Natasha White,
Executive Director
Natasha White, a remarkable survivor, is the driving force behind the creation of Broken Crayons Can Still Color. Her own journey from the depths of incarceration, drug addiction, and domestic abuse has fueled her determination to provide a safe haven for women facing unimaginable traumas, often with limited support and hope. Having experienced firsthand the suffocating weight of emotional and mental pain, she knows the paralyzing effects it can have on individuals. Natasha’s story is one of resilience and transformation. After rebuilding her life from scratch within the walls of a Domestic Violence shelter, she emerged with a fierce passion to make a difference in the lives of others who face similar challenges. With unwavering dedication, she envisioned Broken Crayons Can Still Color as a beacon of hope, a place where women in the darkest moments of their lives could find solace and support. Through her indomitable spirit, Natasha inspires others to believe in their own resilience and capacity for change. Her leadership and unwavering commitment have brought together a dedicated team of volunteers and established partnerships with local service providers. Together, they work tirelessly to create a supportive environment where women can find the strength and resources to rebuild their lives. Natasha White’s personal journey is a testament to the power of hope, healing, and the belief that broken crayons can indeed still color. With her guidance, Broken Crayons Can Still Color is poised to make a lasting impact, providing a lifeline to women who desperately need it and reminding them that they are not alone on their path to healing and transformation.
Debbie Charalambous, Board Chair
Debbie Charalambous is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in community health education, philosophy, and nonprofit leadership. Her educational journey began with a focus on Community Health Education at Queens College, City University of NY, and later delved into Philosophy and Comparative Religion at The School of Practical Philosophy in NYC. With an unwavering interest in social issues and group dynamics, Debbie has devoted much of her career to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and nonprofits. Her extensive experience spans various roles, including serving on multiple boards and fulfilling employment obligations. She has actively contributed her expertise to several organizations, reflecting her commitment to causes close to her heart. Debbie’s involvement in various capacities includes serving on The Community Advisory Board for Queensborough Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Queens Area Service for Narcotics Anonymous, Greater NY Regional Service of NA, Eastern NY Regional Service of NA, and World Services of NA. Her 36 years of sobriety and firsthand experience with substance use disorder provide her with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of recovery. An adept practitioner of Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Debbie looks forward to applying her skills as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors when needed. Her professional journey through non-profits has been diverse, encompassing roles such as Family Planning Counselor, Teacher, Fundraising and Special Event Coordinator, Grant Writer, Criminal Justice Liaison, Intake Coordinator, and Family Service Coordinator in various organizations. Outside her professional commitments, Debbie’s personal life mirrors her dedication to helping others. She assumed guardianship of her niece during her sister-in-law’s incarceration, raising the child as her own. Her niece’s subsequent academic success highlights Debbie’s commitment to advocating for incarcerated individuals and their families, making their challenges a personal cause. With a deep-rooted passion for learning and a lifelong commitment to community service, Debbie looks forward to continuing her journey of making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Bernadette White, Treasurer
Bernadette is an experienced CEO with a multifaceted background in finance, community outreach, education, and government programs. With a passion for making a difference in the lives of others, she dedicated her expertise to leading the children’s program for incarcerated women, demonstrating unwavering commitment to improving the futures of these families. Bernadette’s skill set includes a deep understanding of merchant cash advance, hard money loans, credit restoration, grants, and program coordination. Her proven track record of success in both leadership and community engagement speaks volumes about her dedication and ability to create positive change. Through her work, Bernadette has not only transformed the lives of the incarcerated women she serves but has also inspired those around her to make a lasting impact on the community.
Alex Creamer, Secretary
Alexandra is a dedicated professional with a strong academic background and a passion for social justice. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Criminology, and a Criminal Justice certificate, along with a Master’s degree in Forensic and Legal Psychology, Alexandra possesses a deep understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system. Since May 2022, she has collaborated closely with the VA Coalition on Solitary Confinement and Interfaith Action for Human Rights (IAHR), a nonprofit advocating against punitive practices in corrections systems. In her role as Communications Coordinator at IAHR, Alexandra has demonstrated her expertise in researching, analyzing, and disseminating critical data related to mass incarceration, racial biases, and solitary confinement. Furthermore, she extends her impact beyond the nonprofit sector by working as a DE&I and Wellbeing Intern at Charles River Laboratories, where she manages various initiatives related to mental health support, diversity, and employee wellbeing. Alexandra’s diverse skill set, coupled with her genuine passion for helping others, positions her as a valuable asset in her mission to support reentry, domestic violence survivors, and individuals struggling with addiction through her work with Broken Crayons Can Still Color. Her dedication and expertise will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the organization’s success.
Naquasia Pollard, Board Member
Naquasia Pollard is an advocate, activist and direct service provider. She was incarcerated for 15 years in a Women’s Correctional Facility at the age of 19. After being released in 2017, she worked at the Ladies of Hope Ministries where she utilized her BA in Sociology, earned in prison, to support women impacted by incarceration. A self-motivated, dynamic professional with a diverse background in direct services and people-centered advocacy for systems change. Motivated leader with strong organizational and leadership skills, as well as extensive professional experience in social justice advocacy and client-centered crisis management strategies. Directly impacted by the criminal justice system and deeply committed to transforming it into a more just and equitable system for women and girls as the Executive Director and Founder of Pure Legacee. A non profit dedicated to providing a haven of healing for females ages 16-24 who have experienced trauma as a direct result of the criminal justice system and/or aging out of foster care and facing homelessness.
Alex Bailey, Board Member
Alexandra Bailey, the Senior Campaign Strategist at The Sentencing Project, is a dedicated advocate for criminal justice reform. With a background in organizing and political change theory from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Bailey supports state and local advocates challenging the nation’s life sentencing laws. Her priorities encompass ending life without parole, capping maximum penalties at 20 years, promoting “second look” provisions, and fostering a culture shift away from excessive punishments towards restorative approaches to public safety. Before her role at The Sentencing Project, Bailey served as a Campaign Strategist and National Organizing Specialist for the ACLU and coordinated the Women’s March in Chicago. Her impactful campaigns include securing voting rights for unhoused citizens, ending 287g ICE agreements, and passing the Equal Rights Amendment in Illinois. Additionally, Bailey contributes as an Advisory Commissioner in Washington DC’s Ward 2, showcasing her commitment to social justice and advocacy.