Our Mission
To educate, equip, and empower all people equitably to become agents of change for the advancement of their communities.
Our story and purpose
Who We Are
Empowered people create empowered communities. We help people recognize their own power and turn it into meaningful action.
Our belief
People power communities.
Bring The Change is a nonprofit organization founded in Reading, Pennsylvania, on the belief that people already possess the potential to transform the places they call home.
Founded in 2019, the organization grew from founder Alexander Civil's experiences in Haiti, Latin America, and Africa—and from a conviction inspired by Gandhi's call to be the change we wish to see in the world.
Our role is not to decide what a community should become. It is to educate, equip, and empower people so they can identify their priorities, lead together, and ignite sustainable change themselves.
Our Vision
To create sustainable communities through education and cultural diversity.
What guides us
Our Core Values
Integrity
We model transparency, truthfulness, and honesty in everything we do.
Diversity
We unite people across cultures and backgrounds while celebrating individual identity.
Authenticity
We remain true to our mission and lead with respect and equal opportunity.
Purpose
We serve intentionally and turn local action into meaningful global impact.
Community leadership
Board of Directors
A team committed to education, cultural understanding, and sustainable community change. Select a team member to read their biography.
Alexander Civil, a visionary leader and champion of diversity, was born in Haiti and has dedicated his life to creating positive change in communities. He graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a minor in Global Studies, equipping him with a strong foundation in understanding political dynamics and global issues.
His passion for nonprofit work ignited during a transformative experience as a summer intern in Rwanda, where he witnessed the power of community-driven initiatives and the impact they can have on individuals and societies. Since 2008, Alexander has been actively involved in the nonprofit sector, consistently demonstrating his ability to provide team leadership, drive performance, and implement program improvements and quality initiatives.
In 2019, Alexander founded Bring The Change, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming individuals into change agents for the advancement of their communities through education and equity. Guided by his belief in the power of education and his commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity, Alexander aims to create a world where everyone has access to quality education and where diversity is celebrated and embraced.
Throughout his life, Alexander has emphasized the importance of uniting people from all races and backgrounds. One of his passions lies in promoting diversity and culture, and he eagerly steps out of his comfort zone to learn about different communities and foster understanding among individuals. He organizes cultural festivals and community talks that educate people about diversity while providing an engaging platform for people to come together.
Alexander envisions a future where education is accessible to all, and diversity is not only accepted but celebrated. With his leadership, community engagement, and relentless pursuit of positive change, he continues to inspire others to join him in creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
Dr. Nina Niamkey Duke is a pediatrician with over 10 years of experience at Tower Health Wyomissing Pediatrics, specializing in outpatient primary care and newborn nursery care. She received the Medical Staff Certificate of Excellence in 2024 and the Mount Laurel Award in 2020 for her exceptional care.
Dr. Niamkey completed her pediatric residency and served as Chief Resident at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC, where she gained expertise in general pediatrics and critical care while managing complex cases and a high-volume outpatient panel. She holds an MD from George Washington University and graduated cum laude with a BA in History of Science from Harvard University. Dr. Niamkey Duke is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and has contributed to research in health behavior improvement.
Dr. Niamkey Duke serves on the Executive Board of Bring The Change as secretary. Her compassionate approach and commitment to education and patient care make her a trusted healthcare provider and community advocate for children and families.
Jasmin Sánchez-López is a passionate educator, mother, and advocate for equity in education, committed to building bridges between language, culture, and opportunity. Born in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Jasmin brings over two decades of experience in public education and currently serves as principal of Lauer's Park Elementary School in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Jasmin's journey as an English language learner shaped her understanding of the challenges bilingual students face in American schools. Those early experiences inspired her to ensure that language is never seen as a barrier, but rather as a strength. She began her career as a Spanish teacher and later taught English as a Second Language before moving into leadership roles as assistant principal and principal.
A graduate of Dickinson College, Jasmin has embodied resilience and commitment throughout her life. As a mother of Jossian and Jianna, she views her children as both her greatest responsibility and her deepest motivation.
Her passion for culture, history, and service extends beyond the classroom. She has traveled throughout Latin America, conducting oral history interviews in Argentina and Mexico as part of academic study-abroad programs. Her commitment to service has also taken her on mission trips to Mexico and El Salvador, where she worked with local communities and deepened her belief in the power of education, empathy, and global connection.
Her lived experiences navigating the complexities of immigration fuel her drive to support families facing similar obstacles. Jasmin understands firsthand the resilience required to overcome systemic barriers and uses that understanding to lead with compassion, courage, and cultural sensitivity.
Above all, Jasmin believes in the transformative power of education led by love, faith, and purpose. Whether in the classroom, in the community, or across borders, she continues to fight for a world where all students are seen, heard, and empowered to thrive.
Dr. Moro Osumanu is a dedicated Director of Healthcare Administration with a strong commitment to community engagement and public service. With a passion for advancing healthcare access and equity, Dr. Osumanu combines professional expertise with civic responsibility to drive meaningful change across diverse populations.
In addition to his professional leadership, Dr. Osumanu is an active community volunteer. He has contributed his time and service to numerous organizations, including Bring The Change, MOM-n-PA, the Islamic Society of Berks County, St. Joseph Hospital, the Reading Food Bank, and local African Day celebrations. His efforts reflect a lifelong dedication to improving the well-being of others and fostering inclusive community development.
Dr. Osumanu is also a respected speaker and thought leader, having shared his insights at Albright College, Alvernia University, Pennsylvania State University, the NAACP, the Ghanaian Association of Eastern Pennsylvania, the Chester County Intermediate Unit, the Reading City Council, and several African cultural and interfaith events.
Whether in healthcare leadership or community advocacy, Dr. Moro Osumanu is guided by a vision of empowerment, education, and equity for all.
Darryl Christopher Mace, Ph.D., serves as the Vice President of Community Engagement and Belonging at Rider University. In this role, Dr. Mace oversees the Center for Community + Belonging, the Dr. Eugene Marsh Center for Veteran and Military Affairs, and the Office of Service and Civic Engagement.
Previously, he was the inaugural Vice President for Mission, Diversity and Inclusion at Alvernia University and Executive Director of the Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement. Dr. Mace is also co-founder of Unstuck Insights, LLC, a company focused on executive coaching, strategic planning, and organizational culture.
Dr. Mace holds a graduate certificate in Women and Gender Studies and a doctorate in African American history from Temple University. He serves or has served in consulting and board roles with various nonprofits, including Helping Harvest, the Association for Catholic College and Universities Chief Diversity Officers Committee, Experience Christian Church, Hope Community Church, Bring The Change, VOiCEup Berks, and SEBA Enrichment Academy.
A published historian, his books include In Remembrance of Emmett Till: Regional Stories and Media Responses to the Black Freedom Struggle, American History Through Its Greatest Speeches, and Rosa Parks: A Life in American History.
Debbie Goldberg is proud to bring her experience to the Bring The Change Board. She has served on the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks Board of Directors since 2018, including six years as Secretary on the Executive Committee.
Debbie chairs the Federation's Jewish Community Relations Council, its social justice arm, and has worked with the committee since 2017. She has also served on the Federation's Common Campus, Long Range Planning, and Search committees.
Debbie is the Federation's liaison to the Greater Reading Unity Coalition and has served as the coalition's co-coordinator since 2019. In support of her synagogue, she has served as Digital Chair since 2018 and Social Action Chair since 2019. She has also contributed to the Bring The Change Festival Committee.
Debbie is a proud mother of three children and has lived in Berks County since 1997.
Karra Waddy is a proud Berks County native with a deep-rooted passion for empowering the place she has always called home.
By profession, she is a dedicated paralegal, but her purpose extends far beyond the courtroom. She is driven by a mission to uplift, advocate, and create lasting, meaningful change in her community. Whether through community outreach, civic engagement, or lending her voice to those who feel unheard, Karra believes in building bridges and breaking barriers.
She actively invests her time, resources, and legal knowledge to spark growth, opportunity, and impact in Berks County. For Karra, success is not measured solely by achievements, but by the legacy left behind - one that reflects empowerment, justice, and unity.
Stacey Moorer Taylor, a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, is a dedicated community leader whose work centers on equity, empowerment, and service. Since August 2023, she has served as President of the NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference and was re-elected in 2025 to continue leading statewide efforts toward justice and civic engagement. She also served as President of the Reading Branch of the NAACP for 11 years.
Stacey serves on several boards, including Bring The Change, the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Berks History Center, Berks Housing Opportunity Inc., and Juneteenth Reading PA. She is also an Advisory Council Member for Visions Federal Credit Union.
Through these roles, Stacey champions youth empowerment, leadership development, and community growth while ensuring the history and contributions of African Americans are protected, preserved, and shared. Guided by faith and a spirit of servant leadership, she remains committed to building a future that uplifts all residents and inspires the next generation to lead with purpose.