JPAFHC hosts career day in partnership with ywca of brooklyn to inspire next generation

Photo Release, Brooklyn, NY — On July 22, 2025, the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center (JPAFHC) hosted a special Career Day: Girls Professional Development event at its Red Hook location, in collaboration with the YWCA Brooklyn. The program welcomed girls from across the community for an afternoon of mentorship, hands-on learning, and meaningful career exploration in the healthcare field.

The event featured a dynamic panel of Addabbo’s staff, including Niketa Eason, SHRM-SCP, Talent Acquisition Specialist, and Dr. Sophia Morisseau DeCambre, a beloved pediatrician and Brooklyn native, Carolyn Fortune, LPN, and special guest Dr. Antoinette Nelson, M.Eng., Ph.D. Students also enjoyed a facility tour, lunch, and giveaways, all while connecting with women leaders dedicated to supporting their growth and ambitions.

“It’s important for young women, especially girls of color, to see themselves reflected in positions of leadership and care,” said Niketa Eason. “I’m honored to share my journey and show them that with support and perseverance, they too can break barriers and thrive in any career they choose.”

Dr. DeCambre and Renee Hastick-Motes, CEO of JPAFHC, and Martha Kamber, CEO of YWCA Brooklyn, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the value of community-rooted mentorship.

“Events like these matter because they connect us to our purpose,” said Dr. DeCambre. “Giving back to the community that raised me and encouraging young girls to see the power in their potential is both a responsibility and a joy.”

“It’s critical our youth understand that the healthcare field is more than nurses and doctors – it’s a dynamic ecosystem of professionals in public health, behavioral health, technology, administration, and more,” said Renee Hastick-Motes. “Thank you to the YWCA of Brooklyn for bringing their girls to the JPA Family Health Center in Redhook, Brooklyn, for career day. By exposing them early to the full scope of healthcare services, we empower the next generation to find their unique path in shaping healthier communities. As I always say, we are so grateful for our community partners who work with us to ensure communities are better. Thank you, YWCA of Brooklyn, for your partnership.”

“At YWCA Brooklyn, we know that meaningful exposure is key to developing confident, future-ready leaders,” said Martha Kamber, CEO, YWCA Brooklyn. “Through our Girls College Access and Leadership Development program, students gain the access, insight, and support they need to envision bold futures in college and their careers, and our recent visit to JPA Family Health Center was a powerful example. The doctors and administrative team at JPA generously shared their professional journeys and opened doors to the world of healthcare, helping our students see themselves in those spaces. Experiences like this not only spark inspiration, they build real-world understanding and self-belief. We’re proud to partner with organizations like JPA, whose dedication to community and education aligns so deeply with our mission to empower the next generation of changemakers.”

Held during a season where youth programming and empowerment remain critical, the event served as a reminder of the importance of representation and equity in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Inc. (JPAFHC) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to transforming value-based care servicing communities of Southeast Queens (Rockaway + Jamaica), and Red Hook Brooklyn. For decades, JPAFHC provides comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare services, ensuring equitable access to high-quality medical, dental, behavioral health, and social support programs, regardless of ability to pay. The Health Center continues to address chronic disease management and improve health outcomes by integrating advanced technology and fostering strong provider-patient relationships. As one of the leading FQHCs in NYC, its commitment extends beyond healthcare. To learn more about Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Inc., visit www.addabbo.org.