Meet the Board

Cintia Thomas-Isles (She/Her)

U.D.T.J. Board President

Cintia Isles is an accomplished leader and advocate with extensive experience in management, communication, and community service. Currently serving as the District Office Director for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in Upper Darby, PA, Cintia has a proven track record of empowering teams and driving impactful outreach initiatives.

With a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Public Administration from West Chester University, Cintia has developed comprehensive policies and procedures that reflect a commitment to community advocacy. Cintia has led crisis intervention efforts for at-risk youth, facilitated student support services at Delaware County Community College, and provided emotional support to families of homicide victims.

In addition to overseeing office operations, Cintia actively engages with constituents, advocacy groups, and local governments to amplify community voices. Recognized for exceptional organizational skills, Cintia has successfully managed budgets, coordinated events, and maintained vital communications across various platforms.

A dedicated community servant, Cintia has organized numerous outreach programs and served on multiple planning committees, fostering empowerment and support for under-resourced families. Awards for excellence in ministry, youth programming, and community service underscore  Cintia’s commitment to making a difference.

Cintia is married with three children.  She has been proud resident of Upper Darby for 12 years.

ELIJAH NEAL (He/Him)

U.D.T.J. Board Member

Elijah Neal graduated from Upper Darby High School with honors in the class of 2019. Elijah graduated from Penn State University in December of 2023 with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science.

Elijah is a former Boy Scout who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, with the help of his family, and has demonstrated his honorable skills through community work and activism.

While pursuing his Bachelors, Elijah has gotten involved with many organizations at Penn State University. He passionately advocates for LGBTQ students and their rights, as well as students of color who are directly impacted by unjust societal policies.

Maureen Kelly Kilmartin-Carreño (She/her)

U.D.T.J. Board Treasurer

Maureen is a mother, grandmother, and activist. She is a world traveler who has experienced many different cultures. She believes in an inclusive society where everyone’s right to live authentically is a priority. She has been a long time ally and activist for the LGBTQQIA+ community. She also firmly believes that Black and Brown lives Matter and we need to prove it!

Maureen in the Capacity of Souper MumMum has fed people in drive by soupings during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has supplied food to food pantries, has done outreach in Kensington, Chester and 69th Street as well as the Domestic Abuse Project safehouse. Maureen has also provided meals for the Breaking Bread Shelter in Upper Darby. She firmly believes in meeting people where they are without judgment on their worst days. She wants to help anyone who needs help.

In her work life, she has acquired a wide variety of skills from different work environments. She has knowledge of accounting, budgeting, worker’s compensation, unemployment, contract negotiations, marketing, website design, human resources, diversity and inclusion, auditing and much more.

Germyce Harris (She/Her)

U.D.T.J. Board Secretary

Germyce Harris is a seasoned professional in higher education admissions and recruitment, boasting over 15 years of experience. Armed with an MA in Educational Leadership from Mills College and a BA in Elementary Education from Arcadia University, Germyce is committed to driving institutional admissions goals through innovative strategies and strategic partnerships. With certifications in Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace, Germyce has a proven track record of fostering inclusive environments. Their notable achievements include boosting minority student enrollment by 18% in a single year and spearheading initiatives like the DEI Student Ambassador Program and various pipeline programs such as High School Day and Mini-Medical School.

In the capacity of Assistant Director of Recruitment & Retention at Drexel University’s Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship, Germyce oversees pre-college programs catering to prospective students while elevating on-campus engagement by 19%. Having previously excelled at Noodle Partners and Temple University School of Medicine, Germyce consistently surpassed recruitment goals, managed applicant pipelines, and initiated programs that significantly increased underrepresented student matriculation. With a background in K-5 education and recruitment, Germyce brings a unique blend of skills in program development, event management, and community collaboration, ensuring continued success in advancing admissions endeavors.

Hailey Gerena (She/her)

U.D.T.J. Board Member

Hailey Gerena is a dedicated nonprofit professional with extensive experience in program management, data-driven decision-making, and community engagement. As a Program Manager at MaturityWorks, Hailey oversees the successful operation of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), serving over 1,000 participants annually. She excels in compliance, innovative process improvement, and leveraging technology to enhance service delivery.

Beyond her professional achievements, Hailey is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion. Residing in Chester, PA, she got her start in community engagement as Co-Chair of the Change & Advocacy Committee at a local organization where she worked to bring awareness to current events and provide information to residents regarding available resources throughout the county.

Hailey holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She is driven by a commitment to fostering inclusive communities and empowering individuals through innovative solutions and collaboration.

T.J. Deluca (He/Him)

U.D.T.J. Board Member

TJ DeLuca is a dedicated community organizer and advocate with over 15 years of experience supporting social justice and community engagement. Currently, TJ works remotely as part of the AFL-CIO’s DAIR Department (Data, Analytics, and Infrastructure Resources), focusing on tools like the Labor Action Network (LAN) and the Working Families Toolkit to strengthen connections between unions and local communities. This work is central to advancing the rights of working people and fostering equity.

Beyond organizing, TJ is a talented musician and has been the Minister of Music at St. John the Evangelist Church since 2009. In this role, TJ uses music to bring people together, creating meaningful connections through art and service.

With a focus on collaboration, equity, and empowerment, TJ remains committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Kendell Simmons (He/Him)

U.D.T.J. Board Member

Kendell Simmons is one of the original founding activists in Delaware County following the murder of George Floyd in the summer of 2020. Kendell is an

Meet our Advisory Board

 

Kayla Cocci

U.D.T.J. Advisory Board Member

Kayla Cocci graduated from Ridley High School in 2021. But before she was ever handed a diploma, she was out on the streets holding protest signs and voter registration forms. Kayla is the founder of Delaware County Youth Education Alliance (DCYEA), a youth-led organization that unites Delaware County high schoolers to make a positive impact on social issues that impact their lives. DCYEA is an ongoing organization that is now led by a future generation of students.

Kayla, whose passions are child advocacy, education, and gun control, is also the youngest in state of Pennsylvania who has run for a school board seat. Kayla ran for Ridley School Board during her senior year in high school. Her campaign accomplished high voter turnout among young and marginalized communities and made a statement to young people that you are never too young to stand up for what you believe in.

Kayla is currently an Early Childhood Education major at Delaware County Community College and upon graduation, she seeks to still be making a positive impact in young people's lives as a child advocate and grade school educator. 

KYLE T. MCINTYRE

U.D.T.J. Co-Founder & Advisory Board Member

Kyle T. McIntyre was born and raised in Upper Darby. Kyle graduated from Upper Darby High School in 2016 and Temple University with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science in 2020. Kyle recently graduated Temple University in 2021 with his Master Degree in Public Policy.

Kyle got involved because as an openly gay man he believes understanding intersectionality is part of the solution to discrimination in America. After briefly being involved in local politics and graduating from one of the most diverse high schools in the country, he knew Upper Darby was not immune from the inequalities facing many marginalized communities in America. After the murder of George Floyd, Kyle waited a week and saw no protests in Upper Darby, starting with a Facebook event he partnered with the other co-founders to form U.D.T.J. to bring activism and momentum to Delaware County.

Kyle is passionately advocates for LGBTQ rights and the creation of inclusive LGBTQ+ spaces in Delaware County. In addition, as a policy focus, Kyle has a lot of passion for inclusionary zoning, housing affordability, community service and police accountability.

 

Heather Finnegan

U.D.T.J. Advisory Board Member

Heather Hassel-Finnegan is the Executive Director of the Sarah Ralston Foundation.  SRF utilizes its endowment, to empower non-profits serving older adults in Philadelphia.  Heather is committed to social justice and strives to create inclusive and equitable opportunities within the Greater Philadelphia Area.  Before entering the field of philanthropy, Heather co-authored the popular series “The State of Sustainability in Higher Education." Heather’s formal training is in Biology and Anthropology, with an emphasis in primate behavior and ecology.  In her spare time, she travels to National Parks and maintains a large pollinator garden.   

As our organization has grown, so must our capacity.

We are recruiting new board members!

Joining the board of U.D.T.J. is an impactful opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the local community. As a board member, you become an integral part of an organization dedicated to implementation and pursuit our our mission.

What does being a board member look like?

Individual Board Responsibilities

  • Support and understand U.D.T.J.’s mission, policies, programs, and needs.

  • Read and understand financial statements.

  • Serve as an active advocate and engage in identifying and securing financial resources and partnerships necessary for U.D.T.J. to advance its missions. Leverage networks and resources to take collective action to achieve U.D.T.J.’s mission.

  • Prepare for, facilitate, attend, and participate in the four annual board meetings.

  • Fundraise a minimum of $3,000.00 annually for the organization.

  • The average time commitment is at least 5-10 hours every month.

Board as a Whole Responsibilities

  • Upholding the mission and purpose of the organization.

  • Selecting and assessing the performance of the Operations Director.

  • Ensuring financial management and strong fiduciary oversight, including fundraising and strategic planning.

  • Approve and monitor U.D.T.J.’s programs, services, and the overall performance of U.D.T.J.’s governing board.

Apply today!

Does your values align with our mission? Apply to join our board! Board applications will be accepted from January 3rd until February 4th.

We will confirm and schedule interviews throughout February and final board members will be approved in March.

Please email the complete application with an attached resume to udtjorganization@gmail.com.