Executive Director
Karen Gager, MSW, LICSW. has a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston University School of Social Work. She has worked in the fields of social services and education for over twenty five years. In addition, she has been a Field Instructor for various Schools of Social Work in RI and MA. Karen was awarded a Women of Achievement Award in Program Development for “Improving the Lives of Children & Youth” by the YWCA of Rhode Island in 2007.
Board Of Directors
President
Dr. Anthony Fruzzetti, Ed. D. is currently a full time member of the faculty in the College of Business’ Marketing Department at Johnson and Wales University. He is a longtime active member of the Board of Directors of the New England Marketing Research Association. He is a graduate of Suffolk University in Boston, MA (MBA), and Johnson & Wales University (Ed.D.).
Vice President
Joaquin Romero is the Associate Director of Major Gifts, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, at Harvard University. He is a double graduate of Providence College with an MBA and B.S. in Applied Physics. He previously worked at Brown University’s Swearer Center, where he ran programming focused on community engagement through study away programs, and the Department of Institutional Advancement at Rhode Island School of Design as a Fund Officer.
Treasurer
Julianne Schwallie-Benoit is a Senior Accountant with Gray, Gray, & Gray, LLP in Canton, MA. She is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University where she earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Business and an MBA in Accounting. She is a member of the Gray, Gray & Gray Charitable Foundation as well as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Secretary
Emily Gove works as a Manager of Insights at My-Take, a research software provider headquartered in Westborough, MA. She holds a BA in Anthropology and Women’s Studies from the University of Richmond and a Master of Arts in Anthropology from SOAS University of London. She also serves as a board member and committee chair at Good Neighbors, a hunger relief organization based in East Providence.
Board Member
Bill Jennings is a graduate of Princeton University and Pennsylvania State University. He has over thirty years in banking beginning at RI Hospital Trust, ending in 2003 at Fleet Bank, then joining Newman Dignan & Sheerar, an Investment Advisory firm. Bill is currently also on the board of UCAP School and The Greater Providence YMCA. He is also the 134 Collaborative board liaison to Mathewson Street Church.
Board Member
Kelly Sheridan currently works in the Human Resources Department at Qventus, an AI company. She has worked as a global HR professional for more than 20 years including at SharkNinja, Bullhorn, Nuvolo and Tessian. Additionally, Kelly sits on boards at Syracuse University and holds volunteer leadership positions with Alpha Chi Omega. She is a graduate of Syracuse University with a BA in English and Textural Studies.
Board Member
Munachimso Ugoh Is an incoming Analyst Consultant at Analysis Group, Boston. He is a recent graduate of Brown University’s School of Public Health with a MPH in Epidemiology. He holds a B.S. in Public Health with a concentration in International Affairs & Chemistry from Xavier University in Louisiana. His experience spans healthcare research, data analysis and community engagement, with a strong commitment to advocacy and policy-driven impact.