Divina Cordiero
Divina is currently 20 years old and attends the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. They have spent approximately seven years in the child welfare system, which informs a lot of their work in many ways- particularly that of community strengthening and reimagining systems of care. Divina’s advocacy work mainly surrounds the improvement of the foster care system and education, as they have interned at the Massachusetts State House under the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus drafting legislation to ensure the education of incarcerated people as well as working community-based organizations on educator rights. Divina’s biggest hope is to strengthen communities and work towards a better world, for all.
Renée Dingman
Renée is a proud mother of an 11-year-old boy and she is very active in her community and schooling. Renee was born and raised in Springfield, MA where she is now a community leader and advocate for her community. Renee is attending Bard Microcollege in Holyoke at The Care Center for her Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. She will be going on for her bachelor’s degree in communication and public policy. She is an active DV advocate and is working on building a Speakers Bureau for a DV organization. She is currently working on and starting a podcast for those who would like to discuss anything happening, events, or any issues within the community for others to participate in. Renee is very well-rounded and loves learning, teaching, and engaging in new things.
Hypatia Ortega Hilario
Hypatia was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. She immigrated to the U.S at the age of thirteen. She is a first-generation college student with a Community Health Worker Certificate and an Associate’s Degree in Public Health from Northern Essex Community College. And she recently obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health in May 2022 from Regis College. Hypatia is a resident of Lawrence currently working at or Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Head Start as a Family Advocate. She enjoys working with diverse populations from low-income and helping them identify their needs, setting goals, and finding solutions. She enjoys dancing, meeting new places, and spending time with her family and close friends.
Victoria Martin
My name is Victoria Martin. I was born and raised in Worcester County. Following my schooling to be an Early Education and Care certified Preschool teacher I spent time teaching in childcare centers, which lead to a later position working with children and young adults with autism. After having my daughter at a young age, my career path changed. This was when my desire to connect with my community began and I started working for a nonprofit organization administering programs to those in need. In my off time, I enjoy making memories with my daughter, listening to music and adventuring nature.
Lisa Mitchell
My name is Lisa Mitchell. I am a Boston resident, and mother of two. I am a Registered Nurse in the Maternal Health Unit of Boston Medical Center. Recently, I became the primary caregiver for my mother who suffers from dementia. My journey has uniquely positioned me to have an inside view of the struggles of providing the best care for my mother while balancing the needs of my own immediate family. While finding services for my mother I have enjoyed engaging with many amazing seniors reminding me of their value in our communities.
Marly Pereda
Marly Pereda is a Licensed Social Worker with more than 25 years involved in social services across different communities in the US and South America. She spends the first part of her professional life working in the Department of Women and Vulnerable Populations in Perú. Once she moved on to the United States, she obtained a Social Worker license Marly worked at Cape Cod Child Development as a Social Worker for Head Start Program for 7 years. Then she worked as a Teen /Child Advocate for Victims of Abuse at Independence House. She joined the Cape Cod Children’s Place team in Oct. 2019 as the ParentChild Plus Program Cape Cod Children’s Place Site Coordinator. She is also the SAFE CHILD Communities Collaboration Coordinator, Initiative funded by Children’s Trust to prevent child abuse across the Cape. In addition to her Social Work training, Marly has a background in Community Development and Public Policy and speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese.