Our board
Darlene S. Cardillo
Darlene S. Cardillo
Darlene S. Cardillo
Darlene Cardillo is an Adult Onset Runner who loves to race, especially half marathons. She's been involved as a STEM coach since 2014. Running has added so much to her life, so this has been her opportunity to give back. Outside of STEM, Darlene works full-time for the Research Foundation as a technology trainer and before that career, was a French teacher for many years.
.JPG/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:77.25%25/rs=w:365,h:365,cg:true)
Nicole Clemens
Darlene S. Cardillo
Darlene S. Cardillo
Nicole Clemens is a certified leadership coach and community builder passionate about personal growth, resilience, and connection. As a lifelong runner at many levels, she deeply believes in the sport’s power to heal and empower individuals through life’s challenges. STEM’s mission reflects her core values: uplifting survivors through str
Nicole Clemens is a certified leadership coach and community builder passionate about personal growth, resilience, and connection. As a lifelong runner at many levels, she deeply believes in the sport’s power to heal and empower individuals through life’s challenges. STEM’s mission reflects her core values: uplifting survivors through strength, movement, and belonging. She is honored to support this work and contribute to a community that inspires purpose through every mile.
Jennifer Gish
Darlene S. Cardillo
Jennifer Gish
Jennifer Gish is the president and founder of Strong Through Every Mile. She is passionate about the power of running to transform lives, particularly for those impacted by DV and interpersonal abuse. Outside of STEM, Jenn is a runner, mother of almost-adult twins (one of them an avid runner, too), and vice president for marketing and communications at Russell Sage College.
LeQuana Ham
Melissa Mansfield
Jennifer Gish
LeQuana Ham's commitment to community service is rooted in her passion for uplifting diverse populations. Running has become her platform for advocacy, wellness, and meaningful impact. As a STEM coach, she champions survivors of domestic violence—promoting healing, empowerment, and awareness through movement and community connection. With
LeQuana Ham's commitment to community service is rooted in her passion for uplifting diverse populations. Running has become her platform for advocacy, wellness, and meaningful impact. As a STEM coach, she champions survivors of domestic violence—promoting healing, empowerment, and awareness through movement and community connection. With over 25 years in human resources, she is dedicated to creating pathways to opportunity and supporting personal and professional growth. Outside of work, she enjoys Upstate seasons by baking for loved ones, exploring bike trails, skiing, golfing, and traveling to experience new cultures.
Melissa Mansfield
Melissa Mansfield
Melissa Mansfield
Melissa Mansfield is a writer and communications professional at Albany Medical Center. After nearly a decade as a reporter covering state government and national campaigns, she worked in public affairs, media relations, and community engagement with a renewable energy developer, public relations firm, and statewide advocacy organization.
Melissa Mansfield is a writer and communications professional at Albany Medical Center. After nearly a decade as a reporter covering state government and national campaigns, she worked in public affairs, media relations, and community engagement with a renewable energy developer, public relations firm, and statewide advocacy organization. Melissa is a former STEM coach and runner, thrilled for the opportunity to focus that running energy on supporting an organization that transforms lives.
Ryan Venter
Melissa Mansfield
Melissa Mansfield
Ryan Venter is a senior major gifts officer at Russell Sage College and the owner and head coach of My Running Concierge, providing customized running coaching services to runners of all abilities. A resident of Glenmont, New York, Ryan lives with his wife, Christy, and two daughters, Ella and Grace. On September 4, 2021, Ryan ran 40 mile
Ryan Venter is a senior major gifts officer at Russell Sage College and the owner and head coach of My Running Concierge, providing customized running coaching services to runners of all abilities. A resident of Glenmont, New York, Ryan lives with his wife, Christy, and two daughters, Ella and Grace. On September 4, 2021, Ryan ran 40 miles on his 40th birthday, raising over $10,000 for Circle of Champs, a program at the YMCA for children battling a life-threatening illness. Ryan is passionate about running and helping other runners achieve goals and life a healthy lifestyle through physical activity.