Check Out the LEAD Website

LEAD Student Organizer

Lia Algerio holds a BSW from Bridgewater State University and is in her second year of the MSW program at UAlbany, specializing in Macro Social Work. She serves as a graduate assistant for the School of Social Welfare and has a strong passion for policy advocacy and community building. Lia is dedicated to driving systemic change and empowering communities through legislative action. Her internship focuses on planning a legislative education and advocacy day, where she coordinates student involvement, policy discussions, and engagement with lawmakers. She is committed to fostering civic engagement and advancing social justice through policy and advocacy initiatives.

LEAD Student Organizer

As a dedicated student pursuing his Master of Social Work (MSW) in New York, Bryan Jimenez is passionate about creating systemic change through policy and advocacy to address social inequalities. Bryan currently serves in leadership roles with several prestigious organizations, including the New York State Social Work Education Association and Psychology Coalition at the United Nations, while also managing social media accounts to increase engagement and awareness for social causes.

LEAD Student Organizer

Hey fellow students! I’m Megan Murray, a second-year MSW student at SUNY Albany passionate about macro social work, women’s health, equality, and access to mental health care. I’m excited to connect with like-minded individuals committed to making a difference in these areas. If you’re at NYS LEAD Day, feel free to say hello—I’d love to network, share ideas, and collaborate on how we can create positive change together!

Sharon Turnage is a licensed Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience in the area perinatal loss and palliative care. In 2006, Sharon founded the Tyler Nicole Foundation dedicated to the fight against infant loss and childhood life-threatening illnesses. In 2009, Sharon founded the Luis Danvers Leukemia Fund dedicated to her son’s fight against blood cancer. Sharon is a psychotherapist and addictions counselor providing evidenced-based treatment in the areas of grief, crisis, trauma, addiction, and psychiatric social work. Sharon earned a BA in Psychology from York College, an MSW from Fordham University, and is a 3rd year PhD Candidate at Yeshiva University. Sharon’s research focuses on perinatal loss, grief, and how disparities and inequities impact the grieving process. Sharon is a bereaved parent “turning pain into purpose” as a call to action. Sharon prides herself on being a researcher, advocate, and leader conducting events nationwide to familiarize the public with the plight of perinatal/maternal loss and childhood cancer.