Monday, October 14, 2024

OUR READERS

BENITA ZAHN

A graduate of SUNY Oswego, Benita earned her MS and DPS/ Bioethics from the Alden March Bioethics Institute at Albany Medical College. 

She worked in commercial TV news for 40 years earning an NY Emmy, NYS Broadcasters Award, International Radio and TV Award and has been recognized by the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Society of Anesthesiologists Media Award and many other honors. Benita’s work has taken her around the world and across the U.S. She anchored the top rated 6pm and 4 pm news at WNYT in Albany, NY. Benita also hosted the long running "Health Link" program at WMHT- PBS. She co-hosts the podcast "Everything Theater" and writes about health for a number of local magazines/newspapers. 

Benita has tackled numerous roles on-stage including performing her one woman cabaret "Always Asking Questions." She’s appeared in a number of independent movies, and worked as background on "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." 

TYRELL HUGHES

Tyrell Hughes was born and raised in Albany, NY. In 2005, he graduated from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) in Charlotte, NC where he obtained an Interdisciplinary Degree in Sociology and Business Management. After graduating from JCSU, he returned to Albany where he began working for Mediation Matters providing Alternative Dispute Resolution services for Albany County Family Court, Probation Department and within the City School District. In 2006, Tyrell started working for the Social Security Administration (SSA) in Schenectady, NY but is now based at SSA’s Headquarters in Woodlawn, MD.
In addition to working for SSA, Tyrell runs Bringing All Communities Knowledge better known as The BACK Community, LLC. Tyrell is a Financial Coach, Mentor (Life Coach) a Motivational Speaker and the author of Just A Kid From Arbor Hill: A Story of Beating The Odds. The BACK Community was formed in 2020 with the intention of using its Podcast to present positive stories that highlight organizations and individuals. Prior to this, Tyrell ran a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization called MODEL (Men Organized to Develop, Empower and Lead, Inc) from 2006-2013. MODEL, a mentoring organization which worked with at-risk males in the Capital District Area focused on participants personal, professional, and educational development.
He has assisted hundreds of young adults to successfully graduate high school and attend college. Tyrell continues to work with young adults and provides invaluable work as a volunteer. He is involved with several organizations in the Albany area. In the DC Metro Area, where he currently resides, Tyrell works with Abramson Scholarship Foundation, the DC POSSE Foundation, the JCSU DC Alumni Chapter, and the Theta Rho Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He attends church at Kingdom Fellowship AME in Calverton, MD.
He has been featured in several newspapers and received awards for his work related to the youth and it is his work with young adults that he is most passionate about. Tyrell resides in the DC Metro Area. He has three sons Christian, Dominick and Nehemiah and is married to his wife Jeanne.

ED MITZEN

Ed Mitzen is a remarkable success story in healthcare marketing, having founded three firms with combined revenues exceeding half a billion dollars. He established Fingerpaint in 2008, a company that has worked with some of the most recognized brands in the country. Despite starting his career with modest

beginnings, earning $600 a month as a hospital aide, Ed transitioned to entrepreneurship at age 30 while raising two kids. In 2020, he stepped down from daily operations at Fingerpaint to focus on Business for Good, a nonprofit he founded with his wife Lisa to drive social change through business. The Mitzen’s have donated millions of dollars in the Capital District community to give others a hand-up, not a hand-out.

BARBARA N. HOWARD

Barbara N. Howard was born and raised in Albany, New York. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Brockport and her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. These achievements helped lead her to become an elementary school teacher, gospel recording artist, actor, and storyteller. During her matriculation as a teacher and professional artist, Mrs. Howard has had many notable experiences and extraordinary opportunities. The most momentous performances in her career have been the portrayals of Carrie Watts (Trip to Bountiful); Caroline (Caroline or Change); and Nell Carter (Ain't Misbehavin). In addition, she also received the 2012 Theater Association of New York State (TANYS) Outstanding Achievement Award for her portrayal as Lena Younger in A Raisin in the Sun. Currently, she is a producer of Storytime (in its second season), and an Associate Artist for Professional Theater Cap Rep in Albany, New York. As a gospel recording artist, Mrs. Howard has had the pleasure of performing at Jacob’s Pillow Theatre in the Berkshires. A clear highlight during this time was when she had the distinguished opportunity to be the opening act for The Queen of Gospel, Shirley Caesar. Additionally, she has shared the stage with Dr. Bobby Jones. In 1997, Mrs. Howard released her album, Perfect Peace; and reprised it in 2014. Her drive and love for gospel music allowed her a remarkable journey to tour in London, England and throughout the United States over the years. For sharing her artistic talents in so many ways, and for using music as a teaching tool, Mrs. Howard has received many awards while also servicing her community, such as Albany Summer Leadership Program for Girls, African American Cultural Center of the Capital Region and religious organizations most notably for Blessed Hope Worship Center. Mrs. Howard believes that her purpose is to empower and inspire people through knowledge, the gift of song, and storytelling.

C.M. WAGGONER

C. M. Waggoner grew up in rural upstate New York, where she spent a lot of time reading fantasy novels in a swamp. She studied creative writing at SUNY Purchase and lived in China for eight years before moving with her husband to Albany, NY.  She is the author of three books: Unnatural Magic, The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry, and The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society. When she’s not writing or reading, she enjoys cooking, trying to learn how to draw, and going on extremely long walks. In her spare time she volunteers, asks if she can pet your dog, and gardens badly. You can voice your complaints to the management (or sign up for her mailing list) at cmwaggoner.com.

BERTHA BLUNT

Bertha Blunt grew up in Arbor Hill and was educated in the Albany city schools. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from SUNY Albany and worked for New York State for 32 years. She currently is working as a Peer Specialist with the Mental Health Empowerment Project (MHEP). Bertha has been writing poetry since first grade.  Earlier this year she published her first book of poetry titled, “Discovery of a Blunt Treasure.”  In her spare time Bertha loves to volunteer with organizations that serve youth in the community. Among others, she has worked with 1) Ujima Journey, which takes Capital Region African American youth all over the country to learn about their history; 2) Camp Erin, which matches a grieving child with an adult camping buddy in the Adirondack Mountains for a weekend; 3) Red Cross, teaching children how to swim. Bertha also loves to travel and has visited Europe, China and Africa to name a few. In addition to her writing and volunteering, Bertha has many other interests: she can make balloon animals, juggle scarves or apply glitter tattoos. She loves to cook and bake.  Her favorite dish to make is African Peanut Butter Stew. Bertha very much looks forward to having more opportunities to travel and share her gift of poetry. 

INAAYAH ASHAR

Inaayah Ashar has been with Children at the Well for 2 years and is planning to come back next year. Along with her talent for storytelling, she loves to bake for charity, has a purple belt in kung fu, loves playing tennis and is an avid reader/cat lover. She has been writing stories since she was in 3rd grade and has developed her love for writing through telling stories.

Children at the Well connects tomorrow’s leaders through storytelling! It's a community of encouragement for young people from diverse backgrounds to find their voice and learn to deliver an effective message through storytelling. The joyful experience of being deeply listened to and having your words attended to and valued is beyond compare.
Children at the Well seeks to: 

• Help students gain insight into the rich diversity and complexity of the world 
• Help students explore traditional tales, and their personal stories, and see how they relate to issues they care about most 
• Help young people discover the language and skills to express themselves confidently before an audience

Children at the Well is excited to offer a new 14-hour training opportunity in November for educators at heart who understand the importance of our mission and have an interest in leading after-school sessions. Please find more at:

https://childrenatthewell.org/children-at-the-well-story-coach-training/