About Us
At Long Island Strong Schools, we are dedicated to fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and inclusivity in Long Island's public schools.
About Us
At Long Island Strong Schools, we are dedicated to fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and inclusivity in
Long Island's public schools.
About Us
At Long Island Strong Schools, we are dedicated to fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and inclusivity in Long Island's public schools.
Our Mission
Long Island Strong Schools Alliance (LISSA) is a nonprofit organization founded in June, 2021. Our mission is to support policies that strengthen education in our public schools, with a focus on critical thinking skills, civic engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion. LISSA provides resources, organizational help, and information to parents, teachers, students, and community members.
LISSA does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the law.
We are building our team. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out!
Aisha Wilson-Carter
president
Aisha Wilson-Carter is a mother, wife, educator, and concerned citizen. She has spent most of her career learning, teaching, tutoring, and mentoring faculty and future teachers. On her path to DEI strategist, Aisha has focused on developing inclusive initiatives, and curriculum, and facilitating workshops for educators, parents, and students. Her research centers on academic support, equity, access, social capital, anti-bias curriculum, and antiracist pedagogy.Aisha holds an Ed.D in Administrative Leadership, a BA in Mass Communications, and an MFA in Creative Writing. As a lifelong learner, she understands that an inclusive and accurate K-12 curriculum, free from propaganda, is essential to securing America's future as a world leader and beacon of hope.
Nancy Goroff
treasurer
Nancy is a scientist and educator. For over 2 decades, she taught and ran her own research lab at Stony Brook University. In 2019, she stepped down as Chair of the Chemistry Department to run for Congress in NY-01. She serves as President of the nonprofit Gallery North in Setauket, and also serves on the board of the Institute for Digital Media and Child Development and the National Advisory Board of the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Nancy’s children both attended Three Village public schools and graduated from Ward Melville HS. She believes that every child deserves a supportive school environment where they can thrive and learn the skills they need to succeed.
Diana Peña-Shuffler
secretary
Diana Peña-Shuffler is a licensed behavioral analyst who has helped students with behavioral challenges at home, in the classroom and in the community. Diana’s compassion and commitment to families and communities drive her work and her leadership at LISSA.
A mom of two young children, her involvement with LISSA began from a desire to ensure that her kindergartner had the best school experience possible. Passionate about diversity and inclusion in education, Diana enjoys making a difference directly and working with others who care deeply about youth and their future. She finds inspiration in promoting strong school systems where students feel safe and loved, and where they learn not only academics but also the vital role diversity plays in our communities.
Kendra Cornejo Muñoz
Board Member
Kendra Cornejo Muñoz is the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants and calls Brentwood, Long Island her home. Kendra has always been interested in issues of equity and education, especially as it relates to young people. She earned a dual Bachelor’s degree in History and Ethnic Studies from Brown University. Professionally, Kendra has been organizing for over a decade. She began union organizing with the AFL-CIO and now works organizing young people to dismantle the school-to-prison and school-to-deportation pipeline.
All students deserve to feel safe and respected in schools, regardless of race, immigration status or gender identity. Kendra recently ran for the school board in Brentwood and although she didn't win this time, she continues to be a fierce advocate for DEI across Long Island.
Amanda Cohen Stein
Past President
Our Mission
Long Island Strong Schools Alliance (LISSA) is a nonprofit organization founded in June, 2021. Our mission is to support policies that strengthen education in our public schools, with a focus on critical thinking skills, civic engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion. LISSA provides resources, organizational help, and information to parents, teachers, students, and community members.
LISSA does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the law.
We are building our team. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out!
Aisha Wilson-Carter
president
Aisha Wilson-Carter is a mother, wife, educator, and concerned citizen. She has spent most of her career learning, teaching, tutoring, and mentoring faculty and future teachers. On her path to DEI strategist, Aisha has focused on developing inclusive initiatives, and curriculum, and facilitating workshops for educators, parents, and students. Her research centers on academic support, equity, access, social capital, anti-bias curriculum, and antiracist pedagogy.Aisha holds an Ed.D in Administrative Leadership, a BA in Mass Communications, and an MFA in Creative Writing. As a lifelong learner, she understands that an inclusive and accurate K-12 curriculum, free from propaganda, is essential to securing America's future as a world leader and beacon of hope.
Nancy Goroff
treasurer
Nancy is a scientist and educator. For over 2 decades, she taught and ran her own research lab at Stony Brook University. In 2019, she stepped down as Chair of the Chemistry Department to run for Congress in NY-01. She serves as President of the nonprofit Gallery North in Setauket, and also serves on the board of the Institute for Digital Media and Child Development and the National Advisory Board of the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Nancy’s children both attended Three Village public schools and graduated from Ward Melville HS. She believes that every child deserves a supportive school environment where they can thrive and learn the skills they need to succeed.
Diana Peña-Shuffler
secretary
Diana Peña-Shuffler is a licensed behavioral analyst who has helped students with behavioral challenges at home, in the classroom and in the community. Diana’s compassion and commitment to families and communities drive her work and her leadership at LISSA.
A mom of two young children, her involvement with LISSA began from a desire to ensure that her kindergartner had the best school experience possible. Passionate about diversity and inclusion in education, Diana enjoys making a difference directly and working with others who care deeply about youth and their future. She finds inspiration in promoting strong school systems where students feel safe and loved, and where they learn not only academics but also the vital role diversity plays in our communities.
Kendra Cornejo Muñoz
Board Member
Kendra Cornejo Muñoz is the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants and calls Brentwood, Long Island her home. Kendra has always been interested in issues of equity and education, especially as it relates to young people. She earned a dual Bachelor’s degree in History and Ethnic Studies from Brown University. Professionally, Kendra has been organizing for over a decade. She began union organizing with the AFL-CIO and now works organizing young people to dismantle the school-to-prison and school-to-deportation pipeline.
All students deserve to feel safe and respected in schools, regardless of race, immigration status or gender identity. Kendra recently ran for the school board in Brentwood and although she didn't win this time, she continues to be a fierce advocate for DEI across Long Island.
Amanda Cohen Stein
Past President
Our Mission
Long Island Strong Schools Alliance (LISSA) is a nonprofit organization founded in June, 2021. Our mission is to support policies that strengthen education in our public schools, with a focus on critical thinking skills, civic engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion. LISSA provides resources, organizational help, and information to parents, teachers, students, and community members.
LISSA does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the law.
We are building our team. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out!
Aisha Wilson-Carter
president
Aisha Wilson-Carter is a mother, wife, educator, and concerned citizen. She has spent most of her career learning, teaching, tutoring, and mentoring faculty and future teachers. On her path to DEI strategist, Aisha has focused on developing inclusive initiatives, and curriculum, and facilitating workshops for educators, parents, and students. Her research centers on academic support, equity, access, social capital, anti-bias curriculum, and antiracist pedagogy.Aisha holds an Ed.D in Administrative Leadership, a BA in Mass Communications, and an MFA in Creative Writing. As a lifelong learner, she understands that an inclusive and accurate K-12 curriculum, free from propaganda, is essential to securing America's future as a world leader and beacon of hope.
Nancy Goroff
treasurer
Nancy is a scientist and educator. For over 2 decades, she taught and ran her own research lab at Stony Brook University. In 2019, she stepped down as Chair of the Chemistry Department to run for Congress in NY-01. She serves as President of the nonprofit Gallery North in Setauket, and also serves on the board of the Institute for Digital Media and Child Development and the National Advisory Board of the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Nancy’s children both attended Three Village public schools and graduated from Ward Melville HS. She believes that every child deserves a supportive school environment where they can thrive and learn the skills they need to succeed.
Diana Peña-Shuffler
secretary
Diana Peña-Shuffler is a licensed behavioral analyst who has helped students with behavioral challenges at home, in the classroom and in the community. Diana’s compassion and commitment to families and communities drive her work and her leadership at LISSA.
A mom of two young children, her involvement with LISSA began from a desire to ensure that her kindergartner had the best school experience possible. Passionate about diversity and inclusion in education, Diana enjoys making a difference directly and working with others who care deeply about youth and their future. She finds inspiration in promoting strong school systems where students feel safe and loved, and where they learn not only academics but also the vital role diversity plays in our communities.
Kendra Cornejo Muñoz
Board Member
Kendra Cornejo Muñoz is the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants and calls Brentwood, Long Island her home. Kendra has always been interested in issues of equity and education, especially as it relates to young people. She earned a dual Bachelor’s degree in History and Ethnic Studies from Brown University. Professionally, Kendra has been organizing for over a decade. She began union organizing with the AFL-CIO and now works organizing young people to dismantle the school-to-prison and school-to-deportation pipeline.
All students deserve to feel safe and respected in schools, regardless of race, immigration status or gender identity. Kendra recently ran for the school board in Brentwood and although she didn't win this time, she continues to be a fierce advocate for DEI across Long Island.
Amanda Cohen Stein
Past President
Our Schools Need You—
Take Action Today!
It’s not enough to care—we have to act. Stand with parents, students, and educators to protect inclusive, well-funded schools across Long Island. Your voice matters. Let’s create change together.
Our Schools Need You—
Take Action Today!
It’s not enough to care—we have to act. Stand with parents, students, and educators to protect inclusive, well-funded schools across Long Island. Your voice matters. Let’s create change together.