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 Ortiz McGrath
Vice-President
Brenda Ortiz McGrath 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 Ortiz McGrath'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.
Jennifer Oquendo Suarez
Director of Operations
Jennifer Oquendo Suarez is a Lynn, Massachusetts resident of Puerto Rican descent and a first-generation college graduate who earned a BFA in Design from UMass Lowell. She brings over 15 years of experience in financial services marketing, where she partners closely with sales and relationship management teams to develop strategic marketing materials that support client engagement and business development. Jennifer is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and community empowerment. She is actively involved in State Street’s Latin American Professional Network and previously served on the State Street Foundation’s Corporate Citizenship Council. She also gives back locally by volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn—an organization that played a formative role in her own upbringing. Jennifer has proudly served on the LHSF board since 2023. In 2025, she led the Marketing and Communications Committee, helping to strengthen the organization’s visibility and outreach. In 2026, she joined the executive board as Director of Operations, while continuing to contribute across multiple committees in support of LHSF’s mission. Through her work with LHSF, Jennifer is dedicated to expanding access to education and financial development opportunities for Latino youth in her community. Outside of work and volunteer leadership, Jennifer enjoys traveling with her family and exploring new cultures, always seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and give back.
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.
Edwin Rosales
Co-Marketing Lead
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
Jazmine Ramirez grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts, in a tight-knit Guatemalan family that believed deeply in education, hard work, and showing up for others. Her journey took her from Lynn Public Schools to Harvard College and later to The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where she earned her MBA. Each chapter expanded her world and strengthened her commitment to supporting community efforts. Professionally, she works at the intersection of philanthropy and strategy, helping organizations build strong systems that serve communities with care and integrity. She is drawn to the behind-the-scenes work, aligning resources, strengthening operations, and creating thoughtful structures that allow impact to endure. Through her board service with the Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund, her focus is simple: opening windows of opportunity for students who may not yet see how far they can go. She is committed to removing hurdles, offering steady encouragement, and helping young people expand their sense of what’s possible. At the heart of her work is gratitude for the doors that were opened for her and a quiet commitment to hold them open for others.
Jennifer Valencia
Member at Large
Jennifer Valencia is a dedicated advocate for educational equity. A graduate of the College of the Holy Cross with a degree in Anthropology, she earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy & Social Justice from Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development in order to deepen her understanding of systemic inequities in education and strengthen her ability to design practices that expand access and opportunity for historically underserved students and families. As a former Fellow at Latinos for Education, she developed educational leadership skills to promote equity for Latinx and underprivileged communities in the Boston and Greater Boston area. Deeply committed to advocacy and education, she continues to work to advance social-emotional learning to help underserved youth build the skills necessary for academic achievement, self-advocacy, and long-term success. Her bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English, along with her background in trauma-informed care, enables her to work effectively with diverse communities and empower students and families 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.
Stephanie Herrera
Member at Large
Stephanie Herrera is a first-generation community leader, entrepreneur, and nonprofit executive dedicated to expanding access to education and opportunity in Lynn, Massachusetts. Stephanie believes in the power of representation, collaboration, and access to education as tools for social mobility. She continues to work closely with local schools, nonprofits, and community partners to uplift the next generation of leaders in Lynn.