Our Board of Directors
The Southside Community Center’s Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of the Center’s operations, for ensuring its financial stability, and for leading the Center’s long-term vision and planning. Our board is representative of the historic and diverse community that the Center serves and many of us have been involved with the Center as young people, parents, employees and/or community volunteers throughout the years. As a group, we are committed to empowering, uplifting, and cultivating self-pride amongst African American community members in the greater Ithaca area.
Dr. Nia Nunn, President
Born in Ithaca, New York, Dr. Nia Michelle Nunn is currently an Associate Professor in Education at Ithaca College, a performer-scholar-mother-activist, and the President of the Southside Community Center's Board of Directors. As a Girl Scout participant at SSCC and festival performer for many of her early years, she has always cherished the agency’s mission and purpose. Today, Dr. Nia is committed to not only contributing to the mission and purpose, but also a vision and higher potential for the Southside Community Center, Inc. She brings to SSCC her expertise as a teacher, teacher trainer, and director of programs designed to empower and uplift the voices of young Black women and girls.
Richard Onyejuruwa, Vice President
Richard Onyejuruwa is the Assistant Director of Admissions at Cornell University. He has worked in Higher Education in the areas of community outreach, human resources and administration at both Cornell and Ithaca College since 2010. Richard was born and raised in the Bronx, by a single mom from Nigeria, he has spent most of his career as a champion for under-served and under-privileged young people. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College in Politics. He is proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the Southside Community Center.
Vannessa De Jesus, Treasurer
Vannessa De Jesus was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Ithaca, New York in Spring of 1992. Vannessa studied accounting at TC3 and has three children, one boy and two girls and also raised her cousin. She has been employed at Salvation Army for nine years. Southside Community Center Inc. has been a part of Vannessa’s life as well as her children’s life for many years. Vannessa and her family have always had a deep love and devotion for Southside Community Center, Inc. and the neighborhood.
Sonya Hicks
Sonya has lived in Ithaca since 1990 and from the first year of moving to Ithaca she has been active in many different community projects at the SSCC. Sonya have held three different positions of employment at the center. She believes that SSCC offers excellent programs for all families and a solid board of directors is needed to help keep the center centered and moving in the best possible direction for our community. As a board member She is committed to the success of the Southside Community Center.
Alkay Waller
Was born in Queens, New York and grew up in both North Carolina and Brooklyn. He studied architectural drafting at the High School of Art and Design and at the age of 18 enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for three years specializing in aviation structural mechanics. After his enlistmeny he moved to Miami Florida where he discovered his interest for body work and a love for music. Alkay cherishes quality time with his daughter, and values his family and friends first and foremost. He is honored to be a part of this great community and serve as a member on the Board of Directors of the Southside Community Center. He believes that SSCC has a bright future, and that in unison the Board and Southside will make a difference for the community and future generations of leaders.
Raquel Mercado
Raquel Mercado works as a Teacher Assistant at Fall Creek Elementary School. She is a long time supporter and member of the Southside Community Center’s programs and activities.