Leadership

Galen D. Kirkland is the Executive Director of the Harlem Council of Elders. He previously served as Commissioner of the New York State Division of Human Rights, where he led enforcement of anti-discrimination laws statewide. Where he oversaw a staff of 200 and led enforcement of statewide anti-discrimination laws. During this time, he was appointed to New York State’s Stimulus Oversight Panel, ensuring that over $2 billion in federal recovery funds were spent in compliance with civil rights protections.
 

His career includes leadership roles at the West Harlem Community Organization, the NYC Civil Rights Coalition, the Community Service Society, and Advocates for Children of New York. He also served as Assistant Attorney General for New York State, helping develop public policy and statewide programs addressing youth violence and civil rights.

Mr. Kirkland is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Winsome Henry holds a BA degree in Journalism/English from Baruch College and for her, words are powerful tools in the hands of a writer. Over the years, she has worked as an editor, writer and trainer for several major organizations including, Ziff Davis, EF Hutton, and Mitchell & Titus.
Winsome, using the power of words has championed causes of social justice for those “without a voice”. She has volunteered and partnered with community leaders to support, mentor, and introduce alternative ways to challenge the energy and intellect of teenagers and young adults
who are at risk for academic and personal failure. Currently she serves as Treasurer of the Jamaica Progressive League, Inc., Secretary of Siren Protectors of the Rainforest, Inc., and Secretary of the Harlem Council of Elders, Inc. Winsome has received multiple awards from boards of civic and not-for-profit organizations for her dedication and commitment to service. To Winsome Henry, service comes as natural as breathing.

Georgette D. Clark is a retired librarian who served with distinction as Chief of the Central Library at Brooklyn Public Library. Over her career, she championed access to knowledge and literacy for all New Yorkers.

For more than two decades, Georgette has been an active member of the Harlem Council of Elders. Her focus on student advocacy, intergenerational mentorship, and community empowerment continues to shape the council’s mission and impact.

Dr. Don Dayson is a respected physician and medical educator with a distinguished career serving Harlem’s health needs for over 30 years. A graduate of Dartmouth College and SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine, he trained and practiced at Harlem Hospital, later opening a private practice focused on wellness.

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Dr. Dayson also served as medical director at key institutions, including Rikers Island and Harlem Hospital’s MMTP. A mentor, advocate, and family man, he has traveled widely and influenced generations through his medical leadership and commitment to community health and education.

Tonia Cuebas-Grant is a retired educator who served the Bronx community for over three decades through the NYC Department of Education. She taught students from pre-K through 5th grade and was a district-selected candidate for school leadership development.

As a union chapter leader, she advocated for teachers' rights and better learning environments for students. A lifelong advocate for educational equity, Tonia continues to support intergenerational connections and student empowerment through her work with the Harlem Council of Elders.

Dr. Brenda Harris is a retired physician and lifelong advocate for health equity and social justice. Trained in internal medicine and infectious disease at Harlem Hospital, she provided critical care to underserved populations throughout her career, including work in HIV/AIDS treatment, correctional health, and substance abuse rehabilitation.

Her journey through motherhood, illness, and medical training reflects deep resilience and a calling to serve. Today, she remains active in civic life, committed to empowering Harlem’s youth and promoting emotional, physical, and educational well-being in the community.

Joe Potter’s career bridges engineering innovation and community leadership. From early roots in Harlem and education at Brooklyn Tech, CCNY, and Pace University, he advanced through engineering roles at IBM and AT&T, overseeing major infrastructure and telecommunications projects over three decades.

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Beyond his corporate success, Joe remains deeply engaged in educational and civic life. As a PTA president and community organizer, he has championed equity in schools and served in leadership roles throughout Queens. Joe’s lifelong mission is to uplift his community through knowledge, opportunity, and service.

Glenn Alexander Hunter is an educator, historian, and co-founder of the Harlem Cultural Archives (HCA). A Stuyvesant High School and City College of New York graduate, Glenn has dedicated over 26 years to teaching mathematics in the NYC public school system. He currently teaches college-level math at Baruch College while consulting through his firm, Hunter Math and STEM Consulting Partners.

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Glenn’s passion for Harlem history inspired the creation of HCA, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the legacy of Harlem through oral histories, public programs, and archival media. He continues to lead efforts to honor Harlem’s past while educating future generations about its cultural significance.

Henry Manley is a New York State Certified Secondary Teacher with specialized expertise in Business & Distributive Education, Engineering Design, Robotics, and Computer Technology. He is known for inspiring teaching and building strong rapport with students, faculty, and the broader community. With a notable track record in curriculum development and improving student performance, Henry also serves as an Adjunct Professor at SUNY Westchester Community College. His areas of focus include curriculum design, classroom management, online programming, and robotics. A multiple-time Teacher of the Year award recipient, Henry has made significant contributions to student retention and growth, particularly in technology and STEM education.

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James Edward Allen is a dedicated community leader and lifelong advocate for civil rights. A proud alumnus of Lincoln High School in Sumter, South Carolina, James served in the United States Army before embarking on a 30-year career as a manager with a major grocery chain. His leadership extended to the NAACP, where he served as a local chapter president and continues to support their mission.

Now retired and residing in his hometown, James remains committed to community service and mentorship. His deep roots in both Harlem and Sumter inspire his ongoing dedication to justice and civic engagement.

Nathan has always believed that strong communities are built on kindness, service, and the willingness to lend a helping hand. With over 40 years of hands-on service, he’s organized neighborhood clean-ups and mentored youth through programs like Upward Bound, Building Sustainable Borders, and the Urban Male Leadership Academy. Driven by the belief that small acts can make a big difference, Nathan has collaborated with schools, nonprofits, and civic groups to empower individuals and strengthen community bonds. When he’s not volunteering, he enjoys live music, sports, and time with family and friends. For Nathan, community isn’t just where you live—it’s how you live and serve.

Shamir brings a passion for community empowerment through the lens of technology, science, and education. As one of the youngest members on the Harlem Council of Elders, their experiences offer a fresh perspective rooted in collaboration, digital literacy, and forward-thinking problem-solving. With experience supporting local initiatives, mentoring youth, and advancing access to emerging tools and knowledge, Shamir is committed to creating spaces where communities thrive. Their work reflects a belief that meaningful change comes from bridging generations and aligning innovation with service.