In recognition of the Juneteenth holiday, MassLive asked readers to nominate Black leaders doing important work across the state.
Juneteenth celebrates the date of June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger and soldiers from the Union Army entered Galveston, Texas, and informed the remaining enslaved African Americans that they were freed under the Emancipation Proclamation, and has been celebrated as a state holiday in Massachusetts and a federal holiday since 2021.
Over the course of June, MassLive has published profiles of the nominated Black leaders on its website and social media pages. Here they are collected in one place.
The list includes business owners, advocates, educators, artists and a quick-thinking Uber driver-turned-hero. They were identified for their inspirational leadership in their communities and organizations and are being recognized for their accomplishments and commitment to inspire change.
If you know of a Black leader in Massachusetts you think deserves to be recognized in the future, please fill out this form.
Below is the full list of 2024 Black leaders of Massachusetts selected by MassLive readers.
Della Blake
Age: 64
Community: Hampden County
Her Story: Della Blake is the director of the Black Behavioral Health Network (BBHN), whose mission is to help people in Hampden County access culturally-appropriate, community-based behavioral health services and achieve better treatment outcomes.
Founded in March 2017, the organization hopes to address mental health service gaps and outcome disparities faced by groups such as veterans, homeless individuals and families, unemployed persons and people battling addition.
Blake came into this position after working for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department for 34 years. She has also served as the director of the Black Addiction Counselor Education Program, which works to increase the number of Black mental health and addiction counselors in Massachusetts by providing training in these areas.
Establishing culturally-appropriate mental health services and tackling health disparities is a huge mission that takes time, Blake said. She does this work because, over the years, she’s noticed a lack of such services, as well as continuing disparities in Western Massachusetts.
“The need is there. The process is for the long haul,” she said.
Blake’s mentors have always urged her to stick with her mission no matter what, she said. Between their words of encouragement and her loving and supportive family, she’s maintained her drive to keep going.
“It has to be a mission of love and concern for your community. It will require commitment and perseverance. It is a lot of work, but what you believe in will inspire you,” she wrote.
In her words: “When you are given a God-inspired vision, know that God has inspired the vision in like-minded people.”
— Susannah Sudborough
Elsa Gomes Bondlow
Age: 47
Community: Greater Boston
Her story: Elsa Gomes Bondlow has dedicated herself to improving social justice and philanthropic efforts for more than 20 years.
“I focus on creating inclusive communities and driving social impact through strategic philanthropy,” she told MassLive. “I work with nonprofit, corporate, and private clients to develop tailored solutions that address community needs and foster long-term partnerships.”
Throughout her career, Bondlow has helped organizations receive grant money, spearheaded tech-driven tools to bridge social divides and amplify empathy and led fundraising efforts for marginalized communities — all to make philanthropy more inclusive and equitable.
“I believe my lived multi-culture experience and unique perspective drives my passion for meaningful change and connection with and for marginalized communities,” Bondlow said.
Bondlow has channelled her experiences and passions into roles at organizations including MIRA Coalition and Building Impact and as principal of her consultant firm Ripple Acts Diversity & Philanthropy Consulting. Bondlow founded Ripple Acts “to effectively channel resources through partnerships, networking, training, and consultations, acting as a bridge between means and needs.”
Through her consulting work, Bondlow focuses “on creating spaces for self-improvement, activating diverse stakeholders, and implementing culturally appropriate strategies to foster inclusivity and belonging for all.”
Her overall goal is to help corporate clients, philanthropists and other community advocates make decisions that align with community needs and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.
“By emphasizing the potential of philanthropy to address global challenges through an equitable lens, I strive to empower unheard voices and drive systemic change,” Bondlow said. “Through Ripple Acts, I aim to make tangible strides towards equity, develop trust, and inspire others to make a significant impact.”
In her words: “Everyone can do something for others. If you truly want to help others, go out there and help. If not, please get out of the way.”
— David Cifarelli
Sam Bradley
Age: 57
Community: Springfield
His story: Sam Bradley’s passion for history began when he was in a predominately white high school. He took on leadership roles there and in college by becoming the first Black high school class president and leading the minority student alliance group in college and becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first Black fraternity.
“My dedication to history and community empowerment drove me to support young Black and brown individuals in achieving their goals,” Bradley said.
Bradley went on to become a member of a rap group called Def Force Mc’s and later opened a record company.
During a photo shoot with an artist in Springfield, Bradley said he came across the Pan African Historical Museum.
The museum, founded in 1995 by Lujuana Hood, links the African diaspora to Springfield and surrounding communities. It is one of the oldest African-American heritage museums in Massachusetts.
The nonprofit organization “propagates the legacy and rich history of people of color,” according to Bradley.
It features a collection of contemporary and historical artwork and artifacts, showing how African culture and African-American history converge.
“I immediately had to go inside and see what it was all about,” Bradley said.
He came back the next day to learn more and later became the director of performing arts.
When Hood died in 2019, the museum closed.
Bradley helped reopen the museum as the executive director with the intention of continuing Hood’s legacy and educating more people.
“I want to continue with Ms. Hood’s vision and leave a legacy of my own through leadership and a strong sense of community,” Bradley said.
In his words: “Put in as many hours you can to learn the ins and outs of a museum.”
— Juliet Schulman-Hall
Debora Bridges
Age: 71
Community: Amherst
Her story: With family connections deeply rooted in the military history of Massachusetts, Debora Bridges is driven to preserve African American ancestral contributions to the Amherst community. She works to ensure that the stories and people of the past are honored and recognized, she told MassLive.
“This work is crucial as it ensures that the stories of these brave soldiers, often overlooked in traditional narratives, are remembered and celebrated,” Bridges said.
Her interest and dedication to the topic led her to work as a curator and guide for the Civil War Tablets Exhibit in Amherst. Bridges said that the project honors over 300 soldiers from the Pioneer Valley region who served in the Union forces during the Civil War, including those in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, such as Christopher Thompson (to whom Bridges is a direct descendent), and the 5th Cavalry.
Originally donated in 1893, the tablets remained in storage until Dudley Bridges Sr., Bridges’ father and a World War II veteran, spent his later years advocating for their public display. His passion and efforts to honor the Black soldiers memorialized on the tablets inspired Bridges to continue his legacy.
While the project briefly stalled after Bridges Sr. died in 2004, in 2019, Bridges and her daughter Anika Lopes revived the project, formed a committee, raised awareness and collaborated with local authorities to find a location for the exhibit.
Not only do these tablets serve as a vital reminder of the soldiers sacrifices and contributions, but Bridges also said the other photographs, letters and historical documents in the exhibit help deepen the community connection with the past. This fosters a deeper understanding of the shared history between community members, she said.
Furthermore, younger generations have a more integrated learning experience and can appreciate the significant roles played by African Americans in shaping the nation’s history.
“This work is not just about honoring the past but also about educating and empowering the present and future generations,” Bridges said. “Make history accessible and engaging for all age groups, especially young people, as they are the ones who will carry these stories forward. Remember that every piece of history you uncover and share can have a profound impact on how people see their heritage and identity.”
In her words: “The work you do has lasting significance and contributes to a richer, more inclusive understanding of our collective history.”
— Kalina Kornacki
Malo Brown
Age: 51
Community: Springfield
His story: Malo Brown has always been involved in supporting and advocating for his community. Since the age of 12, Brown was selected to be an honorary city council member. Since then, the experience sparked a passion in him to become an advocate and activist for his home city, he told MassLive.
At 18, he became a founding member of an organization called A.W.A.K.E. that helps to provide guidance, structure, safety and knowledge to at risk youth in Springfield.
Through his experiences, his most recent field of work has found him in a political role for the past six years as a City Councilor and a candidate for State Senate of the Hampden District.
As Chief of Staff for State Representative Bud L. Williams, Brown writes legislation to ensure that Springfield residents are receiving necessary funding and support from Capital Hill in Boston, he said.
Likewise, as a Springfield City Councilor, Brown works with the Mayor’s office and state and federal officials in order to improve the quality of life for people in Springfield. This includes securing funding for building new schools and parks, coaching youth sports and supporting older people and veterans within the community, he said.
In his words: “Always be able to listen and hear what people are saying to you. To be empathetic to what concerns they have or what is happening in their lives. Never overlook anyone in their day to day lives, because everyone makes a difference and everyone matters.”
— Taylor Sanzo
Rayla Campbell
Age: 41
Community: Brockton
Her story: Campbell grew up in the South Shore of Massachusetts with a “strong sense of truth and common sense.”
Since then, she has worked to be a conservative African American voice in politics, advocating for policies that align with principles of freedom, individual responsibility and limited government.
Campbell ran for the Massachusetts Secretary of State but lost the election in 2022.
She became the party nominee and endorsed candidate in 2022 and was the first African American woman to make the statewide ballot, according to Campbell.
Prior to that race, Campbell ran as a write-in candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020 but ended up not getting on the ballot.
“Without a foundation of shared values, our society has become increasingly fragmented, giving rise to racism and intolerance. The resurgence of racism and division is a stark reminder of the profound impact of this shift. The principles that once bound us together as a nation seem to be fading into the background,” she said.
As an influencer, Campbell said she also works to highlight the triumphs of African American individuals as “agents of change and progress” rather than victims of oppression including figures such as Frederick Douglass or Elizabeth Freeman.
Campbell said she remains optimistic about creating positive change in the world and dedicated to speaking out against corruption.
In her words: “Constructive dialogue can help bridge divides. Lead by example, and stay resilient, political advocacy can be challenging and often met with opposition.”
— Juliet Schulman-Hall
Staisha Chavis
Age: 38
Community: Worcester
Her story: When she graduated with a degree in political science and public policy, Staisha Chavis knew she wanted to work towards promoting justice, equity and access for all people, she told MassLive. In choosing to become a public servant, she said it was a calling instead of a choice and pursued a career as an affordable housing advocate.
“My commitment and passion for public service was fostered during my time with the Massachusetts Trial Court,” she said. “I worked hand-in-hand with the general public providing support to individuals and families navigating a very complex and nuanced legal system. I witnessed first-hand how systemic inequities and institutional pitfalls showed up in the lives of everyday working-class people.”
Her involvement drove her to want to be an active part of the solution of tackling people’s challenges, she said. She took on roles in local and state government “assessing and evaluating needs, creating equitable policies and practices, and developing high-impact programs,” she added. In these roles, she’s engaged with elected officials, housing agencies and grassroots organizations as a means to find sustainable and long-lasting solutions to homelessness and housing disparities.
“There is no greater reward than seeing the tangible impact of the work you care deeply about,” she said.
From August 2020 to October 2023, she worked for the city’s Housing Development Division with the aim of assisting and supporting housing rehabilitation and new construction with an emphasis on offering quality affordable housing, she said.
“Our primary focus was on the delivery of enhanced physical and human infrastructure systems in Worcester’s most under-resourced neighborhoods,” Chavis continued. “I worked in tandem with stakeholders, community members and elected officials to ensure federal, state and local funding was allocated responsibly and reached areas of disinvestment, low to moderate-income communities, and BIPOC communities that were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Chavis has, since October 2023, moved on to work at Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, “a quasi-government agency whose mission is to support business formation and growth in the state’s technology sector, helping Massachusetts lead in the global digital economy,” she said. Operating with the state Legislature, municipalities, broadband service providers and other partners, Chavis said the agency bridges “the digital divide in Massachusetts [to bring] vital resources to both undeserved and unserved communities alike.”
In her words: “In the words of the great Amilcar Cabral: ‘Hide nothing from the masses of our people. Tell no lies. Expose lies whenever they are told. Mask no difficulties, mistakes, failures. Claim no easy victories.”
— Ryan Mancini
Lavar Click-Bruce
Age: 46
Community: Springfield
His story: Springfield City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce grew up in the city’s Mason Square neighborhood in a single-family home.
His parents would bring him to the Dunbar Community Center at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, he told MassLive. It was here that he learned a sense of community and built new friendships.
Click-Bruce’s father ran as a Republican against state Rep. Benjamin Swan, D-11th Hampden, in 1995 and lost, Click-Bruce said. Still, his father always wanted to find a good way to help the general public.
“I was always around it,” Click-Bruce said. “I actually hated politics originally. I wanted to play sports.”
He became an active basketball coach in his early 20s at the YMCA, he said. Coaching and mentoring young people and motivating them to have the hard work and dedication to improve and be active became “my oasis,” Click-Bruce said.
“As I began to understand as a young man, I started to process things differently and looked at the bigger picture and it led me to want to be more at the table to help our residents,” he said.
In a September 2022 special election, Click-Bruce won the Ward 5 seat left vacated by former City Councilor Marcus Williams earlier that year. Then serving as an aide to Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Click-Bruce won against retired union organizer Edward Collins with 653 votes in contrast to Collins’ 609 votes.
Six months later, Click-Bruce announced his intention to remain on the City Council.
“If people don’t feel safe going to the grocery stores, the casino or playing outside in our parks, nothing else really matters,” Click-Bruce told The Republican in March 2023. “Public safety is my top priority moving forward as long as I’m here as a city councilor.”
He took credit at the time for bringing an increased police presence into the Sixteen Acres neighborhood and worked with former Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood to find other ways to provide public safety to city residents. Click-Bruce also told The Republican that he would work on ways to help provide residents with tax relief.
“I really love helping people,” he told MassLive in 2024. “My passion is coaching youth and being a father figure mentor. It’s very important to show our youth the way and continue to push forward with making our city a better place.”
In his words: “Just continue to persevere. Don’t ever give up on yourself. Continue to evolve as an individual and doors will eventually open up.”
— Ryan Mancini
Nicole Coakley
Age: 43
Community: Springfield
Her story: Nicole Coakley is a leader and activist in the Springfield area who focuses on education and youth issues but has a wide-reaching area of interest and influence.
Coakley was born in Springfield but grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, where she attended Garrett Academy of Technology and earned her cosmetology license and a scholarship to any South Carolina state university through the National Honor Society.
While completing her law degree in 1999, Coakley began working as a teaching assistant at Morris Professional Child Care Services in Springfield. Despite completing her degree, she decided to stay at the center, eventually working her way up to program director, which she said was one of the most meaningful positions she has held in her more than 20 years of experience in the early education field.
She has also worked as a lead organizer for several community and youth initiatives, such as Unity in the Community, which builds relationship between youth and law enforcement, and My Voice, My Story, My Future, a teen summit on gun violence held earlier this year.
“I’m a strong advocate for children and work closely with school and city officials to help make changes and better the lives of our youths in the community,” she said. “I enjoy spending family time but have an open arm for at-risk children. I’m committed to helping guide children in the right direction to becoming successful young men and women of society.”
Coakley said her dedication to community work began a few years ago when she began working as an administrator for Springfield Police Department’s Counter Criminal Continuum (C3) Policing program in Mason Square, a community policing initiative that aims to work with the community
“From then on, I never looked back,” she said. “My passion for public service was to become a resource connector to help everyone, regardless of where they were at in life.”
She has also worked at Springfield College as the assistant director of the Center for Service and Leadership and in 2023, she ran for Springfield City Council. She is now the chair of the Hampden County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and a lead clinician and program supervisor at the Center for Human Development.
Coakley has spoken about pay equity for women, especially Black women, and access to affordable childcare for low-income women and families. She is a member of numerous charitable and leadership organizations, including the National Society of Leadership and Success, Chicopee Women of the Moose, Neighbor 2 Neighbor and Western Massachusetts Peace and Justice Coalition. She holds leadership positions or sits on the board of directors for even more, including Easterseals Massachusetts, The Performance Project, Pioneer Valley Row Club, Libertas Academy Charter School, Gun Violence Elimination Alliance, Digital Boombox Networks, Veritas Prep High School Advisory Board, Morris Open Pantry and the local branches of the American Red Cross and the YMCA.
Coakley is currently working on her doctorate of business administration and is writing her dissertation on women of color in leadership and the effects of work-life balance.
“My motto is ‘Raised up and pushed forward,’” she said.
In her words: “Be the change you want to see! Believe in yourself because no one will ever motivate you the way that you can motivate yourself. The road to success will not be easy, so never be afraid to ask for help.”
— Tréa Lavery
Kaine Compton
Age: 42
Community: Springfield
Her story: Kaine Compton is a wife, mother, licensed minister and has spent over 20 years as mental health professional. Compton has been very active in the mental health field since she was 18 years old, including working in group homes with young girls who suffered through trauma.
“They were trauma reactive, always in fight-or-flight mode and making dangerous and unhealthy choices at a young age. I focused on how I could help them better understand their trauma, stabilize their mental health and learn to make better life choices in order to become productive members of society,” Compton told MassLive. This work led to furthering her education, obtaining a psychology degree and eventually completing her graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling. From there, Compton expressed interest in focusing on mental health advocacy, educating others, reducing stigma and bridging the gap between minorities and mental health, especially women of color, she said. Compton shared that she struggled with her own mental health in silence after having her last child. Growing up, mental illness was not discussed, making her feel ashamed, she said.
She found prayer helped, and she learned the importance of self-care which allowed her to reach and teach others the importance of mental wellness.
Currently, Compton works for the Department of Mental Health as a Human Services Coordinator. She serves as a mental health therapist with Tools for Success Counseling, along with owning a non-profit organization called Tomorrow’s Daughter Inc. Those positions focus on the importance of addressing the mental health crisis in the Springfield community of all ages.
In her words: "Prioritize your own mental and physical health and wellness. It is impossible to pour from an empty cup. Take time to check in with yourself. Learn to love alone time. Give your mind and body the opportunity to rest.”
— Taylor Sanzo
Derek Craig
Age: 36
Community: Fitchburg
His story: Derek Craig of Fitchburg has been helping young musicians and performers in his community turn their work into economic opportunities for the past five years.
Craig is the CEO and founder of the nonprofit CoFF33 Corp. and founder of Young Coff33 Productions — a creative collective providing musicians and artists with the tools, mentoring and collaborative opportunities they need to transform their passion for making music into businesses, according to its website.
In addition to his work at Young Coff33 Productions, Craig is the program manager for the Fitchburg Creative Cities Partnership. In this role, Craig has collaborated with the Fitchburg Art Museum, the city of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University and Making Opportunities Count (MOC) to find opportunities where musical artists from Fitchburg can work together and hold events to present their music and talent.
“My work is crucial as it uplifts the community, promotes artistic expression, and drives economic development, creating a more inclusive and dynamic cultural landscape,” Craig said.
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Craig said a love for music was always with him, even when he moved away from the Bay State to work in Texas and New Jersey.
Upon returning to Massachusetts, Craig said he faced a big challenge — he became legally blind after eye surgery. As he learned to adjust to this change in his life, Craig was introduced to the Fitchburg nonprofit NewVue Communities, where he was involved in programs such as community organizing, stewardship and leadership development.
It was at NewVue where Craig said he began building relationships and trust within the community. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Craig said he spent time improving his artistic craft, education and leadership skills while staying home with his children.
“This period was both a blessing and a curse, giving me the rare chance to channel all my energy into my passions,” Craig said.
In spite of these challenges, Craig said he still seeks to uplift young musicians and artists from marginalized communities by offering them help and the tools they need for success.
“This work is about more than just being a hip-hop artist,” Craig said. “It’s about being a beacon for others, opening doors and building both economic and community wealth.”
In his words: “Stay true to your vision and embrace collaboration. Use your unique experiences as sources of strength and inspiration. Persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are key.”
— Adam Bass
Ayanna Crawford
Community: Springfield
Her story: Quite simply, Ayanna Crawford loves the work she does serving Springfield residents.
As the chief of staff to State Rep. Orlando Ramos, of the 9th Hampden district, Crawford’s daily work touches all aspects of her constituents’ lives — housing, jobs, youth development, and much more.
Before joining Ramos in 2020, she taught for two decades in the Springfield Public Schools and served as an adjunct professor at Springfield Technical Community College.
“I love the work I do,” Crawford said. “It’s sort of an extension of my classroom because I get to help the people of our community. I was not only teaching but helping my students as well.”
In the classroom, Crawford explained, she was also a resource for students facing a variety of issues in their home lives.
“When people call our office and they’re at their wit’s end, they don’t know what to do or where to go, I take pride in doing whatever I can to find the answer or let them know we’ll do whatever we can to help them,” Crawford said. “I take it personally because I could be on the other side, in their situation.”
Crawford is a graduate of Springfield Central High School, Westfield State University and the master’s degree program at Springfield College. She is also a consultant and has lectured at numerous colleges on race, women’s issues and parenthood.
About 10 years ago, she founded the Springfield area public speaking program “It’s Your Turn, Take the Mic,” to help adolescents and teenagers grow their confidence and self-esteem when speaking to large groups of people.
“For young girls and just people in general, public speaking has always been a terrifying thing to do,” Crawford said about the program last year.
She is also the proud mother of two grown children.
In her words: “Always do the right thing, even when you are the only one. Stay true to your calling or passion and be a servant of the community.”
— Will Katcher
Cedric Allen Cunningham
Age: 53
Community: Springfield
His Story: A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Cedric Allen Cunningham is a 20-year veteran educator at Springfield Central High School where he chairs the world languages department and oversees numerous student clubs and organizations.
Cunningham, a self-described “very proud Southern gentleman” of African American and Native American heritage, originally thought he might become a diplomat or an ambassador growing up and live abroad, always having a passion for learning about other languages, cultures, customs, traditions and more. In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling around the world.
As an educator, he incorporates his passion for greater cultural comprehension in his curriculum, teaching French and German language in Springfield public schools as well as AP African American studies. Cunningham, a “life-long-learner” in his words, encourages his students to get involved in student organizations and take time to travel and see the world in order to expand their horizons.
In addition to his 12-year tenure as the department chair for modern world languages, Cunningham also advises Central’s National Honor Society and is a co-advisor for the Black Student Union, the Mental Health Club and the high school’s Diversity Inclusion and Racial Equity Club.
For the past eight years, Cunningham has played an active role in the Springfield Education Association, a local teachers union, and serves as a representative for both the Massachusetts Teachers Association’s board of directors and the group’s executive committee.
“With the union I volunteer numerous hours to help the betterment of our schools for both students and educators,” Cunningham said. He also serves on several committees here such as the MTA-ALANA, a grass roots organization representing African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Native Americans.
Cunningham said his leadership style is one that encourages openness. He said in leading his department at Central he hones in on its potentials and strengths and always looks to elevate his team. In turn, through individual and collaborative work, he said he receives positive feedback from his colleagues for his efforts and for supporting a healthy and friendly work environment.
In his words: “The more transparent I am when I make decisions, the more understanding and commitment I can expect from my team. This creates a good team atmosphere.”
— Chris McLaughlin
Cynthia Davis
Age: 53
Community: Springfield
Her story: Cynthia Davis’s journey in community leadership began with a focus on health and wellness. It’s why she founded Fit and Focused Lifestyle and the non-profit organization Flags for Health and Wellness, Inc. Through both, Davis is trying to create a space to address the health and wellness needs of Springfield’s BIPOC community.
“The goal is to create a vibrant and inclusive space,” Davis said. “We celebrate diversity and cultural roots, promoting a healthy lifestyle through instructed group exercises, fitness consultations, and access to nutritious food choices.”
The non-profit, Flags for Health and Wellness, hosts an annual Flag Day event, which Davis said serves to enhance physical health but also strengthen community bonds and cultural pride.
On top of all that, Davis is also the president of the Massachusetts chapter of the African American Caucus of the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU AFRAM Massachusetts, a volunteer post. She described her role with the union as focusing on uniting members of African descent from across the region and engaging them in civics with initiatives like youth workshops and voter registration drives.
“These activities are crucial in fostering a sense of community, empowerment, and active participation among our members,” she said.
Davis said she has long believed in the power of collective action and its ability to address specific needs in a community. It’s that belief and passion that led her to the union in the first place.
Davis said her involvement with Fit and Focused Lifestyle and Flags for Health and Wellness comes from a “strong desire” to see her community thrive.
“By celebrating our diversity and cultural roots, we can foster a sense of pride and belonging while promoting healthy lifestyles,” she explained.
Anyone seeking to pursue community leadership, particularly within the African American community, should be passionate and committed to their cause, Davis said. She also stressed the importance of collaboration and partnership with other Black leaders trying to make a difference.
A joint effort can “amplify your impact and reach a broader audience,” she said.
In her words: “My work is essential because it addresses the unique challenges faced by Black communities. By providing education, resources, and opportunities for civic engagement, I try to empower individuals to take control of their lives and contribute positively to society.”
— Charlie McKenna
Tyrone Denson
Age: 53
Community: Springfield
His story: Tyrone Denson works as the district fire chief for Springfield and the city’s emergency manager.
“My mission is to ensure that the City of Springfield and its citizens become and remain prepared for natural and man-made disasters,” Denson said. “In addition, I respond to emergency incidents in order to help save lives and protect property within the community.”
Before working for the city’s fire department, Denson worked as a home health aide for hospice care, as an anesthesia technician and as a patient care technician.
“I’ve always worked in the medical field in some capacity, so transferring my experience and human relatability towards becoming a firefighter was easy,” Denson said. “It’s all about being a servant leader and taking care of people.”
He attended Springfield public schools and graduated from Central High School. He’s earned two associate’s degrees, one in fire science and one in liberal arts.
He’s also earned a bachelor’s degree in fire science and a graduate degree in emergency management.
In his words: “Always be kind to others and to respect their needs. You may find yourself in a similar situation one day and need help. Become the person that you want taking care of you, or any of your family members.”
— Luis Fieldman
Charles T. Evans
Age: 38
Community: Springfield
His story: Charles Evans is the founder, owner and CEO of 413 Elite, a Western Massachusetts professional basketball team.
Elite is an acronym stands for Elevating Life in the East. Evans is passionate about reigniting “the spirit of basketball in Western Mass.,” and believes Elite helps basketball helps every person and every business thrive economically, nature youth talent, and promote professional growth.
“It is important for the next generation of Western Mass. to know how powerful they really are,” he said. “Their ideas and talents can be perfected and used to promote a greater sense of community one person at a time.”
He is passionate about teaching the next generation “how to wield their powers,” and believes personal growth is a part of what makes a community great.
Evans is a Springfield native and graduated from Science and Technology High School. He later attended Holyoke Community College and graduated from Edward Walters College in Jacksonville, Florida, with Summa Cum Laude honors.
After graduating, he played international basketball in Italy, Switzerland and Tahiti.
Evans brings his knowledge and skills from traveling abroad, back home “to push the next generation forward by bringing professional basketball back to its birthplace.”
He said that while not everyone will get the professional and personal opportunities he had, if he can share what he knows to push younger generations to pursue their goals, “they will be able to write their own story.”
In his words: “The best advice is to stick to the plan. Make sure you stay true to what your mission is and never waiver from that. Setting goals and actually working towards that is tough, but you cannot let up. Stay focused on your path and you will walk into your destiny.”
— Dallas Gagnon
Ethel L. Everett
Age: 62
Community: Springfield
Her story: As a labor activist for the Black community in Springfield, Ethel L. Everett has donned many hats. During her 30-year career as a social worker for the Department of Children and Families, Everett has been the president of her chapter through the Service Employees International Union Local 509, a Labor Notes Race and Labor Facilitator, a national member of the Black Workers Center Task Force, the Eastern Region Secretary for SEIU’s African American Caucus, the Chair of the Western Mass Area Labor Federation’s Racial Justice Committee, on the DCF Chapter Multi-Cultural/Multi-Lingual Committee, and is the current president of the federation’s Pioneer Valley Assembly.
In her numerous roles, Everett has consistently pushed for worker rights and Black worker rights for racial and economic justice. When she founded the Racial Justice Task Force through her work with her union, she hoped to increase awareness and education around discrimination against Black people and how discrimination affects the work unions do.
“The goal of the task force is to get us thinking about how racial justice has a huge impact on the work we are facing within the unions,” Everett said. “We want to get people to understand the civil rights and labor movement.”
Everett was inspired to get involved with racial justice through attending a statewide people of color meeting by a supervisor early in her career at the DCF. It was there she learned about disparate treatment of people of color in the workplace and workforce and realized that she could have a lasting impact on fighting workplace discrimination in her community. However, her activism was met with negative attention.
“I didn’t know that advocating within my community would bring such a negative focus to me personally,” Everett said. “While I would advocate for children and families in my community, I found that as a Black worker I would be referred to as aggressive, loud, out of control, bully, defiant, emotional, over involved, [having] poor judgment, intimidating, scary, angry. These words definitely didn’t describe me, or my co-workers, who were advocates who cared, supported, nurtured, and educated our families.”
Everett continues to fight for the labor rights of working class people, especially for people of color, and against all injustices in her community.
“I believe that it is the obligation of us all to assure that the less, loss, and last have a voice.”
In her words: “The process of learning and evolving never ends. You have to also not be afraid to use your allies to learn from them to get support from them but also to educate them about your needs that are different from their needs.”
— James Foster
Cindy Gaynor-Harper
Age: 36
Community: Springfield
Her story: Cindy Gaynor-Harper is passionate about empowering, educating and changing lives through real estate wealth strategies.
Gaynor-Harper has partnered with local organizations and families to facilitate property ownership for over a decade. She is a licensed Realtor and co-owner of DFG Property Group with her husband, and co-founder of Parents Village, a local non-profit.
“Community lies at the core of my business model,” she said. “I aim to create a positive impact that extends beyond real estate and individual consulting.”
Gaynor-Harper is a first-generation business owner.
“I’ve encountered challenges like a lack of resources and guidance in my real estate endeavors,” she said. “As an Afro-Latina woman balancing career and motherhood, overcoming obstacles became a daily task.”
Gaynor-Harper is proud to be the first in her family to pursue entrepreneurship, as her journey inspires others to break barriers.
In her experience as a business owner, Gaynor-Harper has learned the power of collaboration and resilience. By networking and sharing knowledge, Gaynor-Harper has fostered key connections that propelled her career in the real estate industry.
With her husband, the couple founded DFG Property Group, symbolizing their belief in being Destined for Greatness.
In her words: “Be intentional in every aspect of your business from the beginning, especially when forming a team ... Stay organized from the start with strong systems to manage clients and schedules efficiently, which will optimize your success.”
— Dallas Gagnon
Ali Haqq
Age: 37
Community: Springfield
His story: Ali Haqq is a devoted community member in his native Springfield.
Through his firm Ali Productions, he represents local artists across various creative industries in the city.
Haqq is particularly proud of a recently launched project, a reality show focused on Springfield’s painters, musicians, comedians, dancers and other artists. He and his business partner produced a dozen episodes for Season 1 of “The Real Creatives of Springfield” and are working on more.
Haqq said he enjoys working with artists because he gets to help people pursue and achieve their dreams.
“I get to learn from helping other people out,” he said. “I like being part of people’s lives and helping them.”
Haqq said learned the value of community leadership from time spent at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services community center in Springfield growing up.
He would attend programming there as an adolescent and eventually began volunteering and working for the community center. It was like a “second home,” Haqq said.
Haqq has also worked on multiple local political campaigns. In the winter, he hosts events to help gather toys for children at the local YWCA.
Haqq said he is also active in the city’s LGBTQ community. In 2021, he stood on the steps of City Hall alongside Mayor Domenic Sarno as the city for the first time hoisted the Transgender Pride Flag.
In his words: “Believe in yourself, your ideas, and your abilities. ... Keep pushing forward, and never let anyone dull your sparkle.”
— Will Katcher
Izzy Jacques
Age: 33
Community: Boston
Her story: Around six years ago, Izzy Jacques had a vision to create more diversity in the organization she was working for. Becoming the diversity manager there, she helped create a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program that looked at the company’s spending, the employees and the way customers interacted with the product.
At the end of the year, Jacques said she found out that how the organization spent money had a “tremendous impact.”
“Being intentional about where and with whom we spent our money helped to assist in all other areas of DEI,” Jacques said.
After leaving the organization, she co-founded Conscious Customers.
The business helps organizations create supplier and vendor diversity programs and diversify employee spending at home.
In doing so, Jacques said she is able to play a role in economic equity within the community — including Black and Latinx businesses.
“By helping to foster supplier diversity programs, we not only advocate for inclusivity within the parameters of a business’s expenses, but we also create opportunities for underrepresented businesses to thrive,” Jacques said.
In her words: “Allow yourself space to freely innovate. Doing the same things the same way yield the same results. To create change and impact, you’ve got to do things differently. Innovate. Throw away the blueprint, design your own and be willing to adjust it.
— Juliet Schulman-Hall
Jacqueline Johnson
Age: 38
Community: Springfield
Her Story: Growing up in a poor, single-parent household, Jacqueline Johnson always viewed education as a way to create a better future for herself. She now feels it is only right to use her education to advocate for others.
In addition to teaching at Bay Path University and serving as Chief Facilities Expansion and Sustainability Officer for Caring Health Center, Inc., Johnson works in youth development and social justice.
“I quickly took to becoming involved in youth advocacy work, as well as becoming a part of any program where I could help others,” Johnson explained.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College and a master’s from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Johnson received her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Organizational Studies from Bay Path University.
Based on her own experience, Johnson is committed to creating fair educational opportunities for underprivileged populations. Volunteerism in school committees, foundation boards and local activist programs has allowed her to do so.
Johnson believes it is vital that women like herself, who have earned their seat at the table, carve out spaces for those to follow in their footsteps.
“I am a reflection of many of the communities in which I work and live, and I have committed myself to being as involved as possible, serving as a cultural broker in community spaces,” Johnson said.
Her involvement in the community also allows her to be continually adaptive and in touch with people’s needs. She finds it a privilege to be the voice to facilitate such change, Johnson told MassLive.
“My volunteer work… became particularly important to me as I began to notice patterns around who had a voice in addressing certain injustices and who did not,” Johnson said.
Johnson added, “As the daughter of a single mother, my upbringing motivated and instilled an unwavering determination to both succeed and contribute meaningfully, which has guided my educational and professional journey.”
Johnson encourages that anyone in similar lines of community work remain mindful and engage in conversations and environments that reflect someone else’s experience. She says this openness allows one to expand their perspective.
In her words: “I believe that education is a critical component of a more just and equitable society. My mission is to create fair education and employment opportunities that empower underserved and underrepresented communities to flourish.”
— Samantha Paul
Andrew Keaton
Age: 57
Community: Springfield
His story: Drew Keaton’s life and career has seen many iterations — from the music industry, to popular TV talk shows, to mentorship of urban and justice system-involved youth. In 2023, he even ran for Springfield City Council.
Keaton is the founder and director of Brotherhood on the Move Inc., a nonprofit working to develop, strengthen and empower youth. He’s a cofounder of the Springfield Indie Soul Festival, Springfield Independent Film Festival, Nu Soul Collective, and Organix Soul concert series.
Keaton is also a private criminal investigator for Supreme Investigations, and spent 15 years as a prisoner reentry supervisor for the state of Massachusetts.
That’s just the tip of Keaton’s resume. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in communications and film from St. Thomas Aquinas College, he went into acting, directing, and promoting. He worked for popular shows such as the Montel Williams Show and Maury Povich Show, and was a booking agent for musical artists.
In his words: “Treat people with respect and dignity and always be sympathetic to every situation that you encounter. Make sure your goals are realistic and shoot for the stars. Always lend a helping hand to those in need and make your ancestors proud for you carry the family name.”
— Hadley Barndollar
Brian Keith
Age: 40
Community: Boston
His story: Brian Keith is one of the founders of Rooted In, a Boston-based socially conscious cannabis business with a mission to empower those from disadvantaged communities through investment in legal cannabis.
Together with his business partners, Keith began the work he does by recognizing a need for a brand that understood how to make an impact in communities of color.
“We recognized that the revenue generated in the cannabis space was going to folks who were not necessarily impacted by the war on drugs, and in some cases were the ones propagating the war on drugs,” Keith said.
Saying he knew they could do better and understanding this premise, Keith and his colleagues sought to make a change.
Rooted In created an investment opportunity for more than 50 people of color in Boston to open a cannabis dispensary right on the commercial core of Newbury Street in Boston.
The goal of the business is to build generational wealth for Black, Indigenous and other people of color right in Boston. The group’s investors are those primarily from the Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan and Hyde Park neighborhoods in the city, according to Rooted In’s website.
Keith said that Rooted In plans for additional locations and investment opportunities in the near feature. He added that the financial successes of its dispensaries are then channeled back into the communities most impacted by the war on drugs.
In his words: “Identify a need, gain an understanding by communicating with those most impacted, and find out how your efforts can be supportive,” Keith said. “Try not to duplicate the good work of folks already in a space, learn how you can offer something unique, or be supportive of folks to enhance their efforts.”
— Chris McLaughlin
Marc H. Lewis
Age: 31
Community: Springfield
His story: The direction and encouragement Marc H. Lewis received as a high school student changed his life and outlook on education forever. He is now committed to empowering young students who may need the same.
“I am dedicated to driving systemic change in education,” Lewis said. “My personal north star is clear: to foster an environment where every student, regardless of their background, can thrive.”
Lewis is the senior administrator for student supports and services for the Springfield Empowerment Zone. He notes that there are a disproportionate number of students of color in special education. He also helps educators confront unconscious bias toward these students as a school consultant.
Improving education for students is an ongoing process. However, working with teachers allows Lewis’ efforts to translate directly in schools.
“By providing robust training and resources, I empower educators to confront and challenge their own biases so that they can foster a culture of inclusivity and respect in their classrooms,” Lewis explained.
Lewis’ passion for education began in a high school workshop over a decade ago.
In 11th grade, Lewis participated in “transformative” programming, aimed to encourage students to attend college. Such an experience revealed how meaningful support and guidance for students is, Lewis told MassLive.
“Many of my peers, facing various life challenges, believed college was beyond their reach,” Lewis said. “Over the course of a three-day weekend, I witnessed a profound change: those same peers left with optimism and confidence about their future possibilities.”
“Seeing my peers shift from doubt to confidence made me realize the immense impact that dedicated support can have. It ignited a passion in me to become an educator, so I could offer that same level of encouragement and empowerment to my students,” Lewis added.
In his work, he can provide exactly that. Lewis says feedback from the communities he serves makes the job all the more rewarding.
In his words: “For those aspiring to pursue this vital work, my advice is simple: be relentless. This journey demands unwavering dedication, courage, and resilience. Educate yourself continuously and listen actively to the voices of the students and actively listen to families you serve and create space for them to be at the table.”
— Samantha Paul
Charles Luster
Age: 58
Community: Worcester
His story: In 2020, Charles Luster and friends were looking for ways to respond to both the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd. He said Floyd’s death woke him up to the need for community support for Black men like himself and the dangers they face.
In response, Luster helped start two Worcester-based organizations: 2Gether We Eat and The UnCommonwealth Group.
He is the founder and executive director of 2Gether We Eat, a youth hydroponic farming education program that has been running for about three years. Through the program, Worcester students learn how to grow food using hydroponic agriculture, which grows plants without soil. The technique uses about 70% less water than traditional farming, according to the organization’s website.
They have received grants to establish hydroponic farms at low-income schools in the city, and healthy food grown through the program is then donated back to the community.
Luster is also the co-founder and board chairman of The UncommonWealth Group, a business and leadership group for Black men formed in 2022. Members of the organization aim to uplift Black men through mentoring and other community work.
Since its inception, UnCommonwealth Group has held two free Black Music Festivals in Worcester. They host two weekend Black Men’s Breakfasts a month and also provide mentoring to kids in Worcester public schools. Luster said he wants to be a part of the solution to gang violence in the city.
“It’s really important for my little Black and Brown boys to see people like them in the schools,” Luster said. ”You start at an early age. You’re able to show them what success really looks like, and not television success.”
He said the name of the group is meant to signify the societal challenges Black people face, but he also wants to be a representative for all marginalized people in Worcester. He said it particularly hurts to see all of the homeless residents on the streets, especially veterans, as he is a veteran himself.
Luster said it isn’t always easy to influence change in the community, because he frequently runs into gatekeeping in both local politics and events meant to be for the community.
“Our true mission with the UnCommonwealth Group is to be a part of the table in Worcester when there’s decision-making and not get left out,” he said.
In his words: “Once you begin to be a community activist, it’s just a way of living. Take time for yourself and your family. Self care is most important.”
— Tréa Lavery
Andre Lynch
Age: 34
Community: Pittsfield and North Adams
His Story: Andre Lynch is the vice provost for institutional equity and belonging at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA). According to Lynch, his role involves strategic management and coordination of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
“I collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to develop and implement policies and programs that promote a culture of belonging, addressing systemic inequities and enhancing the overall educational experience,” he told MassLive.
A member of the President’s Executive Leadership Team, Lynch said he works closely with various campus units to integrate DEI principles into the curriculum, co-curricular activities and campus life.
He also said his role is substantial at MCLA as it makes students feel belong and are part of a greater higher education community.
“By actively promoting a more inclusive and equitable environment, I help to create a campus where all members feel valued and supported,” Lynch added.
Lynch said he holds a master’s degree in educational leadership with an emphasis in higher education from St. Lawrence University. Additionally, he is a doctoral researcher in St. John Fisher University’s Executive Leadership program.
“As a father of two beautiful girls, I am deeply committed to fostering a better future for the next generation,” Lynch said.
Lynch’s passion for equity work began when he worked in admissions for the State University of New York. He said while he was there he saw so many Black and Brown students struggle to get into college, which inspired him to actively recruit and encourage students from places similar to where he grew up to apply to college. But, his work revealed that these same students did not have a support system once they were admitted into college.
He said that it was this realization that encouraged him to be part of the solution to provide students of color with the necessary support to thrive in higher education.
“Education, I believe, is the most reliable path to social mobility,” he added.
In his words: “Develop a robust understanding of how to enact systemic change. While the tangible programs and performance-driven initiatives are important, they cannot stand alone. It is most essential to understand how to shift systems, build stakeholder engagement, and leverage alliances effectively.”
— Alvin Buyinza
Alaina Macaulay
Age: 31
Community: Somerville
Her story: Growing up in one of the most racially segregated cities in the United States, Alaina Macaulay said she often asked many questions about herself and her environment.
Macaulay, who grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, said that her experience navigating race in the midwestern city shaped her curiosity about systems and structures in our society.
“As I became more immersed in literature and community, I quickly realized that these barriers were not unintentional, and we were living with the continued legacy of racism in our everyday lives, Macaulay said.
As the Assistant Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence and Leadership at Tufts University, Macaulay said that she sees education as a vehicle to learn and unlearn systems that foster hate, exclusion and oppression. She would like to center joy in the human experience.
“I wanted to spark joy, opportunity and curiosity to build a better world where all could thrive,” she added.
Alaina said that she helps lead university-wide strategic efforts to promote an inclusive community at Tufts University. This includes climate assessments and other work. She is also responsible for coordinating cross-university efforts to advance Tufts University’s vision around diversity and inclusion.
Macaulay works to bring people together by recognizing and listening to community needs, she said. She aims to improve people’s experience to make sure systemic barriers no longer exist.
In some cases structures need to be built to improve access for people who’ve been marginalized, she said. In other cases, structures need to be dismantled.
“My work centers on building programs, initiatives and pipelines to increase equity, foster inclusion and enhance belonging,” she said.
In her words: “Remaining true to who I am, being firm in my purpose and accountable to my community is the way I keep pushing through. So, to others, I offer the same invitation. What brings you joy? What brings you love? What brings you purpose?”
— Alvin Buyinza
Ronald Molina-Brantley
Age: 43
Community: Springfield
His story: After earning his MBA from American International College, Ronald Molina-Brantley served as the COO of Valley Venture Mentors. In this position, he was able to build a solid foundation of skills to help mentor and provide strategic support to emerging businesses while also helping them with the challenges of growth and sustainability.
Molina-Brantley then joined Berkshire Bank as head of multicultural banking. He told MassLive, “I dedicated myself to helping historically marginalized communities gain access to capital. My work at Berkshire Bank allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative power of providing financial resources and strategic guidance to underserved business owners.”
Molina-Brantley’s experience further reinforced his belief in the importance of equitable access to capital and support. With this belief, Brantley led initiatives that provided crucial financial resources and training, supporting many businesses in the community. In September 2021, Molina-Brantley and his husband, Kelvin, co-founded the Entrepreneurial and Business Collaborative (E&BC). Molina-Brantley said that the organization recognizes the systemic inequities that disproportionately affect minority, women, and LGBTQ-owned businesses.
“These entrepreneurs often find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt and financial vulnerability due to a flawed and fundamentally broken system,” Molina-Brantley told MassLive. “This is not merely a failure of finance; it’s a failure of justice. Our work aims to rectify these disparities, creating pathways for marginalized communities to achieve economic independence and success.”
In addition to E&BC, Ronald founded a local nonprofit called Seeding Ventures in March 2023. It offers the Micro-SEED Program (Supporting Entrepreneurs for Economic Development) for minority, women, and LGBTQ businesses in Western Mass. The Pilot Program is a revolving loan fund that provides a sustainable solution to these business owners and helps them overcome financial barriers and succeed.
Each of the trainings is designed to support the customers by enhancing their skills, expanding their business or finding a supportive network. As Brantley said, E&BC’s goal is to “build a thriving ecosystem where every entrepreneur can realize their potential and contribute to the economic vibrancy of our community.”
Molina-Brantley continues working to uplift the community, advocate for equitable access to resources, and foster economic development. He hopes that by empowering entrepreneurs, it will create ripples of positive change.
“I aim to build on this foundation, driving forward a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and success for the Black and African American community in Massachusetts and beyond,” Molina-Brantley said.
Molina-Brantley encourages those who are pursuing work in supporting historically marginalized communities and fostering economic development to be grounded in commitment, empathy and have a strategic approach. He also encouraged others to commit deeply to their missions, embrace empathy, continuously expand their skills, build strong networks, advocate for systemic change and remain patient and persistent.
In his words: “By staying committed, empathetic, knowledgeable, and collaborative, you can help create a more equitable and thriving community.”
— Kalina Kornacki
Diana Preston
Age: 39
Community: Chicopee/Springfield
Her story: Diana Preston is about as immersed in healthcare as one can be. Not only is she a registered nurse, but the Western Massachusetts mother is also in charge of a nurse-owned and operated healthcare staffing agency in Springfield.
“My dual role as a registered nurse and CEO of Caring Medical Staffing, LLC, allows me to make substantial contributions to both the healthcare industry and the community at large,” Preston said.
“It drives me to mentor and support other healthcare professionals, helping them achieve their career goals despite challenges. Through my work and community involvement, I strive to make a meaningful difference in the healthcare industry and the lives of those in my community,” she said.
It’s been years of dedication to caring for people in the industry that’s led Preston to this point. She started out as a direct care staff and home health aide in 2002, and became a certified nurse assistant three years later.
After pursuing a phlebotomist trade program and school to become a licensed practical nurse, she took what she called “a break” as a stay-at-home mom — but nonetheless continued her education online and became a registered nurse with her associate’s degree in nursing.
When she returned to work in 2018, she wanted to work for herself for financial stability and time flexibility, but didn’t want to stop nursing. That’s when she came up with Caring Medical Staffing, LLC.
“This venture allows me to address the persistent nursing shortages in healthcare, manage and support other healthcare professionals, and maintain the flexibility to work as a nurse on my own schedule,” said Preston.
“By addressing critical staffing shortages, providing employment opportunities, and volunteering my time and expertise, I play a vital role in enhancing the health and well-being of the community,” she added.
In her words: “My personal journey serves as a testament to the impact one individual can have through dedication and leadership.”
— Irene Rotondo
Rachel Ratchford
Age: 32
Community: Brookline
Her story: Over the past decade, Rachel Ratchford has worked as a management consultant in support of health, life science and public care sector industries.
Throughout her career, Ratchford has worked to expand healthcare access and improve health care systems for patients and clinicians alike.
She is passionate about health care and its ability to touch peoples’ lives “in a way that few other industries can.”
Through her work, Ratchford has gained insight to important challenges and opportunities facing the health care system.
Ratchford attended Brown University as an undergraduate with the intentions of becoming a physician, though later transitioned out of the program to explore other career paths within the health care sector.
As a senior, she completed a year-long internship in the office of Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth H. Roberts, where she supported Roberts’ office in its work on aging and long term care policy in the state.
Ratchford graduated in 2013, and has since worked to tackle specific industry issues such as Medicaid waiver programs and assisting implementation of technology to improve health care operations.
“Outside of work, I am extremely passionate about service and giving back to the local community,” she said.
“I have recently been named to a four-year term as a public board member for the American Nurses Credentialing Center - Commission on Board Certification.”
This organization is focused on advancing excellence in the nursing profession, and Ratchford is responsible for furthering career advancement and education.
She has previously served as a mentor of Minds Matter Boston (and in Washington, D.C.), a college access program that connects students from low-income families with the people, preparation and possibilities to succeed in college.
In her words: “Look for the ways to continue to grow, develop, and learn new skills... Seeking out people who are willing to offer advice, coaching, feedback, and guidance has been absolutely critical and has helped me to take my career goals to the next level.”
— Dallas Gagnon
Michael Rodney
Age: 30
Community: Springfield, Agawam, and Chicopee
His story: Michael Rodney grew up in a single-mom household and was the middle of three children. As the middle child, Rodney felt a strong urge to make his mark on the world and prove that he could make the most out of his life.
As someone who grew up without his father and is now the father of three boys and three girls, Rodney wanted to ensure that his children all grew up under one roof and with a present, active father who was proud of his family name. When he started his own photography business, he made sure that his family’s name was front and center, hence the name the “Rodney Family Studio.”
As a photographer, Rodney has worked with high-profile clients, including Shensea, Rick Ross, and 50 Cent, and knows how to make his clients feel good about themselves through his photos. However, at just 30 years old, Rodney has also worked with kids and adults and improved their confidence in another area: their smiles.
Rodney works as an orthodontist, which includes putting braces on his clients and making their smiles even more beautiful.
“Finishing dental school was the start of my accomplishments,” Rodney said. “There is way more out there. I wanted to be different. I work in an orthodontic portion of dentistry. I wanted to give people something to remember for a lifetime which is a perfect smile.”
Outside of his work, Rodney is an active member of the community as a soccer and football coach in Agawam and as an advocate for fathers who are trying to be more active participants in their children’s lives.
In his words: “Anything is possible. You really just have to put your mind to it. Learn how to resource out. Learn how to network. Learn how to read people’s body language and gestures to be able to dictate certain situations for the better. If you have kids, first thing is take care of them, because eventually they will take care of you. Always speak up for yourself. Don’t ever let no one ever belittle you. We are all equal.”
— James Foster
Shannon M. Rudder
Age: 46
Community: Springfield
Her story: From early on, Shannon M. Rudder saw the positive effects of service and supporting others — mainly through her family.
Rudder’s parents and grandparents were involved in benevolent activities, from leading youth groups at church to other acts of service.
“I feel called to this life of service through non-profit leadership,” Rudder said. “It is imperative for me to align myself with causes that directly contribute to positive impacts in my community.”
Now, Rudder is president and chief executive officer of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services in Springfield.
The organization provides numerous services, including a family stabilization program that works the support parents, a food pantry, the Clemente Course in Humanities and Historically Black College and University Experience education programs as well as after school and summer camp programs.
Rudder’s professional career began with an advocacy for women. These women were often struggling through physical, mental or financial issues. Rudder helped women fleeing from violence, teen mothers and incarcerated women.
“I aligned deeply with the call to be the new face of civil rights in my more than 10 years supporting fair housing, which informs my staunch support of advocacy and knowledge that we are not in this work alone,” Rudder said.
Her experience has taught her to honor an individual’s unique and wonderful skills. To be an impactful leader, Rudder said that it is important to always thinking of the good of the whole organization, to be a mindful and perpetual learner and to inspire others throughout their team, while also planning for long-term sustainability and succession.
In her words: “It is important to understand that non-profit work requires both an entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit. An effective non-profit leader is visionary, a strong communicator, has a strong sense of integrity, authenticity, and transparency.”
— Kalina Kornacki
Erika Slocumb
Age: 37
Community: Longmeadow and Holyoke
Her story: A native of Springfield, Erika Slocumb became interested in telling what she described as a “richer” history of Western Massachusetts’ Black residents as a Black Studies graduate student. She then worked to go through the archives at Wistariahurst, a historic house museum in Holyoke, alongside friends and colleagues Cheryl O’Connell, Kate Preissler and Penni Martorell to recover the history of the city’s Black residents.
Working with volunteers and other community members, Slocumb was able to conduct oral history interviews that she said brought the history she found in the archives to life.
For the past seven years, she has built on that work — reshaping, reframing and retelling the history of Black Holyoke.
“Through a series of exhibits, lectures and community discussions, we have brought this history to the community,” Slocumb said, adding she continues to “uncover stories about Holyoke, and other communities across New England.”
Now, Slocumb works as the director of interpretation at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford, Connecticut. The center’s mission is to “encourage social justice and literary activism by exploring the legacy” of its namesake, the author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” according to its website. There, she is “working to reinterpret the history of Stowe and the Black folks who influenced her in Hartford, Connecticut, nationally and internationally.”
In her words: “Networking is important, especially with folks who are in the field and job position that you want to be in.”
— Charlie McKenna
Mohamed Sanusie Traore
Age: 42
Community: Quincy
His story: Mohamed Sanusie Traore — also known as the “Uber Hero” — is known for rescuing a mother and daughter who were trapped in a car after it crashed in Revere in September 2022. He was working as an Uber driver when it happened.
Traore was driving along Squire Road on his way to Logan Airport when saw the car flip onto its side, WBZ-TV reported at the time. He pulled over and soon heard a woman screaming for help. She was trying to open one of the car’s doors to escape, but was unable to, so he lifted it for her.
It was then that Traore noticed that the woman’s young daughter was also trying to escape, the news station reported. He called for help, but no one came, so he lifted the door with one hand and pulled the girl out with the other.
Less than a minute after Traore freed the mother and daughter from the car, it burst into flames, he told MassLive. All the while, onlookers were filming the scene with their phones.
The feeling of saving human lives was transformative for Traore. He considers it a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of his life.
“That event inspired me to become an agent of change, reminding us all about the power of human connections and compassion,” he wrote.
Now, Traore works to educate the public — especially young people — about what’s known as the “bystander effect.” The Encyclopedia Brittanica describes it as the “inhibiting influence of the presence of others on a person’s willingness to help someone in need.”
“Research has shown that, even in an emergency, a bystander is less likely to extend help when he or she is in the real or imagined presence of others than when he or she is alone,” according to the Encyclopedia.
Traore wants people to think of helping others first when they see a dangerous situation — even if that just means calling 911.
“When you see someone in trouble, instead of filming or ignoring them, ask yourself what can you do to help,” he wrote.
Originally from Guinea in West Africa, Traore credits his parents for his selfless actions during the crash.
“Their legacy of empathy and compassion guides every step of my path, offering care and support to those who cross my path,” he wrote.
In his words: “Life is the only gift that, once it is taken away, you can never have it again. If you save one life, it’s like you have saved every human being’s life.”
— Susannah Sudborough
Doreen Wade
Age: 66
Community: Salem
Her story: Doreen Wade is the president and founder of Salem United Inc., where her mission is to “preserve, protect and build” Black history. In leading the nonprofit, Wade wears many hats, as an educator, historian, researcher, curator, and activist — mostly all focused on Negro Election Day history and the first Black voting system.
Wade traces Negro Election Day back to Lynn, Massachusetts, in 1639, where enslaved Africans engaged in joyous festival activities and democratically elected their own leaders. The occasion was celebrated in various locations throughout history, and today, it’s observed as a Massachusetts state holiday on the third Saturday of July.
As a child, Wade’s mother carried on the tradition by going to Salem Willows Park in Salem each year with neighbors, friends and family to commemorate Negro Election Day. Wade wouldn’t learn the meaning behind the yearly gathering until she was an adult, and the discovery would lead her to forming Salem United Inc.
Through her advocacy work, she has spoken about the holiday before the Massachusetts House and Senate, and successfully saw Gov. Charlie Baker sign a state proclamation for the holiday into law.
Wade has used her lifetime of career skills in finance, fundraising, and as an executive director and owner of an online magazine company to keep the story of Negro Election Day alive.
In her words: “You must go into this work with the mindset that ‘No weapons formed against me shall prosper,’ because as rewarding as this work is, it is not without pain.... Practice persistence.... Only confidence and persistence will get you through the hard days.”
— Hadley Barndollar
Rosemary Woods
Age: 81
Community: Springfield
Her story: As the owner and operator of Art for the Soul Gallery in Springfield, Rosemary Woods has brought several powerful exhibits to the community that advocate for artists of color and artists with disabilities.
These exhibits have included “TANGO- Contemporary Art of Argentina,” “Radiant: Women of Color,” and “Ten Little N***** Girls: A Works-in-Progress, Open Studio Exhibition and the ensuing community conversations about race.”
The latter brought in record-breaking attendance to the gallery and marked a collaboration between local college and university art departments along with the Healing Racism Institute of the Pioneer Valley, according to Art for the Soul’s website.
“I believe art has true power,” Woods told MassLive. “These are just a few of the striking exhibitions I’ve brought to the community, all coupled with workshops, demonstrations, and/or artist panels that engage the community further.”
Growing up in Philadelphia and frequenting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Woods never saw artists of color until she met the niece of Henry Ossawa Tanner, a prominent African American artist. This encounter inspired Woods to advocate for getting more artists of color into museum and galleries, including her own.
Working in Connecticut and living in Massachusetts, Woods got involved in the Massachusetts Cultural Council and was later appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to create galleries in downtown spaces.
Woods, who specializes in contemporary African American art and the art of the Harlem Renaissance, opened the Artist Square Group Gallery which later re-opened as Art for the Soul Gallery at 235 State St. She opened a second gallery location in downtown Springfield at Tower Square in late 2015.
As the gallery evolved, Woods recruited the help of Artistic Director and Chief Curator William “Billy” Myers. Through their collaboration, Woods and Myers have brought some of this country’s most renowned artists of color, especially African American artists, to Springfield art lovers.
“Between the two locations at Tower Square and the Classical Condominiums, I have brought art exhibitions and programs that highlight emerging and established artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines,” Woods said. “The projects involved with are ones that serve the community, in the capacity of paint parties, installation of murals, and encouraging everyone to create.”
In her words: “Pursue your dreams — work for passion, don’t work for money.”
— David Cifarelli
Clarissa Wright
Age: 52
Community: Agawam
Her story: Clarissa Wright has been practicing law for the past 22 years. For the majority, she’s served in a Massachusetts district attorney’s office — in Worcester, early in her career, and for the past 12 years in Hampden County as the Assistant District Attorney.
Being a voice for the voiceless is exactly where Wright feels she belongs.
“Even when the result was not what the victim wanted,” Wright said, “many were at peace because someone fought for them.”
She began to see just how far her impact could reach during her third year in college, after she led a successful student boycott against her school for its unfair book pricing.
Wright received her Juris Doctorate from Western New England Law School after graduating with her bachelor’s in accounting from Clark Atlanta University.
After starting her career in criminal defense for the first three years, Wright’s passion for activism was later deepened at the Worcester District Attorney’s Office, where she advocated for children and others who couldn’t fight for themselves.
Four years later, Wright went back to private practice in criminal defense and family law.
“However, while that work is important, I missed advocating for the safety of the community,” Wright said. The prosecutor has now been with the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office for the past 12 years.
“My primary role is ensuring the safety of the community and being a voice for victims by listening to their concerns and ensuring they are heard throughout the court process,” Wright said.
The list of crimes she’s prosecuted include, but are not limited to, sexual assaults, gun violence and drug offenses.
But it’s not just about incarceration, Wright said.
“Many times individuals suffering from substance use and/or mental health issues come into contact with the criminal justice system,” the prosecutor said.
Wright said she uses her position to help create probations with conditions that get people into treatment and “hopefully end their court involvement.”
“The ultimate goal being to assist the individual in becoming a productive member of society,” Wright said.
In addition, Wright volunteers locally through the district attorney’s office, her membership with the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has been a member of the Board of Bar Overseers for the past five years. Her work includes mentorship of middle school students, local college woman and attorneys through Women Lawyers of Color, and participating in community service projects and educational forums.
In her words: “I would encourage others pursuing a career in law or as a prosecutor to network with others in the field. Get a job, volunteer or do an internship at a courthouse, clerk’s office, probation department or law office... I would advise them not to be discouraged by fear or perceived societal limitations.”
— Irene Rotondo
Donnell R. Wright
Age: 59
Community: Springfield
His story: As a child growing up in Springfield, Donnell R. Wright said he was exposed to the trauma of domestic violence, alcoholism and drug addiction. He started using drugs as a kid, experimenting with codeine — the active ingredient in cough syrup.
“My addiction grew as did the violence surrounding and involving me as I was nearly killed several times in this city!” he told MassLive.
Wright said he then graduated to using methamphetamines, psychedelics, heroin, then cocaine and then crack cocaine into his early adulthood. By the time he was in the 7th grade, he was busted by the Drug Enforcement Agency at Kylie Junior High School in Springfield.
“Suspended for two years I had nothing but time to get in trouble and I am one of the first and original school-to-prison pipeline kids!” he said.
He began selling drugs full-time, stating he was his best customer. He was in constant trouble with the law, jumping in and out of prison. Soon his addiction took over his life and he found himself without a home.
“I am a recovering addict and formally convicted felon who served prison time for drug trafficking and weapons possession,” he said. “But today I am an asset to our society and community!”
After completing a seven-year state prison sentence, Wright said he was released on parole in 2011. He left a life behind bars with two bachelors of science degrees in interdisciplinary studies and social justice from Boston University. Soon after he was released, Wright became a public and motivational speaker on criminal justice reform, reintegration and spirituality.
Wright said he has been sought after by many organizations and politicians in Boston who were eager to hear his story. He has even spoken in front of the Massachusetts Legislature, which led to changes in Massachusetts’ minimum mandatory sentencing laws.
Wright, who was present at Gov. Charlie Baker’s inauguration, said he showed the former Republican governor his degrees and said that he was still having trouble finding a job. It was that moment when Baker offered him a full-time job at the Statehouse.
Wright is the president and CEO of Innervizion Empowerment and Consulting Center, a spiritually based non-religious inspirational program, that helps connect marginalized communities with the resources they need to combat issues such as mental health issues, gun violence, addiction and homelessness.
“Today I work a full-time job but I am always on call as an advocate and mentor advocating for those who are unable to speak and/or stand up for themselves from criminal justice issues to consumer business relations we fight for those who cannot fight for themselves!” he said.
In his words: “My advice is to be fearless and bold with a wide spectrum of vision, to never stop listening or coming to the table assuming that you know how this all works, or you know exactly what a population needs. Keep learning, pivot, grow, challenge yourself and do it because you feel fulfilled in being a part of bringing about positive changes.”
— Alvin Buyinza
More black leaders
- Kaine Compton brings her own experience to mental health care
- Ayanna Crawford is translating her teaching experience to government
- Nurse and CEO Diana Preston uses her dual position to better healthcare
- Brian Keith retools legal cannabis to give back to BIPOC Bostonians
- Izzy Jacques helps organizations diversify where they spend money
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
