Jessica Vega Senior Policy Analyst, Rhode KIDS COUNT Jessica Vega is a Senior Policy Analyst at Rhode KIDS COUNT. In her role, she leads statewide policy analysis, advocacy, research, and project management in education and economic well-being. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rhode Island College, where she was awarded the 2022 Faculty…
Maria Davies Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator, Lamoille North Supervisory District in Hyde Park, VT Maria Davies lives in South Burlington, Vermont. She is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator at the Lamoille North Supervisory District in Hyde Park, Vermont. Raised in New York City, but born in Central America, she got a Bachelor’s Degree…
Ann Smith EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AFRICAN CARIBBEAN AMERICAN PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, INC., HARTFORD, CT Ann R. Smith, JD, MBA is Executive Director of African Caribbean American Parents of Children with Disabilities, Inc. (AFCAMP) commonly known as AFCAMP Advocacy for Children, a parent-led nonprofit organization headquartered in Hartford, CT. Providing resources, training and advocacy, AFCAMP…
Tracy Kelley INTERIM DIRECTOR, WÔPANÂAK LANGUAGE RECLAMATION PROJECT, MASHPEE, MA Tracy Kelley “Wunushq” is a proud member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. She was born and raised on the unceded territory of the Mashpee Wampanoag where she lives her purpose through youth work and language reclamation. She has been growing with Wôpanâôt8âôk (Wampanoag language) since…
Jennifer Weston CO-DIRECTOR, LAKOTA WELL-BEING PROJECT, STANDING ROCK SIOUX RESERVATION, NORTH & SOUTH DAKOTA Jennifer Weston (Hunkpapa Lakota, Standing Rock) is a writer, producer, nonprofit leader, and fundraiser who has worked for the past 25 years with Tribal community programs focused on environmental justice, Indigenous education, and language revitalization. Recently, she directed the Wôpanâak Language…
Gladys Vega EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LA COLABORATIVA, CHELSEA, MA Gladys Vega has dedicated more than 30 years of service to the city of Chelsea and The Chelsea Collaborative/La Colaborativa, which she joined in 1990 – just two years after its founding. She took on increasing responsibility with each passing year, moving from receptionist to community organizer…
Mario Florez REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELL BEING, TRINITY HEALTH OF NEW ENGLAND Mario Florez is a social service and education professional with over 20 years of experience. He has made it his life’s work and mission to serve marginalized and vulnerable populations through direct service provision as a residential and crisis counselor,…
Balqies Mohamed YOUTH LEAD ORGANIZER, PORTLAND EMPOWERED, PORTLAND, ME Balqies Mohamed is a 17-year-old Somali-American living in Portland, Maine. When she is not doodling over her calculus homework, Balqies finds herself engaged in other school-related activities. Besides being Student Body President, Balqies is an active member of her school’s Debate Team, Muslim Student Association, and…
Carlon Howard CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER AND CO-FOUNDER, EQUITY INSTITUTE, PROVIDENCE, RI Carlon is the Chief Impact Officer and Co-Founder of Equity Institute. In his role, he leads organization-wide strategic and operational planning, ensuring EI’s vision is realized through clear prioritization and high-impact operational execution. In addition to helping launch the Equity Institute, he also co-founded…
Cynthia Massillon DEAN OF STUDENTS, SOMERVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SOMERVILLE, MA Experienced Educator with a demonstrated history of working in the education field. Taught secondary history for 8 years, and is currently Dean of Students at a high school in the Greater Boston Area. Skilled in Youth Participatory Action Research, Curriculum Development, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking,…