales Director overseeing NY & NJ business operations, Nikelle transitioned her talents to iCims, a talent acquisition software company and helped the company launch its’ first Enterprise sales division, supporting some of the largest Fortune 100 companies in the world. Seeing the rapid growth in technology, Nikelle joined Presidio, a digital integrator specializing in designing, implementing and managing digital platforms that enable enterprises to innovate their businesses faster. This included Cloud, Collaboration, and Physical & Virtual IT Infrastructure, the backbone for digital transformation. She shifted from managing top producing sales teams to a Global Account Manager, directly managing large Enterprise deals that supported innovation at scale for major retailers, manufacturers and the largest real estate company in the world.

Recently, Nikelle joined Google as an Enterprise Account Executive and is focused on helping Enterprises across various verticals (Retail, Travel, FinTech, & Distribution) to rapidly innovate with Google Cloud, by leveraging the best in class technology in Data & Analytics, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Network, Security & more. In addition to building strong relationships within her accounts, Nikelle manages expansive partnerships with key vendors in the Google ecosystem to bring the right solutions to her clients.

At the core, Nikelle considers herself to be a problem solver. She has been able to transfer her traditional psychology skill sets into the corporate space by helping business leaders solve their most challenging business problems through digital transformation & IT modernization. Nikelle has the ability to listen to and assess the needs of her clients with an empathetic ear, identify the right resources for support, and execute on a plan to deliver successful solutions.

If you want to connect or learn a little more about her background, feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nikelleking