Leadership
Sesay T. Johnson
Founder & Executive Director
Sesay T. Johnson, a native Liberian who migrated to the United States due to the Liberian Civil War, has dedicated his life to making a difference in his homeland and beyond. Recognizing the tremendous burdens placed on Liberia’s children after the civil war, Sesay felt a sense of obligation to give back to his native […]
Dr. Marybeth O’Brien
President
Dr. Marybeth O’Brien is a seasoned educational leader specializing in equity-centered instructional practices. As the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Framingham Public Schools, she has focused on inclusivity, equity, and excellence in education. With over 20 years of experience in urban education, she has held various roles, including school principal, assistant principal, instructional […]
Darren Duarte
Vice President
Darren Duarte is a multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist with several nominations in the categories of television reporting, producing, and hosting. He has received two national awards for Best Documentary and the prestigious “Gold World Medal” from the International New York World Festival for broadcasting excellence. With over twenty years of experience in television news, Darren […]
Robin Urciuoli
Treasurer
Robin Urciuoli, CFP®, CPA, is a senior client relationship manager with a wealth of experience as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She leverages her strong analytical skills and excellent communication abilities to assist clients in achieving their long-term financial goals. Robin’s background includes a decade-long career in public accounting and a subsequent role at Beacon […]
Betty Rada
Assistant Clerk
Betty Rada has been an active board member of GrowHope since April 2016. A Brockton resident for over 30 years, she has been deeply involved in the community for several years. Mrs. Rada has dedicated 16 years to the federal government, showcasing her commitment to public service. Ms. Rada’s current membership affiliations include the New […]
Euphemia Williams
Secretary
Euphemia William Jones, a dedicated Board Member of the GrowHope Foundation since 2016, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. She earned a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education and Teaching, followed by a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. With over two decades’ experience in the Early Education and Care profession, […]
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Board Members
Ebenezer T. Sartiah
Board Member
Ebenezer T. Sartiah is a results-driven Regional Director with 16 years of experience managing clinical and rehabilitation programs for incarcerated individuals. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Becker College, a Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling from West field State University, an Associate Degree in Human Services, and a Certificate in Human Services from […]
Evans Chiyombwe
Board Member
Evans Chiyombwe is a seasoned leader with over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, project management, and quality improvement. His career spans both the healthcare and mining industries. A graduate of the Bellevue University an MBA in Healthcare Administration and Finance from Bellevue University, he also graduated from Copper belt University in Zambia and […]
Faith Musenge
Board Member
Faith Musenge is a dedicated scientist with over twelve years’ experience in the field. He is deeply passionate about research aimed at discovering lifelong cures for debilitating diseases. In addition to his research, Faith takes great pleasure in educating the next generation of scientists about the importance of science. He looks forward to continuing his […]
JoAnne Woods Young
Board Member
JoAnne Woods Young, the best-selling author of “Stress Less for Student Success,” is a speaker, counselor, and coach who loves people and is dedicated to giving back to the community through volunteer work with nonprofit organizations. A former high school counselor and college admissions representative, JoAnne is acutely aware of the stresses facing students today. […]
Mamunie Dennis
Board Member
Mamunie Dennis is a dedicated community activist with a long service history. She served as Vice President of the GrowHope Foundation Board for 6 years and was previously President of the Liberian Association of the Northshore. Additionally, she held the position of Vice President of Administration for the Federation of Liberian Communities in the Commonwealth […]
Richard Berry
Board Member
Richard Berry was invited to join the GrowHope Foundation’s Board in 2024, bringing a fresh perspective shaped by his experience as the child of deaf parents. This upbringing honed his ability to listen, translate, and understand others, making him highly skilled at promoting collaboration and amplifying diverse voices. Richard has spent his career in human […]
Thomas Samaras
Board Member
Thomas Samaras is a dedicated professional and community advocate based in Bridge water, Massachuses. Born and raised in Brockton, he has a strong background in finance and banking and currently works as a Mortgage Loan Officer at Loan Depot, helping individuals and families navigate the home buying process. Outside of his professional career, Thomas is […]
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Advisory
Eric Lutz
Co-chair, Advisory Board
Eric Lutz is the President of MDCOM, a technology company specializing in VoIP, surveillance cameras, and card access systems. With over 20 years of experience, Eric has been crucial to the company’s growth and success. He is a dedicated member and Past-President of Brockton Rotary, actively participating in various philanthropic initiatives. Eric also volunteers as […]
Gabriel M. Carter
Co-Chair, Advisory Board
With over a decade of experience in banking and investment management, Gabriel M. Carter is a results-driven Vice-President and Senior Portfolio Manager, successfully managing portfolios exceeding $1 billion in assets. Renowned for his strategic and data-driven approach, Gabriel specializes in optimizing investment strategies, mitigating risk, and delivering consistent returns in dynamic market environments. Throughout his […]
Amy MacMannis-Freeland
Member, Advisory Board
Amy MacMannis-Freeland recently retired from a 20+ year career as an Academic Advisor at Bridgewater State University to become an independent contractor. Her goal is to help students, particularly first-generation students, acquire the information and resources they need to overcome challenges. Over the years, she has developed strengths in interpersonal and public communications, including researching, […]
Comfort Nyeswah Wiafe
Member, Advisory Board
Comfort Nyeswah Wiafe is a compassionate advocate for mental well-being, deeply committed to uplifting her community. With a profound understanding of the cultural and spiritual needs of the individuals she serves, she has dedicated her time to providing spaces where people feel seen and heard. As a licensed therapist and private practice owner, she serves […]
Diane Shannon
Member, Advisory Board
Diane Shannon is a skilled accounting and finance professional in the Greater Boston Area, known for her strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and team motivation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Management from Stonehill College. Diane’s experience with non-profits has given her a deep appreciation for community efforts, […]
Garblah Page
Member, Advisory Board
Garblah Page was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia. He moved to the United States in July 2000 to pursue university studies. Garblah graduated from Texas Southern University with a BA in Management and earned a Graduate Certificate in Internet Marketing from Full Sail University. He also holds an MBA with a focus on Healthcare […]
Kimberly Welch
Member, Advisory Board
Kimberly Welch is the Director of Enterprise Applications at Charles River Associates, where she oversees the implementation of technology solutions to drive operational efficiency and enhance business processes. With a strong background in business analysis, software management and customer service, Kim brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic thinking to her role. After […]
Margot Carleton
Member, Advisory Board
Margot Carleton, ACC, is an IT executive with over 30 years of leadership experience at both large and small companies. She has now dedicated herself full-time to leadership development and coaching to grow the next generation of leaders. Margot spent 10 years as the VP/CIO at BAMSI, a large human service non-profit, and prior to […]
Nick McCummings
Member, Advisory Board
Nick McCummings, formerly of Boston, MA, relocated to Virginia in 2022. With 33 years’ experience as a licensed insurance broker, Nick specializes in personal lines insurance. He has a strong community service background, serving as past president of the Rotary Club of Brockton, Massachusetts. He is currently 2024-2025 president of the New Kent Rotary Club. […]
Peter Martin
Member, Advisory Board
Peter Martin is a dedicated financial advisor with a diversified financial background as a former Division Financial Controller at Medtronic / Covidien. His corporate career has been entirely devoted to the medical products industry, showcasing his specialized expertise. Peter is an active member of the Massachusetts Financial Planning Association and has been passionately involved in […]
Randolph M. Ellis
Member, Advisory Board
Randolph M. Ellis, born in Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia, grew up in Monrovia, where he attended school from kindergarten through the University of Liberia, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA—accounting major). Other academic achievements include proficiency in the Lawson General Ledger System, Computron Accounts Payable System, Computron General Ledger System, Mediaocean (Datatech) […]
Richard Hooke
Member, Advisory Board
Richard Hooke. Richard Hooke has been on the GrowHope Foundation’s Advisory Board since 2015 and is currently the Vice President of Commercial Business at Sharon Credit Union. With over 25 years in banking, he is dedicated to helping businesses find the best commercial lending solutions. Richard is also active in community service, having served as […]
Richard K. Hynes
Member, Advisory Board
Richard K. Hynes was born at the old Goddard Hospital in downtown Brockton. His father, Robert Hynes, joined Barbour Welting Company after graduating from Brockton High School. Richard attended all Brockton schools, graduating from Brockton High School. At 16, he began working at Barbour after school and during vacations, continuing through college. He attended Boston […]
Rolando Lima
Member, Advisory Board
Rolando Lima, originally from Senegal, West Africa, immigrated to the United States at the age of 15. As a trusted financial advisor, he assists clients in building wealth through home ownership, private money real estate financing, and micro-lending. With a deep understanding of his clients’ needs, Rolando helps them find mortgage and real estate financing […]
Trent Sanders
Member, Advisory Board
Trent Sanders is a versatile creative enthusiast and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience helping businesses thrive through innovative marketing, design, and growth strategies. Based north of Boston, he collaborates with clients who value strategic thinking and tailored approaches to branding and business development. Throughout his career, Trent has successfully led teams and […]