The Task Force is governed by an elected Board of Directors made up of a diverse group of local parents, former youth leaders, business owners, and professionals who are elected by the membership at our annual meeting.
Nelson is a Team Leader for Whole Foods Market. He currently serves as Zoning Commissioner for the Boston Redevelopment Authority; he has served as Chair of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council, and was previously Vice President of Hyde Jackson Main Streets. Nelson has been on the HSTF Board of Directors since 1997.
Nashira Baril works for the Boston Public Health Commission on a project to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in women's health. She has been on the HSTF Board since 2003 and has volunteered as a mentor to college-bound high school students at HSTF since 2005. In February 2008, Nashira received the Boston Celtics' 'Heroes Among Us' award for her work in the community.
Mark Saperstein is an attorney, educator, photographer and volunteer who has lived in Jamaica Plain since 1993. He began working with HSTF youth in 2000 and joined the Board of Directors in 2005. Mark also serves as Treasurer of the SpeakEasy Stage Company in Boston.
Enerio “Tony” Barros is Special Assistant to Mayor Thomas M. Menino. He is a local business owner and member of the Hyde Jackson Business Association. Originally from the Dominican Republic, he came to the US over 25 years ago. He has been a member of HSTF’s Board since 1998.
Michael Gonzalez is a former youth leader at the Hyde Square Task Force. He first joined the Health Careers Ambassadors in 2004 before becoming a member of the Ritmo en Acción dance troupe in 2005. He graduated from English High School in 2006 and is currently in his Junior year at Northeastern University studying math. Michael remains active both in dance and in his community—he is a member of the Caliente dance troupe and the Latino American Student Organization. Michael has also worked as a teaching assistant as he attends college, and has returned to HSTF both as a part-time employee and as a volunteer mentor in our Paths to College and Careers program.
Celina Miranda is senior program manager at the Smith Family Foundation. Before joining Smith Family Foundation in February 2012, she was assistant vice president and charitable giving manager for BNY Mellon Public Affairs office in New England. Celina was also formerly with The Hyams Foundation where she reviewed grants and provided leadership on initiatives in the teen development area. Celina is a trustee of the Bessie Tartt Wilson Children’s Foundation, the Rutland Corner Foundation, and the Mabel Louise Riley Foundation. She sits on the boards of the Chelsea Collaborative, the Latino After School Initiative and Associated Grant Makers. She also sits on the Work Force Investment Act (WIA) Youth Council in Boston, the Boston Capacity Tank Oversight Committee and the Greater Boston Funders for Women and Girls Steering Committee.
Damaris Pimentel has been running a business in the Hyde/Jackson neighborhood for 30 years. Currently she is co-owner and manager of the popular Ultra Hair Salon. She is the President of Hyde/Jackson Main Streets and is a member of the Hyde/Jackson Business Association. She has been a member of HSTF’s Board of Directors since 2000.
Banner Photo Credit:
Carol Palmer(c)2003 www.BrilliantPictures.com