Dr. Alyssa Trometter assumed leadership of MCC in 2025 following 10 years at the Clinton Foundation, where she most recently served as Managing Director. There, she led programs that supported early-stage entrepreneurs and social enterprises, advancing community-driven solutions to global challenges. She joined the Clinton Foundation as a postdoctoral fellow through The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the American Council of Learned Societies.
Alyssa has previously served as an educational advisor at the U.S. Department of State and held leadership roles in higher education admissions and student support at Schwarzman Scholars, the College of the Holy Cross, and the University of Melbourne.
Alyssa holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne and a BA from the College of the Holy Cross, where she competed as an NCAA Division I rower. Alyssa is the author of Aboriginal Black Power and the Rise of the Australian Black Panther Party, 1967–1972, published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2021.
Lauren Caldarera is a strategist focused on place-based solutions that expand economic opportunity and drive neighborhood transformation. At MCC, she leads workforce, education, and entrepreneurship initiatives in Houston’s Gulfton/Sharpstown neighborhood. Previously, Lauren founded Projects-Matter, a consulting firm supporting early-stage nonprofits and startups with funding strategies and capacity building. She served as Development Director at TXRX Labs, where she secured the funding to launch the East End Maker Hub, a large-scale manufacturing incubator in Houston’s East End. Earlier in her career, Lauren developed global programs and partnerships at 2- and 4-year academic institutions, with a focus on capacity building and experiential learning initiatives in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. She serves on the board of Bayou Microfund and designs community-rooted models that support women, newcomers, and underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Caleb Kurowski is a grass-roots community organizer who uses his experience both abroad and at home to lift newcomers’ voices and support them as they drive the change they want to see in their own neighborhoods. Caleb spent 10 years working abroad as a language teacher, refugee resettlement case manager, and youth mentor. In Germany, he worked primarily with Syrian refugees, helping them acclimate to their new home. In Jordan and Egypt, he helped college-aged youth prepare both academically and logistically for study abroad in Europe and the United States. He brought these community development skills along with fluency in Arabic to Connect Community in 2023 to run several programs, including the Community Connector program, the Translator Corps, and a new ESL program based on a successful German model.
We thrive on collaboration, community, and connection, believing the strongest outcomes are created when people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Stephen Maney brings a unique blend of corporate systems expertise and hands-on technical skill to MCC. With a background in managing complex operations, Stephen ensures the day-to-day functionality of Fabric Forge—from streamlining processes to fixing sewing machines on the fly. His leadership helps keep Fabric Forge running smoothly as a hub for workforce training, entrepreneurship, and small-batch production.
My Connect Community is dedicated to collaborating with aligned partners who share our vision of building stronger, more connected neighborhoods—working together to amplify impact and create lasting change.
Carie-Anne is a dynamic community leader with over 15 years of experience in program development, community engagement, and operational management. Currently, she spearheads innovative textile makerspace initiatives while creating specialized ESL, digital literacy, and vocational training programs for refugee and immigrant women. She also establishes dynamic youth engagement initiatives including summer camps and out-of-school-time classes and workshops at MCC. Previously, she led programming for three STEM-focused centers in Houston serving 1,500 community members annually, expanding partnership-based initiatives and orchestrating the successful opening of two digital learning centers. Carie-Anne brings expertise in STEM education, curriculum design, strategic partnerships, and community outreach to every project she undertakes.
Kimi shines a spotlight on the incredible people, programs, and possibilities in Gulfton and Sharpstown. A firm believer in the power of storytelling (and strong coffee), Kimi brings a global perspective to local work—she is fluent in Spanish and has lived and worked around the world, including a stint in a Chilean copper mine. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Whittier College. When Kimi’s not crafting content or building buzz, you’ll find her on the trails or adventuring with her two amazing kids and beloved dog Ripley.
Ahmad Sultani is a seasoned operations and customer service professional with more than 20 years of international and U.S. experience. As an Operations and Facilities Coordinator, he brings strong organizational, logistical, and problem-solving skills to support efficient, people-centered workplaces. Fluent in five languages, Ahmad excels in cross-cultural communication and building trust with diverse teams and communities.
Prior to his current role, Ahmad worked as an Auto Sales Consultant with Group 1 Automotive Corporation. His career also includes significant leadership experience as an Administrative Manager with the CARD-F Agriculture Development Project and as a Warehouse and Inventory Control Manager at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. He began his professional journey in procurement with CARE International.
Ahmad studied Physics at Kabul University and Economics at Kardan University. Driven by a commitment to operational excellence and community service, he strives to create environments where individuals and teams can perform at their highest potential.
Neema Kiza brings vibrant youthful energy and a deep passion for community to her role as Associate Director of Health & Wellness, where she oversees key neighborhood initiatives including the AmeriCorps Connectors,and the Library of Things. A former Connector through the AmeriCorps program, Neema now serves in a senior leadership capacity at MCC, supporting resident-led engagement, strengthening programs, and fostering meaningful relationships across Gulfton and Sharpstown.
Neema holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University and is fluent in Swahili and Kinyarwanda. She brings a valuable cultural lens to her work—and when she’s off the clock, she’s a foodie who loves discovering new local restaurants.
