Meet the Team

At 17 years old, Zach started Project Pantree as a senior at County Prep High School. He now attends Rutgers University, where he plans to pursue a major in Finance and a minor in Political Science. He is currently the Supervisor of the Junior Board member at the Youth Foundation of Jersey City, where he assists in raising thousands of dollars to support the youth of Jersey City. He served on the Hudson County Schools of Technology Board of Education for the 2023-2024 school year, being a voice for the thousands of district students, and serves as an Advisory Council Member for the HCST Foundation. Being born and raised in Jersey City, he recognizes the importance of giving back and staying involved in his community.

Contact: zacharyyabut@gmail.com

Schantal Carrasco, a rising Senior at County Prep High School has a multitude of experience in community engagement. As an Audio/Visual Production major, she works to produce videos for her school and organizations including Whole Spectrum Autism and the Youth Foundation of Jersey City. She has also represented Hudson County at the Ms. Teen New Jersey pageant.

Contact: schantalcarrasco@gmail.com

At 17 years old, Norma Sarofiem is the manager of Project PanTree and is committed to serving her community. She is a Senior at County Prep High School and a Junior Board member at the Youth Foundation of Jersey City, where she actively contributes to initiatives benefiting local youth. In addition, Norma serves as the social media director for Elpida NYC and is the captain of her flag football team for Dickinson High School. Outside of her leadership roles, she works as a lifeguard and waitress, and in her free time, she enjoys volunteering. Norma lives by her motto “Choose Happiness”, which drives her passion for making a positive impact in everything she does.

Contact: sarofiemnorma@gmail.com 

Jahnea Alejandrino, a 16 year old Filipina junior at High Tech High School is the coordinator of Project Pantree. Having a love of the arts and culture, she enjoys digital media, editing, filming as a Audio/Visual major, singing, acting, playing the piano and volunteering around her hometown, Jersey City. In addition she is apart of the Hudson County Youth Leadership Team and is an active Peer Leader at her school.

Contact: jahneaalejandrino@gmail.com

Mateo Cole is a 15 year old Sophomore Audio/Visual Production major at County Prep High School. With over a year and a half of experience in freelance photography which includes taking and editing photos of all kinds. His experience ranges from being an active member of the media team for the Youth Foundation of Jersey City and the Whole Spectrum Autism Organization.

Contact: mcole@hcstonline.org

As a motivated high school student with a strong background in leadership, teamwork, and event organization, Tisha is excited to serve as the Treasurer of Project PanTree. Through her experience in student council and organizing cultural and fundraising events, she has developed valuable skills in budgeting, event logistics, and community outreach. She has coordinated events such as Multicultural Day, talent shows, and awareness campaigns while working closely with peers and teachers to manage finances, ensure smooth operations, and encourage participation. My volunteer work with local community programs, including fundraising and food distribution, fuels my passion for helping others and drives my commitment to supporting the mission of Project Pantree.

Contact: tishaawasthi9@gmail.com