Sterling Network NYC
Advancing Equity Through Collective Leadership
Launched in 2017 by the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, Sterling Network NYC brings together leaders from across New York City's public, private, and nonprofit sectors. United by a commitment to racial equity and economic mobility, these leaders collaborate to address systemic challenges affecting communities citywide.
Our Mission
Sterling Network NYC is dedicated to fostering cross-sector partnerships that tackle the root causes of economic inequity. By bridging silos and building trust, the Network empowers its members to drive meaningful, systems-level change.
Our Approach
Collaborative Projects: Fellows work on initiatives spanning education, employment, housing, immigration, health, justice, transportation, labor, and media.
Shared Leadership: The Network emphasizes collective governance, with members co-creating strategies and solutions.
Continuous Learning: Through retreats and convenings, Fellows engage in ongoing learning and relationship-building.
Process for Exploration
For a concise yet detailed explanation of how we work together to increase economic mobility across the five boroughs, please see the History of the Sterling Network & Its Design section (pp. 11–13) of the report Sterling Network NYC: A Bold Experiment in Relationships, Power, & Imagining Leadership Otherwise.
Key Partners
Circle Forward
Past Network Facilitators: Yoojin Janice Lee, Ana Polanco, Melody Baker, Arlene Rodriguez
Network Organizers: Trish Adobea Tchume, Elena Conte, Melissa Shillingford (current)
Reports
Transition and Growth
In its evolution, Sterling Network NYC has embraced greater self-governance and now operates under the auspices of the North Star Fund. This transition reflects the Network's commitment to sustainability and community-led leadership.
Meet the Fellows
Sterling Network NYC comprises a diverse group of leaders dedicated to equity and justice.
Learn more about each of them
Click a headshot to view their LinkedIn profile.
Alexa Kasdan
Ann Harakawa
Barika Williams
Bernell Grier
Betsy Plum
Cathy Kim
Charlie Vazquez
Christian Gonzalez-Rivera
Daniel McPhee
David Woloch
Debra-Ellen Glickstein
Deepmalya Ghosh
Denice Williams
Elena Conte
Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson
George Suttles
Georges Clement
Gisele Castro
Hamra Ahmad
James Brodick
Jennifer Cowan
Jeremy Reiss
Jill Eisenhard
Jimmy Carbone
Jordan Stockdale
Karen Schoellkopf
Kemi Ilesanmi
Kristy Sundjaja
Liliana Polo-McKenna
Lori Boozer
Maria Mottola
Mark Foggin
Martha King
Maurice Goldstein
Melanie Mortimer
Michael Hickey
Michelle Flores
Michelle S. Ng
Nancy Ginsburg
Neil Carlson
Ollie Gillett
Patrick Kwan
Pauline Zalkin
Dr. Rahesha S. Amon
Rasmia Kirmani
Richard Rivera
Robert Hawkins
Rose DeStefano
Sam Jung
Sean Basinski
Sideya Sherman
Toby Sheppard Bloch
Tokumbo Shobowale
Tracey Capers
William Weisberg
Vanda Belusic-Vollor