What's Happening?
Omayra Padilla DeJesus Joins Foundation Board
Omayra Padilla DeJesus has been appointed to a five-year term on the Board and Distribution Committee of The Schenectady Foundation. Dr. DeJesus, originally from Puerto Rico, earned her Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from the University of California Berkeley in 2003, subsequently joining GE's Global Research Center in Niskayuna, NY to work on programs related to Molecular Imaging Agents. Omayra was deeply involved with outreach efforts linked to her personal passion for education, focused on STEM for underrepresented groups. In 2009 she initiated the Inspire Program, gaining the support from GE GRC's leadership. This became a comprehensive yearly 10-week science and technology program targeting at-risk inner city high school students from Schenectady High School. A series of highly relevant technical tracks, self-improvement seminars, lab/facilities tours, personal mentoring and a college fair were developed with a group of approximately 60 volunteering scientists and average of 22 students every year. The program was awarded the GE Global Impact Award in Education in 2010.
"I feel very passionate about helping young people thrive in school, in a career and in their life," said Omayra. "The Schenectady Foundation is very dedicated to overcoming the disparities that exist for kids in Schenectady, and I am totally committed to helping them to succeed in that mission."
Dr. DeJesus is an adjunct professor teaching Organic Chemistry at the College of St. Rose in Albany, while she finishes work on her MBA. She lives with her family in Clifton Park.
