Meet The Board
Vicky Rivera
President
A native of Lynn, MA, Maria Victoria "Vicky" Rivera is the eldest daughter of Colombian and Puerto Rican immigrants. After graduating from St. Mary's High School, she went on to obtain her B.A. in American Civilization from Brown University, thanks in large part to the support of the NSCC Upward Bound Program. As a first-generation college student, she became very involved with numerous Latino and women's organizations on campus, which instilled in her a desire to help other young people attain their college degrees. After graduation, Vicky stayed at Brown for several years, first working as an Assistant Director of Admissions and later as a Research Assistant in the Education Department. Since then, she has been dedicated to college counseling and has served as the Director and Associate Director of College Counseling at various high schools in San Francisco, Miami, Boston, and Cambridge. Vicky returned to her roots at the end of 2011 to become the Founding Director of College & Career Counseling at Boston Green Academy. In 2017, she transitioned to her current role as the Director of College & Career Counseling at the Community Charter School of Cambridge. Since her undergraduate years, she has been an active Hermana of Sigma Lambda Upsilon / Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc., dedicating many hours to giving back to the Latino community. She is one of the founders of the Brown University Latino Alumni Committee, where she served as VP of Programs and Boston Representative. Upon returning to her home state, Vicky became involved with the Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund (LHSF), following in the legacy of her mother, Carmen Rivera, one of the original board members, and her sister, Sandra Rivera, a past president. She is deeply committed to giving back to the community that raised her. Since joining the LHSF Board, Vicky has served as the facilitator of the Scholarship Selection Committee and as Vice President for several years. She is honored to serve as President as of October 2022. Beyond the LHSF, she serves on the Board of Root N.S. and KIPP's Teaching & Learning Committee. Vicky resides in Lynn with her husband Fernando and their two children.
Brenda Peña
Vice-President
Brenda Peña is a first-generation graduate of Puerto Rican descent and has been a resident of the community of Lynn for the past 9-years. She is an esteemed PK-12 District Administrator for Chelsea Public Schools, renowned for her expertise in Mental Health, SEL (Social Emotional Learning), and Specialized Student Supports. With a career that commenced in 2006 at Waltham Public Schools, Brenda excelled as a school adjustment counselor, delivering vital social-emotional support to students for eight years. Her unwavering dedication involved assisting students with transitions, emotional struggles, peer interpersonal difficulties, and academic stressors. Brenda's primary focus was on addressing the social-emotional needs of all students while also connecting them with essential community resources. In 2014, Brenda embarked on her first leadership role as the Head of Family and Community Engagement/Dean of Students at Bentley Academy in Salem, Massachusetts. In this capacity, she collaborated closely with internal and external stakeholders to strategize, implement, and monitor the school's improvement and turnaround initiatives. Brenda played a pivotal role as one of the founding members of Bentley Academy, contributing significantly to the school's attainment of Level 1 status. Recognized for her leadership qualities, Brenda assumed the position of Associate Principal in the Waltham Public School District in 2017, becoming the first Latinx Administrator. Her remarkable journey continued in 2021 when she shattered a 53-year record by becoming the Principal of Waltham High School, making history as the first Latina and Woman to hold this esteemed position. Brenda's educational accomplishments include holding a Bachelor of Social Work from Wheelock College and a Master's in Social Work from Boston College. Additionally, she has pursued coursework in Educational Leadership through the University of New England. Brenda's commitment to professional growth is reflected in her extensive certifications and licenses, encompassing roles such as Attendance Officer, School Adjustment Counseling, Principal Pk-12, Director of Pupil Personnel, Director of School Counseling, and Superintendent. In addition to her administrative roles, Brenda actively serves on multiple boards, amplifying her dedication to enhancing the well-being of others. Currently, she holds positions on the Healthy Families Advisory Board, Massachusetts Association of Mental Health Advisory Council, and the National Advisory Board for Alongside. Furthermore, Brenda's expertise extends beyond her administrative responsibilities. She also serves as a consultant, providing invaluable support to organizations in the areas of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), Mediation Programming, and SEL (Social Emotional Learning), MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports). Brenda's contributions to education are further exemplified by her role in facilitating workshops and delivering Professional Development sessions for the Massachusetts Department of Education. Her expertise in supporting student mental health, SEL, MTSS, and her commitment to fostering inclusive environments have positively influenced numerous educators and students across the state. Brenda Peña's journey in the field of education, her unwavering dedication to student well-being, and her influential leadership make her an invaluable asset in advancing educational excellence and fostering inclusive comunities.
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Carlos Quintanilla
Director of Operations
Carlos, originally from El Salvador, grew up with a deep understanding of resilience and determination, inspired by his family’s journey to the United States in pursuit of the “American Dream.” He is a passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, dedicating his efforts to empowering underrepresented communities and BIPOC individuals. Through his work, Carlos focuses on creating career development and personal empowerment opportunities to help others thrive. Education is at the core of Carlos’s mission. He is deeply committed to supporting underserved students by fostering personal and professional growth through coaching, mentoring, and developing tailored programs. His dedication stems from a desire to break down barriers and build pathways for success. With over a decade of experience in operations management and financial services operations, Carlos brings a wealth of knowledge to his work. He was also the co-founder and co-host of Hablando Queer, a podcast that explores the experiences of queer Latinx individuals navigating life, offering a platform for amplifying voices and fostering community. Carlos has volunteered with Latinos for Education, serving as a council member and Online Learner Ambassador, and with ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America) as the Director of Student Affairs, where he has coached and mentored countless individuals. Carlos’s personal mission is to create more equitable spaces for those who need it most. Through his initiatives, he seeks to provide career development, personal empowerment, and financial literacy opportunities, enabling individuals to reach their full potential and thrive.
Paul Coombs
Treasurer
Paul Coombs, a lifelong resident of Lynn, has been involved in local political and civic activities since his youth. Volunteering for political candidates since his teenage years, he has continued to be politically involved in environmental and social justice issues through several local organizations. Graduating from Nasson College in Springvale Maine with a B.S. In Biology, Paul soon joined the staff of the Greenpeace Boston office and later began working for the local chapter of the Clean Water Action Project. During these years he was involved as a fundraiser and campaigner while assuming progressive management roles. From 1991 until 2001, Paul worked for the School for Field Studies in Beverly, MA as a manager specializing in Information Technology. For the past 25 years, Paul has been employed as a tax professional and currently works as a self-employed Tax Specialist. In recent years he has joined local organizations as a volunteer and served as a Board Member and Officer in the following organizations: Community Minority Cultural Center, Secretary, Goldfish Pond Association, President, Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts, Treasurer, Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Treasurer, New Lynn Coalition, Treasurer and Board member for the Latina Center Maria.
Daniel Guevara
Member at Large
Daniel Guevara is a seasoned educational leader with over 15 years of experience in education, including five years in leadership roles. He holds advanced degrees in Business Administration (MBA), Human Resources Management (MHRM), and is a candidate for a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) with a focus on virtual learning environments. Throughout his career, Daniel has excelled in curriculum design, digital literacy, and fostering equity in education. His leadership experience spans roles such as Program Coordinator and Advisor, Class Course coordinator, Dean of Students, and Student Support Team Leader, where he successfully led faculty teams, coordinated school operations, and championed student success through innovative strategies and a collaborative approach. Beyond his professional expertise, Daniel is deeply connected to the Lynn community, where his family lives and works. He has dedicated his career to empowering underserved communities, helping families navigate complex systems, and fostering relationships to support their personal and professional growth. His passion for advancing equity and creating meaningful opportunities for others aligns perfectly with the mission of the Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Daniel’s leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to community development make him a strong candidate for a board member role, ready to contribute to the success of Latinx students and the broader Lynn community.
Edwin Rosales
Member at Large
I am a bilingual mortgage loan officer and financial professional with over 10 years of experience in banking and mortgage services. I’m dedicated to empowering my community through financial literacy, mentorship, and professional development. As co-founder of the Millennium Latino Project, I am passionate about creating opportunities and making a meaningful impact, especially within the Latino community.
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Elsa Jimenez
Member at Large
I am a dedicated strong independent Latina educator, advocate, and community leader with over a decade of experience supporting diverse communities. I hold two M.Ed. degrees from Cambridge College: one in Counseling and another focused on supporting students with moderate disabilities. My professional work has centered on empowering individuals through education, program coordination, and cross-cultural engagement. As a passionate advocate, I specialize in fostering meaningful connections, promoting parental engagement, and guiding students—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—through the educational journey. My mission is to bridge cultural divides, provide resources, and help families and students achieve their full potential.
Ivanna Solano
Community Engagement Lead
Ivanna Solano (she/her/hers) is a Black woman, educator, and social entrepreneur. Ivanna is the Founder and Executive Director of Love Your Magic, a grassroots organization committed to the healthy development of Black and Brown girls. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Ivanna immigrated to the United States at the age of seven where she experienced the educational system as an English Language Learner. Compelled by her experiences as a youth, Ivanna was set ablaze to pursue a career rooted in education, advocacy and social justice. Ivanna earned a Bachelor of Arts in Justice and Law from American University and a Master of Education from Boston University. Ivanna is a fearless advocate for social justice and education and has worked toward this end in a number of capacities. Ivanna has served as a teacher, the Director of Boston Program for Girls Inc., as a manager of Teacher Leadership Development for Teach for America, and as a Peer Advisor to the Obama Foundation. Ivanna has been recognized as a Latinos for Education Aspiring Latino Leaders Fellow, an El Mundo Boston Latino 30 under 30, a 2019 Latinx Amplifier, and in 2023 as an ALX-100 Local Latinx Leader changing Massachusetts. Most recently, Ivanna received the 2022 Young Alumni Award from Boston University for her service as a community advocate, quiet disruptor and for being a tireless advocate for social change. Ivanna’s work and leadership are guided by her commitment to disrupt systems that continue to marginalize Black and Brown girls.
Jazmine Ramirez
Senior Member at Large
Former Vice-President
I was raised in Lynn, Massachusetts, as part of a large Guatemalan family that instilled in me the values of community and resilience. Those early experiences shaped my journey to Harvard College and later to The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where I earned my MBA. Throughout my career in philanthropy and social impact operations, I’ve combined strategic thinking with a commitment to driving meaningful change. Whether building partnerships, empowering communities, or creating innovative solutions, I’m passionate about work that leaves a lasting impact. I take pride in giving back to my Lynn community, nourishing that spirit of wonder in what can be in our youth. Through my work with the Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund, I aim to open windows of opportunity, remove hurdles, and offer solidarity, ensuring every young person feels empowered to pursue their dreams.
Jennifer Oquendo Suarez
Marketing & Communications Lead
Jennifer Oquendo Suarez, a Lynn, MA resident of Puerto Rican descent, is a first-generation college graduate who earned a BFA in Design from UMass Lowell. With over 15 years of experience in financial services marketing, she collaborates with sales and relationship management teams to develop marketing materials for client engagement and business development.Passionate about equity, diversity, and volunteerism, Jennifer is actively involved in State Street's Latin American Professional Network and serves on the State Street Foundation's Corporate Citizenship Council. She also gives back to her community by volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn, a place that was instrumental in her own upbringing.Through her work with LHSF, Jennifer is proud to help provide access to education and financial development for Latino youth in her community. In 2023, she joined ALPFA to further develop her leadership skills and expand her network of like-minded professionals committed to empowering Latino leaders.Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys traveling with her family and exploring new cultures, always seeking opportunities to learn and grow.
Jennifer Valencia
Alumni Engagement Lead
Jennifer Valencia a passionate advocate for educational equity and an experienced college and career counselor with a focus on supporting first-generation, low-income, and historically underserved students. A graduate of the College of the Holy Cross with a degree in Anthropology, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy & Social Justice at Boston College's Lynch School of Education and Human Development. As a former Fellow at Latinos for Education, she developed leadership skills to promote equity for Latinx and underprivileged communities in the Greater Boston area. Her professional experience includes roles such as College and Career Counselor, where she has guided students through the college admissions process, implemented culturally responsive programming, and established dual-enrollment opportunities with local colleges. Deeply committed to community engagement, she has volunteered as a mentor for refugee youth, first-generation students, and BIPOC youth, fostering self-advocacy and leadership skills. Her bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English and her background in trauma-informed care have enabled her to work effectively with diverse communities, empowering families and students to navigate barriers and achieve their goals. Her motivation to serve on the board of the Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund is rooted in her identity as the daughter of Colombian immigrants and her personal understanding of the transformative power of education. She is driven to create equitable access to opportunities for Latino and Hispanic students, leveraging her skills, lived experiences, and passion to uplift and empower the next generation of leaders.
Mabelyn Lopez
Member at Large
After becoming a licensed insurance agent in 1997, Mabelyn Lopez spent the next 2 decades perfecting her skills and educating her clients on the benefits of protecting themselves and their assets through effective insurance plans. Believing that insurance shouldn’t be confusing or intimidating, she established 4 Insurance, LLC in 2021, a certified minority and woman owned independent Insurance Agency. Seeing a large disconnect between the local Hispanic community members and the insurance sector as a whole was her motivation to specialize in this area. The language barrier coupled with the lack of general awareness of the insurance world is a huge obstacle for the Hispanic community. Not only do they have no one to ask, they don't know what to ask. 4 Insurance caters to their specific needs and guides them through the process, ensuring they understand each step taken. 4 Insurance is an award winning insurance agency offering service in multiple languages, they provide personal, business and industry specific insurance services that include home, auto, renters, general and professional liability, directors & officers and workers compensation products. From health care providers to truckers to restaurants to non-profit organizations, 4 Insurance has the experience and the knowledge needed to get the best deal for their clients. Mabelyn is the proud recipient of the All Star Agent Award for MAIA’s Big Event 2022 (Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents) and the Business Woman of the year from the North Shore Latino Business Association. She has spoken at Suffolk University as a panelist for Learning to Lead from Latinx Business Owners, Panelist for iPROMOTEu – The Buyer's Perspective: Unleashing Insights for Business Growth, candidate for the North Shore LEADS Fellowship, had an NASE (National Association for the Self Employed) article published in June, 2022, a panelist in the SCORE Northeast Massachusetts Womens Business Summit (9/20/2023), and most recently 1 of the recipient in 100 honorees of the ALX100 Local Latinx Leaders. Today, Mabelyn sits on the Boards of the Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Celebrate Literacy Day, Cultura Latina Dance Academy, Inc., the Margarita Muñiz Academy, a mentor for eForAll, a former board member of the North Shore Latino Business Association and she continues to be a trusted industry and community influencer, leader, speaker, mentor, resource and advisor.
Stephanie Herrera
Member at Large
I’m Stephanie Herrera Rios, an entrepreneur passionate about helping small businesses succeed. As co-founder of the Millennium Latino Project, I’m dedicated to empowering my Lynn, MA community through mentorship, financial literacy, and creating opportunities for meaningful connections and growth.