THE NEW DIRECTIONS TEAM
We look forward to welcoming you to the New Directions family and being part of your journey!
Celeste Gamble
Executive Director
Celeste joined New Directions in February 2020 as Director of Development, and transitioned into the role of Executive Director in January 2022. She brings over 25 years of professional experience in philanthropy, management, relationship development and community building. Prior to New Directions, she held development and program management roles in the central Ohio nonprofit community. Celeste is committed to improving financial stability for women and their families and is proud to lead the New Directions team.
cgamble@newdirectionscc.org
Noni BanksDevelopment Director
Noni's unwavering commitment lies in empowering, motivating, and inspiring women to reach their full potential. Through her leadership, Noni has cultivated a global community of women dedicated to equipping themselves with the tools they need to thrive. Focused on personal development, economic empowerment, and entrepreneurship, this community is committed to elevating their lives through purposeful action. Drawing from over 20 years of professional experience in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors, Noni has consistently led community initiatives and driven impactful change across the country with a focus on empowering marginalized voices and fostering a culture of collaboration.
nbanks@newdirectionscc.org
Kat Cochrane-Yamaguchi
Program Director
Kat joined the New Directions team in May 2020 and leads a dedicated and dynamic team committed to supporting women in achieving meaningful career goals. Kat brings 20 years of professional nonprofit experience in developing, implementing and evaluating effective, evidence-based programs and services. Prior to New Directions she led affordable housing, workforce development, and adult education programs for partner nonprofits in the Central Ohio area. She is passionate about creating safe spaces and experiences for individuals to flourish and effect positive change for themselves and their communities. She holds a Master’s of Education in Curriculum Development and Teacher Leadership and a Bachelor’s of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Urban Geography, Women Studies, and Education from Miami University.
kyamaguchi@newdirectionscc.org
Ayanna Jordan
Assistant Program Director
Ayanna manages recruitment, curriculum instruction, and community partnerships for core career development courses such as Your Employment Success (YES) and AIM Group Coaching & Goal Setting Program. She also leads the Center’s marketing and communication initiatives across diverse platforms to elevate the mission, create awareness, and promote career education and support services. She is committed to purpose-filled work that provides safe, inclusive and affirming spaces for women to thrive and build community while working on their goals. Ayanna is a certified personal coach who takes a trauma-informed approach to learning development and has over 20+ years of professional experience in the higher education and nonprofit sectors – addressing equal educational access for first-generation college students and developing quality women-centered resources and programming that sparks personal growth and ignites real transformational change.
ajordan@newdirectionscc.org
Jami Phillips
Employment Specialist
Jami joined New Directions in 2009 as a center volunteer and assumed the role of Employment Consultant and Program Instructor in 2016. Jami works with graduates to explore job opportunities, customize resumes, prepare for interviews, and negotiate salary and job offers. She also build relationships with Central Ohio employers in order to connect clients to employment opportunities. Prior to New Directions, Jami spent 15 years working as a recruiter for a local search firm as well as a community volunteer serving children with special needs and their families. She hold a Bachelor degree in Communications from Bowling Green State University.
JPhillips@newdirectionscc.org
Jill Hammonds, MSW, LISW
Career Counselor
Jill joined New Directions in January 2020 and oversees the E3 program operations and tracks the success of each participant. Provides career counseling and case management services to the E3 participants. Jill earned her BA in social work from Ohio University and her Masters in social work from The Ohio State University. She has over 11 years of vocational rehabilitation counseling experience as well as 5 years of program management experience. Jill values assisting others in achieving their success and walking alongside them in their journey.
jhammonds@newdirectionscc.org
Amanda Smith, MSW, LISW
Career Counselor
Through Tech Women of Color (TWOC), a program in partnership with Per Scholas Columbus, Amanda provides individual case management, goal setting, plan development, and career coaching sessions; partnering with TWOC learners & graduates as they develop and execute their individual plans with a focus on holistic aspects such as supportive services, financial wellness, and goal setting and achievement. Amanda is a licensed social worker who facilitates group career counseling via Tech Talks – small-group sessions that support personal and professional wellbeing by providing a safe, affirming space to deeply explore diverse topic content and practices. She enjoys meeting people where they are and supporting them in the process of working through their career or small business goals. Amanda is a fierce advocate for women of color and brings this passion daily to help improve the career and small business landscape for those she serves.
asmith@newdirectionscc.org
Diane Souder
Office Manager
Diane joined New Directions as Office Manager in February 2024 after spending 15 years working in the financial services industry. She also brings experience in human resources management and many years of volunteering in schools and in the community. Diane’s role at New Directions includes program administration and support, partnership and event coordination, and operations management. She is thrilled to be a part of this staff, supporting clients to thrive and reach their potential. She holds her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Labor and Human Resources both from The Ohio State University.
dsouder@newdirectionscc.org