Passionate People Driving Positive Change Together

Dwayne R. Norris is the Co-Founder & COO of Soulful Synergy, LLC. Through his work, Dwayne seeks to address systemic issues that affect disadvantaged communities by providing transformational services, designed to improve lives and create long term, sustainable development.

As Soulful Synergy COO, Dwayne is responsible for overseeing day to day operations, developing strategic partnerships and working with stakeholders to design programs that create impact in our community. Dwayne aides in the design of curated curricula for career advancement that encompass classroom training, hands-on vocational training, communication and soft skills training, financial literacy training, covered resume writing and assistance with job placement and career advancement. Dwayne manages multi-million dollar workforce development programs for government and private funded institutions; engages community partners across the state of New York to re-design and implement training programs that have succeeded in training more than 5,000 people for careers in the construction industry, clean energy industry, and security industry to name a few.

Dwayne R. Norris was born July 14, 1985 at Bronx Municipal Hospital, Bronx, NY. He is the youngest of three children born to Vienna & Robin Norris, natives of the island of Barbados. Dwayne’s parents instilled in him from a young age the importance of education and the need to live life with integrity and compassion. These lessons have stuck with him throughout his life. At the age of seven he and his family moved to New Mexico where his father was a professor at the Armand Hammer United World College of the American West; a two-year international baccalaureate school, enrolling 200 students annually from around the world and representing 80 different countries. This unique exposure to a wide array of cultures, personalities, and ideas has been a defining part of his development. Dwayne proudly serves as board member for New York based nonprofit, Active Plus, whose mission is to improve the lives of our youth through health, fitness, leadership and nutrition education. Active Plus is dedicated to bringing more equity and inclusion to sports, mental and physical health through customized programming. Dwayne is a long time martial artist, teacher and practitioner of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do since 2008. He believes in the vital connection of mind, body and soul. Recreationally he plays soccer, basketball, and tennis. Dwayne is the Board Chair for the Rotary Club of Harlem Foundation and was recently appointed by Westchester County Executive, George Latimer to serve on his African American Advisory Board where he sits on the Economic Development Committee. He is a recipient of the Business Council of Westchester’s “40 under 40 Rising Star” award and the Brooklyn Crown Heights Lions Club “Community Service Award” amongst other achievements.

Dwayne has a deep unwavering commitment to the needs of underserved communities.

Alejandro Alvarez is the CEO and Co-Founder of Soulful Synergy. He designs training programs and curricula for an evolving marketplace in order to meet employers’ demands.

Since 2013, under Alejandro’s leadership, Soulful Synergy has trained thousands of NYC and Westchester residents both in English and Spanish to prepare them for job opportunities in the construction, energy efficiency, tech, security, and urban farming industries. Soulful Synergy has helped to employ hundreds of program graduates to meet the demand of an ever changing workforce. 

Currently, Alejandro is working with many local agencies in partnership to provide workforce training. He has also been instrumental in spearheading a city wide Urban Farming initiative with a few New Rochelle partner agencies, including WestCOP, New Rochelle Community Action Partnership, The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, New Rochelle Municipal Housing and Heritage Homes.

Alejandro is a founding member of Generation Now New Rochelle, and is a My Brother’s Keeper New Rochelle Fellowship Mentor. Most recently, he has been a recipient of the Business Council of Westchester 2020 Rising Stars Award.

David supports outreach, communications, and creative engagement efforts at Soulful Synergy. Through graphic design, digital media, social media campaigns, and workforce development initiatives, he helps connect communities to training opportunities and clean energy career pathways.

Adrian Antonio Paling has over 12 years experience in Workforce and Community Development managing programs throughout New York City. Adrian Currently serves as the Career Services Specialist for Soulful Synergy. Prior to joining the Soulful Synergy Team, Adrian served as Program Director for the Woodside Queens Jobs-Plus Program, funded by NYC Human Resource Administration, Adrian successfully launched and managed an employment focused program for Woodside NYCHA residents offering job placement, access to education and training, and mental wellness support. From 2016 to 2021, Adrian was part of the leadership team for Equus Workforce Solutions helping to manage the Bronx Workforce1 Career Centers connecting job seekers to employment opportunities in a variety of different sectors.

Andre supports program operations and data coordination efforts that help keep Soulful Synergy’s workforce development initiatives organized, efficient, and impactful. His work focuses on streamlining processes, managing data, and supporting program success.

Jeremy oversees operational support and industrial security initiatives at Soulful Synergy. He brings strong leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills to help ensure programs and site operations run effectively and safely.

WD leads Soulful Synergy’s decarbonization and electrification initiatives while overseeing operational strategy and program efficiency. With extensive experience in clean energy and sustainability, he helps ensure workforce development programs remain impactful, industry-aligned, and community-focused.

Anushka supports workforce development initiatives that expand equitable access to careers within New York’s clean energy economy. She works across industry, community, and public-sector partnerships to help design and implement impactful workforce training programs.

Amira Rachouh thrives where data, people, and mission collide — drawing on a background across education, operations, and workforce development. At Soulful Synergy, she supports programs through data analysis, coordination, and process improvement while contributing to initiatives that connect communities to career opportunities in emerging industries.

Shanira is dedicated to creating positive change through workforce development and community engagement. As a Lead Coordinator, she supports program operations, participant success, and initiatives that empower individuals through education and career development.

I hold a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Psychology, and currently a doctoral student. Combining my knowledge and experience of governance and human behavior to drive meaningful change that is intentional and promising. I love creating a platform that people with integrity, accountability, and transparency has shaped my career and I as an experienced and dedicated professional, I am passionate about making a positive impact in the community and beyond it. With over 15 plus years of service in this field, I have honed my skills and expertise to promote valuable resources that allow each person to create their own sustainability. My ethical approach ensures that I uphold the trust placed in me while advocating for a better future. Through education, hands-on training, and community service, I strive to create lasting change for all that guidance and support. When I’m not immersed in studies, you’ll find me exploring volunteering opportunities, teaching college courses, work readiness, GED prep,literacy and volunteering with organizations that share my dedication to community empowerment. My commitment to understand the importance of “service” is my service to you. Creating many opportunities that provide valuable resources is what I am known for…..I know some things and unselfishly share them with others.

I’mani serves as an instructor at Soulful Synergy, helping deliver educational and workforce development training to community members. She is passionate about supporting individuals as they build new skills, confidence, and career opportunities.

As the Outreach & Training Coordinator at Soulful Synergy, Saule plays a key role in connecting with the community and supporting the growth and development of programs. She coordinates outreach efforts to build meaningful relationships and expand organizational impact, while also organizing and facilitating trainings that empower individuals and teams.

Saule is passionate about creating inclusive spaces, sharing knowledge, and helping others build the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Through her work, she strives to strengthen community connections and support Soulful Synergy’s mission of making a positive and lasting difference.

Cheryl supports participants as they transition into new career opportunities through guidance, career readiness support, and workforce development services. She is committed to helping individuals build confidence and achieve long-term professional success.

Teraesa Metivier is the Outreach Coordinator for Soulful Synergy, LLC. Teraesa is passionate about being a steward for the environment, sustainability and reducing or addressing the negative impacts done to our environment. Teraesa has a BS in Environmental Natural Resource Science and a Masters in Environmental Management.

At Soulful Synergy, Teraesa is responsible for recruiting participants to participate in the various programs offered and for forming long lasting relationships with organizations who refer and hire graduates of our programs.