Our National Team

As President & CEO of the “I Have a Dream” Foundation, Sarah Morgenthau leads the organization’s national strategy to advance educational equity and expand long-term opportunities for students in under-resourced communities. In this role, she oversees program innovation, deepens partnerships across sectors, and works closely with Dream Scholars, affiliates, and supporters to strengthen outcomes and grow the Foundation’s impact nationwide.

Before joining the Foundation, Sarah built a distinguished career in public service and global development. She held senior leadership roles in both the Biden and Obama administrations, including serving as the U.S. State Department’s Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs, Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security, and Director of Peace Corps Response. In these positions, she advanced U.S. competitiveness, strengthened public-private partnerships, and expanded global health and economic initiatives that reached high-need communities around the world.

Sarah’s experience also includes work in the private sector as an attorney at an international law firm, service in the Enforcement Division of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a federal clerkship, and leadership in business development at a global investigations firm.

A committed civic leader, she has served on the boards of the Anti-Defamation League, Pact, Lehman College, Trailblazers, Global Fellows in Courage, the DC Volunteer Lawyers Project, and the Homeland Security Advisory Board in Rhode Island. She was also a candidate for the U.S. Congress in Rhode Island.

Sarah graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Barnard College and earned her J.D. from Columbia University School of Law.

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As Director of Finance, Andrea Bartow leads the financial strategy and operations for the “I Have A Dream” Foundation, ensuring robust fiscal stewardship in support of the organization’s mission to empower Dream Scholars. In this role, Andrea enhances financial oversight and reporting, strengthens internal financial systems, and supports executive and senior leadership through providing timely, actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making and advance organizational goals.

Andrea brings a blend of private-sector expertise and mission-driven experience to her work at the Foundation. Prior to joining the IHDF national team in February 2026, she was part of the International Tax and Transaction Services practice at Ernst & Young U.S. LLP, where she advised multinational clients on complex cross-border transactions and international tax planning. Her analyses supported defensible financial decisions and smooth transaction execution. Earlier in her career, Andrea worked with nonprofit organizations focused on youth mental health, education, and financial empowerment — experiences that continue to inform her commitment to supporting equitable opportunities for young people.

Andrea holds an M.S. in Accountancy from the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, an M.B.A. from the University of Miami, and a B.S. in Economics from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

As the Development Associate, Riley is committed to building strong donor relationships, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation to support the organization’s mission of empowering underserved youth. Passionate about learning and creating meaningful change, Riley brings a dynamic and adaptable approach to her work. Originally from Alaska and raised as an expat, Riley’s diverse upbringing shaped her decision to dedicate her life to service and inspired a deep appreciation for the impact of programming in underfunded communities. When not contributing to the foundation’s growth, Riley enjoys running, practicing yoga, reading, spending time with her family, and playing with her dog, Maeve.

As the Chief Growth Officer, Lori Canova is responsible for the development of a national growth and expansion strategy for the “I Have A Dream” Foundation affiliate Network. In this new role, Lori will work to retain and grow existing affiliates, provide high-touch support to affiliate leadership and boards, and identify and steward new potential “I Have A Dream” affiliate locations.

Before joining the national team in March of 2020, Lori Canova served as the President and CEO for the “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Boulder County Colorado for 23 years. Under her leadership, the organization grew by 300%, from two Dream Scholar cohorts to 23, serving over 1,100 students, making the Boulder County affiliate one of the largest in the country.

Lori’s nonprofit career has always been focused on empowering youth from marginalized communities. She has held positions at Big Brothers; Mental Health Association of Colorado; Jefferson Center for Mental Health; and Human Services.

She has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver and is a graduate of the 50 for Colorado Leadership Program through the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business. In 2010, Lori received the Woman of the Year Award from the Boulder Professional Women’s Group and in 2016 received the Women Who Light the Community Award from the Boulder Chamber of Commerce.

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As the Senior Director of Programs and Evaluation, Jessica leads the development and execution of IHDF’s national program strategy, ensuring that evidence-informed practices and strong performance measurement guide the organization’s work across all Affiliates and Chapters. She is responsible for shaping a cohesive program model, strengthening implementation quality, and embedding continuous improvement processes that advance IHDF’s mission to empower Dream Scholars from early elementary years through post-secondary pathways.

Jessica partners with Affiliate and Chapter leaders to design, refine, and scale high-quality programs, integrating data and evaluation insights into strategic decision-making and program innovation. She oversees the development of program metrics, supports evaluation efforts, and cultivates partnerships with researchers and subject-matter experts to strengthen IHDF’s impact and contribution to the field. Working collaboratively across the National team, Jessica also ensures program results and learnings inform organizational priorities, fundraising, and communications.

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Ashley Gayle is a resilient nonprofit leader with nine years of experience building high-quality programs that have strengthened underrepresented communities and expanded opportunities for young people across New York. She specializes in program development, operational systems, data management, team coaching, and direct community service.

Throughout her career, Ashley has designed youth-development programs, trained and supported professional teams and AmeriCorps members to support student impact and advocated for stronger, more resilient communities. She is deeply committed to educational equity and creating systems that help close the opportunity gap.

A proud Jamaican-American, Ashley is also a wife and the mother of her joyful son, Kaceson, who continues to inspire her purpose and passion for building lifelong-learners.

As the Social Work Manager, Melissa leads efforts to provide comprehensive social and emotional support to Dream Scholars and their families. With a focus on fostering well-being and resilience, Melissa develops and oversees programs that address the mental health, social needs, and personal challenges of our Dream Scholars, ensuring they have the resources necessary to thrive academically and personally.

Melissa works closely with educators, families, and community partners to create a network of support services, offering counseling, crisis intervention, and advocacy. She also provides guidance and professional development to staff, ensuring they are equipped to address the diverse needs of Dream Scholars. Through compassionate leadership and a deep commitment to social justice, Melissa plays a key role in creating an environment where Dream Scholars feel safe, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

As the Admin and Operations Manager, Meghan plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of day-to-day operations. She is responsible for overseeing administrative systems, managing office resources, and streamlining processes to support the organization’s mission. Meghan’s work is essential in creating a productive and organized environment, allowing staff to focus on their core work without distraction.

In addition to managing internal systems, Meghan coordinates logistics for events, meetings, and organizational initiatives, ensuring all details are handled seamlessly. She collaborates with leadership and other departments to improve workflows, manage documentation, and maintain accurate records. Through her proactive approach and problem-solving skills, Meghan contributes significantly to maintaining the operational backbone that enables the organization to thrive.

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Katie is the Director of Development at the “I Have A Dream” Foundation, where she leads fundraising strategy and partnerships to support the organization’s mission of helping young people succeed from elementary school through college and career.

She brings nearly two decades of development experience across social service organizations, higher education, and arts and cultural institutions. Most recently, Katie spent eight years as Development Director at Public Agenda, where she worked closely with leadership to set strategic fundraising priorities and manage relationships with philanthropic partners.

Katie previously served as Associate Director of Institutional Giving at the Guggenheim, where she partnered with global foundations to secure support for general operations, exhibitions, and educational programs. Prior to that, she served as interim Development Director at the Brooklyn Museum. She has also held development roles at Columbia College at Columbia University and the Osborne Association.

Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Rutgers University and a Master of Science in nonprofit management from Columbia University.

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As the Growth & Expansions Coordinator at the National “I Have A Dream” Foundation, Nyasia supports the organization's efforts to strengthen existing affiliates and expand educational opportunities for young people in communities across the country. She leads growth initiatives through grant development, affiliate engagement, strategic communications, and systems-building efforts that advance the Foundation's mission and long-term impact.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Nyasia served in leadership roles at Children's Aid, where she managed community partnerships, AmeriCorps programs, and collective impact initiatives focused on education access, workforce readiness, and family support. She began her career as an AmeriCorps VISTA and has remained committed to building equitable systems that help underserved communities thrive. Through collaboration, strategic planning, and relationship-building, Nyasia helps create the infrastructure and partnerships necessary for sustainable growth and meaningful outcomes for young people and families.

As the Postsecondary Pathways Coordinator, Candice Mckiver is passionate about empowering the next generation to achieve success and reach their full potential. She believes that every child deserves the tools and support needed to thrive, and that mentorship plays a vital role in fostering growth and resilience. Committed to ensuring that young people have access to positive, dependable role models and the right guidance after high school, Candice works to help students navigate challenges pursue their dreams with confidence.

Whether through educational programs, community partnerships, or individualized support, she strives to provide the resources and encouragement needed for young people to take charge of their futures.

As the Managing Director for the New York Programs at the “I Have a Dream” Foundation, Danny plays a pivotal role in providing leadership, vision, and day-to-day management. He is responsible for overseeing the educational and mentorship programs that empower our Dream Scholars and their families. His role is key in ensuring that the mission is not only fulfilled but thrives in the community.

With a focus on program effectiveness and long-term sustainability, Danny supervises a dynamic team of staff and ensures that they have the support and resources needed to succeed. He is an advocate for the organization, representing our sites at key community events, and conferences to raise awareness about the Foundation’s initiatives and accomplishments.

In addition to managing program initiatives, Danny is instrumental in fundraising and development efforts, working closely with the Director of Development to secure grants and sponsorships. His leadership also extends to building partnerships with local organizations, corporations, foundations, and individual donors to create new funding streams and opportunities for the foundation’s work.

Krystal brings a deep passion for creating inclusive, collaborative workplaces to her work as HR Manager for “I Have A Dream.” As a born and bred New Yorker shaped by the fast-paced energy of the city, she’s learned the importance of building trust and fostering positive relationships at every level of an organization. She has years of experience in human resources, expertise in implementing HRIS systems, conducting performance evaluations, and ensuring regulatory compliance. She excels at identifying organizational needs and delivering strategic solutions that drive success. Outside of work, Krystal can be found with her two furry companions, Omi the dog and Sushi the cat, exploring the city streets or cozying up at home. With a background in Urban and Community Studies from CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, she is passionate about both the professional and personal aspects of community building.

As the Program & Evaluation AmeriCorps VISTA, Nicole supports the National “I Have A Dream” Foundation’s efforts to strengthen programs through research, evaluation, and program design. She contributes to the development of program models, evaluation tools, and learning resources while helping identify evidence-informed practices that strengthen programming across IHDF’s national network. Nicole also supports initiatives that elevate Dream Scholar voice and inform continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Nicole earned her Master’s in International Development from IE University in Madrid, Spain. While studying development, she found herself drawn to work that creates meaningful impact within local communities, particularly through education. She is passionate about expanding educational opportunities for young people and helping design programs that are informed by the experiences and voices of those they serve.