About Us – Keys 2 Success

OUR MISSION

Keys 2 Success brings quality music education to students starting in Pre-K in the most underserved areas of Newark. Our free, daily piano lessons are delivered in a group setting in the students' own environment, where teachers and volunteers work to remove barriers and support students as they develop into future leaders.

OUR VALUES

Equity Focused - We commit to equity in all levels and aspects of our organization; to provide support proportional to the barriers each individual faces to quality resources

Community Aligned - We commit to learn about the communities we serve, adapting our approach and allowing ourselves to be transformed in the process.

Longevity Driven - We commit to sustained investment in the individuals and communities we serve.

Partnership Centered - We commit to partnering with diverse stakeholders to effect lasting systemic change; we believe healthy communication and conflict resolution is the foundation for developing trusting and loyal relationships.

Individual Empowerment - We commit to creating an environment where individuals have agency over their success and feel safe to be their authentic self with self-advocacy ultimately paving the way for community leadership.

OUR PEOPLE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wander Richardson - Board President

Wander Richardson, a lifelong resident of Newark, New Jersey, is a dedicated supporter of educational organizations for youth and parents. She is a Citizen Emergency Response Team member and a former board member for People with Homes, advocating for the homeless. With a distinguished 43-year career, Wander retired from the NJ Civil Service, including decades at the Office of the Attorney General. Wander has also served as a CWA Union Board Member for the State of NJ. Her community involvement includes being a member of Newark Resident Public Safety. Proud of successfully raising three children who attended Catholic schools and are now accomplished adults, Wander continues to give back by volunteering transportation for seniors using walkers and canes. She is passionate about motivating individuals and sharing valuable community and health information.

Martha Baez - Board Member

Martha Baez is the Senior Vice President of Land Banking Operations at Invest Newark. Prior to joining Invest Newark, Martha spent almost 16 years in the City of Newark, Department of Economic and Housing Development, under the Division of Property Management. Martha was responsible for real estate activities involved in the acquisition, disposition and/or management of city owned and/or leased properties. Martha earned an MPA from Rutgers University, Newark with honors (Pi Alpha Alpha) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from The City College of New York.

Phil Bingham - Board Member

Phil is the Vice-President of the Barry Harris Institute of Jazz. He is also a Minister of Music Emeritus for Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn, NY. Mr. Bingham is a music consultant with the New York City vicinity School Districts, and the cover conductor of The Barry Harris 50-Year Concert Retrospective Concert Band, Orchestra and Choir. He is a composer, arranger, and conference leader. He has conducted professional development workshops for both the secular and sacred music communities. Some examples of his presentations are “Worship Intentionally”, “Worship Intonationally”, “Worship Contoured”, and “Worship with a discernible bridge to the various music traditions.” In addition to his board responsibilities, Phil works directly with the students and is a valuable mentor for them.

Renée Simms Frank - Board Treasurer

Renée is a community partner and volunteer, committed to helping others through the spirit of service. She is the current Vice President of the Fortnightly Club. She is a core volunteer at Bridges Outreach, focused on their Newark outreach runs. She also leads Bridges’ Teens Tackle Homelessness program and is a Meals on Wheels volunteer through Sage Eldercare. Prior to dedicating her time to community-based organizations, Renee spent her career in the financial industry. Renee hails from the San Francisco Bay Area and studied literature at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Outside of volunteerism, Renee is passionate about family, travel, reading and making art.

Kristin Lorenzo - Board Secretary

Kristin Lorenzo leads engagement with investors, including asset managers, banks, private equity and asset owners, to inform their decarbonization strategies and near-term action. She has worked in relationship and product management at asset management firms, and was Head of Investor Relations for a Chilean-based real estate company. Kristin received her undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and an MBA from Babson College and is a CFA charterholder.

STAFF

Jee-Hoon Krska • STAFF FEATURE VIDEO •

Dr. Jee-Hoon Krska is the Founder of Keys 2 Success, a program enriching Newark children's lives through music education. Originating from Malaysia, she excelled as a pianist before immigrating to the US at the age of eleven, where she continued her piano studies as a scholarship student in the Juilliard pre-college program under the tutelage of Olegna Fuschi. Despite her musical talent, she pursued a Ph.D. in electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and enjoyed a successful career in the semiconductor industry. However, her involvement in Newark's Pennington Court public housing community ignited her passion for youth empowerment, leading her to establish Keys 2 Success in 2016. Dr. Krska actively contributes to Arts Ed Newark and advocates for diversity and inclusion in various organizations, embodying her commitment to making a positive impact on Newark's youth and communities. She is an active member of the Junior League of Summit and the Summit College Club.

Patricio Apaez • STAFF FEATURE VIDEO •

Patricio Apaez, Piano Faculty and Director of Student Services. Born in Mexico City, Patricio displayed a deep interest in classical music. He began taking lessons at age 7, experimenting with different instruments, eventually beginning serious musical training with the piano at 12. The need to seek out an intensive training as a pianist became evident, and he was accepted at the Interlochen Arts Academy, a renowned music program for high school students in the U.S.

Following high school, Patricio attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana for his B.A in piano performance. His study with Dr. Robert Palmer provided him opportunities to attend European summer festivals. There, he would take lessons with prominent teachers such as Dina Yoffe & Erin Nakagawa, as well as performing for European audiences. Following his graduation, Patricio transitioned to NYC, studying under Dr. Ronn Yedidia at the NY Piano Academy, earning a position as Assistant Faculty. Recent awards include 1st prizes at the NJMTAR, MAMTG & Golden Classical Music Awards competitions, and a performance at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall. He holds a Master's degree in Piano Performance from Brooklyn College.

Shaughnessy Price

Shaughnessy grew up just outside of Chicago, where she faced financial hardships and took on significant responsibilities as the oldest of four children. Her resilience and drive to succeed led her to excel academically and socially, and led her to initially pursue a career as an esthetician. However, Shaughnessy realized her true calling was in community service and youth empowerment. After moving to New Jersey and becoming active in the New Providence United Methodist Church’s outreach programs, she met Jee-Hoon Krska, the founder of Keys 2 Success, and felt compelled to support the organization's mission. Her experiences growing up in a predominantly white area as one of the only Black children, coupled with her family's reliance on government programs, have fostered in her a deep empathy for our students. Shaughnessy is dedicated to helping children in Newark receive the same opportunities she was given to thrive.

COLLEGE INTERNS