Framingham's first diversity, equity and inclusion chief eager to bring positive change to the city April 2, 2021
Jeff Malachowski 508-490-7466 Metrowest Daily News
FRAMINGHAM - Maritsa Barros long envisioned herself in the role of aiding and advising leaders on diversity, equality and inclusion efforts.

Barros, whose parents immigrated to the United States from the Cape Verde Islands, was a first-generation college student attending UMass Dartmouth where she studied psychology and African American studies. One of her African American studies professors lit the fire of an activist in Barros, a fire that has continued to burn.

"It opened my eyes," she said. "I knew there was a bigger purpose for me."

After graduating, Barros was an admissions counselor at Northeastern University for two years before becoming assistant director of admission for multicultural recruitment at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She moved on to Framingham State University as assistant director of admission and multicultural recruitment and later became Lesley University's associate diversity officer and executive director of urban scholars initiative. Barros was the Cambridge university's interim chief diversity officer for several months in 2020.

Barros, who earned a doctorate degree in education from Northeastern in 2020, learned of Framingham's newly created chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer position in the fall and said working alongside a female mayor of color was a major draw. Maritsa Barros is Framingham's chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. "It made 100% sense to me," she said. "I had to at least apply."

Barros was selected for the $125,000-per-year position and began her duties in late January.

Mayor Yvonne Spicer called Barros "a champion of equality, inclusion and diversity" and said she brings a very personal lens to her work in the community. Barros understands what it takes to build a welcoming and inclusive environment supported by policies and practices that truly reflect a community's diversity.

"Dr. Maritsa Barros has hit the ground running since joining Framingham as the city's first chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer in January," said Spicer. "She has directly engaged with each division head and is already working with the Framingham community, including higher education."

Barros, who describes herself as innovative and creative, said the city has taken steps to build a more diverse and inclusive community recently and she plans to further that.

A major priority for Barros is recruitment to increase minority representation in government. She plans to seek out training opportunities to help minimize bias in hiring.

A major priority for Barros is recruitment to increase minority representation in government. She plans to seek out training opportunities to help minimize bias in hiring.

"We want to stress the importance and commitment to diversity," she said.

Barros plans to create a racial equality vision for the city, with the goal of reaching a point where inequality is not a factor. Creating a culture in which all residents can be welcomed, be comfortable and succeed is crucial. Maritsa Barros, Framingham Diversity and Inclusion Officer, in her City Hall office on Wednesday.

"That's the forever pursuit," she said.

She also aims to have city documents translated into several languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and others, to ensure non-English speaking residents have access to information. Barros said that can help create a stronger sense of belonging for those residents.

Normalizing conversations surrounding race, culture and systems of oppression; and engaging the city's youth and underserved populations to help them raise their future aspirations are other goals.

"This work is critically important," she said. "This work is forever going to be a factor."

Barros is eager to bring positive change to Framingham.

"The work itself is very thrilling to me," she said.

Framingham Selects Barros as First Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer December 31, 2020
Susan Petroni, Framingham Source Editor 508-315-7176 Framingham Source
FRAMINGHAM - Maritsa Barros has been named the City of Framingham's first-ever Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer.

The City Council will be asked to approve the appointment in January.

Mayor Yvonne Spicer submitted Barros' name to the Council yesterday, December 30.

"It is with great pleasure that I submit Dr. Maritsa Barros to serve as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the City of Framingham. Dr. Barros has an impressive professional career working with grassroots programs like the Urban Scholars Initiative to currently serving as the Interim Chief Diversity Officer at Lesley University. She is a remarkable candidate with a notable background who comes highly recommended," wrote the Mayor to the Council.

"Barros has long been a champion of equity, inclusion, and diversity. She brings a very personal lens, as a daughter of immigrants, to view this work. She understands what it takes to build a welcoming and inclusive environment supported by policies and practices that truly reflect the diversity of a community. Framingham is fortunate to have attracted such a talented individual to assume this role," wrote the Mayor.

The starting salary is $125,000.

Barros, who just received her doctorate degree in 2020, has been at Lesley University for the last 7 years.

She just became the Assistant Vice President of Special Projects at the University in December 2020. She was Interim Chief Diversity Officer for the Cambridge-based University since July 2020.

Barros was hired as the Associate Diversity Officer and Executive Director of Urban Scholars Initiative in August of 2013.

She was the assistant director admission & multicultural recruitment at Framingham State University from July 2011 until she was hired by Lesley University.

Barros was the assistant director for multicultural recruitment at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts for 3 years from August 2008 to August 2011.

Barros received her Doctor of Education in organizational leadership from Northeastern University in 2020. She received her Masters in College student development & counseling from Northeastern in 2007. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth in 2005 with a degree in psychology. She has a minor in African & African-American studies.

" Reverend Dr. J. Anthony Lloyd , Dr. Connie Cabello, Dr. Lynn Moore, Dr. Esta Montano, Mr. Joseph Corazzini, and (Framingham HR Director) Ms. Dolores Hamilton," served on the selection committee said the Mayor.

Spicer selects Maritsa Barros for Framingham's first diversity, equity and inclusion officer January 4, 2021
Zane Razzaq 508-626-3919 Metrowest Daily News
Maritsa Barros was nominated by Mayor Yvonne Spicer to become Framingham's first diversity, equity and inclusion officer.

FRAMINGHAM - A former Framingham State University administrator has been nominated to serve as the city's first diversity, equity and inclusion officer.

In a Dec. 30 letter to the City Council, Mayor Yvonne Spicer submitted Maritsa Barros, of Norwood, for the role. On Tuesday, the council will vote to refer the matter to the Appointments Subcommittee for review and recommendation.

From 2011 to 2013, Barros was assistant director of admission and multicultural recruitment at Framingham State. According to her resume, she was most recently at Lesley University in Cambridge, serving as associate diversity officer and executive director of the Urban Scholars Initiative.

In her cover letter, Barros said she had always envisioned herself assisting and advising a mayor and other leaders on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

"With my roots deeply planted in personal and professional experiences around the matters of equity, social justice, and as a long-standing, deeply invested citizen of Massachusetts and past resident of Framingham, I bring a unique set of skills and knowledge to this position. I have the ability to 'think outside the box,' and the courage to challenge the 'status quo,'" said Barros.

Spicer called Barros a "champion of equity, inclusion and diversity."

"She brings a very personal lens, as a daughter of immigrants, to view this work. She understands what it takes to build a welcoming and inclusive environment supported by policies and practices that truly reflect the diversity of a community," Spicer wrote.

Along with Spicer, the Rev. Anthony Lloyd of the Greater Framingham Community Church, Framingham State University Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement Constanza Cabello, MassBay Chief Diversity Officer Lynn Moore, Esta Montano, Framingham Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Joseph Corazzini, and city Human Resources Director Dolores Hamilton served on the selection committee.

In September, Barros earned a doctorate in education from Northeastern University. She also holds a master's degree in college student development, also from Northeastern, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

The position comes with a salary of a maximum of $125,000 and a minimum of $118,000. Duties include developing strategies that advance understanding diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and maintaining and monitoring the implementation of the city's non-discrimination and harassment policy for employees, residents, students and staff.

Framingham Council OKs $80K For Diversity Officer Job October 8, 2020
Neal Mcnamara Framingham Patch
The Council took the key step of appropriating money for the job on Tuesday. Now the city has to find a candidate.

FRAMINGHAM, MA - The Framingham City Council took the final step in creating a diversity, equity and inclusion officer position in city government by approving a transfer of money to pay for the job.

On Tuesday, Councilors voted 8 to 3 to approve $80,000 for the position. The Council had approved a salary up to $125,000 on Sept. 30. The full amount likely won't be needed since there are only nine months left in the fiscal year - and the city likely won't hire someone for weeks.

Mayor Yvonne Spicer has been pushing for the job since she took office, but was unable to make the hire due to past budget disputes. Spicer did get approval to hire for the job in a previous budget year, but the candidate turned down the offer.

The Council left the position out of the budget during deliberations in June, but Spicer asked for it to be added back this summer. She had previously asked for up to $115,000 for the role, but boosted that to $125,000 citing an increased demand after nationwide protests over the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

The job had not been posted on the city website as of Thursday morning. Chief Operating Officer Thatcher Kezer told the Council the position could be posted in about two weeks.

The appropriation for the diversity and equity officer job came after Framingham received $3 million more than budgeted in Chapter 70 state aid. That aid usually goes entirely to the school district, but municipal and school officials worked out an agreement to share the windfall.

About $2.3 million will go to Framingham Public Schools. The rest will help Framingham offset budget costs to have a zero levy increase.

The hiring of this position basically means that the city and schools are no longer a meritocracy

In so many words, the task of the diversity officer is the following:

It wasn't enough to:

  1. modify the SAT scores with an adversity score.
  2. have an Affirmative Action policy
  3. have this law.
  4. have the NAACP
  5. have the United Negro College Fund

I'll be waiting to see the race of the person hired.

What is the value of dark skinned women when you have a dark skinned woman mayor?

Only women of color need apply.

We should also consider the notion that the vast majority of positions in the city and schools do not need too much intelligence.

Maybe we are hiring too many smart people.

This might explain why the Framingham police removed themselves from hiring civil service candidates. This would allow for a greater selection of dumb candidates. It's perfect for the police.

We are proudly marching towards Idiocracy (see movie) .

Well done, Framingham!

Click on image to expand

October 20, 2020

Dear Mayor, Dr. Yvonne M. Spicer:

It is with great enthusiasm that I submit my credentials for the position of Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officerfor the City of Framingham, Massachusetts.

I have worked in the field of higher education serving as a champion for creating an inclusive campus experience for students of diverse backgrounds, for the past 14 years. Working with aspiring young adults of marginalized backgrounds and encouraging them to shine is the hallmark of my career. I find great reward in facilitating personal and professional growth and development through inclusive systems and practices. In my current role at Lesley University, I work collaboratively with the President and other campus leaders to develop frameworks that will interconnect individual initiatives to each other and to a larger strategic plan, showing how together the community can achieve broader university diversity and inclusion goals. In addition, my responsibilities consists of developing wrap-around programs and services that support the retention and recruitment of students from marginalized backgrounds. Creating an inclusive campus environment requires buy-in from the entire community in order for students to feel a sense of belonging and pride for the campus they consider a second home. My ability to advocate for racial equality, antiracism, representation of diversity in its broad definition, inclusion, sense of belonging for all, willingness to educate and inspire my colleagues and compassion for the work I so passionately do in pursuit of inclusive excellence allows me to have an impact as a change maker in the spaces I lead and contribute to.

My professional accomplishments are filled with examples of my commitment to and success in working to increase diversity and promote inclusive community engagement. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to experience and analyze a number colleges, their mission and strategies around diversity. I have worked in a variety of different settings including: large, small, private, public, highly selective, and liberal arts colleges. As the Executive Director of the Urban Scholars Initiative (USI) at Lesley University I have had the pleasure and honor in developing and growing the hallmark program of diversity retention on-campus. This unique position has allowed me to use a cross-sectional and cross-cultural approach to create change in the sense of belonging for the students we serve on-campus. The experiences of USI students serves as a catalyst to examine university practices of inclusion across campus. As the Chair of the President's Diversity Advisory Committee and now the Interim Diversity Officer at Lesley University I have had the opportunity in a short time to lead the university in re-establishing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and have supported the university President in working to infuse the practices of inclusive excellence into the very fabric and day to day practices across the university. The university is in the process of transformation as all campus leaders are owning the work of diversity as part of their responsibility as well. I have managed to do all of this with quality results, all while working to complete my doctoral degree and research on the lived experiences of Chief Diversity Officers at predominately white institutions in the northeast region of the United States, and while becoming a mom of two.

The opportunity to continue expanding my reach, influence, and ability to impact change widely on the city level is an appropriate and attractive next step in my career. It has always been a part of my vision and career goals to serve, assist and advise at a city-wide level assisting the mayor and other leaders in efforts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. With my roots deeply planted in personal and professional experiences around the matters of equity, social justice, and as a long-standing, deeply invested citizen of Massachusetts and past resident of Framingham, I bring a unique set of skills and knowledge to this position. I have the ability to think "outside of the box" and the courage to challenge the "status quo." Addressing a variety of small and large audiences is the mainstay of city professionals. I enjoy public speaking and group facilitation; it comes natural to me. My experiences provide me with a rich understanding of the value of being creative, resourceful, organized, communicating clearly, and investing in the appropriate systems and best practices required for successful outcomes.

I trust you will see via my CV I am an accomplished educational professional ready for the next step and challenge in my career. I thrive in a fast-paced environment and approach all tasks with diligence, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor. I am invested in personal and professional development and am committed to mentoring and supporting individuals as they work on their social self-development towards cultural competency. I am the results-oriented executive leader you seek to educate, inspire and lead the City of Framingham as the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer.

I am convinced I will be an asset and committed contributor of the necessary changes to improve the city's environment in Framingham towards inclusivity. I have so much more to share about my background, experiences, positionality, and passion for this opportunity in particular. I look forward to discussing my candidacy very soon.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. I may be reached by phone at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or by e-mail at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Sincerely,

Maritsa Barros

118 Plymouth Drive Apt 2C Norwood, MA 02062

Cell Phone: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Email: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx _____________________________________________________________________________________________

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE

Interim Chief Diversity Officer, Lesley University, 2020 University Council, Chair, Lesley University, 2020- Present University Council, Vice-Chair, Lesley University, 2019-2020 Associate Diversity Officer and Executive Director, Urban Scholars Initiative, Lesley University, 2017-2020 Director, Urban Scholars Initiative, Lesley University, 2013-2017 Assistant Director of Admissions, Framingham State University, 2011-2013 Assistant Director of Admissions, Multicultural Recruitment, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, 2008-2011 Admissions Counselor, Undergraduate Admissions, Northeastern University, 2006- 2008

EQUITY, INCLUSION, & JUSTICE INITIATIVES

Campus-Wide DEI Reset Training for Faculty & Staff. Race & Antiracism (Unconscious Bias). Creator, Trainer and Facilitator. September 2020 Campus-Wide DEI Reset Training for all students. Historical Legacy of Oppression and Cycle of Socialization. Creator, Trainer and Facilitator. September 2020 Community-Wide Virtual Forum, Conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion, 390 participants, June 2020 Lesley University. Diversity Council. Chair. 2019-2020 Lesley University. Diversity Council. Co-chair. 2018-2019 Exploring Self Identity & Our Socialization. First Year Experience Student Diversity Workshop Series. Coordinator and Content Creator. Lesley University. June 2020- Present. Exploring Self Identity & Our Socialization. First Year Experience Student Diversity Workshop Series. Facilitator. Lesley University. 2018- 2019 Bias Education & Response Team Responder Monthly Training. Lesley University. Content Creator and Coordinator 2018- Present Undergraduate New Student Orientation. DEI + You Workshops on Systemic Oppression. Content Creator, Trainer and Facilitator. July 2020 Graduate New Student Orientation. DEI + You Workshop on Race Dialogues. Content Creator, Trainer and Facilitator. August 2020 Lesley University. Diversity Council. Courageous Conversations on Race. Founder, Content Creator and Facilitator. 2018 & 2019 Urban Scholars Initiative. Intensive Summer Transition Week. Program Creator, Trainer, Facilitator, Coordinator, Motivational Speaker. 2014-Present Urban Scholars Initiative. Master Class Series. Coordinator and. 2013- Present. Restorative Justice Facilitation and Implementation Workshops. Facilitator. Lesley University. 2019- Present. New Student Diversity Symposium. Content Creator and Facilitator. Lesley University. 2018- Present. Lesley University. Faces of Lesley Contributor. 2019 Lesley University. New Student Convocation Speaker. 2017-2018 Nicholas College. Institute for Women's Leadership & Men of Distinction, Women's Empowerment Event. Keynote Speaker. 2018 University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. College Now, Share the Dream Banquet. Alumni Speaker. 2017 Lesley University. Co-Founder of Selase Williams Unity Gala. 2016- Present. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Frederick Douglass Unity House, Alumni Dinner. Alumni Speaker. 2016 University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Leadership Recognition Banquet, Pillar of the Community, Alumni Speaker. 2016 Lesley University. C3/Connecting Communities of Color. Committee Member. 2014-2016 Framingham State University. Suitable Solutions Fashion Show. Fashion Show Coordinator and Host, 2013, 2015

EDUCATION

Northeastern University, Boston, MA

Doctor of Education (EdD) Expected Date of Graduation: September 2020

Specialization: Organizational Leadership Research: Lived Experiences of Chief Diversity Officers at predominately white institutions in the northeast region of the U.S.

Northeastern University, Boston, MA

College Student Development and Counseling (M.S.) Date of Graduation: June 2007

Practicum Experience: Advisor to Northeastern University Cape Verdean Student Association (300hrs) Research includes a case study on the lack of success in recruiting and retaining Multicultural students.

University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, N. Dartmouth, MA

Bachelor's Degree: Psychology Date of Graduation: May 2005

Minor: African & African American Studies

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Lesley University, Cambridge. MA August 2020 - Present

Interim Chief Diversity Officer

Inclusive Excellence Vision & Planning

Works with President to craft six-month DEI goals for each cabinet member Implements Inclusive Excellence Framework to guide strategic diversity planning. Provides the leadership and vision to develop, implement and assess Lesley's Inclusive Excellence strategy, including progress with diversity engagement and intercultural learning. Manages team of one professional staff and two graduate assistants. Identifies and advances evidence-based priority diversity goals for each fiscal year. Serves as a member of the President's Cabinet

Campus Partnerships on Diversity Initiatives

Partners with President and Chief Marketing Officer to keep communications about all DEI matters timely and proactive Partners with Chief Academic Officer and Provost, Dean of Students, Human Resources, Academic Deans, faculty and mid-level Directors to develop and provide customized professional development opportunities that deepen awareness on issues tied to social identity and that build intercultural competence. Partners with Legal Counsel, Human Resources, Provost and Interim Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator to make the systems of complaints in the university responsive and effective and complete all outstanding matters quickly Administers and supports new goals for Lesley University Diversity Council as aligns with the University DEI goals. Supports Deans and Program Directors with data collection, assessment and action planning on school level initiatives and projects within Graduate School of Education, Graduate School of Arts & Social Sciences, College of Liberal Arts & Science, and Lesley Art & Design. Supports the Dean of Students and Director of Student Activities to develop Diversity training for students college-wide Partners with Human Resources to hire Director of Multicultural Affairs and Student Inclusion and Equal Opportunity & Title IX Coordinator Supports planning, coordination, facilitation and/or collaboration with student events and programs through Multicultural Affairs & Student Inclusion office. Hires Graduate Assistants to support the office of DEI in the areas of: institutional diversity projects, LGBTQIA+, and health education & prevention Supports and advises the work of CommonLYNX. Staff Training, Internship Advisor, Retreat Chaperone, expanded program to offer Courageous Conversations for student, to be led by students

Bias Response and Social Justice Education Programs

Oversees establishment, coordination of, and training for the Bias Education & Response Team consisting of 16 faculty and staff members. Oversees establishment, coordination and training within Diversity Practitioner Program for 12 faculty and staff members charged with leading social justice education workshops. Supports the conversion of Restorative Justice Certificate program in preparation of virtual delivery Partners with Interim Title IX Coordinator as consultant on regulations and guidelines related to diversity, inclusion, and nondiscrimination in higher education, including Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, Clery Act, ADEA, ADA, and Section 504

Advocacy

Serves as an advocate across Lesley on diversity, equity and inclusion matters for all students, family, employee and alumni stakeholders. Serves as an advocate to center the experience and voice of BIPOC students across Lesley

Lesley University, Cambridge. MA June 2017 - July 2020

Associate Diversity Officer and Executive Director of the Urban Scholars Initiative (USI)

Chair of President's Diversity Advisory Committee

Built on the existing perspectives on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the University to inform the Campaign for Inclusive Excellence. Determined and agreed upon position title and led committee on articulating the priorities and goals for the new Vice President Justice, Equity, and Transformation. Led the committee in delineating the desired expertise, capabilities and qualities of the Vice President Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. Advised the Vice Chairs on the optimal representation of the DEI search committee. Accomplished the above goals within four weeks in order to sunset the committee's charge by turning over its recommendations and work to the President, Board, Cabinet, Deans, DEI, LUDC and the search committee.

Associate Diversity Officer

Served as a centralized resource to assist program directors and coordinators in creating collaborative and complementary solutions and while ensuring that they understand their contribution to the larger university strategy for success Managed strategies for effective recruitment, retention, professional development and training that contributed to innovative outcomes for staff, faculty, and students as they engage, teach, and study in a culturally diverse environment. Assisted in identifying broad educational initiatives to address ways of creating a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment for all students studying at Lesley. Served on committees related to diversity and inclusion, at the discretion of the CDO, and will provide management, direction, advice and/or implementation of university-wide programs designed to recruit, retain, and support diverse pools of undergraduates. Identified the origins of gaps in services, outcomes, and graduation rates through data-supported evidence, and sought out solutions with consideration of existing programs and other new initiatives which may have been needed Collaboratively examined areas of intersectionality that would affect climate or retention (race, gender identity, first generation, ability, class, etc.) Maintained ongoing communications with undergraduates regarding diversity education events, and initiatives designed for specific groups

Established excellent relationships with those in the Provost's office, and others providing resources needed (data, financial aid, residence life services, admissions, law enforcement, Academic Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Art & Design and others), especially those managing existing diversity and inclusion programs across Lesley Regularly communicated with the Lesley community about the importance of Inclusive Excellence, key initiatives, and progress in implementing key initiatives Worked with the Director of Institutional Research to establish inclusive excellence benchmarks, and build an inclusive excellence management dashboard that reflected inclusive excellence data and assessment metrics. Served as an advocate for the Lesley community on issues of inclusive excellence Ensured the continued growth and influence of the Office Multicultural Affairs & Student Inclusion; supervised the Interim Coordinator of MASI Events.

Urban Scholars Initiative

Supervised and trained two Student Success Coaches of Urban Scholars Initiative Developed and facilitated summer transition experiences and wrap-around support services for enrolling USI students Coached all USI upperclassmen students enrolled at Lesley. Organized monthly seminar sessions for the entire group to build life-long success skills Served as liaison between Lesley University and USI partner organizations Recruited and transitioned new community partners Together with the Admissions Director/team, developed strategic plan for student recruitment in greater Boston/Cambridge high-school travel territory Served as a member of the Admissions Committee to review USI student applications on the bubble Supported on-campus events as it pertains to the development and recruitment of USI students and partners. Communicated regularly with Assistant Director of Admissions, USI Specialist. Worked closely with the office of institutional research to develop assessment tool for the summer transition experience, the first year and wrap -around services of support. Tracked student performance and engagement, disseminates data to key campus constituencies Assessed activities and recommended changes to increase enrollment and academic success Served as a liaison between the donors and the program objectives. Offered feedback about USI to potential donors. Supported the advancement team in their efforts to raise funds for USI Assisted in the development of marketing materials for program recruitment and fundraising. Assisted in the development of website and web content. Coordinated logistics for event planning as needed

Lesley University, Cambridge, MA August 2013 - June 2017

Director of the Urban Scholars Initiative (USI)

Developed and facilitated USI program including summer transition experiences and wrap-around support services for enrolling USI students Recruited first cohort for the USI program Supervised and trained Assistant Director of Urban Scholars Initiative Coached all USI students enrolled at Lesley throughout the first year and beyond. Organized monthly seminar sessions for the entire group to build life-long success skills Implemented and oversaw a Peer Mentor program Served as liaison between Lesley University and USI partner organizations Recruited and transitioned new community partners Together with the Admissions Director/team, developed strategic plan for student recruitment in greater Boston/Cambridge high-school travel territory Served as a member of the Admissions Committee to review USI student applications on the bubble Supported on-campus events as it pertains to the development and recruitment of USI students and partners. Communicated regularly with Assistant Director of Admissions, USI Specialist. Worked closely with the office of institutional research to develop assessment tool for the summer transition experience, the first year and wrap -around services of support. Tracked student performance and engagement, disseminates data to key campus constituencies Assessed activities and recommend changes to increase enrollment and academic success Served as a liaison between the donors and the program objectives. Offered feedback about USI to potential donors. Supported the advancement team in their efforts to raise funds for USI Assisted in the development of marketing materials for program recruitment and fundraising. Assisted in the development of website and web content. Coordinated logistics for event planning as needed

Framingham State University, Framingham, MA July 2011-August 2013

Assistant Director of Admission, Diversity Outreach and Recruitment,

Assisted with the recruitment and selection of prospective freshmen and transfer applicants for Framingham State University with specific emphasis on multicultural student recruitment, early college awareness, and college going advocacy. Weekend and evening work, a valid driver's license, and access to reliable transportation is required. Developed divisional strategic plan for diversity outreach and recruitment, including oversight of scholarship for Boston Public School students. Liaison with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, First-Year Programs, and Center for Academic Advising & Support to ensure first-year success of specially recruited populations. Assisted with managing the Welcome Center, with specific oversight given to the campus visit operation (e.g., campus tours, information sessions, group visits, open houses, on-campus events targeted to high school/transfer students, etc.) to ensure a welcoming experience for all persons including those from diverse backgrounds (e.g., race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.). Managed the Student Admission Representative Program Assisted with the coordination of high school and community college visits as well as college information programs for parents, students and counselors; travels to high schools, community colleges and college informational fairs and attends programs on-and-off- campus as required. Establishes and maintains relationships with community-based organizations committed to early college awareness, readiness, and access (e.g., Upward Bound). Met with prospective students and communicates application procedures to students, parents, high school counselors, and community college advisors. Served as member of the Admissions Committee and makes recommendations on admissibility to the University. Conducted admissions information sessions (individual and large group formats). Assisted with preparation of statistical data/reports appropriate to the Admissions Office. Assisted with the evaluation of publications, programs, and overall recruitment strategies of the Admissions Office. Served on special and/or standing committees of the University. Assumed responsibility for special projects as assigned. Strove to maintain and augment knowledge and skills in the admissions field through advanced study, professional activities or participation in conferences, seminars, workshops and similar professional gatherings. Supervised other professional, classified and student employee personnel assigned to the Admissions Office (at the direction of the Director of Admissions). Ensured that affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity are integrally part of all actions and decisions within the scope of duties. Served as an instructor for Freshmen Foundations Seminar courses.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, MA September 2008-July 2011

Assistant Director of Admission, Multicultural Recruitment

Represented the College at various recruitment activities for the purpose of recruiting students to the College, i.e. college night programs, high school visits, mini high school fairs, and other related events. Responsible for implementation and further development of MCLA's Multicultural Recruitment Program with the goal of increasing enrollment to the College. At the completion of the second enrollment cycle MCLA has experienced a four-seven percent increase in Multicultural recruitment. Coordinated and executed four Multicultural Overnight and access programs during the academic year targeting major urban areas in the Northeast region. Developed a Multicultural Admission Student Squad designed to gain the full support and participation of current students, specifically ALANA (African American, Latino (a), Asian, Native American) in the efforts of increasing diversity on campus. Also, enlist participation of the admission staff, faculty and administrative staff. 60 students served about 100 volunteer hours as a group for academic year 2009-2010. Provided a flexible Saturday Visit Option to provide access to first-generation college students who participate in college access programs, i.e. Upward Bound, Year Up, Gear Up, etc. Increased the population of Multicultural students by 47% within first the two years. Served as the admissions liaison with the Learning Services Office by evaluating admission applications for students interested in the Individual Enrichment Summer Session. Responsible for completing evaluations of first-year student applications and academic criteria and renders admission decisions in a timely fashion. Served as admission contact and counselor responsible for evaluation of International students. Responsible for the organization and scheduling of high school visits and all travel arrangements within designated travel territory, Boston and New York City. Managed a $10,000 scholarship selection committee for a student from the Harlem Children's Zone. Served on campus committees, i.e. Students Affairs Committee (sub-committee: High Impact Experiences) and Diversity Taskforce. Served as a mentor to current students during the Individual Enrichment Summer Sessions and beyond. Served as an Advisor to a number of ALANA student organizations. Supports students in the development and creation of new ALANA organizations. Production Manager of the 2009 Black Student Union Fashion/Talent Show. Member of the Northern Berkshire Coalition Board Co-Chair of Diversity Taskforce at MCLA Co-Chair of Margaret Hart Scholarship Committee Public Speaking facilitator for Individual Enrichment Summer Session Creative Director for publication photo shoots

Northeastern University, Boston, MA March 2006-August 2008

Admissions Counselor, Undergraduate Admissions

Displayed high-quality customer service to prospective students, parents and guidance counselors daily Conducted interactive information sessions to groups of 10-200 visitors daily Counseled prospective students and their families through the admissions process as well as corresponded with guidance counselors regarding processes, policies and information. Evaluated applicants for admission into the University through file review and meetings Launched and oversaw a program where 20-30 students were trained to return to their high schools to talk about their college experience Coordinated Class Visit Program- granted double the amount of visits from previous year Represented Northeastern at Boston area to college fairs and high school visits Advocated successfully for students through the admissions process

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Freshmen Foundations Seminar Course. Framingham State University. Fall College Course. Instructor. 2012-2013. Individual Enrichment Summer Sessions. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Summer College Course. Instructor. 2009-2010

AWARDS & CERTIFICATIONS

Restorative Justice Facilitator. Skidmore Project for Restorative Justice. Certified 2019. Bringing in the Bystander Training. Prevention Innovators Research Center (PIRC). Certified 2018. Lesley University Impact Award Recipient. 2018 Strategic Management Problem Solving Training. Lesley University. 2017. Pillar of the Community: The Dean Donald C. Howard Student Leadership Award. UMass Dartmouth, 2005 Office of Student Activities All-Stars Leadership Award. UMass Dartmouth. 2005 Madison's Who's Who of Professionals 2007-2008

ADVISORY EXPERIENCE

Lesley University

USI Men's Affinity Group 2014 - 2016

USI Women's Affinity Group 2014 - 2016

Black Student Union 2015 - 2017

QUEEN (Women of Color Affinity Group) 2016 - 2018

USI Student Advisory Council 2015 - 2018

Framingham State University

Cape Verdean Student Association 2011 - 2013

Black Student Union 2012 - 2013

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Cape Verdean Student Association 2010 - 2011

Multicultural Student Association 2009 - 2011

Nexxus Step Team 2009 - 2011

Northeastern University Boston, MA

Cape Verdean Student Association 2007 - 2008

COMPUTER & SOFTWARE

Cypher Worx, Office 365, Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, Banner, School Dude, 25Live, Blackboard Learn, Oracle, Zoom, TEAMS, Social Media

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

Fluent in Kriolu of Cabo Verdean and English Familiarity with Portuguese MA Licensed Realtor, Triple 7 Real Estate

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