Board of Directors

Principal and owner of Atepa Architect, LLC received his earlypost-secondary education at Syracuse University and the State University of New York at Buffalo. He completed his architectural studies at City University of New York. He graduated at the…

Principal and owner of Atepa Architect, LLC received his earlypost-secondary education at Syracuse University and the State University of New York at Buffalo. He completed his architectural studies at City University of New York. He graduated at the top of his thesis class, with degrees in both: Architecture, and Landscape Architecture. His dual degree is a major asset when dealing with diverse scope of works requiring design cohesiveness between siting, planning and design of built and non-built environments.

In 1996, Mr. Holder accepted a position as Senior Architect with a South African firm in Harare, Zimbabwe. This 4 year + foreign post provided Mr. Holder with valued international exposure, specifically the management of large-scale projects with limited resources, and fast-track construction programs. As Architect and Project Manager over the last 20 years he has developed, designed and/or managed a number of construction projects in New York and New Jersey with a specific focus in the Harlem Community.

Patrick Holder

Sydney Ward

Nadirah has dedicated two decades to working with community-based initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for underserved communities in both New York and abroad. Throughout her career, Nadirah has worked and volunteered with many organizations, including the American Red Cross, United Nations Development Programme, Oxfam International, the New York State Assembly, Harlem Children’s Zone, several community-based clinics, and many public schools. In 2018, she was recognized by the New York City Food Policy Center among one of 40 Under 40 Rising Stars working to transform the food system. Nadirah holds a master's degree in Public and Non-Profit Management and Policy/International Development Policy and Management from the New York University Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, a bachelor's degree in International Studies from Wells College, and a certificate in Leadership Principles from Harvard Business School Online. 

Nadirah Chestnut