Executive Director

alex@sociedadlatina.org

For over 20 years, Alexandra Oliver-Dávila has worked to create a community that supports and values young people and believes in their ability to create positive social change. Serving as Executive Director since 1999, Alex has transformed Sociedad Latina into a cutting-edge, data-driven youth development organization. Under her leadership, Sociedad Latina has quadrupled its budget, expanded board membership, increased the total number of youth and families served, broadened programming, and developed our Pathways to Success model. 

Through her grassroots community-based approach, Alex has forged successful cross-sector collaborations with dozens of partners across Boston, including higher-education institutions, hospitals and health centers, businesses, foundations, and Boston Public Schools. This broad network of partnerships has enabled Sociedad Latina to leverage resources and offer youth and families various opportunities to thrive. In 2013, she joined the Board of the National Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color (COSEBOC). In 2014, Alex was elected to the National Institute for Latino School Leaders. In 2016, she was selected as the newest member of the Boston School Committee and as the National Council of La Raza Affiliate Council Representative for the Northeast region, in 2017, Alex was named one of the 150 Boston Women of Influence and in 2018 was selected as one of Boston's 100 Most Influential People of Color. Alex is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Emmanuel College and the Anna B. Stearns Foundation. In addition, Alex serves as an Advisory Board representative for Boston Children's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, New England Baptist Hospital, Boston After School & Beyond, Boston Public Schools’ Opportunity and Achievement Gaps Task Force, as well as the Co-Chair for the Greater Boston Latino Network (GBLN).

In recognition for her hard work and dedication to Boston’s Latino community, Alex has received a number of honors and recognitions over the years. In 2014, she was recognized by the Boston Public Schools' Office of English Language Learners and the Newcomer Assessment & Counseling Center for her exemplary work with underserved youth in Boston. In 2012, Alex received an Honorary Doctorate from Emmanuel College and the Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award from the National Football League. In 2007, Alex was honored as a Barr Foundation Fellow – a program that recognizes Boston’s most gifted and experienced leaders. She has also received the Freedom House Community Leader Award in 2006 and the Boston Celtics’ Hero Among Us Award in 2002. During her career, Alex has also received honors from Mayor Thomas Menino, Boston City Council, Hyde Square Task Force, Boston Police Department. Alex received her undergraduate degree from Emmanuel College and a Master’s in Public Policy from Tufts University. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Associate Director

lydia@sociedadlatina.org

Lydia Emmons earned her undergraduate degree in Urban and Community Studies and Public Policy from the University of Connecticut, and she holds certificates in Youth Trauma Response and Non-Profit Leadership. Lydia was a participant of the 2016 Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship Program through the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy. She joined Sociedad Latina in 2009 as a Highland Street Corps Ambassador of Mentoring and was then hired as a Workforce Development Coordinator. As Associate Director, Lydia oversees all of our Pathway to Success programming, evaluates program components, and liaises with Boston Public Schools and higher education partners.

Program Director

juan@sociedadlatina.org

Juan Maldonado earned his undergraduate degree in Professional Music, with a concentration in Music Education, from Berklee College of Music. Prior to joining Sociedad Latina, Juan founded and directed a music school near Boston. Juan is a skilled musician, appearing in events such as the Monterey Jazz Festival, Bean Town Jazz Festival, Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, Sarasota Jazz Festival, and Heineken Jazz Festival. In 2014, Juan was awarded the Berklee Urban Service Award for his outstanding work with youth in Boston and was recently selected as a chair for Boston Creates--a community-wide effort to harness creativity and build a shared vision for arts and culture in Boston. As Program Director, Juan oversees all of Sociedad Latina’s programming, manages program staff, and develops curricula. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Office Assistant
acosta@sociedadlatina.org 

Andrea Costa is currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Business at Bunker Hill Community College and plans to continue her studies in Finance at the University of Massachusetts, Boston in the near future. Before joining Sociedad Latina, she volunteered for various nonprofit organizations in Peru and was a translator for the Boston Housing Authority. At Sociedad Latina, Andrea supports our Office Manager and Finance Department and ensures the successful day-to-day operations of the organization. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Retention and Engagement Specialist
shynnah@sociedadlatina.org

Shynnah Cueto-Monge is currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Human Services at Bunker Hill Community College. She has been involved with Sociedad Latina for more than seven years, transitioning from a Youth Leader to a full-time staff member. While in high school, she was an intern at Brigham & Women's Hospital through the Health Careers for Youth program and a Youth Artist. At Sociedad Latina, Shynnah oversees our Family Engagement program and develops strategies for better retention across our programs. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

College & Careers Pathways Coordinator
daniel@sociedadlatina.org 

Dan Davis received his undergraduate degree in Spanish Language & Literature and a Master's in Teaching from Clark University. Before joining Sociedad Latina in 2014, Dan taught high school Spanish in Grafton and Worcester. At Sociedad Latina, Dan oversees our Early Escalera and Saturday Escalera programs and works with Boston Public Schools to implement college and career access support. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.

STEAM Team Coordinator

vdorta@sociedadlatina.org

Vanessa Dorta received her Associate's Degree in Engineering from Bunker Hill Community College and is currently working on her undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology. Before becoming the STEAM Team Coordinator, Vanessa was a STEM coach for middle school students at both Timilty Middle School and the Umana Academy. As the STEAM Team Coordinator, she works with middle school students building their interests in and exposing them to future STEM careers. Vanessa is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Office Manager/Finance Assistant
victoria@sociedadlatina.org

Victoria Garcia is a former Youth Leader in our Health Careers for Youth program. After completing high school, she joined Sociedad Latina as a temporary receptionist before being hired as a full-time employee. Victoria is currently working towards her undergraduate degree in Business Management at Endicott College. At Sociedad Latina, Victoria is currently the Office Manager and is receiving training in the Finance Department. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Development Associate
mariag@sociedadlatina.org

Maria Grande received her undergraduate degree in English Language/Literature and Creative Writing from Providence College. She joined Sociedad Latina in 2015 as an AmeriCorps VISTA ServiceWorks Program and Development Leader. After her service year, Maria became a full-time staff member at Sociedad Latina as a Development Associate, writing grants and reports for our Arts & Culture and Civic Engagement programs and overseeing the organization’s marketing and communications.

Health Education Coordinator
elewis@sociedadlatina.org

Emily Lewis received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Emmanuel College. Prior to becoming the Health Education Coordinator, Emily worked with our middle school STEAM Team as the Program Assistant and then as the AmeriCorps VISTA Recruitment and Outreach Specialist. As the Health Education Coordinator, she leads the Health Educators as they facilitate sexual health protection and prevention workshops and activities in the community and work to fight health disparities affecting Boston's Latino community.

Finance/Human Resources Manager
yamileth@sociedadlatina.org 

Yamileth Lopez received an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting, from Bunker Hill Community College. She is currently working towards her undergraduate degree in Business Management, with a concentration in Accounting, from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. At Sociedad Latina, Yamileth coordinates all billing, accounting, and human resources for the organization. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Program Assistant
rnavarro@sociedadlatina.org

Raquel Navarro joined Sociedad Latina in 2012 as a Youth Artist and made her way up to a permanent staff position. She is a vocal performer and learned to play the bass and piano at Sociedad Latina. As a Youth Artist, she composed three original songs and performed at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), House of Blues Boston, the Museum of Fine Arts, and other events across Boston. She is currently attending Roxbury Community College, where she is pursuing music. At Sociedad Latina, Raquel is the Program Assistant for our Youth Artists Mastery Program, instructing high school music classes and assisting our Manager of Arts, Culture, & Civic Engagement with workshops, ensembles, and afterschool programming. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

STEAM Team Coordinator
spowers@sociedadlatina.org

Spencer is a graduate of Boston Public Schools. He completed courses at Salem State University and plans to further his education in political policy. Last year he completed a year of service with City Year at the Chittick Elementary School in Mattapan. Spencer finds his passion in working with youth from Boston by believing that you have to be the change you want to see in the world.

Civic Engagement Coordinator
wilmer@sociedadlatina.org

Wilmer Quinones received his Associate’s Degree in Business Technology and Management from Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. He joined Sociedad Latina as a Youth Community Organizer in 2009. As a YCO, he was the Student Facilitator for the ELL Student Youth Advisory and the Program Assistant for the Saturday ELL Academy. After completing high school, he became a full-time staff member at Sociedad Latina as the Civic Engagement Coordinator. At Sociedad Latina, Wilmer leads the YCOs as they create and facilitate campaign and outreach efforts in the community, as well as cultural proficiency workshops and English Language Learner support services in partner Boston Public Schools. He is currently attending UMass Boston. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.

ALAS College Access & Success Coach
fernando@sociedadlatina.org

Fernando Rodriguez received his undergraduate degree in Sociology and Psychology from Framingham State University. He moved back to Boston after college to advocate and create change within his community. At Sociedad Latina, Fernando provides transition coaching to youth through their first two years of college. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.

ALAS College Access & Success Coach
asierra@sociedadlatina.org

Abraham Sierra, Jr. is currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Human Services from Bunker Hill Community College and plans to transfer to a four-year college to receive his undergraduate degree in Expressive Arts Therapy. Prior to joining Sociedad Latina, Abraham was an AmeriCorps Vista ServiceWorks Member. At Sociedad Latina, Abraham provides transition coaching to youth through their first two years of college. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Arts, Culture & Music Coordinator
joshs@sociedadlatina.org

Josh Snyder received his undergraduate degree in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music. Prior to joining Sociedad Latina, he worked as a private guitar instructor and taught at the Yawkey Boys & Girls Club. He is currently completing a fellowship through the Music Educators and Teaching Artists program with the Massachusetts Cultural Council. At Sociedad Latina, Josh supervises the Youth Artists Mastery Program, providing youth with the tools to be creative and comfortable with expressing themselves through music and he teaches school-day music classes to high school students in Boston Public Schools.

¡emprende! Program Coordinator
victorv@sociedadlatina.org

Victor Velazquez received his undergraduate degree in Business Management from Southern Vermont College and a Master's Degree in Technological Entrepreneurship from Northeastern University. He previously worked with the Bennington County Regional Communication, developing a plan for affordable housing in Vermont. He was also a Community Adviser at Southern Vermont College and was part of various startups and entrepreneurial endeavors. At Sociedad Latina, Victor teaches our emprende! Program at partner Boston Public Schools. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Development Manager
tyancey@sociedadlatina.org

Tiffany grew up in the outskirts of Miami with a Bolivian mother and an American father. Her passion for helping youth stems from her graduate studies at the University of San Francisco while conducting her Master’s thesis research. She traveled through various villages of Bangladesh to analyze the causes of schoolgirl dropouts in the rural secondary school system by interviewing young girls, teachers, parents, and community leaders. She has experience working with women and youth who have suffered trauma as well as young teenage mothers who have been forced to marry. She believes that education can be a catalyst for social change, and she knows that the work and mission of Sociedad Latina is exactly that. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.