Charmane Higgins, Executive Director

Charmane Higgins was named Deputy Executive Director of STRIVE in December 2005 and Executive Director on August 1, 2008. Prior to joining STRIVE, Charmane was Director, Cultural Health Initiatives at the American Heart Association, Framingham, Massachusetts. From 1999 to 2003, she served, first, as Career Services Manager and, then, as Assistant Director of Operations for Boston Private Industry Council. Before this, she held positions at Cellular One in Boston and at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Charmane serves as a senior fellow at the Institute for Non-Profit Management & Leadership at Boston University’s School of Management. Charmane holds a BA degree from Wellesley College and an MA degree from University of Texas at Austin. In 2003, she earned an MBA degree from Simmons School of Management, Boston, MA.

Alan Spencer, Director of Programs

Alan Spencer signed on with Boston Employment Service as a Placement Specialist in January 2002 after he completed STRIVE Academy, a five day staff training course conducted by “STRIVE National” in New York City. In September 2002, he was appointed Trainer; in 2004 he became Program Director of the ex-offender program; and in September 2008, he was named Director of Programs. Alan’s professional experience includes social work with Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance and Massachusetts Department of Social Services. Alan is currently enrolled in the Master of Management Program at Cambridge College School of Management.

Andrew Wise, Senior Development Manager

Crissilla Parris, Senior Trainer

Crissilla Parris joined STRIVE as Adminstrative Assistant in February 2002 upon graduating from STRIVE training. She was appointed Placement Specialist in 2002; Trainer in 2004 and Senior Trainer in January 2009. Prior to her work at STRIVE, she served as an administrative assistant for eleven years at Simmons College and as a customer service representative at three firms. Crissilla graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1982 and holds a diploma from Bethel Bible Institute. Crissilla will attend the Institute for Non-Profit Management and Leadership at Boston University in fall 2011.

Deryck Reid, Trainer

Deryck Reid became a member of the STRIVE staff after completing the program in 2010. He serves as trainer for the ex-offender training workshop. Deryck began his professional career as an office service assistant manager at Pitney Bowes. He then held positions as an assistant records manager and records manager at Testa Hurwitz & Thibeault LLP and Seyfarth & Shaw LLP, respectively.

Rupert Saunders, Senior Placement Specialist

Rupert Saunders was appointed Placement Specialist in March 2002, after serving 14 years of a 20 year sentence at federal penitentiaries in Lewisburg, Pennsylivania and Otisville, New York. While in prison, Rupert obtained a BS degree in Science and Behavoiral Health from University of New York as well as an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Mercy College of New York City. At Lewisburg, he co-founded an attitudinal program, “Doing Time with the Right Mind,” for young inmates. Prior to incarceration, he served as a youth crisis counselor at Vera Institute of Justice and as a youth counselor at Covenant House in New York City. In January 2009, he became Senior Placement Specialist.

Marcia Davis, Placement Specialist

Marcia Davis came to STRIVE with an extensive career in criminal justice. She served as a patrol officer for the Boston Police Department for 19 years. Just prior to joining the STRIVE staff, Marcia worked at Bishop Ruocco House for Girls as a residential counselor for at-risk adolescent females ages 13-19 years old. Marcia is currently a candidate for the Bachelor of Arts Business Management degree at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, MA.

Mayra Welsh, College Case Manager

Mayra Welsh rejoined STRIVE in 2010 to provide case management services to participants in the Postsecondary Success Initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates and Nellie Mae Foundations in collaboration with Xcel, Inc. From 2005 to 2007 she served as support services coordinator in STRIVE’s Millennium Moms Program. When that program ended and prior to her return to STRIVE, she worked as site coordinator in the education division of One Family, Inc. of Boston. Previous administrative positions were with Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Boston University Medical Center. Mayra holds an associate degree from Roxbury Community College and a BA degree in Health and Human Services from Northeastern University. She expects to receive an MA degree in June 2012 from Cambridge College’s School of Management.

Ryann Harrell, StreetSafe Case Manager

Ryann Harrell joined STRIVE in July, 2010, as the StreetSafe Case Manager, in partnership with The Boston Foundation’s StreetSafe Initiative. STRIVE and The Boston Foundation are working together to reduce youth violence in the neighborhoods of Boston. Prior to joining STRIVE, Ryann held positions with The Guidance Center, Riverside Community Care, and the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services. Ryann is excited to have joined STRIVE and committed to making a difference in his community.

Brenda Richardson, Volunteer Administrative Assistant

Brenda Richardson joined STRIVE in March of 2010 as a volunteer administrative assistant through the Mature Workers Training Program operated by the Greater Boston Urban League. Prior to coming to STRIVE she worked at MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham volunteering work with the elderly doing friendly visiting and shopping. Brenda attended CCRI’s Administrative Assistant Program and worked as a Unit Secretary for St. Joseph Hospital. In addition, to attending Kathryn Gibbs’ computer training program she acquired clerical experience from working at ABCD Head Start Program in Jamaica Plain. Along with STRIVE, she volunteers at the Central Boston Elder Services helping clients with their basic needs.

Taron Tibbs, Volunteer Intern

Taron Tibbs is a volunteer intern at STRIVE who assists in the workshops sharing his life experience in the workforce and helps clients with resume writing, cover letters, thank you letters and online job searches. Taron is currently a student at Bunker Hill Community College earning an associate degree in science with an entrepreneurship option. He expresses the desire and determination to become a professional component of society through community leadership and outreach.