OurTeam

Ben Schornack is an experienced coalition-builder, fundraiser, and facilitator in the field of sports-based youth development. He previously worked as the NYC Director for Up2Us Sports, where he managed local fundraising, programming, and coach development. Prior to Up2Us, Ben has worked as a program manager and basketball coach, and he is a proud alumni of AmeriCorps VISTA. He has also been a guest-lecturer for the St. John’s University sports management program and the Adelphi University sports-based youth development program.

Ben believes that well-designed sports programs can provide youth with a caring coach-mentor, an opportunity to build transferrable skills, and a safe space that allows healing from traumatic or stressful life circumstances. Throughout his career, he has worked with community organizations and stakeholders to merge assets and build capacity in order to achieve these high-impact outcomes. Ben lives in Chicago with his wife, Jenna. He graduated from Central College in Iowa with a BA in psychology.

Fatima Alabdullah has five years of experience in supporting underserved populations through accounting and financial management. Most recently, Fatima was dedicated to serving NYC families that are living on the economic fringe through her management of multiple budgets at the Educational Alliance. Originally from Syria, Fatima began her professional career in the United States by assisting the Jan Peek House, a shelter for homeless adults, in their finance department. She went onto support five different organizations in their financial management through her work with Robert Half Finance and Accounting, where she developed a special passion for nonprofit work. Fatima has also worked as a junior financial analyst for the Stephen Gaynor School, catering to bright children with learning differences.

Peter Feldman has more than a decade of experience as an educator and sports-based youth development professional. As a former high school teacher and coach, Peter believes that intentional programming, strong relationships, and high-expectations, high-support cultures are vital to fostering positive youth outcomes through sport. Prior to joining Laureus USA, Peter worked at CitySquash, where he spearheaded the creation of their social-emotional learning program, successfully led the organization’s expansion to Brooklyn, and cultivated crucial new institutional relationships and funding sources.

A lifelong learner at heart, Peter also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Adelphi University sports-based youth development fellowship program. He earned a B.A. in History from the University of Pennsylvania and a M.A. in Educational Leadership from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College.