At Advance Media New York, our culture is built around the belief that we are at our best when we make our communities better.  We encourage those who call AMNY home to expand this passion to help others outside of the office and encourage community service and community participation that fuels the soul.

Several of our colleagues have taken on leadership roles in local organizations that align with their passions. We’re proud to highlight their contributions and the positive impact they’re making.

Sarah Gambell – Senior Healthcare Marketing Consultant, Advance Media New York

Board Member, Catholic Charities of Onondaga County

What board do you currently sit on?

I have been on the board of the Catholic Charities of Onondaga County for 5 years and will finish out my 2nd term next July. However, I have been involved in the organization for 7 years as member of the Donor Engagement Committee before joining the full board.

How does this board / organization positively impact the community?

Catholic Charities is dedicated to caring for those in need while promoting human development, collaboration, and the elimination of poverty and injustice.  The services fall into 3 areas:

  • Crisis Response which includes helping those impacted by disasters such as the recent devastating house fire on Carbon St.  They also provide emergency housing in the form of their Men’s Shelter in the heart of Syracuse.
  • Stability Services which include their Refugee Resettlement Program, Home Health Management Services and Elderly Services.
  • Capacity Building Services which includes Recovery Programs, Pre-K offerings and Parent Education programs and more.

What was your motivation for joining this board or being part of this organization?

While I served on the Donor Engagement committee, I become very enamored with all of the good work and services that CCOC provides to those in need in Syracuse.  Once I was asked to join the board I didn’t have to think twice about it.  It makes me feel like I am playing a small part in helping others.

Learn more about Catholic Charities of Onondaga County and the positive community impact provided by their programs – https://ccoc.us/

 

Amina Mecca – Director of Advertising, Advance Media New York

Board Member, 13thirty Cancer Connect, Board Member

What board do you currently sit on?

In July, I joined the Board of Directors for 13thirty Cancer Connect. They’re a Rochester and Syracuse based non-profit organization that supports adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer.

How does this board / organization positively impact the community?

Since its beginning, 13thirty has become an internationally known and respected leader in the field of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer because of their strong passion, clear vision, and steadfast commitment to a singular focus – teens and young adults with cancer. What sets them apart is their concentrated efforts on a targeted national problem that affects approximately 90,000 young people in the US each year. Their services go beyond traditional support resources and touch every stage of an AYA’s cancer experience.

What was your motivation for joining this organization?

During my initial meeting with them, I got a sense for how deep their advocacy and commitment was for not just awareness, but improved medical and education services, clinical initiatives, and survivorship of AYAs, a group 3x more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than earlier in life. But secondly, this summer marks ten years of losing my mom to a rare cancer, and throughout those years I was searching for a way to fuel my soul outside of my career and motherhood. When I met the team at 13thirty, I knew immediately I wanted to be a part of their mission.

What are you hoping to bring to your community board experience?

This is my very first Board position. I’ll be bringing a strategic lens to the team as they look to expand and grow to continue to have an impact on AYAs with cancer in the community. They host a diverse series of events throughout the year between Rochester and Syracuse. I encourage you to check them out – you can’t take for granted how spending a couple hours of your time towards volunteer work can really make a difference on someone’s life.

Learn more about 13Thirty Cancer Connect – https://13thirty.org/

Gerard Carroll – Senior Director of Advertising, Advance Media New York

Board Member, New York State Travel Industry Association (NYSTIA) Diversity Committee

What board do you currently sit on?

The NYSTIA Diversity (DEAI) Committee.  I’ve been a board member since April 2024.

How does this board / organization positively impact the community?

The NYSTIA DEAI Committee aims to foster a more diverse, equitable, accessible and inclusive tourism industry in New York State. While honoring the historical contributions of New York State, we will set a plan for action that will lead to a stronger and unified tourism industry.

What was your motivation for joining this board or being part of this organization? 

After doing some research I learned  the NYSTIA DEAI Committee wanted to provide education, information and resources that support and encourage a more diverse, equitable and inclusive NYS tourism industry.  It was a match for me and I very much enjoy participating and looking forward to personally growing as a result of being part of the committee.

Any other information that you’d like to share about this responsibility?

The NYSTIA DEAI Committee is working hard on bringing diverse, equitable and inclusive ideas forward within its member and community engagement actions.  There is also an effort to infuse DEAI in all education and awareness initiatives  as well as partnerships and outreach moving forward. I’m excited to help conceptualize these programs and to bring about change throughout New York State.

Learn more about NYSTIA, what they are doing for New York State travel and their DEAI efforts – https://www.nystia.org/