POW! PARTY IN THE PARK: OCT 17
Mark your calendars! Join us at McCarren park on Saturday, October 17 for our annual community celebration.
In addition to our usual fun program, we will also have yummy food and special activities for families to enjoy! All are welcome - including current, returning, and new families and their guests.
Our Community
POW! is run by wonderful volunteers including students, artists, musicians, teachers, special educators, child development specialists, therapists, play specialists, and more.
POW! also partners with fantastic organizations such as DuDance, Super Soccer Stars, and The Post in order to provide kids with fun and enriching activities.
POW! Team
In addition to our core team of volunteer program leaders, we also often have guest leaders who run unique activities each week
-
Regine Polenz is the founder and director of POW!
Originally from Germany, Regine holds master’s degrees in Fine Arts and pedagogy. For over two decades she has worked as an artist and more than a decade as an educator, predominately in public high schools in East New York.
After becoming the mother of a boy with Down syndrome, Regine left teaching and began working for a national Down syndrome organization, founding their Brooklyn satellite. It was work she found gratifying, and the satellite was extremely successful.
However Regine believed that it was beneficial for neurodevelopmentally different individuals and typically developing ones to be in a program together.
In January 2020 she began Power Of We! in the spirit of inclusion and warm welcoming that is at the heart of POW!’s mission.
In the years since, it began to become clear to Regine why other organizations stay focused on only one area, e.g. Down syndrome or autism. It’s because it’s much easier. It’s easier to structure programming, it’s easier to raise money. But easier isn’t always better. Going forward, POW! will continue to embrace inclusion, and has ambitious plans to add more programs and extend its reach.
These inclusive programs have been in place for about 5 years and have shown itself to be of great value for all involved parties.
This background and life provided a strong basis for creating and running POW. She is currently the Director of POW!
-
Brian Stearns is a musician & filmmaker who works with children and their families. Brian has a unique knowledge and creative approach in teaching music and arts to children of all ages. In addition, he uses puppetry and filmmaking as a medium to project his expression and exploration of music. Brian holds a bachelor's in Music from California Institute of the Arts (2006). He is a distinctive and expressive performer of musical sounds from around the world, and the creator of Tunes for Tykes.
-
Izadora is Brazilian professional who began her career as a Management Consultant, where she worked on several projects involving technology. That experience sparked a passion for the field and led her to pivot into the tech industry.
Since then, she has spent nearly 7 years working as a Product Manager, including roles at Amazon and Larroudé in the US, and has overseen the full product design cycle for more than 15 applications while in Brazil.
Board & Leadership
-
Regine Polenz is the founder and director of POW!
Originally from Germany, Regine holds master’s degrees in Fine Arts and pedagogy. For over two decades she has worked as an artist and more than a decade as an educator, predominately in public high schools in East New York.
After becoming the mother of a boy with Down syndrome, Regine left teaching and began working for a national Down syndrome organization, founding their Brooklyn satellite. It was work she found gratifying, and the satellite was extremely successful.
However Regine believed that it was beneficial for neurodevelopmentally different individuals and typically developing ones to be in a program together.
In January 2020 she began Power Of We! in the spirit of inclusion and warm welcoming that is at the heart of POW!’s mission.
In the years since, it began to become clear to Regine why other organizations stay focused on only one area, e.g. Down syndrome or autism. It’s because it’s much easier. It’s easier to structure programming, it’s easier to raise money. But easier isn’t always better. Going forward, POW! will continue to embrace inclusion, and has ambitious plans to add more programs and extend its reach.
These inclusive programs have been in place for about 5 years and have shown itself to be of great value for all involved parties.
This background and life provided a strong basis for creating and running POW. She is currently the Director of POW!
-
Jesse Laymon joins us in 2025 as our new Executive Director. He brings with him a wealth of experience in the nonprofit and organizing worlds. His recent work includes turns as a Chief of Operations and as a State Director for large-scale political campaigns. He hopes to use his expertise in planning and management to help POW streamline our existing programs, and to increase the number of children we serve each year. His goals for his first year include doubling the number of kids who experience Saturdays with POW!, launching a new POW! Family Resource group, and securing a new grant for ongoing POW! programs.
-
Susan Golomb resides in Pittsburgh, PA. She is currently retired and has held the following positions: Director of Development for the Realty Services division of PNC Financial Services; Director of the Department of City Planning for the City of Pittsburgh; Executive Director of Oakland Planning and Development Corporation, a community-based nonprofit, real estate development and planning organization; Vice President of Alton Properties, a real estate development company; and owner of Golomb Photographers, specializing in architectural and industrial photography. Susan graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in the History of Art. She is the immediate past chair person of the Board of Contemporary Craft, a past chair of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a current Treasurer of Construction Junction, a past board member of Associated Artists, the Three Rivers Arts Festival, the Urban Affairs Committee of Jewish Federation and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
-
Jon Lewis is a visual artist and builder. As a painter, photographer, and gum bichromate printer, he has shown his work across the US, Europe and Mexico. As the proud parent of a child with Down syndrome, he understands the value of integration for all children and this is why he believes so strongly in POW’s mission.
-
Shaneque Downie is the skilled leader behind Downie Solutions with over 15 years as an Enrolled Agent (EA) and Accredited Business Accountant (ABA). She aims to make finance easy to understand and is known for her work in tax, financial planning, and helping business leaders grow.
Shaneque Downie joining "Power Of We!" (POW) to serve as treasurer is a step forward in strengthening the non-profit's commitment to nurturing young potentials. Her deep understanding of financial management will ensure that the resources at POW are maximized, directly supporting and expanding programs that empower children from all walks of life. With Shaneque's guidance, POW is set to bolster its financial foundation, allowing it to continue creating inclusive and accessible learning environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Her collaboration with POW is a testament to the belief that education and community support are the keys to building a brighter future for all children.
-
Clement is originally from France and is an entrepreneur. His first company, called Prynt, designed a smartphone case that prints photos instantly like a Polaroid. He now spends his time between new projects and advisory roles. His experience in management and fundraising as well as his creativity make him a great addition as Secretary of the board.
-
Jed Berger is the Global President of Kenneth Cole, where he drives brand strategy, product development, marketing, and global growth. Since joining, he has been key to modernizing the brand while preserving its legacy of social impact.
Previously, Jed was the Global Chief Marketing Officer for Foot Locker, leading initiatives like the "Approved" campaign, "Week of Greatness," its loyalty program, and the Greenhouse incubator.
His career began with deep roots in youth culture, co-founding Dime Magazine and the agency 94x50, followed by leadership roles in digital media and retail marketing. Recognized in the SBG 40 Under 40 and Footwear News 40 Under 40, his marketing expertise is well established.
Jed is a proud father of three boys: Jackson, 19; Jonah, 12, who has Down syndrome and autism; and Julian (Jules), who is 6 months old. A dedicated advocate for special needs, Jed’s commitment to family and community is at the core of his leadership.
Prior to joining Foot Locker, Jed’s professional experience has deep roots in youth culture. After co-founding Dime Magazine and building the agency 94x50, he moved on to serve as the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Modell’s Sporting Goods. His marketing acumen has been recognized regularly throughout his career, including being named to SBG 40 Under 40 in 2011, and Footwear News 40 Under 40 in 2018.
Jed holds a BA in Sports Management from The George Washington University and is currently based out of Kenneth Cole’s headquarters in New York City. He has two children, Jackson and Jonah, and is a proud special needs parent and advocate. Jed is an avid sports fan despite being a very average athlete but claims to be an exceptional fantasy sports owner.
-
Rebecca Elbogen is an educator, dancer, and program director dedicated to supporting kids and community. Rebecca graduated summa cum laude from NYU with a degree in Developmental Psychology and specializations in Child/Adolescent Mental Health and American Sign Language. As a classically trained dancer, she established and directed the NYC branch of Ballet For All Kids, a non-profit program making dance accessible to children of all abilities and disabilities. Rebecca is currently the Program Director of Connect To Learn, an executive function and academic coaching service. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Rebecca has worked extensively with a broad range of ages and abilities, and always strives to nurture playfulness, creativity, and connection.
-
Alice Golomb Friedman received her Masters in Early Childhood Education at Bank Street College. For the past 27 years, Alice has taken on a variety of roles at Horace Mann School in the Nursery Division. However, she is most proud of her role as mom to 16-year-old Max! Alice approached teaching and parenting Max similarly and appreciated and respected the importance of learning through exploration and discovery. Whether it was teaching 3s, pre-k or kindergarten, she believed in an emergent curriculum that was process oriented and play based.
After many years as a lead classroom teacher and Literacy Specialist where books were such an integral part of her teaching, Alice stepped in as full-time librarian where she’s been for the last eight years. She carefully selects every book circulated in the library and is very committed to maintaining a diverse and up to date collection for both teachers and students. Most importantly, Alice runs library sessions with all the students where they read together and browse books independently.
-
Ms. Nancey Harris is Co-founder and COO of Vontélle Eyewear, a transformative, luxury brand that celebrates the diversity and beauty of different cultures, with an emphasis on fashion, fit and function.
Prior to launching Vontélle, she was a sales executive at Paramount (BET, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon), and BLACK ENTERPRISE.
She worked as EVP of Wendy Williams Productions and was also Executive Director of The Hunter Foundation.
Nancey graduated from Morgan State University with a bachelor’s in mass communications.
Nancey is a Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses Fellow, an active member of BOSS Network alumni 2022, Goodie Nation, Tory Burch Fellow, Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs Access Network alumni, NY PACE alumni, Amazon Black Accelerator, Future Collective by FIVERR alumni, JP Morgan Chase’s Advancing Black Entrepreneurs program graduate and Fearless Fund alumni.
Nancey is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Luminary, International Association of Women, board member of Power of We! an organization for children with disabilities and a volunteer graphic designer for Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network.
Nancey is a dedicated wife, mother, and advocate for her wonderful nine-year-old son, who has Down Syndrome and is also on the autism spectrum.
-
Jennifer has been a licensed clinical social worker for over 20 years and has worked in community based mental health clinics, hospitals, group homes, and school based health centers. She is currently in private practice in Westport, Connecticut where she provides psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and children. After the birth of her second child, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, she became active in various aspects of the special needs community. Understanding that navigating life and supporting the psychological health of the entire family is essential, she began running parent and sibling support groups as well as advocating on behalf of the medical and educational needs many children require. It has become her passion to explore with and help guide families through these experiences and she is passionate about enriching the lives of those affected by disabilities and creating opportunities for inclusion within the community.
-
Lisa Zaretsky, a mom of 2 grown children and a lifelong early childhood educator, received her Masters in Education from Bank Street College of Education, worked for many years as a teacher in preschool settings, and started her own program, playAGAIN, in 2010.