Staff

Ananya Root

Marketing & Digital Engagement Manager

With a background in gymnastics, tennis, and running, sport has played a defining role in her life; especially after moving from India at age 9, when it became a key way to connect with others and build community.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Virginia Tech, where she developed a passion for marketing ideas rather than products. Before joining Laureus USA, Ananya worked at the American Clean Power Association as a Marketing Manager, supporting clean energy initiatives through events and membership engagement. She is currently based in New York City and previously lived in Washington, DC.

OurTeam

Rachelle Patel (Boyer)

Rachelle Boyer has extensive experience building successful partnerships between corporates, government organizations, and community organizations.

Ben Schornack

Ben is an experienced coalition-builder, fundraiser, and facilitator in the field of Sports-Based Youth Development.

Fatima Alabdullah

Fatima Alabdullah has five years of experience in supporting underserved populations through accounting and financial management.

Peter Feldman

Peter Feldman has more than a decade of experience as an educator and sports-based youth development professional. As a former…

Julia M. Lankford

Julia M. Lankford has over 19 years of nonprofit management experience, and has been the recipient of numerous community service awards. Her work is centered on the core belief that the best way to improve quality of life for those who need it most is to empower them, passing on a sense of shared responsibility and individual self-efficacy.

Tiffany Aidoo

Tiffany has dedicated her years of experience to sport as a catalyst for youth development.

Nneka Arinze

Nneka Arinze is from the Metro-Atlanta community and has always had a desire to learn more around the impact of sports programming, having grown up as an avid soccer player.

Grace Curtin

At the root of it, Grace believes that coalitions are the best way to create innovative, inclusive and sustainable programs for all young people.

Sara McLaughlin

As a lifelong sports fan and soccer player, Sara recognizes the unique power and ability that sports have, to educate young people and impact communities.

Amy Mummery

Amy believes in the transformative power of teamwork, sport, and the spoken word.

Mariana Niekamp

Chicago Grant Manager, Mariana Niekamp, comes to Laureus USA as an alumni of the Laureus USA Emerging Leaders Program, having experience…

Kip O’Rourke-Brown

Kip is a leading professional in the emerging field of sports-based youth development, possessing extensive experience in program design, delivery and evaluation, with a special emphasis on school communities.

Rob Saltares

Rob believes that sport programming has the ability to reach those furthest from opportunity in ways nothing else can when designed intentionally.