About Mayor's Staff

Genesis Ortega is the Communications Manager for the City of Allentown. She oversees all internal and external communications, including graphic design, social media, and video content. She previously served as a Regional Affairs and Politics Reporter for a local NPR-affiliated station and was an on-air personality for PBS39 and WLVR News 91.3 FM. Genesis also worked for former U.S. Congressman Charlie Dent. She graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in International Management and French from Moravian College.

Michaela Boyer is the Project Manager for the Mayor's Office. Her focus is managing strategic initiatives to advance the Mayor's vision, as well as managing the legislative process for the Administration. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Muhlenberg College.

Kumari Ghafoor-Davis, MSW, is the People & Culture Specialist for the City of Allentown. Formerly, she was the Director of Racial Ethnic Justice at Community Action Lehigh Valley, where she led the Color Outside the Lines initiative to close racial, wealth, and equity gaps in the Lehigh Valley. With over 30 years of experience in human and social services, including 20 years in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Acceptance, and Belonging (DEIAB), Kumari is a Columbia University School of Social Work graduate. She has dedicated her career to economic, educational, housing, racial/ethnic, and criminal justice.

Laura Ballek Cole is the Manager of Civic Innovation for the City of Allentown. She focuses on fostering a more collaborative and data-driven environment within the City. Laura was most recently a Program Director with New Urban Mechanics in the Mayor's Office in Boston. Before that, she co-founded a non-profit aimed at enhancing civic and community engagement. Laura began her career with Americorps as a tutor and teacher in Miami, Florida, and the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish from NYU.

Jay Lopez is the Special Assistant to the Mayor. She manages the Mayor's Office, including the Mayor's schedule, and leads constituent services for resident concerns. She joined the City of Allentown in 2010, serving initially in the Health Bureau and later as the Office Manager for the Building Maintenance Bureau in the Public Works Department. Jay is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from East Stroudsburg University.

Odemaris Lamboy is the Front Desk Receptionist at City Hall. Known for her excellent customer service skills, she is dedicated to assisting residents and serving the community. Odemaris graduated from Liberty High School and studied Architectural Engineering at Penn State University and Northampton Community College.

Katherine Mako is the Graphic Designer for the City of Allentown. She manages the City's brand across print, digital, billboard, and other media. As an artist and photographer, Katherine specializes in digital art, branding, and dynamic design. She earned an associate's degree in Communication Design - Print & Web from Northampton Community College in 2022.

Chelsea Koerbler White is the Video Content Manager for the City of Allentown. She produces and captures media content focused on both short and long-format video storytelling through social media and other platforms. Chelsea previously worked as a reporter and anchor at NBC, CBS, and FOX stations in Harrisburg, PA, Evansville, IN, and Lewes, DE. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Temple University.