Walkiria E. Pool

President and Founder

Walkiria Pool's professional career includes more than 15 years in community development and housing service industry with a focus on affordable housing, and asset development. She earned her Master’s degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University and a graduate certificate in Women and Politics and Public Policy from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. As an undergraduate Ms. Pool earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in Boston, majoring in Psychology and Sociology. Ms. Pool was responsible for developing and implementing the Project "Más a ti" for the National Council of La Raza, the first community-based financial institution for low-income families in the nation. Ms. Pool also served as Youth Program Director in the family Asset Building division of Lawrence Community Works and as an AmeriCorps Vista member at the Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation. She has served on a number of Boards of Directors and Advisory Committees of community-based organizations.

Damaris Batista

Executive Director and Co-Founder

Mrs. Batista oversees the office in Lawrence, MA and the National Capacity Building program for the clergy community. She brings over 15 years of experience in the area of leadership development, management and program development. Ms. Batista earned a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a Master degree in Mental Health at Southern New Hampshire University. Ms. Batista has been instrumental in the development of the organization.