Advocacy

Check out the YW Boston Advocacy Committee:

Volunteer Members

Brianna Aloisio Savage
Associate Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement, YW Boston

Brianna (she/her) is a Massachusetts native who has dedicated her career to bettering the community around her. Brianna started her career in international relations focusing on educational opportunities for students abroad. From there she continued to focus on education as the conductor in which to empower communities economically and socially. While working in operations for an educational advocacy organization Brianna completed two fellowships in public policy: The International Education Leadership’s Education Policy Fellowship Program and a Visiting Fellowship with Education Pioneers. Through these fellowships Brianna continued to serve in public policy which lead her to the Boston Foundation as the Public Affairs Associate. After serving on the YW Boston Advocacy Committee for two years, Brianna joined YW in a full-time position in May 2022. A part of her role as Advocacy Manager at YW Boston is to manage the advocacy committee as well as our Parity on Board initiative and other community engagement and legislative actions of the organization. Brianna lives in East Boston with her dog and partner, enjoys fitness and cooking in her free time.

Emma Anderson
Program Coordinator, MassHealth Flexible Services program, Cambridge Health Alliance

Emma works in the Population Health Department of Cambridge Health Alliance as a Program Coordinator for the MassHealth Flexible Services program, which provides funding to alleviate Medicaid patients’ health-related social needs, such as food insecurity and housing instability. In this role her focus is overseeing program operations and evaluation of CHA’s Flexible Services nutrition support programs, which connect high risk, food insecure patients and families with access to healthy food and nutrition education. Prior to her work at CHA, she completed her Master of Public Health in nutrition at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health where she focused her studies on social and behavioral sciences, food and nutrition security, and nutrition policy. Emma is passionate about health equity, and her motivation to join the advocacy committee stems from her desire to empower people from all walks of life to live healthy, free, and dignified lives. Through participating in the advocacy committee, she hopes to learn how to productively advocate for policies that democratize justice and promote peace and dignity for all. During her free time, Emma enjoys hiking, running, baking, and spending time with loved ones.

Gianna Barboza
Program Coordinator for DEI and Philanthropy, SharkNinja

Gianna is a Cape Verdean-American feminist, gender and racial equality advocate, and passionate scholar committed to improving equity across various sectors. She received both her Bachelor’s in Criminology and Sociology from Stonehill College. She is currently a candidate for the Master’s in Education for Equity and Social Justice at Boston University, intended to graduate in May 2024.

Her current work is as a Program Coordinator for DEI and Philanthropy at SharkNinja, a global consumer goods company. Additionally, she works part-time as a Program Coordinator at Choices4Teens Mentoring Group, a non-profit organization that provides reality and evidence-based curriculum for middle school aged youth in Brockton, to address issues related to drugs, gangs, and violence. The program provides effective strategies and guidance to support youth in making positive life choices.

Her passions include traveling often, volunteering, dancing, spending time with family and trying new foods. Gianna is excited and eager to join the members of the YW Boston Advocacy Committee and get involved with an organization that is dedicated to implementing change!

Melanie Chapilliquen
Global Employee Experience & Social Impact Specialist, Mimecast

Melanie Chapilliquen (she/her(s)) is an effective disruptor of change and a culture driver who believes in opening doors of opportunities for others just as they have been opened for her. As the Global Employee Experience & Social Impact Specialist at Mimecast, her day-to-day consists of executing key programming supporting DEI initiatives and inclusive policies. In addition, she creates and organizes core programs related to global CSR and ESG commitments. Before working in tech, she worked at non-profits advocating for education equity for youth and sports equity for young women. She holds a B.A. in Strategic Communication from Nova Southeastern University and an M.S. in Media Advocacy from Northeastern University- a uniquely designed program through a collaboration between the College of Arts, Media, and Design and the School of Law. Melanie is passionate about advocacy and social equity and is excited to join YW Boston Advocacy Committee. 

Kezia Chee 

Kezia Chee (she/her) is a second-generation, multiracial Asian American who has been passionate about social justice and the rights of others since her youth. She has made it her mission to take Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) to the next level in every personal and professional role she’s had, and has extensive experience developing strategic programming, driving global DEIB initiatives, and measuring impact for underrepresented communities within Tech and Educational spaces. After spending a number of years teaching and working abroad, she came back to the US to join the International Education field as a Global Studies Program Manager at the Center for International Studies Abroad. Most recently, she worked as an Employee Experience Specialist at the Cambridge-based SaaS technology company HubSpot, where she led two employee resource groups for folks of color. As a natural connector, Kezia thrives on building community to meaningfully improve the lives of those around her, and brings positive energy, dynamism, and a determined and resourceful spirit to her advocacy efforts. Outside of work, she finds joy in hunting for vintage and second-hand treasures, baking international treats for her friends and family, and acting as Super Aunt to 9 nieces and nephews.

Sudeshna Chatterjee
PhD- DEIJ Director, Manomet

I am a scholar-practitioner in the field of human rights, social justice, and inclusive governance. As the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Manomet, a non-profit organization that applies science and engages communities to sustain our world, I lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive DEI strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and vision. With over seven years of experience in the field of gender and racial justice, I bring my scholar-practitioner perspective to this role, applying academic research and best practices to address the complex and interrelated challenges of environmental conservation, education and community resilience.

Prior to joining Manomet in August 2023, I served as the Inaugural Director of Equity and Social Justice for the Town of Reading in Massachusetts, where I established and activated the Office of Equity and Social Justice, and coordinated the town’s efforts to promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice across all municipal departments and community sectors. I also have experience as an educator, researcher, and consultant, working with various organizations and institutions to advance human rights and social justice in local, national, and global contexts. I hold a PhD in International Relations and Affairs from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and a Master’s degree from the University of Calcutta.

Ilana Coolidge
Marketing and Communications Manager, YW Boston

Ilana joined YW Boston in June 2023 as the Marketing and Communications Manager. Working closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications, Ilana supports high-level, organization-wide strategy that encompasses all areas of marketing, including multimedia communications, public relations, print, digital, social media, and the website. She joined the YW Boston Advocacy Committee as a staff member in January 2024. 

Originally from New York, Ilana is an experienced nonprofit marketing professional, having worked at a range of organizations including New England Yachad, the local chapter of the National Jewish Council for Disabilities. At Yachad, Ilana organized inclusive programs for teens, college students and young professionals of all abilities. This work led Ilana to discover her passion for disability inclusion and advocacy. Ilana has applied her professional and personal experience living with disabilities to serve on several DEI committees at her previous organizations. She also managed the chapter’s marketing efforts including press relations and social media, which cemented her interest in nonprofit marketing. 

Most recently, Ilana served as a marketing operations coordinator at Beth Israel Lahey Health, where she managed hospital system marketing projects and maintained the digital asset database for the philanthropy and marketing teams. She also served on BILH’s DEI marketing workgroup, helping to review all internally and externally facing materials from a diversity lens. 

Ilana received her Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University in Business and American Studies, and her Master of Science in Nonprofit Management with a concentration in Digital Marketing and Online Communication from Northeastern University. 

When she isn’t working, Ilana can be found spending time with her family, including her spouse, young son, and two rescue bunnies (Bagel and Cookie). She is an avid dancer who has practiced a range of styles from lyrical to Broadway, with Bollywood-inspired dance being her current favorite.  

Ciara Gogan
Senior Manager, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging, CarGurus

Ciara Gogan is a passionate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging professional and Master Professional Coach, who empowers organizations to create and uplevel DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging) through coaching, training, facilitation, and consulting.  She currently leads DEIB at CarGurus, a tech company providing an all-in-one platform that streamlines and simplifies the car shopping experience.

As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and having worked as a woman in technology for 20+ years, she has a unique vantage point from which to help businesses become a more welcoming, nurturing place for all humans to thrive and be valued.  

An enthusiastic blogger, she has written for Huffington Post, Thrive Global, WITI, herself360, and Ace-Up, as well as her own blogs on www.ciaragogan.com and www.opendialogcoaching.com 

Ciara has been featured on Women You Should know, in Boston Voyager Magazine, and presented at the 2nd annual Women In Action conference in 2018. She was the keynote speaker for NCWIT’s Aspirations In Computing Awards 2019. Ciara has been a panelist for various events, including the sold-out 2019 South Shore Conference for Women, and McLean & Company’s 2022 CHRO Allyship event.

Aaron Halls
Marketing Senior Associate, YW Boston

Aaron joined YW Boston in September 2021. He grew up in Lisbon Falls, ME, eventually moving to Syracuse, NY to acquire his Master’s Degree in Arts Journalism with the Goldring Arts Journalism and Communications program at the Newhouse School of Public Communications. 

Afterwards, Aaron joined the AmeriCorps VISTA program; here, he served with the Maine-based non-profit Greater Portland Health as a Marketing Communications Assistant VISTA. He then completed a second service year with the Boston-based College for Social Innovation as a Marketing VISTA in Boston, MA. Serving two years as an AmeriCorps VISTA member was an incredible experience for Aaron; it taught him that striving to make a difference in the world doesn’t have to be separate from one’s professional career. He’s excited to carry forward this lesson as he helps work toward YW Boston’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. 

In his free time, Aaron loves watching movies and TV, listening to music, and taking improv classes at ImprovAsylum from time to time. He is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the advocacy committee, learn more about MA legislation, and connect with passionate advocates. 

Rachel Jellinek
President, Reflection Films

Rachel (she/her) is the President of Reflection Films, Inc., a WBENC-certified woman-owned video production company that does filming and animation for mission-driven organizations.  

Prior to Reflection Films, Rachel worked at several nonprofits focused on public health and education. She has served as a health educator for youth and adults and as a director of a literacy program. Rachel holds a BA from the University of Michigan and an MA from Harvard University.  In her free time, she enjoys bird watching and playing the banjo. 

Helen Murphy 
Associate, Neighborhoods & Housing, The Boston Foundation

A Quincy native, Helen has had an interest in social justice and community development from the early days. While at college, Helen studied public and community health and environmental science at Ithaca College and then returned to Massachusetts to take part in AmeriCorps. Helen served at both the Campus Kitchen at University of Massachusetts, Boston and the Fenway Community Development Corporation. Expanding on her interest in community health to focus on housing’s role in community vitality, Helen then went on to join the full time team at Fenway CDC, working directly with residents and community organizers. Currently, Helen is an associate for the Neighborhoods and Housing impact area at the Boston Foundation and has the pleasure of working towards greater housing justice for residents across Greater Boston. 

Reem Papageorgiou
Cofounder and Chief Talent Officer, MomUp

Reem is the Cofounder and Chief Talent Officer of MomUp, a mission driven company that works to advance women in the workplace. Having emigrated from Lebanon at a young age, she learned to navigate the challenges of a new world quickly and her love of the intersection of culture and humanity was born. With her expertise in training and development, Reem spearheads the team that optimizes the process for connecting job seekers to well matched organizations. At the same time, Reem works to address issues of gender and pay equity in the workplace and advocates for increased access, representation and opportunity for women. Reem received a dual Master’s degree in Social Work and Public Health from Boston University. Following her social work career, Reem worked as both an intercultural trainer and training consultant to non and for profit businesses, health care organizations and municipalities throughout Massachusetts. Her trainings addressed topics such as diversity, intercultural communication, leadership, work force development, team building and crisis management. As a public health researcher, Reem worked with many national organizations to address issues of systemic racism and its impact on health disparities. She is skilled in group facilitation, training and research, as well as outreach and program development.

Koren Phillips
Executive Director, Teaching and Education, Massachusetts General Hospital

Koren Phillips (she/her/hers) has enjoyed a progressive career in academic medical center hospital leadership and is the Executive Director of Teaching and Education at Massachusetts General Hospital. In this role, she has executive leadership for institutional planning, execution, and ongoing management of strategic initiatives related to the core educational mission of the hospital. Outside of work, she dedicates her time to nonprofit causes that reflect her interests in women’s leadership, addressing systemic inequities in her local community, education, and the arts. She is currently a member of the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts Board of Directors, the Boston Arts Academy Board of Advisors, and the Junior League of Boston. Koren holds a BA in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Chicago and an MBA from Simmons University. As a proud resident of Jamaica Plain and a member of the LeadBoston Class of 2022, she is delighted to continue supporting YW Boston’s work as a member of the Advocacy Committee

Adriana Raines
Engagement Manager, YW Boston

Adriana Raines is an Afro-Latina seasoned professional serving in the capacity of Engagement Manager at YW Boston. She brings 20+years of experience in the non-profit sector and is a passionate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advocate who works tirelessly to create inclusive workspaces.

Adriana holds a Master in Education, a LeadBoston Alumn, and holds a Certificate in Social Impact Management and Leadership. Her extensive knowledge and experience have equipped her with a deep understanding of the importance of education in fostering social change and allows her to combine her natural leadership abilities to make significant impact throughout her career.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Adriana actively engages in various initiatives aimed at eradicating racism and dismantling systemic barriers to equality and equity. Her commitment to social justice was nationally recognized when she received the National CASA 2022 DEI Award. This prestigious award is a testament to her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and her relentless pursuit of social justice.

Gretta Schaaf
Dual Enrollment Curriculum Specialist, Boston Public Schools

Gretta Schaaf (she/hers) is a community organizer, skilled facilitator, and advocate for youth with over ten years of experience in youth development and participatory action research. Prior to her selection as a 2023 National Urban Fellow, Gretta served as Deputy Director of Young Voices, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating youth voice in policymaking in Rhode Island. Gretta has worked alongside hundreds of students to testify for and advance educational equity including winning statewide legislative reform that bans the use of out-of-school suspensions for non-violent infractions in Rhode Island. Currently, Gretta is the Dual Enrollment Curriculum Specialist with Boston Public Schools. In this role, Gretta manages districtwide dual enrollment opportunities and strategies as well as provides day to day support to Early College programs across the City. She is passionate about innovating and strengthening student pathways to college and career. Gretta is a proud Providence College graduate (and big PC Basketball fan!). In her free time, she enjoys hiking, baking and upcycling. Gretta is excited to build community with the YV Boston Advocacy Committee and elevate critical local policy priorities in Education, Civil Rights and Gender Equity.

Jeanne Wallace-Buckley
Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy Administration, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Jeanne Wallace-Buckley is the Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy Administration at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute where she oversees employee experience, recruitment and onboarding, professional development, and office management operations for the Division of Philanthropy’s 280+ staff, which raise $400M+ annually for research and patient care. Jeanne’s career includes over 25 years’ experience in area non-profits in higher education, healthcare and social services.  

Jeanne is a lifelong Boston-area resident, mother of four and grandmother of six. She attributes any success she has enjoyed to access as a young single mother to a social safety net, caring educators, financial assistance and a supportive community which provided the tools and resources for recovery, education, and self-sufficiency. Jeanne hopes to pay it forward by supporting the important advocacy work of YW Boston.  

Toiell Washington
Program manager, BUILD

Toiell Washington is an experienced nonprofit leader and entrepreneur with a focus on education, equity and social change. In her current role, she serves as the Program manager for BUILD, a national organization, using entrepreneurship education as a vehicle for post secondary success. Toiell is a skilled professional in curriculum development, and program implementation. 

Most widely known for leading the largest BLM protest in Boston in 2020, she is an activist dedicated to the social, political and economic empowerment of marginalized identity groups. In addition to her role as an organizer, she is also founder of The Master’s Tools, a game company aimed to begin conversations around social justice.