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Leeyan Redwood

Program Associate

Pronouns she/her/hers Leeyan Redwood is from Long Island New York and is a first generation woman with roots in Jamaica. She was on the Varsity Track and Field Team at Northeastern University, specializing in the shotput and discus throws. She then graduated from Northeastern University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication & a […]

Liz Carey

Senior Program Associate

Liz developed an awareness and relationship with nature during her first childhood camping trip. With the guidance of a mentor, she learned to read maps, kayak through rapids, deepened her sense of place, and returned often. Through this experience, Liz reflected on her own identity and representation in outdoor spaces, and has since forged transformative […]

LORENZO CANNON-UMSTEAD

Development Coordinator

Pronouns: he/him/his Lorenzo Cannon-Umstead,a Philadelphia native, has been doing meaningful work in the city of Philadelphia, since around his junior year of high school.   Lorenzo is a graduate of West Philadelphia Catholic School.  He studied abroad in both high school and college.  Lorenzo has worked in youth development, voter registration and a few electoral campaigns. […]

DR. GRETCHEN K. MIELKE

Post-Secondary Director

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Dr. Gretchen Mielke is the post-secondary director for Summer Search Philadelphia. Gretchen joins Summer Search with more than 15 years of experience in higher education focused on experiential learning, civic engagement, student development and local-to-global partnerships. Gretchen is passionate about access to education, fostering civic values and career pathways, forging deep partnerships, and […]

Jacob Urena

Program Associate

Pronouns: He/Him/His Jacob has a passion for working with young adults and assisting in their social and emotional development during their formative years. At Summer Search he works as a Program Associate and enjoys the opportunity to help guide young students through their High School years. Prior to coming to Summer Search, Jacob worked as […]

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