You Are Invited!

Public Service Internship Capstone Presentations

Sunday, August 2, 2026

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Kinfolx Coffee House 1951 Telegraph Ave Suite 4, Oakland

Join elected officials, community leaders, mentors, families, and supporters as interns present their research, findings, and recommendations for addressing important issues facing Oakland. The Capstone Presentation serves as the culmination of the internship experience and provides students with an opportunity to showcase their work before civic leaders and community stakeholders.

Whether you stay for one presentation or spend the day with us, your presence and support will mean a great deal to our interns.

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Event Schedule

Masters of Ceremony Robert Harris and Glenda Newell Harris, MD

9:00 am

Opening Celebratory Greeting Flautist Erin Jung

Greetings Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee

History of the Niagara Movement Foundation Hon. Elihu M. Harris
Introduction of Capstone Projects Glenda Newell-Harris

10:00 am Erin Jung

Capstone Project: How Local Government Supports its Immigrant Community

Guest: Hon. Janani Ramachandran

11:00 am Lena Pochendorfer

Capstone Project: The True Cost of Coal and Oakland’s Fight for the Future

Guest: Ms. Margaret Gordon

12:00 pm Tosjzarre Forrest

Capstone Project: The Untreated: How Healthcare Disparities Leave Many Oakland Residents Behind.
Guest: George Woods M.D.

1:00 pm Sophia Sarioglo

Capstone Project: Reevaluating Oakland's Homelessness Response: Balancing Permanent Supportive Housing, Interim Housing, and Prevention Efforts

Guest: Hon. Charlene Wang

2:00 pm Nigel Willacy

Capstone Project: Beyond Compliance: Assessing Whether Oakland’s Police Reforms Deliver Real Accountability to the Community

Guest: Former Chief of Police LeRonne Armstrong

3:00 pm Naolin Palacios

Capstone Project: Job Creation and Service, how Oakland’s Public Services Create Opportunity

Guest: Alton Jelks, Professor/Public Policy Administrator

4:00 pm Kiru Monroe

Capstone Project: Examining Racial Disparities in Public Contracting Across Oakland and Alameda County

Guest: Hon. Leo Bazile

5:00 pm Mariana Ramirez

Capstone Project: Understanding the Effectiveness of Restorative Approaches and the Lasting Barriers and Disparities Within Juvenile Justice

Guest: Hon. Noel Gallo

Closing Remarks Hon. Elihu M. Harris

Thank you to our Event Partners!

YOUTH BEAT

Major Donors

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Corporate Groups and Businesses

Scott's Seafood Restaurant
Alaska Airlines
California Waste Solutions
DOGO Corporation
Marina Security Services
Google
Kaiser Permanente
Port of Oakland

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Organizations

Alpha Gamma Boule Foundation
County of Alameda
Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center
NAACP Oakland

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Individuals

Frank Arthur
Zack Parker
Cestra Butner
Robert Harris
Shonda Scott
Frank White, Jr.
Dr. George Woods

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Friends and Partners

Hon. Keith Carson
Hon. Kevin Jenkins
Hon. Nate Miley

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Our Goals

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To develop strong leadership skills in all young people
To foster a sense of responsibility and connectedness to their communities
To encourage critical thinking and civic engagement

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To provide access to quality education and academic support
To prepare young people for success in future careers and lifelong learning

Meet Our Board of Directors

At the Niagara Movement Foundation, our services are reflections of our deep commitment to empowering and uplifting disadvantaged youth. Through youth mentoring and leadership development, we are proud to provide an inclusive space where young people can learn and grow. Get to know the board of directors advocating our cause.

Niagara Movement Foundation

Phone/Text: 510-902-2172 | Fax I 510-340-9106 I Email: info@niagaramovementfoundation.org

4200 Park Blvd, #645, Oakland, California 94602