STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Nadine Shaw Abram, 57, of Sunnyside, a passionate leader in education and tireless volunteer who had a tremendous impact on hundreds of underrepresented and disadvantaged students on Staten Island, died March 14, her family said.
Remembered for her kindness, unwavering dedication to helping others and lifelong commitment to education, Abram was a founding member of the Staten Island chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., a leadership organization for African American mothers and their children which focuses on educational programming, cultural awareness and civic responsibility.
Throughout her life, she remained deeply committed to empowering young minds, fostering their academic and professional successes for more than 30 years, while helping to promote equitable educational opportunities for all students, her husband said.
She was known to be a trailblazer in the fields of event and media management, television production, instructional technology and science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
As the director of the Science and Technology Entry Program and Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program at the College of Staten Island for the past six years, she made a significant impact on the lives of more than 400 underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students.
She fostered students’ engagement with the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as other licensed professions, such as law, social work and accounting.
She implemented and innovated courses and workshops, including those in forensic science, biology laboratories, coding, animation and robotics for middle school and high school students at CSI.
“Nadine was the heart and soul of a community that provided access to STEM fields for a large number of students in a safe and caring environment,‘’ said Dr. Ralf Peetz, dean of science and technology at the Sunnyside school.
Commitment to service
Beginning in 2024, Abram served as the first president of the Staten Island Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., which was charted in 2025.
“She was a visionary leader, devoted community member, wife and mother, and the driving force behind the establishment of The Staten Island chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.,” said Kim Smith, treasurer of the Staten Island chapter. “Nadine touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her, and to us, her Jack and Jill Sisters, her absence leaves a void that words cannot fill.”
She was also affiliated with several other non-profit organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Baptist Ministers’ Wives and Widows of Greater New York and Surrounding Vicinities, Black Women for Black Girls, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People — Staten Island, and the Association for Program Administrators of CSTEP and STEP.
Born in Brooklyn, Abram attended the Roy H. Mann Junior High, and Music & Arts High School, now LaGuardia High School, where her musical and artistic abilities flourished.
A beloved voice at Brooklyn Temple SDA Church in her youth, her performances inspired the congregation and led to opportunities to sing with gospel greats, like Timothy Wright and other renowned artists.
Abram and her mother, Naomi Shaw, became founding members of D.A.W.N. Christian Fellowship, in Brooklyn, a ministry established by her uncle, who served as its founder and pastor.
As a member of The Trio, a worship group formed within the church, Abram’s rich alto voice became the glue that bound their signature harmonic blend, her family said.
Through outdoor ministry — singing in subway stations and at community events — she played a vital role in expanding the church’s reach and growing its congregation.
She came to Staten Island in 2012, and in 2013, her husband, Marvin, was appointed pastor of United Missionary Baptist Church, Brownsville, Brooklyn, allowing her to embrace her role as “First Lady” of the church.
More than just a pastor’s wife, Abram was the heart and soul of United Missionary Baptist Church, church members said.
Singer, performer
As a singer and performer, she graced the stages nationally with her signature song, “Stormy Weather” by Etta James.
In 1982, she was the 1985 New York state winner of the prestigious Hal Jackson Talented Teens International Competition. In 1994, she was first runner up in the Miss New York State Pageant.
She held a Bachelor of Science degree in communications from Ithaca College, and a Master of Arts degree in media management from Towson University, Maryland.
Prior to her career in education, she worked in television and radio production as a GraduateExtern for WBAL-TV and WMAR-TV in Baltimore.
She also worked as a reporter, producer and anchor for WBAL, 99.5 FM, New York, and served as international director for Hal Jackson’s Talented Teen International Pageant.
Prior to her work at CSI, she was the director of the Media Production and Technology Center at Essex County College, Newark, where she taught classes in communication, technical writing and leadership development.
Abram also delivered professional training workshops on leadership, workplace professionalism and career advancement for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU-32BJ).
In addition to her husband, the Rev. Marvin; she is survived by a daughter, Madison, as well as a stepson, Gary; two grandchildren and her brother, Robert.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 4, with a musical tribute held in her honor. On Saturday, April 5, a Celebration of Life will take place at 8 a.m. in the Antioch Baptist Church of Brooklyn.
