Meet the Board

KYLE T. MCINTYRE

U.D.T.J. Co-Founder

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.

ELIJAH NEAL

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

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 feed 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. This week she is starting to provide meals for the Breaking Bread Shelter in Upper Darby. She firmly believes in meeting people where they are without judgement 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, workmen’s comp, unemployment, contract negotiations, marketing, website design, human resources, diversity and inclusion, auditing and much more.

Germyce Harris

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.

Cintia Thomas-Isles

U.D.T.J. Board Member

Bio coming shortly.

Kendell Simmons

U.D.T.J. Board Member

Bio coming shortly.

Meet our Advisory Board

 

DYAMOND GIBBS

U.D.T.J. Advisory Board Member

Dyamond Gibbs has resided in Upper Darby, PA since she was 5 years old. She graduated from Upper Darby High School in 2016 and has completed her studies at La Salle University with a Bachelors of Arts and Sciences in Psychology, Sociology, and Public Health in December of 2021. Dyamond was a base building organizer for Amistad Law Project’s newly developed program, Free Them to Heal Us, based in Philadelphia where the organization works effortlessly to end death by incarceration and life without parole, bring loved ones home, and encourage second chances.

Dyamond may be soft spoken, but she will not miss the opportunity to speak out against any injustices taking place within her community and the world around her. While tutoring ESL students during high school, Dyamond witnessed discrimination within the school district.

She joined the Stay Woke Club and eventually shifted her focus to social issues within her community. She got involved in activism and communal progression and programming after the murder of George Floyd. To keep residents up to date on what’s going on around the county, Dyamond is the host of the new CMP Radio segment, “What’s New-s Delco”. One quote that she created and stands by is, “Equality should not be selective, but effective for all.”

 

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. 

 

Heather Finnegan

U.D.T.J. Advisory Board Member

Heather Hassel-Finnegan is the President of The Community’s Foundation (TCF).  TCF utilizes its modest endowment (the result of a hospital sale), to empower 300+ volunteers and 900+ donors to award grants and scholarships in Delaware County, PA. Heather is committed to social justice and strives to create inclusive and equitable opportunities within Delco.  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 & 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.