Board of Directors
Rev. Gena C. Jefferson, CEO & President
Rev. Gena has Master Degrees in Special Education, Educational Administration and Social Work from varied institutions. She was ordained by the Interfaith Council of New York, and holds a Certification in Spiritual Life Coaching Training from Inner Visions Institute for Spiritual Development. Gena serves the adult community, is co-owner of Overture Wellness: “Begin With Purpose”, a spiritual life coaching, healing and wellness practice serving individuals, couples, and organizations. She has been quoted in numerous media outlets and most recently appeared on on Bronxnet’s OPEN Show with Dr. Bob Lee, 2022,“The Couch”, a CBS Morning News show, and WPIX Channel 11 morning news.
Sally Hipscher, Vice President of Programs
Sally is a retired NYC high school health and physical education teacher for 36 years. She was founder and faculty advisor of Murrow’s HEART club (HIV/AIDS, peer education, advocacy and social action club), training students to be peer educators and conduct AIDS quilt workshops during World AIDS Week. Sally is a trustee at the East Midwood Jewish Center and chairperson of the East Midwood Jewish Center/Our Lady of Refuge Church interfaith committee.
Veronica Rosario, Vice President of Communications
Veronica is an award-winning Producer at PIX11 News, who focuses on social justice issues and women empowerment. She is a graduate of The Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University where she earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Television, Radio and Film. Veronica is a Brooklyn native who regularly volunteers with organizations focused on youth empowerment as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Veronica is the founder and CEO of the Happy New Network (HNN).
Nadira Ramcharan, Treasurer
Nadira Ramcharan, MBA is a consultant, trainer, and coach with over a decade of professional experience. She is a high-performing executive with extensive experience in developing the skills and capacity of professionals with a variety of organizations throughout the United States. She holds an M.B.A. and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management. She has a B.A. from the City University of New York-Bernard M. Baruch College. She is a John C. Maxwell Certified Coach, Speaker, and Trainer. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) in Leadership. Nadira served as the Board Treasurer at The Christmas Experience, Inc. and she is an Advisory Board Member for the Design Thinking Program at Pace University and at Black Nurse Rock Association – San Antonio Chapter.
Rev Elease Welch, Board Member Emeritus
Rev. Elease served as JAIA’s first Board President for 5 years. She is a Minister of Spiritual Consciousness, a dynamic teacher, a masterful coach, and a powerful and compassionate leader. She is a graduate of New York University holding an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration. She also serves as the Asst. Director of Academic Affairs at Inner Visions Institute for Spiritual Development. Elease continues to volunteer with JAIA serving on the curriculum committee.
Creating A Healthier World 