About Us
We are a U.S. based non-profit organization on a mission to transform the lives of children in Haiti and the Carribean.
OUR MISSION
At Itiah Angels for Learning®, our goal is to transform children’s lives by providing educational tools to impoverished communities in order to foster learning. Our operations are designed to obtain educational materials and provide them to schools and students in underserved communities to help aid student’s well-being and encourage educational growth so they can reach their fullest potential.
OUR VISION
Itiah Angels for Learning® aspires to work towards eliminating extreme poverty and hardship – one student at a time, one school at a time, and one community at a time. By helping students to learn, we aim to elevate entire populations and create social progress.
OUR INSPIRATION
“Leave your country and everything you hold dear, go and do good!”
– Anne-Marie Javouhey
These words became the foundation of Anne-Marie Javouhey’s life. Born in 1779 in Bourgogne, France, she joined a convent at the age of 19 and began her life’s mission of fighting for the poor. She saw the problems of her time and vowed to make a difference by advocating against slavery and being determined to educate youth in the most vulnerable parts of the world. She lived to see all her hard work blossom on every continent.
She founded the missionary congregation Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny and dedicated her life to advancing her mission throughout the Caribbean and nations of Africa until her death at the age of 72. In 1864, three Javoueh sisters of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny congregation left their country and family behind. Sister Louise Wight, born in Trinidad, was one of the sisters who boarded a ship headed to a beautiful mountainous island referred to by many as “My darling Haiti” and affectionately labeled “The Pearl of the Antilles”.
Meet The Team
Board Members
Marie Thadal, MBA
Giorgio Dell’Acqua, PhD
Pierre Joseph, MBA
Robert Baraczek
Magnolia McGlothen-Brown
Founder
Marie Thadal, MBA
Marie Thadal is an accomplished executive in the Cosmetic industry. She has held many different positions in the industry of international influence and recognition. She chaired the New York Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, a multi million-dollar organization and the largest chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists association.
She has always viewed education and opportunities in learning as the stairway to the stars. While Thadal was born in Haiti, at an early age she emigrated to the U.S. and became the first in her family to go to college and earn a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. She went on to pursue advanced studies and completed a Master’s degree in Cosmetic Science followed by an Executive MBA. She’s had a rather extraordinary history of overcoming obstacles as she works towards reaching her fullest potential. That story is chronicled in a soon-to-be published book documenting her remarkable journey.
She dreams of ensuring educational opportunities for students where learning is stifled by the lack of resources. She truly believes that every child, if given the right balance of assistance, support and encouragement can truly prosper in the same way that she did. But unfortunately, in many countries school is not compulsory. In others, the system of education is not geared towards providing the perfect mix of resources, support and encouragement – especially for girls.
Thadal is fully cognizant of what propelled her to a life that not only moved her out of poverty but into a life where she’s been able to serve as a resource to her community. She knows what a helping hand can do to put a person on their feet and moving in the right direction. She is convinced that children need exposure to education early and consistently. She dares to imagine a whole set of experiences that would give children belief in themselves so that they can be successful as a result of ITIAH Angels For Learning organization.
Vice President
Giorgio Dell’Acqua, PhD
Giorgio Dell’Acqua, PhD, is a cosmetic scientist and a consultant for the personal care industry. He has helped bring more than 200 successful active ingredients and finished products to market and has authored more than 60 publications in medicine and cosmetic science. From last 10 years he has been writing and lecturing on natural cosmetic ingredients, sustainable supply chain, and helped sourcing, developing and bringing to market many natural ingredients.
He is passionate about green economy and social justice. In recent years he has published and lectured about sustainable development, social progress, micro finance, social and financial inclusion. He is an award winning speaker on natural ingredients and a regular columnist on sustainability and cosmetic science. He is also the chair of the Scientific Committee for the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists and its scientific blogger.
Treasurer
Pierre Joseph, MBA
Pierre Joseph grew up in Haiti and moved to the USA as a young man in the 90’s. Knowing that education is the path to opportunities, he earned a BS degree in Chemistry from Rutgers University and an MBA from Philadelphia (now Jefferson) University.
He is a continuous learner and has held positions as a Chemist at various leading companies such as Hartz Mountain, Kimberly-Clark, Summers Laboratories and Shiseido. He enjoys listening to music, playing his guitar, reading and cooking. He lives in NJ with his beautiful wife and their two children.
Fundraising Chair
Robert Baraczek
Robert Baraczek is a Scientist and business owner in the Pharmaceutical and Medical industries specializing in skin and hair disorders. Robert enjoys spending time with his family, and is passionate about giving back and making a difference. He is especially interested in helping children in the most vulnerable parts of the world and undeserved communities. Robert travels to various countries and understands the difficulties students face in poverty stricken environments. For this reason, he is committed to helping and supporting the initiatives of Itiah Angels For Learning.
General Secretary
Magnolia McGlothen-Brown
Magnolia McGlothen-Brown recently retired from the Trenton Board of Education in Trenton, NJ as a classroom special education teacher with thirty –two years of teaching experience and seven years prior in Mississippi as a speech pathologist and vocational instructor. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Pathology, a Master of Science Degree in Special Education from Jackson State University in Jackson, MS, a Master of Science Degree in Education Administration from Grand Canyon University in AZ, and various educational certificates.
Helping to shape the lives of young people and extending knowledge and love to the field of education are two of her life-long dreams. Along her educational journey, Magnolia has been honored to engage and challenge her students beyond the classroom academics to actively developing their entrepreneur skills, civic and justice responsibilities, and traveling experiences. Some of her most memorable experiences include developing a vocational arts curriculum for her special education class, facilitating and chaperoning her Student Council students to Jamaica, Bahama, Cancun Mexico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, participating in mock trial competitions, working with local and state government officials, standing on the floor of the United Nations, and volunteering to serve those who are less fortunate than them.
She is married to Reverend Alexander Brown, a former teacher and Principal of the Trenton Public School District. Serving God and others is what brings her the most joy.
Committee Members
Khadija Franklin
Derek Appiah-Kumi
Dimitri Thadal
Melanie Mitchell
Jennifer ShuPing Chen
Florise Altino-Pierre, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Paige Cornell
Jolia Thadal
Sherri Plummer
Carswell Whitehead
Rojin Jahangirian
Thiha Set
Sreekruthi Dubagunta
Xavier Jones
Sarah P. Liebowitz
Marie Cadestin
Thalia Thomas
Webmaster
Khadija Franklin
Khadija Franklin is a chemist and a full-stack web developer living in the NYC area. She is a curious and driven leader. Her ability to quickly master new concepts and produce under strict time, budget, and quality constraints has made her a team leader who is eager to tackle new challenges. She is also a perpetual student who is relentlessly learning through various resources and individual projects. She is passionate about cosmetic chemistry, learning, sharing that knowledge with others and creating purposeful tools.
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Derek Appiah-Kumi
Derek Appiah-Kumi has more than 3 years of direct technology advisory experience ranging from individuals to small business owners. He has two years of experience working with nonprofits within the inner City of Trenton where he was put in charge of devising and implementing technology solutions for the organization, as well as the on boarding and training of staff. He specializes in web development but is no stranger to working in a more traditional technical support role.
Derek brings his experience to ITIAH Angels For Learning to ensure that the technology solutions implemented for the organization is in proper alignment with its mission. Technology optimizes the way we work in every capacity. Sourcing the right system can bring added value to each volunteer’s defined role. This can boost efficiency as they work to execute the task of enriching the lives of children and make a difference where help is needed.
Technology Coordinator
Dimitri Thadal
He is extremely passionate about serving his community and the youth. He’s volunteered numerous times to Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen in New Brunswick, NJ, and is also currently a Big Brother for Big Brother Big Sister of America. He hopes to learn but also contribute with his experience to help ITIAH Angels for learning.
Beauty Project Coordinator
Melanie Mitchell
Gourmet Body Pastries Skincare creator and founder, Melanie Mitchell celebrates skin no matter the hue or shade. Gourmet Body Pastries Skincare is a product line created to moisturize and exfoliate all skin types. This hand-crafted body care maintenance system is a delicious reminder of how sweet it is to love the skin we’re in.
There are two things that she is most passionate about, her skincare line becoming a household name and positively impacting the lives of others through ministry. Her love for Public Relations has helped paved the way to helping individuals live their best lives from the inside out and skincare is one of the tools she uses to help convey the message.
In 2017, Melanie began traveling abroad teaching women in impoverished areas how to make skincare. Her travels have taken her to Montrouis, Haiti and Portobelo, Colon, Panama. Melanie incorporates ingredients from the countries she has traveled to in her skincare products. Her ultimate goal is to inspire women throughout the world to become entrepreneurs in hopes of them being able to sustain their homes and communities.
Research Manager
Jennifer ShuPing Chen
Shu Ping (Jennifer) Chen is a cosmetic chemist for the personal care industrh. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, and her M.S. in Pharmaceutics with a Specialization in Cosmetic Science from Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY. She is an enthusiast for color cosmetics and skincare and is actively pursuing a career in the personal care industry to fulfil her fascination with the endless possibilities of scientific experimentation. She believes in the power of cosmetics to enhance exterior beauty, as well as imbue a sense of personal well being. She wants her career to not only fulfill her own personal sense of accomplishment but would also like to help others to do the same.
ITIAH Angels for Learning embodies the work of giving back that Jennifer strives to be a part of. As a child of Asian Canadian immigrants, she understands the value of education, and the doors that it can open. Jennifer believes that every individual deserves a quality education, and that through collective effort we can remove obstacles that impoverished children face on their way to learning and succeeding.
Medical Specialist
Florise Altino-Pierre, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Florise Altino-Pierre is a nurse leader with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare field. She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Management, and she is certified in Nurse Executive Advanced in Leadership. She empowers the people around her to be the best that they can be and to be change agents. Her passion for lifelong learning comes from her father who instilled and motivated her to pursue nursing. She continuously strives for excellence all the while giving opportunities for learning to improve and enhance her professional skills. She served as an Adjunct professor at the Chamberlain College of Nursing.
Florise lives with her husband, John and her three children in Somerset County. She enjoys entertaining, listening to music as well as going on medical mission trips to her homeland Haiti. She believes in giving back to the community. Her goal is to share God’s word, love, and grace to others so that they may feel God’s presence and in doing so, will enrich their lives and strengthen their faith.
Newsletter Coordinator
Paige Cornell
Paige Cornell is joining ITIAH Angels for Learning as a volunteer newsletter coordinator and writer. An alumna of Rider University with a Bachelor’s degree in digital media, she has worked with various nonprofits to help spread their mission through writing, social media, photography and video production. She started her work with nonprofits in 2018 by writing for the Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City. Paige looks forward to being able to expand her writing and digital media skills with ITIAH Angels for Learning.
Robotics Youth Program Coordinator
Jolia Thadal
Jolia is a senior at the Rochester Institute of Technology pursuing a B.S. degree in Media Arts & Technology. She is completing her major along with a minor in Sociology/Anthropology with a concentration in Advertising/PR. She has gained much experience from her previous work and internships at L’Oréal USA, CBS and a local Legislative Assembly office.
As a volunteer, she hopes to share her expertise in projects related to cross media production, content management and data analysis. It is her sincere desire to align her knowledge in cultures to create a positive experience for the people ITIAH Angels For Learning was founded to serve. In High School, Jolia was a member of the FIRST Robotics Team FRC 2590 “Nemesis” which was her first exposure of how technology education can uplift communities.
Jolia is excited to coordinate the Itiah Angels Robotics Youth Program. She joined forces with her former robotics team to spread its mission which is to inspire greater levels of respect and honor for science and technology. In this capacity, she exposes children in remote village of the world to STEM and encourages them to become science and technology leaders.
Outreach Coordinator
Sherri Plummer
In my spare time I enjoy giving back to causes near and dear to my heart.
I enjoy traveling and especially love the beach. I dabble in photography & am currently working on perfecting a slightly green thumb in my backyard.
I also go to Zumba class every week and enjoy listening to podcasts and light reading.
I am the mother of two adult children.
I am member of GIRL TREK and FBCLG.
I have an auto insurance back ground and currently work at NJ TRANSIT in the Risk Management Dept.
Project Manager
Carswell Whitehead
With over 35 years of leadership in the education sector, Carswell is a seasoned executive known for driving innovation and operational excellence. Her strategic expertise in product development and process optimization has consistently elevated the customer experience—delivering results that are both efficient and impactful.
Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to community service. An active member of her church, she finds purpose in volunteering and supporting initiatives that strengthen and uplift those around her.
Graphic Designer
Rojin Jahangirian
I am a recent graduate of Bridgewater State University majoring in Graphic Design. I am passionate about volunteering for non-profit organizations and impacting the community. I resonate with ITIAH Angels’ mission as I strongly believe every individual is entitled to have access to quality education without financial barriers.
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Thiha Set
Thiha Set completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at Adelphi University in May 2022, and is joining ITIAH Angels for Learning as a volunteer IT manager. He is currently working towards acquiring the CompTIA Network+ certification by completing the cybersecurity certification program at Guttman Community College. After acquiring the Network+ certification, he seeks to attain the CompTIA Security+ certification to propel his career as a cybersecurity professional. Previously, at Adelphi, Thiha volunteered at an intra-humanitarian organization called C.A.L.I.B.E.R, eventually gaining the position of Treasurer at the organization. In high school, he volunteered for the Red Cross via his high school chapter, partaking in fundraising and awareness-raising activities such as bake sales, movie nights, and the Cancer Walk. Thiha looks forward to developing further as an IT professional at ITIAH Angels for Learning, while elevating the organization’s missions and activities through his perspectives and expertise.
IT / Event Planning
Sreekruthi Dubagunta
Social Media
Xavier Jones
Xavier is a cybersecurity professional based in Hamilton, NJ, with a background in Computer Engineering. He currently works in the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring digital security and protecting critical information.
Beyond his career, Xavier is deeply passionate about supporting and educating youth in STEM. Having benefited from youth programs that shaped his journey, he firmly believes in the importance of giving back and inspiring young minds early on. He is eager to re-engage in volunteer work and contribute his skills wherever needed.
As part of a social media committee, Xavier hopes to develop new capabilities while assisting in delivering on the organization’s mission. Whether through mentorship, education, or strategic support, he is committed to making a meaningful impact.
Outreach
Sarah P. Liebowitz
CEO of Sustainable Botanicals International, Sarah has been involved in the Personal Care industry for many years. In addition to being a shareholder and Board Member of her family’s company, INOLEX, Sarah served as its Global Marketing and Public Relations Manager and Corporate Development and Public Relations Executive from 2009 until January 2019. Sarah was also the Director of Marketing for IPS Labs, a formulation lab servicing Unilever, Revlon and Avon, as well as smaller indie brands. Prior to that, Sarah had senior marketing roles in various companies and had an editorial role on the Board of Chemical Sciences and Technology , National Academy of Sciences. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College, received an MA from University of Chicago in Cultural Anthropology and completed courses at University of Chicago’s Business School.
Sarah is a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, serves on the Board of the Philadelphia Israeli Chamber of Commerce and sits on the President’s Advisory Council of Bryn Mawr College. Sarah is also an active supporter of Fund For Social Good in South Africa
Marie Cadestin
Marie is a highly experienced Registered Nurse with over two decades in healthcare. She holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Management. Beyond her professional life, she actively enjoys volunteering, helping others, and pursuing creative interests like music, dancing, arts and crafts, and attending various cultural events, including movies, concerts, and plays. Her life is grounded by an active church involvement and a deep, strong faith.
Thalia Thomas
Thalia Thomas is a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience at RWJBarnabas Health
in Central New Jersey. She holds a dual masters degree in public administration and a masters
degree in clinical management. She has a background in critical care, case management,
and has been a past Adjunct Faculty at Mercer County Community College. She has
previously been the past Vice President with the Haitian American Nurses Association of
Garden State and Middlesex Regional Black Nurses Association.
Thalia has a passion for giving back to her community and participating with nonprofits by giving
her time to help their mission, vision, and goals. She is a first-generation Haitian American and
is proud to be a volunteer with Itiah Angels of Learning. Thalia is a mentor and leader in her
community. She enjoys going to the theatre, concerts, reading, spending time with friends,
dining out, and being active in her professional nursing organizations.
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