Meet the Board of Directors

  • Dr. Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, EdD., is Executive Director of the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), an inclusive, social justice community center in the City of Ithaca.

    During her 20-year tenure as a member of the Tompkins County Legislature, she created and chaired the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee and co-authored legislation to make Tompkins County a living wage employer, one among several equity-centered legislative actions she initiated. For two years, she also chaired the Legislature.

    Educated both abroad and domestically, Leslyn holds two Bachelors of Science degrees (K-12 Education and Intercultural Communication/Adult Education), an MBA, and a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership.

    She is a 25-year veteran facilitator, mediator, and a certified mediation trainer.

    For over 12 years, Leslyn ran her own training and consulting business providing coaching and speaking engagements for several agencies, universities, and governments on developing internal communication and conflict-management procedures, diversity, inclusion and empowerment, as well as race relations.

    She has lived her entire life on the premise that it is important to stay involved in organizing and advocacy, and committed to dismantling systemic barriers impacting marginalized and minoritized communities through local organizations, public office, public schools, and volunteerism.

  • Mike Katz is a retired entrepreneur who has owned and operated many businesses including a screen-printing company, a travel agency, a marketing consultancy, and a number of franchises.

    In addition, Mike has done Major Gifts fundraising for a number of local not-for-profit organizations including Hospicare, the Sciencenter, and SUNY Cortland. I am a native New Yorker, a resident of Ithaca, NY, and a graduate of Princeton University.

    Mike is passionate about helping provide support and resources for people who have great ideas for starting a business but feel that the opportunity to do so is not open to them.

Interested in joining AE’s Board of Directors? We’d love to talk!

Click here to fill out a very brief interest form, and you’ll hear back from us soon.

  • Kevin Mietlicki is the President and CEO of Alternatives Federal Credit Union (AFCU), a CDFI Community Development Credit Union in Ithaca, New York.

    Kevin has spent 32 years in the credit union industry delivering on the credit union model of “People Helping People”. During his tenure at AFCU, the credit union has made many changes to its services and products in order to better serve historically underserved communities in the financial system.

    Kevn uses his industry knowledge and position at AFCU to advocate for low-income and minority communities in the financial services industry at the local, state and national levels of government; he also volunteers his time as board member for several local service organizations.

    Kevin has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Albany and earned his MBA in Finance from SUNY Buffalo.

  • Rev. Corey Cooke is a dynamic leader whose life is dedicated to serving his community through various roles that span public service, religious ministry, and social advocacy. As the Elmira Second District City Councilman, he tirelessly champions the needs and aspirations of his constituents, advocating for transparent and inclusive policies that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

    In his spiritual roles as Pastor of Monumental Baptist Church and Reflection Remnant Church, Rev. Cooke is a guiding light, delivering sermons that inspire and uplift, while fostering communities built on faith, love, and service. His pastoral work is complemented by his efforts on the Elmira Downtown Development Board, where he supports initiatives to invigorate the city's economic landscape and the Local Waterway Revitalization Plan Planning Board, promoting sustainable environmental practices.

    Rev. Cooke's commitment to social equity is further demonstrated through his involvement with Amplify Equity's Board of Directors and as a member of the Elmira/Corning NAACP. In these roles, he actively works to dismantle systemic barriers and promote inclusivity, ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources for all individuals. His advocacy extends to global platforms through his membership in Lions Club International and the Los Angeles Ministry Alliance, where he participates in humanitarian efforts and interfaith dialogues.

    As the Director of Perfected Pursuit Music Academy, Rev. Cooke nurtures young talents, fostering personal development and cultural expression through the arts. His affiliation with the American Baptist Churches and the Living Waters Association connects him to a broader network of faith-based organizations, strengthening ties within the religious community.

    Rev. Corey Cooke's multifaceted roles reflect his unwavering commitment to creating a just, equitable, and vibrant society. Whether he is advocating for civil rights, preaching to his congregation, or mentoring young musicians, his impact is profound and far-reaching, inspiring others to pursue their own paths of service and leadership. 

  • Richard Furnas served over 15 years on Amplify Equity’s Board of Directors. He is a Teaching Associate at Cornell University, and Owner of Microcomputer Power. Richard is a passionate advocate for social justice, transparency in organizations, financial equity, and extending business support services to a broad and diverse community. He has long experience advocating for diversity and its measurements in contexts ranging from natural habitats and biodiversity to personal identity and ethnic diversity.

    Academic credentials: BA Biology, MS Biology, MS Mathematics, PhD Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

  • Amanda Rodrigues is the owner of Rodrigues Family Type Home For Adults (FTHA) and lives and operates her business in Broome County. Her professional experience also includes working as a Nurse Assistant in the Cardiac Unit at UHS-Wilson Hospital, and she previously worked for two attorneys in Brooklyn, New York (Ribolow & Feinsod).

  • Nick Romo relocated to Binghamton, NY to accept a job for Hankook Tire USA as a Territory Manager. After five years and desiring to be more involved in the community and helping individuals prepare for the unexpected he transitioned to opening his own State Farm Agency in Ithaca, NY in 2017. Nick has been involved with the Latino Civic Association, YMCA Youth Sports, Ithaca Rotary, Toastmasters International, and the Chamber of Commerce of both Broome and Tompkins County.

  • Catrina Romo is the team leader and life insurance specialist at the Nick Romo State Farm Agency. She grew up in Spencer, NY and graduated with both her undergraduate and M.B.A. from Ithaca College. Catrina has extensive experience in sales, advising, risk management, problem solving, and managing teams. Her life, health, property, and casualty insurance knowledge allow her to guide a variety of clients within the community. She has a strong passion for helping families protect their assets, income, and from the unexpected. She loves leading the agency’s team and practicing continuing education activities to foster professional growth and career goals. She enjoys her involvement within the community through serving her alma mater as a member of the Business Advisory Council, active member within the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the NYS Women’s Inc. Binghamton Chapter, Ithaca Rotary Club, Ithaca Chamber, the Greater Binghamton Realtor Association, and the Ithaca Board of Realtors.