21 & Change Appoints Four New Members to Board of Directors

TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2023) — The 21 & Change, Inc. Board of Directors unanimously appointed Janet Caramello, Senior Major Gift Officer at Moffit Cancer; Madelin Ghomshe, Senior Analyst at Datassential; Nicholas Coccodrilli, Senior Investment Analysis Manager with Colliers; and Emily Amell, Registered Behavior Therapist at Elemy Therapy.

Clayton Clemens, President of 21 & Change said, “We are extremely excited to bring four new talented and passionate individuals into the 21 & Change family. Their track record for success and influence within the disabled community will pay dividends for the children and families we serve and will enhance our organization’s impact throughout Florida.”

Caramello, MBA CAP® CFRE, is Visionary business executive, non-profit leader, and strategic fundraiser with over two decades of top performance in development, public relations, marketing, relationship management, community relations, budgeting, governance, and strategic planning.

She has a strong history as a community advocate and social entrepreneur contributing to a professional and volunteer capacity to help disadvantaged and special needs children and assist with community and faith based educational initiatives and resources. Caramello is a lifelong student of leadership, sales, and management, and her work has included for-profit, not-for-profit, and government organizations as a tri-sector leader.

She is dedicated to the highest achievement in all endeavors, including building and running a 10-million-dollar real estate team, a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE), and a non-profit executive. She has excellent leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, including strong public speaking, media relations, and written communication.

“As a longtime advocate for people with disabilities and the mother of a daughter with Down syndrome, the mission of 21 & Change is important to me.   It is an honor to join their board to contribute with this great organization to impact change in the community,” Caramello said.

Emily Amell holds her certification as a lead Registered Behavior Therapist and has a passion for aiding in the process of helping children with disabilities live sustainably and happily. Amell currently works for a tech company that provides nonprofits with software.

Amell attended Syracuse University, where she was a Division 1 four-year letter winner on the women’s lacrosse team. She was the vice president of the Women in Sports Club, part of the nonprofit Team IMPACT, and volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of Syracuse.

Amell is the head defensive coordinator for a travel lacrosse program that involves over 500 girls and boys. She has a select national team of high schoolers for which she is the head coach.  Emily works with all ages on key plans to excel individual and team goals.

“I joined 21 & Change to advocate for people who deserve an education, inclusion, and a fair chance at excelling in this world. I believe in 21 & Changes’ mission and want to aid in the growth of the non-profit to reach its full potential,” Amell said.

Ghomshe grew up in the Tampa Bay Area and returned after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Florida State University. With over seven years of market research experience in various industries, ranging from county governments to food manufacturers. In addition to her research expertise, Ghomshe is experienced in client and project management, traditional and digital marketing, business development, and retail sales.

While Ghomshe is exceptionally meticulous, analytical, and attentive to detail, her passion lies in fitness. Ghomshe has competed in amateur bodybuilding and loves being able to connect with the Tampa community through teaching yoga.

Her love for working out ultimately led her to 21 & Change after participating in the annual flagship event, Champions for Change. Ghomshe realized how much the non-profit resonated with her and felt the mission and vision were incredibly genuine. She is beyond grateful and excited to continue making positive changes in her community.

“Advocating for human rights, the opportunity to discover your full potential, inclusion, and education are extremely intuitive for me. Knowing it is also intuitive for 21 & Change is why their vision resonates strongly with me and is so pure. Ensuring people with developmental disabilities are treated as equals in all circumstances is an important cause and a no-brainer for me to support. As a newly elected board member, I believe I offer fresh perspective and energy,” Ghomshe said.

Coccodrilli has served as a volunteer at 21 & Change’s Annual Flagship Fundraiser event (Champions for Change) for the past two years. As a Senior Financial Analyst at Colliers, he has contributed over a billion dollars in commercial real estate transactions.

Coccodrilli has a history of service and leadership, as the President of Theta Chi fraternity at the University of Tampa for two years and having led the fraternity’s philanthropic efforts with the USO, American Cancer Society, and other university priorities. He currently serves as the alumni advisor for Theta Chi fraternity at The University of Tampa, helping shape and lead young men in Tampa Bay.

Coccodrilli joined Colliers in the Fall of 2018 as a Senior Financial Analyst. At Colliers, his responsibilities included administration of team operations, acquisitions and dispositions advisory, asset management advisory, business development, underwriting, and business consulting. In early 2022, Coccodrilli was promoted to Senior Investment Analysis Manager. He specializes in the National Multifamily/Student Housing sector but has also had abundant experience working with Development, Office, and Retail. Before joining Colliers, he worked with the National Seniors Housing and Medical Office Team for Marcus and Millichap. Additionally, Coccodrilli has proven commercial consulting experience through various services from sales development, marketing, administration/management, audit, financial planning, organizational restructuring, and financial advisory. He carries a Florida Real Estate License, Argus Enterprise Certification, and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Tampa’s Sykes College of Business.

“Giving back to my community has always been at the heart of my core principles. To be affiliated with an organization that fights for those who may not have the ability or resources to fight for themselves brings me great pride. Having the ability to play even a small role in improving the welfare of members of my community and others around the state of Florida with developmental disabilities is a cause that, without question, I am honored to support! As a board member, I hope to facilitate change at an organizational and community level that leaves lasting impacts for years to come,” Coccodrilli said.

To learn more about the mission of the organization, please visit the website for more information at www.21andchange.org.

About 21 & Change, Inc.
21 & Change champions inclusion, education, and human rights for people with developmental disabilities.