Ruthzee
louijeune
City Councilor At-Large
Boston City Council President
Ruthzee Louijeune, serving her second term as City Councilor At-Large and unanimously elected as Boston City Council President, is a grounded, thoughtful, and inclusive leader. A dedicated public servant, Ruthzee is committed to fostering shared prosperity in Boston with a focus on justice and equity. Born and raised in Mattapan and Hyde Park to working-class Haitian immigrants, Ruthzee’s journey is deeply rooted in the fabric of Boston.
Julia Mejia
City Councilor, At-Large
Boston, MA
Councilor Mejia is currently the Chair of the Committee on Education, the Chair of the Committee on Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility as well as the Chair of the Committee on Labor, Workforce, and Economic Development.
Born in the Dominican Republic, City Councilor At-Large, Julia Mejia arrived in the neighborhood of Dorchester when she was 5 years old. Raised by a single mother who was undocumented for most of her childhood, she was forced at an early age to speak up on behalf of her mother and others who felt ignored by the very institutions that were supposed to serve them.
Amanda Merricks
Amanda Merricks is a lifelong Boston, MA, resident and has been heavily involved in the community for the past 30 years. She is the Chair of The Federal Special Emphasis Program Coalition and a Life Member of Blacks In Government Greater Boston Chapter as the 2nd Executive Vice President, Membership Chair, and the Health and Wellness coordinator for Region 1. She is also one of the producers/partners for the Stand Up Comedy Series, producing comedy shows throughout New England and worldwide. Amanda has been the Master of Ceremony for the Franklin Park Coalition 5K Turkey Trot since 2017-present. Amanda's strong religious belief moved her to become involved in various church programs, and has made it her personal goal to pass out gloves, hats, and blankets to the homeless.
Monalisa Smith
Founder, President & CEO of Mothers for Justice and Equality
Boston, MA
Monalisa founded Mothers for Justice and Equality (MJE) following the loss of her nephew to neighborhood violence. She gathered fellow mothers, many of whom were also suffering the loss of a child to violence, to share their concerns about the gross amount of violence against children within their neighborhoods. With the goal to educate and empower like-minded individuals and families, Monalisa founded the nonprofit in 2010. She continues to advocate for those struggling and strives to create new programs to help further the cause of ending neighborhood violence and keeping our streets safe.
Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam
Boston University President
A national leader in faculty recruitment and student success and a champion of diversity and inclusion, Gilliam is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and of pediatrics whose scholarship focuses on developing interventions to promote adolescent health and well-being. Beyond her background in science and medicine, Gilliam, who studied English literature at Yale and got her Master of Arts in philosophy and politics from University of Oxford, says she was raised to embrace the societal importance of arts and culture. Her late father was a pioneering abstract painter who was known for a career of continuous experimentation and innovation, and her mother was a trailblazing journalist and the first Black female reporter hired by the Washington Post. Her parents instilled in her an intellectual curiosity and a firm belief in the importance of civic engagement and public service.
Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam
Boston University President
A national leader in faculty recruitment and student success and a champion of diversity and inclusion, Gilliam is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and of pediatrics whose scholarship focuses on developing interventions to promote adolescent health and well-being. Beyond her background in science and medicine, Gilliam, who studied English literature at Yale and got her Master of Arts in philosophy and politics from University of Oxford, says she was raised to embrace the societal importance of arts and culture. Her late father was a pioneering abstract painter who was known for a career of continuous experimentation and innovation, and her mother was a trailblazing journalist and the first Black female reporter hired by the Washington Post. Her parents instilled in her an intellectual curiosity and a firm belief in the importance of civic engagement and public service.
Ruthzee
louijeune
City Councilor At-Large
Boston City Council President
Boston, MA
Ruthzee Louijeune, serving her second term as City Councilor At-Large and unanimously elected as Boston City Council President, is a grounded, thoughtful, and inclusive leader. A dedicated public servant, Ruthzee is committed to fostering shared prosperity in Boston with a focus on justice and equity. Born and raised in Mattapan and Hyde Park to working-class Haitian immigrants, Ruthzee’s journey is deeply rooted in the fabric of Boston.
Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam
Boston University President
Boston, MA
A national leader in faculty recruitment and student success and a champion of diversity and inclusion, Gilliam is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and of pediatrics whose scholarship focuses on developing interventions to promote adolescent health and well-being. Beyond her background in science and medicine, Gilliam, who studied English literature at Yale and got her Master of Arts in philosophy and politics from University of Oxford, says she was raised to embrace the societal importance of arts and culture. Her late father was a pioneering abstract painter who was known for a career of continuous experimentation and innovation, and her mother was a trailblazing journalist and the first Black female reporter hired by the Washington Post. Her parents instilled in her an intellectual curiosity and a firm belief in the importance of civic engagement and public service.
Nick Bates
Director of the Howard Thurman Center at Boston University
Boston, MA
Born and raised in Chicago, Nick attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Higher Education. Nick comes to BU with both teaching experience in gender and sexuality studies, along with Residence Life experience. He has a vested interest in working with people to develop programs and strategies to reshape socialized perceptions of race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality while fostering an environment for healthy identity development. Nick provides oversight over the operations and content of the HTC. Nick has committed himself to thoroughly reading Thurman and finding ways to help members of the community develop a relationship with the work of Howard and Sue Bailey Thurman.
Rev. Dr. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge, D Min.
Tennessee Gamechangers
United for Justice and Equality
Paris, TN
Rev. Dr. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge, D Min. is a high-energy Narrative Leadership Coach, Certified Professional Chaplain, author, educator, and conference leader. Drawing upon 35-plus years of pastoral leadership, Dr. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge has a ministry style that is bold, transparent, authentic, anointed, and liberating! She is the Executive Director of the non-profit Tennessee Game Changers United for Justice and Equality and the proud pastor of Brown Chapel AME Church in Union City, TN. Additionally, Dr. Dowdy-Dandridge is a proud Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. member of the American Counseling Association, the Tennessee Association of Pastoral Therapists, and a pre-licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist. She is finely married to Rev. Dr. John Dandridge, and together they have six children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Kevin Hayden
Suffolk County District Attorney
Boston, MA
District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden has dedicated his professional life to serving the public, seeking justice, and keeping communities safe and vibrant. DA Hayden began his career right here in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. He served as an assistant district attorney for over a decade across various units and was Chief of the Safe Neighborhood Initiative, a nationally recognized community-based crime prevention program. DA Hayden was one of the earliest advocates and practitioners of diversion, intervention and alternative to prosecution programs. He worked with local, state, and federal partners on violence prevention programs and initiatives for at-risk youth, services for victims and witnesses, and assistance for citizens returning from incarceration. DA Hayden also served on the Gang Unit, the Homicide Response Team, and the Juvenile Unit.
Dr. Larry D. George, Ph.D.
Tennessee Gamechangers
United for Justice and Equality
Paris, TN
Dr. Larry D. George, Ph.D., is a distinguished academic, author, publisher, and entrepreneur with a robust background in engineering and biblical scholarship. With over twenty-five years of experience in graduate teaching, Dr. George has imparted knowledge in the fields of the New Testament, the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible), and broader theological and religious studies. His deep expertise and commitment to education have led him to his current roles as the President and CEO of George Educational Consulting Services, Inc., and Dr. Larry George CDC, Inc. (website: https://dr-larry-george-cdc-inc.ueniweb.com/) In his capacity as CEO and President, Dr. George is dedicated to fostering academic and business excellence through the development of effective and efficient educational processes. His consulting services are centered on enhancing academic frameworks to achieve optimal outcomes for institutions and businesses alike. Dr. George resides in Mount Holly, North Carolina, where he continues to contribute to the academic and religious communities with his extensive knowledge and leadership in education.
Merryl Eaton
Director of Advocacy & Education, Christian
Community Action
Hamden, CT
Merryl Eaton is the Director of Advocacy and Education for Christian Community Action in New Haven. She has over thirty years of experience as a community organizer, engaging people of color to advocate for system changes in public policy. She provides leadership, technical assistance, and project management to Mothers and Others for Justice, a grassroots advocacy group. Key areas of interest include Connecticut's lack of affordable housing, healthcare reform, and voter turnout. Merryl's passions are organizing the state-wide legislative campaign to eliminate the "benefit cliff," which happens when a rise in household income results in a disproportionate reduction in household income, and building power in New Haven to fight for housing justice. She is a proud Parent Leadership Training Institute facilitator and has helped more than 300 people become change agents in diverse communities throughout Connecticut.
Michelle Norris
Director of Public Relations and Co-founder of Corey's Network Inc.
Kansas City, MO
Michelle R. Norris has been in the fields of Social Work and Education for 35 years. She has worked with abused and battered women, adjudicated youth, non-traditional students in a post-secondary educational setting, and urban core youth. She has a Masters in Organizational Development Psychology. That and her experience in Social Services gives her a specific skill set for developing a strong Board of Directors for a Non-Profit program. Her MA in Management is focused on Fundraising. Michelle is a 2017 Recipient of the Woman of Distinction Award, The House of Representatives “Glory of Missouri” award, The Kindest Kansas Citian award, and is a published author. She is also a member of the National Association of Professional Women, Member of the National Professional Honor Society, and Non-profit Connect.
Robin F. David
President, The Golden Foundation
Nashville, TN
Robin F. David is a bestselling author, speaker, coach, and the founder of The Golden Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women through self-care and spiritual guidance. With expertise in Leadership Development, Public Speaking, and Coaching, Robin is a trailblazer in teaching women about self-love and self-care, which she calls "Sacred Balance." She has developed a reputation as a healing and wholeness activator, helping women worldwide achieve balance and fulfillment in their lives.
Michelle Wu
Mayor of Boston
Michelle Wu is the Mayor of Boston. She is a daughter of immigrants, Boston Public Schools mom to two boys, MBTA commuter, and fierce believer that we can solve our deepest challenges through building community. As Mayor, Michelle is working in coalition to deliver bold, systemic change and make Boston a city for everyone.
Mayor Wu has been a voice for accessibility, transparency, and community engagement in city leadership. First elected to the Boston City Council in November 2013 at the age of 28, Wu is the first Asian-American woman to serve on the Council. In January 2016, she was elected President of the City Council by her colleagues in a unanimous vote, becoming the first woman of color to serve as Council President.
Lois Jones-Myles
Founder of There Is Always at Safer Foundation
Chicago, IL
Lois Jones-Myles, was born and reared in Mississippi and currently resides in Chicago is the Founder of There Is Always Hope @ Safer Foundation and a Supportive Services Specialist who has been assisting clients over 23 years with issues or barriers that would prevent them from employment. Lois holds a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Corrections/Criminal Justice from Chicago State University. Lois is a Certified Anger Management Specialist II (Fellow Member of NAMA National Anger Management Association), Recovery Coach, Financial Coach, Member of IACJ (Illinois Association for Criminal Justice), Advanced Clinical Trainer, Department of Children and Family Services Mandated Reporter, Certified National Institute of Health, State Of IL Teacher License (K-12), Certified Deputy Registrar for Board of Elections, Domestic Violence Counselor, Board Of Director Striving for Justice Ministries, Adult Mental Health First Aid USA, and a member of Mothers For Justice & Equality.
Lois received the MJE Courage and Conviction Award in 2023.
Lois is recently widowed, surviving her late husband Randy, and has three children , Lekesha, Kewane, and Guss Jr. , twelve (12) grandchildren and eleven (11) great grandchildren.
Kewane L. Jones
Chicago, IL
I reside in Chicago, IL born and Raised.
I had a Typical Childhood,
Very Active, I was on The Gymnastics Team, Aerobic Classes, African Dances, I was very Athletic.
I enjoyed swimming a lot, I was so outgoing and very independent at a very young age.
I am the Middle child of two siblings.
I graduated and attended College, Criminal Justice was my Major.
I then began to start a Family of my own.
I have Four Children and Two Grandchildren.
I have Done a lot of work in Customer Services and as well as Retail work.
I started my own make-up line and Candy Store.
I then became an Election Judge for the City of Chicago Board of Elections.
I am also an Evanglist at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Chicago, IL.
I Love writing Poetry I am in The book called Today's Famous Poems on the Wing of Pegasus.
I have a Movie on Tubi called Survive 'N' Chicago My Son Gregory Bennett 3rd is the Producer, Writer, Editor and Author.
I love Cooking, and being a Mother to my children, and Grandchildren.
I enjoy hosting many events and being an advocate and Activist in my Community as well.
Sadly I was Shot 17 times on July 13, 2019
over a parking Space in my once lived Neighborhood.
I seeked Justice for over three years before they apprehended The Gun man March 8, 2022 and Convicted him on August 15, 2023.
I know I am Grateful to still be alive.
I know I am Blessed, it was nothing But God who Delivered me from Evil.
Sometimes it just feel surreal that I am An African American Woman who Survived being Shot 17 times from a man who had disregards for Human life.
What I say is I Am that Statistic
it's Easy To Die, But hard to Live.
I am no Longer The Victim, I am Victorious!!!
Lekesha Jones-Black
Chicago, IL
Lekesha Jones-Black currently resides in Chicago, IL, a Catering Director at Chicago State University, one year breast cancer survivor, and a mother whose son was a victim of gun violence and also a survivor.
My family is my passion. My personal interests are: volunteering, traveling, planning, decorating, family/gatherings, mediating and reading.
Zanetia Henry
Grief Hope Coach
Marietta, GA
Zanetia Henry is a native of Waynesboro, Mississippi, now residing in Marietta, Georgia. Zanetia is a beacon of light and an example of hope to all who desire to overcome the darkness of grief. Zanetia is the Chief Executive Officer of Operation Recovery Inc., Woodson Center Voices of Black Mothers United State Lead, & Violence Prevention Coordinator, a Department of Justice Certified Victims’ Advocate, a Grief Hope Coach, a 25 + Years licensed educator, a Trauma Informed Responder, a Mental Health First Aid Responder, and a Motivational Speaker. Of all the titles, the two most cherished are Gee Gee and Ma, a testament to the deep love and significance of family in her life. Blessed with two beautiful children, and three amazing grandchildren. Zanetia can hold her daughter and grandchildren in her arms, but there is a void in her heart left by her unforgettable 22-year-old son, DreCharles Henry. Zanetia transformed her pain into a powerful purpose, dedicating herself to supporting grieving parents, advocating for crime victims, fostering community unity, and working towards ending violence. In her own words, Zanetia reflects on her journey, stating, “I didn’t choose this journey; this journey chose me. However, I can choose how I travel. I choose to travel hand and heart with others that have been ChoZen, while serving along the way.” Zanetia Henry's story is one of resilience, purpose, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Sherry Nolan
Founder of Saving Ourselves
Chicago, IL
Sherry Nolen is the CEO and founder of Saving Ourselves, an advocacy organization dedicated to addressing gun violence and supporting families affected by it. Motivated by the tragic loss of her son Akaeem Nolen, who was killed on July 7, 2021, Sherry has become a powerful voice in the fight against gun violence in Jackson, Mississippi, and beyond. Through Saving Ourselves, she provides resources, support, and a sense of community to those who have experienced similar tragedies, striving to create safer neighborhoods and lasting change.
Annette Brown-Morris
Parents Of Angel Children
Albany, NY
Annette Brown is a Staten Island, New York native and a devoted mother of four. In 2014, her life changed forever when her son, Wayne Lamar Best, was tragically murdered in Schenectady, New York. Out of her pain, Annette became a beacon of hope, founding Let’s Talk with Annette in 2019, an online forum for people facing personal hardships and dark times. In 2024, Annette founded Parent of Angel Children Inc., a nonprofit based in Albany, New York, which supports grieving parents through weekly support groups, quarterly events, and annual retreats. The organization has extended its reach beyond the U.S., including members from Canada. She is committed to organizations focused on community care, with her mission being to provide peace and comfort to those who have lost a child. Annette's motto is: "If we had more love, we would have less violence."
Zeneta B. Everhart
Council Woman
City of Buffalo Common Council, Masten District
Buffalo, NY
Zeneta B. Everhart is a Buffalo, New York native born and raised on the East Side of Buffalo. She holds an Associate’s Degree and a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Upon graduation, she accepted a position with Spectrum News Buffalo, as a breaking news photographer, and eventually became a Producer. After six years of working in news and media, Zeneta made the career leap into politics, accepting a position with New York State Senator Tim Kennedy of the 63rd District. She served as his Director of Diversity & Inclusion. Following the 5/14 massacre that seriously injured her son Zaire Goodman, Zeneta testified before Congress about the need for stricter gun laws resulting in the passage of the Safer Communities Act. From this tragedy Zeneta & Zaire’s Book Club was also born. They have collected more than twenty-thousand books that teach children about racism, diversity, and acceptance. In 2023 Zeneta ran for political office, winning the Democratic Primary and the general election to become the next City of Buffalo Common Council Woman for the Masten District, a seat that has not been held by a woman in more than 60 years. She is a Humanist who believes in the power of serving others through love and understanding
Holly Hackett
Mothers & Others for Justice
Branford, CT
Holly believes everyone has the right to life, liberty, and personal security. As well as housing, healthcare, and food/nutrition are human rights. Holly is a member of Mothers and Others for Justice (MOFJ) and the Co-Chair of MOFJs HEALTH (Helping Everyone Achieve Lifelong Trusted Healthcare) Committee. Holly is the Advocacy and Education Project Program Associate at Christian Community Action in New Haven, CT. She was considered for this position because of her commitment to MOFJ and HEALTH. Her passion is to change the broken systems in cities, states, and our country to achieve justice and equity for ALL. This can only happen when we change policies starting with grassroots advocacy. Through her professional life and lived expertise working with legislators in CT, she has learned that people most impacted by these policies must have their voices heard.
Tekesia Shields
Founder of Mother's Against Gang Violence /Credible Messenger of Ga. Family Engagement Specialist
Atlanta, GA
Tekesia is a mother of four wonderful sons and a grandmother of one. Ms. Shields worked for over 12 years as a case manager for the Center for Black Women’s Wellness educating mothers on the importance of prenatal care and infant mortality prevention. And years of Violence Intervention/Prevention programs in Atlanta. Over the years Ms. Shields has encouraged not only her own sons but several families whose lives she touched daily. Tekesia Shields decided to start an organization called MAG (Mother's Against Gang Violence), due to her trails of raising her own son's... Ms. Shields received services and education that she felt a need to share with the community which may save lives of many youths of today. After receiving honors from Atlanta Public Board of Education Schools and Center for Black Women's Wellness, Tekesia Shields decided to walk in her destiny and plant seeds that will nourish the community. And she is now a Credible Messenger of Ga., Criminal Justice Graduate of Atlanta Area Technical College and 2023 Fellow graduate of CCI (Center for Civic Innovation). Ms. Shields conducts Family Engagement sessions every Monday and has done so for 8yrs educating families/community who have been impacted by gang and gun violence. We have worked with over 400 families in sessions, employed five community members and three of our returning youth from DJJ (Department of Juvenile Justice) has graduated from high school. Ms. Shields does all of this in hopes that when her son re-enters the community, he will be provided with resources that can help him adjust.
Myra C. Smith
Neighborhood Services Advocate
New Haven, CT
Myra Smith is a longtime resident of New Haven CT. She is the mother of 2 adult children, Christopher Burney who is a recent college grad and serves in the National Guard, and Mariah Burney a Junior at SCSU majoring in special Education. Myra currently works at Christian Community Action as the Neighborhood Services Advocate where she runs the food pantry, diaper bank and utility assistance programs. Myra is a longtime member of Mothers and Others For Justice and Room For All Coalition. She is also an advisory board member for The Change maker’s Guaranteed Income Fund and was recently nominated as a Yale New Haven Hospital Health Equity Champion. Myra is known to be a powerful motivational speaker and social justice warrior.
Donald M. Osgood Sr.
Program Director, Boston Public Health Community Healing Response Network
Boston, MA
Donald Maurice Osgood, Sr. was born in Boston Massachusetts, and raised in the South End of Boston. Donald currently works for the Boston Public Health Commission, Division of Violence
Prevention. In his role as the Program Director for NTT Network, Donald guides the direction of the entire network with the goal of providing and connecting communities with
tools and resources for healing. Donald also attended grade school in the Boston Public School system and studied Accounting at Bay State College in 1988. An avid learner with a thirst for knowledge and truth, Donald enrolled and graduated from the Berean School of The Bible through the Urban Bible Training Center of Assemblies of God in the year 2003 receiving a degree in Christian Theology. Donald was trained through Shell Corporations Management programs as well as Franklin Covey Management while working for a leading automotive service provider, Jiffy Lube owned by Shell Corps. During his tenure at Jiffy Lube, Donald led a team of highly trained automotive technicians and also managed several locations for Jiffy Lube from 2004 2012. The next phase in Donald’s life began with the transition from Manager to a high risk career as a Street Safe Boston worker . Here Donald would work with the “Proven Risk” teens of Boston’s streets who are the known cause of violence in the City. Donald has also worked for the City of Boston Trauma Response Team through BCYF. Donald also worked at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. In His Role as Survivor Support Coordinator Donald assisted families in the first 24 to 72 hours of a homicide.
One sentence summarizes:
"Servant of the people"
Reverend Mark V. Scott
Boston Public Health Commission
Division of Violence Prevention
Director
Mark Scott serves at the Boston Public Health Commission as the Director of the Division of Violence Prevention. Previously he served as the Program Director for the Community Healing Response Network. He directed the Community Health Worker program for the Codman Square Health Center. He served in the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives as Associate Director for Outreach. He was the Director of Community Partnerships at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America where he helped develop the nationwide Amachi effort. Amachi is a Nigerian word from the Ibo people that we translate to mean “who knows but what has brought us through this child.” Rev. Scott is the President of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence. Mark Scott is the Associate Pastor of the Azusa Christian Community, a Black Pentecostal Church. He also serves as a chaplain at Boston Medical Center. Mark is married with four children (that grew up with him and his wife in their house) and three grandchildren.
Nana Akomaa Kyerematen
Master’s Clinician,
Roxbury Multi-Service Center
Boston, MA
Nana Akomaa Kyerematen has extensive experience in psychiatric clinical evaluation and social services for children and families. She is deeply committed to diversity and cultural competence, operating workshops on multicultural understanding and mental health, and actively applying the Cultural Competence Continuum concept. Her career spans over twenty years with NAMI, advocating for quality life for individuals living with mental illness and their families. Originally born and raised in Ghana, West Africa, Hannah worked extensively with the Lost Boys refugees in the 2000s and has been researching Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and cultural impacts. While her vocation is clinically oriented, she has authored essays and letters on the importance of culturally competent education and African history. She highlights the longstanding needs of marginalized communities, culminating in the publication of her first book. Nana Akomaa Kyerematen received her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. The then pursued her graduate studies at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Public Health and Counseling.
Ruth Senchyna
Parents of Murdered Children
Albany, NY
My nephew Camilo was taken by gun violence in 2014, and I became a GVP advocate soon after. I have been affiliated with many organizations over this past decade, including Moms Demand Action/Everytown Survivor Network; Newtown Action Alliance; Crime Survivors For Safety and Justice; and most recently, Parents of Angel Children. My hope is to make a positive contribution towards reducing violence and supporting survivors in whatever way that I can.
Arielys Morales
Event Coordinator
Mothers for Justice and Equality
Boston, MA
Arielys Morales is the Event Coordinator at Mothers for Justice and Equality, where she specializes in creating impactful events that drive community engagement and advocacy. With a background as a single mother, and survivor. Arielys brings a unique perspective to her work. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Northeastern University and has extensive experience in both domestic and international community service. In her workshop, Arielys will share strategies for effective event coordination in the non-profit sector to foster meaningful connections and support.
Arielle Romain
Director of Health Equity
Mothers for Justice and Equality
Boston, MA
Arielle oversees the Health Equity and Community Wellness Program, which helps single mothers who are survivors of trauma transition from instability to stability. She comes from a lineage of strong women who tackle every hardship head-on, which inspired her to join MJE’s team.
Arielle truly understands what it takes to be an advocate for her community. She’s worked at multiple community organizations, which pushes her to work hard and support her team to provide efficient and effective support to MJE community members. Arielle understands that communal support stabilizes communities, something she has always felt is essential for improving the areas she serves.
Mel Powsner
Marketing Communications Manager
Mothers for Justice and Equality
Boston, MA
Mel is MJE’s Marketing & Communications Manager who works closely with all MJE community members. She is a storyteller with strong writing, photography, website management, design, and social media marketing skills. Mel’s life-long curiosity about the stories of individuals led her to pursue a career in helping others through content creation. She finds beauty and importance in documenting those stories to establish community connections. She received her BFA in Photography & Video from Montserrat College of Art, with a focus on documenting the stories of LGBTQ+, disabled, and homeless populations. She also self-started multiple campus programs that are still running today. Since graduating, Mel has continued her interest in helping the communities by volunteering at local animal shelters and a local homeless shelter, as well as employment positions involving storytelling through various artistic mediums. With years of experience working with people of all ages and demographics, Mel has found equilibrium in sharing the stories of marginalized communities in need of a strong voice.
Shreya Sankar
Behavioral Health Specialist/Family Advocate
Mothers for Justice and Equality
Boston, MA
Shreya is a recent graduate of Northeastern University with a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. Aspiring to attend medical school, Shreya is passionate about the health and wellness of her community and has extensive volunteer experience at local neighborhood health clinics and schools. Shreya is dedicated to serving her clients with empathy and is driven to uplift individuals and families by providing compassionate care.
Ruth Rollins
President and Founder of We Are Better Together Warren Daniel Hairston Project
Boston, MA
Ruth Rollins is the President and Founder of the We Are Better Together Warren Daniel Hairston Project, an organization that connects women and girls affected by homicide and incarceration to disrupt cycles of violence. Inspired by the tragic loss of her son, Warren, in 2007, Ruth co-founded Operation LIPSTICK to address gun trafficking and later established We Are Better Together in 2017 to provide support and education for families impacted by gun violence. Recognizing the shared trauma of families on both sides of violence, she has created a safe space for healing and advocacy. Ruth's exceptional community service has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 Boston Women’s Fund Award and the 2023 ABCD Community Hero Award. A skilled facilitator and compassionate leader, Ruth is a respected voice in the fight for peace and justice, dedicated to transforming lives and breaking cycles of violence.
Jay Vilar
Boston Director
The Fountain Fund
Boston, MA
Jay Vilar is the Boston Site Director for The Fountain Fund. He is a seasoned professional dedicated to advancing racial and social justice through community empowerment and program development. With over two decades of experience in leadership roles, Jay brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and team leadership. Having served as Program Director at Haley House in Boston, Jay successfully led initiatives that positively impacted the lives of returning citizens, providing them with resources, employment opportunities, and community support. Jay's passion for equity advocacy stems from his personal experiences, including growing up with family members who are returning citizens. Jay has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from George Mason University and certifications in event management, marketing, and nonprofit leadership from Tufts University.
The Reverend John Dandridge
Tennessee Gamechangers United for Justice & Equality NFP
Paris, TN
Rev. Dr. John Dandridge, D.Min., is an ordained elder in the AME Church with over 47 years of ministry experience in AME and COGIC. He serves as the Senior Pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church in Paris, TN, and is a dedicated leader focused on preaching, teaching, and mentoring. Beyond his pastoral work, Dr. Dandridge is a committed advocate for justice and equality, co-founding Tennessee Game Changers United 4 Justice and Equality. He holds multiple degrees and certifications in theology, mental health, and leadership, alongside a distinguished 22-year military career as a Special Forces officer. A PTSD survivor and author, Dr. Dandridge also hosts the "Come and Dine" broadcast and leads the Dandridge Institute of Theological Studies. Supported by his wife, Dr. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge, he is a devoted family man with a passion for faith, service, and advocacy in the face of personal challenges and loss.