February 2025 Spotlight

Zabrina Negron
Parent & Family Liaison, Easton Area Middle School

Zabrina Negron is an integral part of the Easton Area School District as the Parent & Family Liaison at Easton Area Middle School. In this role, she works tirelessly to build strong relationships between students, families, and the school community, with a special focus on supporting Spanish-speaking families. Her dedication to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment is evident in her work, where she serves as a trusted and professional point of contact for families, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Zabrina’s ability as an Effective Communicator shines through in her work, as she bridges cultural and language gaps to ensure that all families feel heard and supported. Whether it’s translating important information or simply offering a listening ear, Zabrina’s approach creates a sense of trust and collaboration that strengthens the school community.

As an Empathetic Collaborator, Zabrina consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of her students and their families. Her deep understanding of the challenges that families face allows her to offer personalized support and guidance, helping to ensure that each student has the best possible experience at Easton Area Middle School.

When asked who she would most like to meet, Zabrina reflects on the importance of leadership and inspiration, saying, "I would definitely like to meet Barack Obama." Her admiration for his leadership and impact aligns with her own dedication to empowering those around her.

Outside of her professional work, Zabrina values self-care and enjoys surrounding herself with things that make her happy, often taking time for an "unplug" day from technology to recharge. As for her favorite snack, she enjoys guacamole paired with red quinoa chia chips—a healthy and delicious choice that reflects her mindful approach to life.

Zabrina Negron is truly a cornerstone of the Easton Area School District, providing invaluable support to students and families while creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

Katelyn Cohen
Vice President of Development, Leadership Giving & Strategic Partnerships, River Crossing YMCA (RCY)

Katelyn Cohen is a dynamic leader in nonprofit development, currently serving as the Vice President of Development, Leadership Giving & Strategic Partnerships for River Crossing YMCA (RCY)—formerly Greater Valley YMCA (GVY) and the YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. Katelyn has a proven track record of bringing together diverse organizations and fostering partnerships that create lasting community impact. From 2018 to 2023, she served as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) at GVY, where she unified the development practices of six formerly independent Ys. Since 2023, she has been instrumental in merging two development teams at RCY, focusing on expanding the organization’s regional reach and maximizing its impact across a four-county area.

A proud graduate of Easton Area High School in 2010, Katelyn earned her degree from Moravian University in 2014 and went on to earn a Master’s in Public Administration and a Nonprofit Management Certificate from Villanova University. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for her career as an Effective Communicator, a skill that she employs to connect with a wide range of stakeholders and inspire them to engage with and support the YMCA’s mission. Katelyn’s ability to articulate complex ideas and foster transparency in her communications has been key in building trust and ensuring successful campaigns.

Katelyn’s leadership exemplifies her strength as an Innovative Problem Solver. Throughout her career, she has designed and implemented creative strategies to overcome challenges and unify teams, ensuring that the YMCA’s vision is executed efficiently and effectively. Her efforts have led to the successful execution of philanthropic campaigns that have raised over $30 million to support community initiatives and services.

As an Empathetic Collaborator, Katelyn’s approach to leadership is rooted in understanding the unique needs and perspectives of those she works. She fosters a collaborative environment where diverse ideas are valued and integrated, ensuring that every team member feels empowered to contribute to the shared mission. Her deep empathy for both her colleagues and the communities served by the YMCA strengthens her ability to lead with compassion and integrity.

Katelyn is also a Creative & Critical Thinker who consistently challenges herself and her teams to think outside the box. Whether developing new strategies for fundraising or addressing challenges within the organization, Katelyn approaches problems with both creativity and critical analysis, driving positive outcomes and sustainable growth.

As a Continuous Leader, Katelyn is committed to her own professional growth while inspiring and mentoring those around her. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, and she actively seeks out opportunities to improve her skills and encourage those she works with to do the same. Her forward-thinking mindset ensures that RCY remains adaptable and ready to meet the ever-evolving needs of the community.

In addition to her leadership at RCY, Katelyn is a dedicated Empowered Citizen, volunteering her time and expertise in various leadership roles. She has served with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) of the Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Nonprofit Collaboration Conference, helping to strengthen the nonprofit sector and support other community leaders.

Katelyn Cohen exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional leader—effective, innovative, empathetic, and dedicated to continuous improvement. Her passion for serving her community and her ability to inspire others make her a true role model and an embodiment of the traits of a Profile of a Graduate.