grow foundation

Our Team

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 hosƟng. He has received two national awards for Best Documentary and the presƟgious “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 acƟve 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, […]

OUR

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 […]

our

Advisory

Eric Lutz

Co-chair, 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 […]

Gabriel M. Carter

Co-Chair, 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 […]

Amy MacMannis-Freeland

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 […]

Comfort Nyeswah Wiafe

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 […]

Diane Shannon

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 […]

Garblah Page

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 […]

Kimberly Welch

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 […]

Margot Carleton

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 […]

Nick McCummings

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 […]

Peter Martin

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 […]

Randolph M. Ellis

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 […]

Richard Hooke

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 […]

Richard K. Hynes

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 […]

Rolando Lima

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 […]

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 […]