Meet Our Team
Neth Perera
President
I moved to Raleigh in 2021 and currently work as a Software Engineer. While looking to connect with my local community, I discovered Triangle YP Civitan and was drawn to its mission of giving back and fostering meaningful social connections. I joined the board in 2023 as Projects Chair, serving in that role for about a year before stepping into the President-Elect role. Outside of work and volunteering, I enjoy traveling, running, snowboarding, and hiking.
Blake Hartshorn
President Elect
I graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in Natural Resource Management in 2017 and have lived in Raleigh since 2022. I am an environmental scientist for the State of North Carolina. I found Civitan in 2023 and have been throughly enjoying this social group with a
volunteering problem ever since I joined. In my spare time I enjoy traveling to national parks, exploring local food opportunities, and experience whatever fun activities the Triangle has to offer.
Meaghan Keane
Past President
Hi, I'm Meaghan, originally from the Northeast and I've spent the last 7 years in Raleigh! I'm currently an HR Professional focusing on early talent recruitment. But my real joy comes from building meaningful relationships. So in 2021, I had the pleasure of learning about Triangle YP Civitan Group and l never looked back! It's been my biggest honor to belong to Triangle YP and getting to know all of our wonderful & altruistic members while giving back to our local community. When I'm not at work or YP events you can find me chasing beach sunsets and finding the best places in town to sit under twinkle lights, or watching my latest binge worthy TV show!
Grace Troccoli
Secretary
I'm originally from New Jersey and moved to North Carolina to attend Elon University where I graduated with my degree in Special & Elementary Education. I have been in the Triangle for the past 9 years and joined the Civitans in 2023. Being a former Girl Scout and Epsilon Sigma Alpha member, Civitans became a great way to reconnect with volunteering, give back to my community and make some new friends. I especially love volunteering with organizations that support my students. When I'm not teaching or at a Civitans event, you can catch me at a yoga class, crafting or binging reality TV.
Schuyler Putt
Treasurer
I joined Triangle YP Civitan in 2020 and now serve on the board as Treasurer. After studying engineering at Purdue University, I made my way to North Carolina where I earned my MBA at NC State (Go Pack!) and settled in Raleigh with my wife, Kaitlyn. During the week, I work as an engineer in product development, but in my free time you’ll find me photographing weddings with Kaitlyn, hitting the trails for a hike, running local races, or walking our dogs. I was drawn to Civitan for the chance to build meaningful friendships while giving back to the community.
Katy Kaltenbrun
Projects Chair
I joined Civitan in 2023 and was delighted to find a community of like-minded individuals passionate about public service. I moved to Durham in 2021 from Seattle, Washington, where I received an MPA from the University of Washington. I’ve been volunteering for much of my adult life- as a US Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines, campaigning for Obama for America, or as a scholarship application reviewer for HBCU students. In my free time, I enjoy making pottery, camping, hiking, and live music.
Lauryn Polo
Marketing Chair
Hi! I'm Lauryn, I'm originally from New Jersey. I attended High Point University with a BA in English Writing and Lenior Rhyne University with an MA in Writing. I have spent most of my career in nonprofit social media and am now in higher education. I moved to Durham in 2021 and joined Civitan in 2024. It has been one of the best decisions I've made yet. I love getting to know our members and giving back to our community. I'm an avid runner, I love being outside, watching basketball and traveling.
Maria Boza
Social Chair
Hola!! I am Maria, originally from Colombia, earned my BS in Biochemistry at the university of Central Florida and moved to Raleigh in 2020 and currently working as a scientist at the triangle. I found Civitan back in August 2024 and all I can say is that I am very happy to have joined, here I have connected with some of my dearest friends and have had the opportunity to volunteer with great organizations. In my free time I am either riding my bike or running in the beautiful greenways, at the gym, reading a nice book, traveling or catching a good movie!
Leah Flanders
At Large Board member
Hi, I'm Leah. I joined Triangle YP Civitan in 2024 and have loved connecting with a community of people who are passionate about service and giving back. I graduated from NC State University (go Pack!) with a degree in Sustainable Materials and Technology and now work in the wood composites industry, focusing on innovation and product development. Originally from North Carolina, I’m always looking for ways to stay involved locally and make a positive impact. In my free time, I enjoy fitness classes, trying new recipes, and spending time with my dog, Bandit!