Meet Our Inspiring New Board Members Shaping the Future of Our Organization

From left to right: Michelle Grady, Mimi Woldemariam, and Ronnie Welch.

Welcoming new leaders to a board is more than a routine update. It marks a pivotal moment that shapes the direction and impact of an organization. Today, we are excited to introduce the newest members of our board, individuals whose experience, vision, and dedication will guide us toward a stronger future. Their diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives promise to enrich our community and help us meet upcoming challenges with confidence.

Michelle Grady

Partner, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC

Michelle brings more than 25 years of litigation experience and a personal journey that aligns closely with the students GCSA serves. Born and raised in Harlem and a NYC public school graduate, she understands the importance of opportunity, representation, and sustained mentorship.

She learned about GCSA through BoardAssist and Cynthia, a long-time professional contact. Michelle shared that she had considered board service for years but had never felt compelled to join an organization until she encountered GCSA’s mission. She also believes her sister may have been a GCSA scholarship recipient many years ago, creating a meaningful connection to the organization.

Professionally, Michelle is an experienced litigator with a background in science, having worked at Unilever Best Foods before pursuing law. She is active in her firm’s diversity and inclusion work and has a longstanding pro bono practice, including monthly volunteer service with the New York Bar Association.

Michelle is excited to support GCSA by hosting job-site visits, opening doors within her network, and contributing to governance and fundraising conversations.

Ronnie Welch

Chief Audit Executive, Internal Audit, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America

Ronnie is an accomplished audit leader who has spent more than two decades designing and strengthening systems of governance and accountability. Today, he serves as the Chief Audit Executive at Guardian Life, leading internal audit operations across the organization.

Ronnie learned about GCSA through our mentor community — he knows Ruta, one of our long-standing volunteer mentors — and immediately saw the connection to his own path as a participant of Inroads, a nonprofit that supports first-generation college students. As someone who benefited from early exposure, mentorship, and professional opportunities, he sees GCSA as an organization that reflects the type of support that shaped his career.

He is excited to contribute to GCSA through governance, leadership, fundraising within his networks, and coaching students who share similar backgrounds and ambitions. Ronnie approaches board service with curiosity and openness, eager to learn and support the organization’s long-term goals.

Meron “Mimi” Woldemariam

Senior Director, Partnerships & Growth, Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Mimi brings more than 15 years of experience across youth development, operations, fundraising, and systems strengthening. Currently, she serves as Senior Director of Partnerships & Growth at Boys & Girls Clubs of America, leading national partnership and expansion efforts. Previously, she spent nearly 12 years at Grand Street Settlement in roles including Senior Director of Development, Deputy Director of Manhattan Youth & Community Development, and Director of the Beacon Youth Community Center. In these positions, she scaled program sites, secured major partnerships, and oversaw a wide range of K–12 programming. She was recognized as one of City & State’s 2022 “Nonprofit 40 Under 40” leaders, highlighting her leadership and impact in the nonprofit sector.

Mimi has a deeply personal connection to GCSA’s mission. As she shared in her own words:

“I’ve been spending time learning more about GCSA and feel deeply aligned with the mission. As a first-generation college student who came to the U.S. from Ethiopia and was the first in my family to navigate that path, I understand how transformative it is to have both financial support and a network of people who believe in you and open doors. That’s why GCSA’s work feels so personal to me.”

Her lived experience and professional track record make her a strong partner in reimagining GCSA’s long-term strategy, partnerships, and youth development initiatives.

Moving Forward Together

These new members are ready to listen, learn, and lead with purpose. Their commitment and expertise will help us navigate challenges and seize opportunities.  Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive future for GCSA. We encourage everyone to welcome them warmly and stay engaged as we continue this journey.

If you want to learn more about our board or get involved, please contact to our Executive Director, Dr. Milly Seraus-Roache at milly.roache@gcsanyc.org.