Youth Officers
Monmouth/Ocean County
NEO LUKOMA
CO-President
Neo Lukoma is a 17-year-old honors student and the current Co-president of Rays of Hope, where she has been an active member for four years. As a dedicated leader, she has played a key role in shaping the organization’s initiatives, leading community service projects, and mobilizing youth to take action on social issues. She has represented Rays of Hope at public forums and strengthening the organization’s civic engagement efforts. Neo has also spearheaded various service initiatives, including food and clothing drives, youth volunteer efforts, and leadership workshops, while fostering partnerships to expand Rays of Hope’s impact.
Beyond Rays of Hope, Neo has made a lasting impact in her community. She served as a Team Lead in the Virtual Brown Stories Book Drive, donating 100 children’s books to a Newark youth corps camp, and attended YEA Camp to advance her social justice advocacy. An active member of Cathedral International church for over 10 years, she participates in the dance ministry, serves as a youth ministry leader, and coordinates the Light of Youth podcast. She is also an executive assistant for Brown Kids Read, a member of NJ Orators, and a three-year varsity basketball player. Passionate about helping others, Neo aspires to become a nurse while continuing her leadership and service in the community.
CALEB CHESTER
CO-President
Caleb Chester is a 17-year-old senior at Howell High School and the Co-president of Rays of Hope, where he has been an active member for 11 years. As a dedicated leader, he has played a crucial role in organizing and leading community service initiatives, including donation drives, mentorship programs, and neighborhood clean-ups. His ability to inspire others through public speaking has made him a strong representative of Rays of Hope at various events. Notably, he had the honor of speaking at the 25th Annual Franklin Township Community Breakfast on behalf of Johnson & Johnson, where he paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Caleb’s leadership has helped shape the organization’s impact, empowering youth to serve their communities with confidence and purpose.
Beyond his contributions to Rays of Hope, Caleb is deeply engaged in his school and community. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the marching band, and the robotics club, balancing his academic excellence with extracurricular involvement. As an usher at his church and an Eagle Scout—earning the prestigious rank at just 16—Caleb’s commitment to service extends far beyond Rays of Hope. With aspirations to pursue a master’s degree in Computer Science, he plans to apply his leadership skills and community-driven mindset to his future endeavors. As he enters his final year in Rays of Hope, he is committed to leaving a lasting legacy, inspiring younger members to lead with integrity and service.
SELORM AMEKUDZI
CO- VICE President
Selorm Amekudzi is a dedicated leader and passionate advocate for service as the Co-Vice President of Rays of Hope. At just 15 years old, she has fully embraced the organization’s mission, leading initiatives that uplift marginalized communities and inspire youth to take action. She has played a crucial role in organizing community outreach programs, fostering volunteer engagement, and encouraging her peers to participate in service-driven projects. Her commitment to making a difference is evident in her hands-on involvement, ensuring that Rays of Hope continues to expand its impact and reach those in need.
Beyond her leadership in Rays of Hope, Selorm has demonstrated her dedication to service through various initiatives. She actively participates in the Healthy Running Series, where she promotes physical well-being among children, and has led efforts to collect books for children in Ghana, recognizing the importance of education and access to resources. Her passion for global impact was further strengthened by her environmental conservation work in Hawaii, where she engaged in preservation activities to protect natural ecosystems. As she continues to grow as a leader, Selorm is committed to expanding Rays of Hope’s outreach, empowering youth, and creating meaningful change in her community and beyond.
SANIYA DAVIS
CO-PRESIDENT
Saniya Davis, Co-President of Rays of Hope, has been a dedicated member for five years, using her leadership to drive impactful change. Passionate about social justice and youth empowerment, she has spearheaded service projects that address pressing community needs. She has played an active role in organizing community clean-ups, donation drives, and youth advocacy initiatives, ensuring that Rays of Hope continues to make a meaningful difference. Saniya takes pride in mentoring younger members, encouraging them to step into leadership roles and take ownership of service projects. Her ability to inspire and empower others has made her an influential voice within the organization.
In addition to her work with Rays of Hope, Saniya is a well-rounded leader with a deep commitment to excellence. She serves as a captain and varsity athlete in track, basketball, and volleyball, demonstrating discipline and teamwork both on and off the field. Her role in her school’s council and green team reflects her proactive approach to leadership, while her musical talents as a violinist and bassist in the Honors Society Orchestra showcase her versatility. Saniya’s ability to balance academics, athletics, and advocacy speaks to her drive and determination. As Co-President, she is committed to strengthening Rays of Hope’s impact, empowering young people, and championing the causes that matter most to her community.
Mercer County
LOVAN MAH
CO-President
Lovan Mah is the Co-President and a founding member of the Rays of Hope Chapter in Mercer County, where she has been a driving force in expanding the organization’s presence and impact. Recognizing the need for youth-led service initiatives in her community, she took the initiative to establish the chapter alongside a close friend, working diligently to create meaningful opportunities for young people to engage in leadership, advocacy, and community service. Lovan has led various initiatives, including mentorship programs, volunteer outreach, and service projects aimed at uplifting underserved communities. Her passion for service and her ability to inspire others have made her an invaluable leader in growing Rays of Hope in Mercer County.
Beyond her leadership in Rays of Hope, Lovan balances a demanding schedule as both a student and athlete. She has played basketball in her district schools for three years and competed in track for one, learning the importance of teamwork and showcasing her leadership on and off the court. Despite her rigorous training and game schedule, she remains committed to her academics, consistently earning honor roll recognition every marking period. Even with her dedication to sports and studies, Lovan ensures she dedicates significant time to growing Rays of Hope, mentoring members, and strengthening the organization’s outreach. As she continues her work, she is determined to leave a lasting impact, empowering youth and fostering a culture of leadership and service in Mercer County and beyond.
PARIS WILLIAMS ZAMOR
CO-President
Paris Williams Zamor is the Co-President and a founding member of the Rays of Hope Mercer County Chapter, where she plays a pivotal role in leading service initiatives and empowering youth in her community. She is deeply committed to fostering leadership, advocacy, and volunteerism, working tirelessly to create opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful service. Paris’s ability to organize and mobilize her peers has helped establish a strong foundation for the chapter, ensuring that its mission to uplift and support marginalized communities continues to grow. Her dedication to advocacy and leadership shines through in her efforts to create impactful projects that address social issues and inspire others to take action.
Beyond her role in Rays of Hope, Paris is actively involved in initiatives that promote education and empowerment. She is a member of the Black Student Union and participates in the Princeton University Preparatory Program, where she devotes her summers to rigorous academic enrichment. Despite her demanding schedule, she remains committed to service, recognizing the importance of advocacy in shaping a better future. Paris envisions a world where young people are equipped with the skills and confidence to speak up for themselves and their communities. Through Rays of Hope, she is determined to instill a culture of compassion, resilience, and action, ensuring that the next generation of leaders is prepared to drive meaningful change.
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COURTNEY NERESTANT
VICE President
Courtney Nerestant is the Vice President and a founding member of the Rays of Hope Mercer County Chapter, where she has quickly emerged as a dedicated leader and advocate for her community. With a strong passion for service, she has played an integral role in establishing the chapter and creating opportunities for youth engagement in leadership and volunteerism. Courtney is committed to addressing social issues and uplifting marginalized communities through various service projects, ensuring that Rays of Hope remains a platform for impactful change. Her dedication to advocacy extends beyond the organization, as she actively challenges her school’s board to grant students access to their GPA and transcripts, reinforcing her commitment to academic empowerment.
Beyond her leadership in Rays of Hope, Courtney is a high-achieving student at Lawrence High School with a passion for the medical field. She is a member of her school’s Black Student Union, where she works to create a safe and inclusive space for Black students. With aspirations to pursue a career in medicine and combat racial disparities in healthcare, Courtney is currently on the path to becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Mercer County. She is determined to combine her academic excellence, leadership skills, and dedication to service to make a lasting impact in both her community and the medical field.