This year, syracuse.com launched a new storytelling series called “Trailblazers and Trendsetters,” featuring a broad group of local entrepreneurs, professionals, artists and advocates.
They are the people who make our communities better, quietly and steadily. They are not seasoned politicians or newsmakers who send out press releases every week clamoring for soundbites. They are Syracuse community members and leaders committed to uplifting their communities, inspiring change, and working to make a difference in downtown New York.
They show up and do the job, every day, with little fanfare. They are unsung heroes.
We met many smart, hardworking and inspiring people this year and you can read all their stories below. We asked each trailblazer to share a few words of wisdom along with their personal stories.
Need some inspiration for 2026? Here’s a great place to start:
Caprice Hibbleradvice
“Stay authentic, be consistent and show up when you don’t want to show up.”
Caprice Hibbler is program manager for Syracuse Art Projecta non-profit organization that brings after school arts education to local youth at the Boys & Girls Club of Syracuse and the Syracuse YMCA.
Michelle Schenandoah Council
“It’s very important to follow what you love, to think about things that make you happy and that you have a great passion for. As human beings, we are all given gifts that are different from each other. When we live in these gifts, we all contribute to the world we live in. We all benefit.”
Michelle Schenandoah runs Rematriationa non-profit organization that aims to strengthen relationships to the ideal of rematriation, a women-led movement aimed at restoring balance to the Earth and caring for future and current generations.
Yolanda Seegars‘advice
“Keep going, whatever your passion is, fuel your passion and make sure you’re focused. Don’t let anyone discourage you,” she said. “Develop your sass. And don’t let people tell you what you shouldn’t do. Do what you know is right for you.”
The director is Yolanda Seegars The RISE projectprogram in downtown New York that supports families affected by gun violence.
Brenda Mims‘advice
“If you’re going to do a job, make sure it’s something you enjoy doing,” she said. “I get up every morning because it’s what I love and I’d probably be lost if I didn’t.”
Brenda Mims is the operations manager for the Samaritan Center, which serves hundreds of people in need of food twice a day, seven days a week. Their motto? Nobody’s hungry.
Charles Madlockadvice
“Sometimes it can be daunting, maybe frustrating, but what I’ve learned to do is a little bit every day.
“Sometimes that little thing can only take five minutes, sometimes that little thing can be five hours, but some kind of work. Try to do something every day and before you know it, it will wrap itself up into what you want it to become.”
“My suggestion is baby steps, enjoy the process and have fun.”
As an urban farming consultant and owner Farms with gold karatCharles Madlock educates children and adults with the hope of inspiring new farmers and ensuring their success.
Sayir Moussaadvice
“I always remember two quotes: The sooner you start, the faster you get there. And with hardship comes ease. Your life will be easier if you put in the hard work. Because you earn all the things you’ve achieved.”
Sayir Moussa, a Corcoran graduate, already holds a real estate license and is a clothing designer. Attends Howard University.
Advice from Gabrielle Lloyd
“Trendsetting is honestly exposing yourself because you allow yourself to be seen,” Lloyd said. “Once you expose yourself, you realize, oh my god, there are other like minds out there who want to do this too.
Gabby Lloyd, beautician and community builder, is the co-founder Syracuse Run Club. The SRC organizes weekly runs that attract hundreds of people.
Tahirah Abdul-Qadiradvice
“I would say never give up on your goals, no matter the circumstances… There is always a way to make your goals happen,” Abdul-Qadir, 20, said.
“When I was in New York and met the other Cracker Jill awardees, each had their own set of challenges and obstacles to overcome, whether it was being in a wheelchair, overcoming injuries, or being in a male-dominated sport. They all overcame different obstacles and didn’t let it stop them from achieving their dreams and goals.”
Tahirah Abdul-Qadir is an accomplished martial arts champion, award-winning social justice advocate, and rising senior at Syracuse University.
Mary Homeradvice
“I like to hear constructive criticism because it helps build me as an artist to try different things.”
Mary Homer of the Oneida Nation’s Wolf Clan owns small businesses Homer Couture and Beading wolvesnamed after the women of the Wolf Clan in the Haudenosaunee culture. She is the only Native designer to ever show at Syracuse Fashion Week.
Sora Kasugaadvice
“If you work in a field where you fight for yourself and for others, you can’t go wrong. Even if you’re a small voice, even if you’re the only one, it’s worth it. And chances are, you’re not the only one. If you’re fighting for yourself, I can guarantee you’re fighting for someone else.”
Sora Kasuga started the FaceOut project to spread awareness of visible facial differences and improve the representation of facially diverse people on stage, screen and in print.
Amanda Ekeadvice
Just do it. You have to start with one step.
At one point I was training for a marathon. The hardest part is just getting out of bed in the cold freezing air of Upstate New York.
And it’s the same with any art form you’re trying to develop.
The accolades, the business side of things, it will all come eventually. But you have to start with the premise of your art. You need to know why. Why do I even create? Then create it.
Once you understand why and take the first step of actually creating, you can cross mountains.
Amanda Eke has built a multi-dimensional career as an artist, poet, podcaster, filmmaker, television host and spoken word storyteller.
Shana Eversonadvice
“If you’re doing something unconventional, keep doing it. There’s a market for it. You never know who’s watching. Ignore the negative comments. Ignore the people who try to destroy your dreams. Keep doing it. Someone is watching.”
Shana Everson has been braiding hair for 20 years, but she started her company Braided by Shana in 2022. Produces intricate wigs with detailed patterns and designs.
Do you know CNY Trailblazer or Trendsetter?
We will continue the Trailblazers series in 2026. If you would like to suggest someone to appear next in our series, please email Katrina Tulloch at ktulloch@syracuse.com.
Meet all of our 2025 Syracuse Trailblazers
• December: Caprice Hibbler
• November: Michelle Schenandoah
• October: Yolanda Seegars
• September: Brenda Mims
• August: Charles Madlock
• July: Gabriela Lloyd
• June: Sayir Moussa
• May: Tahirah Abdul-Qadir
• April: Mary Homer
• March: Sora Kasuga
• February: Amanda Eke
• January: Shana Everson
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