MEET OUR NEW BOARD CO-CHAIRS: LEADING ACROSS GENERATIONS

In this conversation, we’re catching up with the newly appointed co-chairs of Sadie Nash Leadership Project’s board, Cynthia Gardstein and Izabelle Denizé. The two colleagues dive into what inspires them to deepen their involvement in Sadie Nash, their passions, and the shared values they see as imperative to uphold and create lasting change. 

We’re excited to see how they stay inspired and share their collaborative approach to guiding Sadie Nash’s mission. 

[LEFT TO RIGHT] Izabelle and Cynthia pose for a photo.

Can both of you tell us a little bit about yourselves?

Cynthia: I am a woman, a mother to two sons, and a compassionate friend. I also have been a daughter, a student, a loyal employee, and a mentor. I would describe myself personally as a believer in humanity and equality, but I’m disappointed that justice often does not prevail, and yet I commit to perseverance and activism. Luckily, I also have a great sense of humor to bring some needed levity to tough moments.

Izabelle: I'm the daughter of Haitian immigrants, raised in a family and neighborhood where creativity ran through everything. My background shapes how I move through the world today, and as a lover of books, I live for stories about exploration. 

Izabelle, as a Nasher alumna, what programs were you a part of, and why did you decide to continue being involved with Sadie Nash after leaving the program?

Izabelle: I was a part of the Summer Institute, Newark, in 2009, 2010, and 2012 as well as the Community Action Placement (CAP) Internship Program in 2011 and 2012, Sisterhood Academy in 2012, and lastly served as a youth and at-large Board Member on the SNLP Board of Directors from 2014 - present.

Honestly, I never really left. Sadie Nash has been a constant thread through my life for over 15 years now. It’s true what they say; once a Nasher, always a Nasher! When I think about what community and care actually look like in practice, this organization is one of the clearest examples I have. Staying involved was never really a decision so much as a continuation of something I was already part of.

What experiences and intentions called you to become a board member and subsequently work together as co-chairs?

Izabelle: Stepping into governance as a board member and the co-chair role in particular feels like a natural extension of a commitment I've already made and a way to help steward the organization that has helped shape my politics and leadership styles. Co-leading with Cynthia is also part of what makes this moment meaningful. We share a deep commitment to SNLP's mission and vision, and stepping into this together gives us the chance to combine our strengths in service of it.

Cynthia: I am an unapologetic and enthusiastic participant—behavior that was modeled by both of my parents. I was immediately taken by Sadie Nash, and luckily, I was at a stage in my life where having time was not an issue. Regarding co-chairing: honestly, as an older white woman, I was apprehensive to take on the role. I changed my perspective, though, as over the past year, Izabelle and I began monthly calls coordinating activities of the Advancement and Membership committees. It was very clear that we have compatible values and that we both enjoyed our developing relationship. Truthfully, I don’t think I would have taken this on without Izabelle. We complement each other in so many ways that resonate with SNLP’s feminist governance values of community, equity, and collaboration.

Sadie Nash celebrates its 25th anniversary next year, and we’re all excited to uplift this special year. Can you tell us your thoughts about the significance of the 25th anniversary of Sadie Nash and what that means to each of you personally?

Izabelle: Twenty-five years of SNLP is a testament to the Nashers themselves; the milestone belongs to us first. Reaching 25 years emphasizes that young people's leadership, organizing, and dreaming are a necessity, not a luxury.

This anniversary speaks to the depth of commitment across the organization, from the staff and board members who have poured care, labor, and love into Sadie Nash since 2001. This 25th anniversary is a moment to both celebrate and ask where we can be bolder and more ambitious in the next 25 years. 

Cynthia: Milestones are by nature a way that we mark time and accomplishments, and 25 is a significant number. So, highlighting 25 years of providing spaces for our Nashers throughout the year, every year, throughout all our events and programs will, I think, amplify our goals through our accomplishments. 

Nashers are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re so proud of their many accomplishments. Do you have any special messages to share with them?

Cynthia: First, I would say “thank you” to all Nashers for the work they put into themselves and their communities as they participate in Sadie Nash programming. Their grit and resilience, their determination and joy teach us all what it is to take action in solidarity. I also acknowledge the power of learning to embrace leadership. I look forward to learning from Nashers’ experiences and my co-chair, Izabelle (former Nasher), to truly lead with humility and grace.

Izabelle: To every Nasher, past and present: Gwendolyn Brooks wrote that "we are each other's harvest.” At Sadie Nash, we pour into one another, across years, roles, and the whole arc of who we are. SNLP reflects back the power you already carry and gives you room to use it. You are sharper, braver, and more capable of leading than the world will often tell you. Take up space. Ask the harder questions. And that’s the harvest: we hold each other up as we grow, planting and rising, already leaders, already in bloom.