Penny is Founder and CEO of A.C.T., Inc. – Adults Caring for Teens, a non-profit organisation based in New York. An advocate for social justice and equality, Penny founded A.C.T., Inc. to provide mentoring programs and services to youth and families who are often under-served and/or over-looked due to life circumstances associated with socio-economic deprivation. Her research examines the benefits of mentor/mentee relationships and how such interactions can positively alter the trajectories of young people.

Under Penny’s leadership, A.C.T. Inc has cultivated professional collaborations and partnerships with federal, state and local municipalities, community and faith-based organisations, and educational institutions. In 2009, A.C.T., Inc. implemented a mentoring programme in Haiti to provide leadership and community development support. Penny is also a Trustee and Community Liaison at SUNY-Rockland Community College where she is charged with the responsibility of developing and implementing policies for higher education.