Our Squad

Nkemka Anyiwo, MSW, PhD

Founder and Director

Welcome! I am a lyricist/MC., scholar, and youth advocate dedicated to supporting Black youth in cultivating loving, harmonious, and joyful realities that allow them to thrive. My work uses media and creativity to foreground Black youth’s lived realities and voices. I received a BA in African American Studies from the University of Maryland and a MSW and PhD in Social Work and Developmental Psychology from the University of Michigan.

My work with C.Y.P.H.E.R is grounded in my experiences as an advocate for Black communities, starting in my youth. For over a decade, I served in several leadership roles within cultural and social justice organizations. I have designed initiatives to promote political awareness, cultural empowerment, education development, and community healing.

In my role, I work in collaboration with youth and their communities to:
  • Develop and direct research projects
  • Write grants to fund research
  • Write research reports for publication
  • Develop workshops and programs for youth and communities
  • Consult on research, curriculum, and programs oriented toward Black youth development and social justice

Current CYPHER Squad

Chantel Heard

Operations & Community Engagement Coordinator

Chantel Heard is a graduate student at Columbia University, where she is pursuing an MSW with a specialization in Advanced Clinical Practice. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies from San Francisco State University in 2019 and is dedicated to incorporating this foundation into her social work practice. With a decade of experience in social services and a strong background in child and adolescent development, Chantel is passionate about equity, liberation, and community-driven engagement. Her work focuses on the intersections of identity, mental health, and systemic barriers affecting Black youth. As a researcher, Chantel brings a deep understanding of how empathy and lived experience play a crucial role in meaningful, respectful research. She is excited to contribute to research that uplifts her communities and explores wellness and social justice practices.

In my role, I work in collaboration with youth and their communities to:
  • Cultivate and strengthen relationships in partnership with youth-serving organizations
  • Develop resources and build a robust network of organizations that align with CYPHER’s mission
  • Support the CYPHER Youth Advisory Board and Black Consciousness Collective
  • Encourage collaboration with departments and resources within Columbia University
  • Co-create framework and protocol for CYPHER’s community engagement praxis

Kay O’Connor

Social Media Coordinator & Research Assistant

Kay O’Connor is a first year Master of Social Work candidate at Columbia University, bringing her passion for equity, education and community advocacy to her role as Social Media Coordinator at CYPHER. Leveraging her background in education, policy, and youth engagement, Kay curates and manages CYPHER’s online presence to amplify its mission and connect with diverse audiences. With experience in culturally responsive education and community program development, Kay is excited about joining this team and engaging with youth and community partners in Harlem.

In her role, Kay works in collaboration with the C.Y.P.H.E.R. team and the community to:

  • Curate and publish C.Y.P.H.E.R.’s blog, Youth Speaks.
  • Write and distribute updates and current knowledge in the field through C.Y.P.H.E.R.’s monthly newsletter.
  • Co-create and maintain community relationships online and C.Y.P.H.E.R.’s social media presence.

Jasmine Jackson

Data Management Coordinator & Research Assistant

Hey! 👋🏾 My name is Jasmine Jackson and I am a first year graduate student at Columbia University’s School of Social Work. I received my B.A. in Anthropology from UCLA in 2021 and have over seven years of experience working with BIPOC youth and young adults. As a future clinician and mental health professional, I am passionate about understanding the many ways in which BIPOC people can and have preserved, fortified, and healed their psyche from the impact of the many systems, institutions, and modalities of oppression our communities encounter.

My commitment to social justice and Black mental wellness is deeply aligned with the work and mission of CYPHER. I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to research and implementation of projects centered on empowering, uplifting, and supporting Black youth and our community as we continue to pursue liberation, self-determination, and happiness.

Jezlyn Montas

Research Assistant

Hi my name is Jezlyn Montas. I am a junior at Barnard College studying psychology and Women studies. I am a feminist and poet who deeply believes in the transformative power of the arts to help us understand and heal from our sociopolitical realities.

I joined C.Y.P.H.E.R because it is a community of advocates committed to not only understanding how oppression affects Black youth but leveraging this knowledge to help them nurture their spiritual and mental well-being.

C.Y.P.H.E.R Alum and Past Members

Amelia Grossman, MSW is a graduate of Columbia School of Social Work and served as the operations coordinator for C.Y.P.H.E.R for two years. Her upbringing in a family of political organizers and educators informs her commitment to social justice and youth development.

Adebola Abbey-Peter is an MSW of Columbia School of Social Work. She was previously a research assistant with C.Y.P.H.E.R focused on community and social media engagement. She is dedicated to the investment/upliftment of Black youth, the liberation of education/reconstruction of academia, and holistic accessibility to joy.