United Black Family Scholarship Foundation

Tom Gambaro is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he studied History and Psychology. He possesses a proven track record of working within the nonprofit space, having volunteered with several organizations dedicated to tackling Wicked problems such as gentrification, food deserts, redlining, and homelessness. He recently completed an independent research project investigating the root causes of and potential solutions for gentrification in East Palo Alto, California, which involved interviewing EPA community members. After completing his undergraduate degrees, Tom aspires to attend law school, where he hopes to continue learning about systemic injustices in the legal system and doing his part to contribute to meaningful change. Tom joined the UBFSF Program and Public Policy Cohort to write and advocate for programs and policy that grows communities and empowers them to become successful.

Pending 

James Ewing is a project management director with proven technical abilities and an eye for design. He realized his passion for art late in life when he picked up a charcoal pencil and started drawing his first piece. He eventually produced a gallery exhibit under the pseudonym ShadedHues. This love of art guided his professional life by igniting a talent for web development.

Using his knowledge of frontend and backend development skills, James implements the latest coding languages and frameworks to translate beauty into code and create unique websites for organizations like the United Black Family Scholarship Foundation. He continues web development on a freelance basis and joined UBFSF to assist in delivering its invaluable services and opportunities on the web.

James currently works in the fintech industry as a project management director, translating business needs to technical solutions and driving those projects through to fruition.

Aruna Giri is a Computer Engineering student at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, pursuing her Bachelor of Science. She possesses a strong technical background in software and hardware development, with a focus on creating technology that drives accessibility and social impact. This is reflected in her current senior design project, where she collaborates on developing intelligent mobility devices to enhance safety and independence.

Aruna has a long-standing commitment to community service, having previously served as a Corps Member for Jumpstart for Young Children and as a Homecare Assistant supporting elderly clients with technology. She joined the UBFSF team as a Web Developer to utilize her technical skills in implementing digital solutions that support the organization’s mission of community empowerment and reinvestment.

Gabriela Ortiz-Aguinaga is currently pursuing a double major in Political Science and
Public Service at the University of Central Oklahoma. She previously earned an Associate’s degree in Political Science/Pre-Law from Oklahoma City Community College. At UCO, Gabriela serves as Lead Events Coordinator for Students for Justice in
Palestine, where she organizes educational initiatives focused on justice and collective
empowerment. Her work is rooted in community outreach, including volunteering with local food banks, providing essential resources to unhoused communities in Oklahoma City, and educating marginalized communities about their voting rights. Gabriela is deeply committed to understanding governmental and power structures in
order to help individuals effectively navigate complex systems. She currently serves as
R.E.B.U.I.L.D. Co-Field Director, where she continues her work advocating for community engagement and equitable access to resources.

Elias Jeradeh completed a Masters in Biology in Lebanon focusing on immunological mechanisms at the heart of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. In alignment with these interests, he decided to pursue a Masters in Public Health (MPH) at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). Throughout his time at UCO, Elias became acquainted with the world of qualitative studies and learned to think beyond the scope of numerical statistics. With the help of his advisor, he began learning about incarceration, particularly researching the various determinants and detriments of incarceration. He is incredibly grateful and excited to be volunteering for UBFSF, and to join the quest to investigate, address, and offer solutions to emerging Public Health issues. Elias volunteers as our Program & Policy Coordinator.

His work has been published in numerous scholarly journals and anthologies. A renowned intellectual on the history of prison and policing reform and state violence, his work has been featured on MSNBC, CNN, NPR, Newsweek, Washington Post, and a number of other media outlets.

Miletsky was the recipient of a 2020 “Game Changer” Award by the Long Island Area NAACP branch. In 2021 he was honored by the Town of Brookhaven Black History Commission “for leadership and service to the community as a role model to the next generation.” He lives in Brooklyn and works with the UBFSF as an editor for the 100 Prisoner Book Publishing Literacy Program.