Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Adriana joined Summer Search in August 2022 as the Post-Secondary Program Manager. Prior to Summer Search, Adriana led the MITES program at MIT, a summer residential program for approximately 80 underserved and underrepresented high school students from across the country. This included planning and executing the summer program, organizing logistics and special events, training and managing teams of 40+ mentors and instructors, and ensuring overall student well-being. Adriana also led the recruitment and selection process for the programs, overseeing application pools of approximately 2,000 each year for four years. Adriana loves working with young people, especially those from historically marginalized communities, and empowering them to thrive.

Adriana earned a Bachelor’s of Science in environmental engineering from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). Outside of work hours, Adriana enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling to new places, being involved in her church, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Adriana is passionate about supporting the sustainability and resilience of our Earth, particularly centering the importance of people, equity, and justice. Through this, she strives to empower youth of diverse backgrounds, increase access to opportunities, and foster community to support the next generation of joyful, successful leaders. She believes this work is essential for true sustainable spaces in which individuals can grow, communities can strengthen, and all can thrive. 

Adriana comes from a diverse professional background, having graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.S. in Biology and certificate in Environmental Studies. She has experience in coordinating outreach and education on various environmental issues such as zero waste, wildlife and habitat conservation. With hopes to work in more direct education and youth empowerment, she most recently supported a cohort of high school students from historically excluded backgrounds to lower college access obstacles with College Possible in Seattle, Washington. Adriana is excited to continue supporting young leaders on their journey of growth and achievement at Summer Search. 

When not working Adriana enjoys cooking, listening to music, enjoying the outdoors, and spending quality time with family and friends.  

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Alexandra, a first-generation college graduate from the Dominican Republic, knows firsthand the value of education. Alexandra was a Summer Search participant in Boston before joining the staff. She discovered her passion for helping young adults through the contacts and relationships she has made along the way.

In the summer of 2021, Alexandra graduated with a BA in International Relations from the University of Massachusetts Boston and soon after that, she was exposed to the field of education.

Alexandra enjoys working out, cooking famous dishes from around the world, and traveling in her spare time.

Pronouns: He/Him or They/Them

Becks’ passion for mentorship as well as their background working in Development for non-profits led him to Summer Search as a Development Coordinator in October 2023. Becks recognizes the importance of long-term mentorship in the development of youth as he has been a mentee and a mentor all throughout high school and college. His experience mentoring international students at the International Rescue Committee and as a peer mentor for Boston University’s International Peer Mentor program has shown them the positive impact that a mentor can have in a student’s life.

During his time in undergrad, Becks gained valuable experience working in Development through their internships at GLBTQ+ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) as well as Youth Enrichment Services for Boston Kids (YES). After graduating, they worked as the Administrative Coordinator at the Transgender Emergency Fund of Massachusetts, Inc. where he had the opportunity to be mentored and surrounded by other queer and trans individuals and give back to the trans community. Most recently, Becks has worked as the Development Coordinator at Pine Street Inn, a non-profit dedicated to ending homeless throughout Boston.

Becks earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from Boston University and plans on receiving his Masters in Social Work from Salem State University next year. Outside of work, Becks enjoys going to concerts, driving around the East Coast with friends, and spending time with family.

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Darryl believes in spreading love and understanding to each other and our surroundings.

Darryl came to Summer Search with a background in youth development, providing students with opportunities that will help them be successful in their future. At Squashbusters in Lawrence, MA, Darryl was the head squash coach and led the high school portion of the Lawrence program.

Darryl graduated from the Summer Search program in 2010 before heading to Colby College, where he created his own major within the American Studies and Photography departments. Darryl played on the Colby men’s varsity squash team and held leadership positions for several clubs on campus, such as the Men of Color Alliance, Colby’s Gentlemen of Quality, and Students Organized for Black and Hispanic Unity. He graduated from Colby in 2014 and began working in youth development.

In his spare time, Darryl enjoys spending time at the gym, traveling, cooking, being with family and friends, but ultimately being on his couch watching comedy sitcoms or action tv series.

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Devin has a passion for working with young adults and helping them to discover their passions and reach their potential. At Summer Search he works as a program associate and enjoys the opportunity to help guide young students through their High School years.

Prior to Summer Search he worked as the guidance counselor for DME Sports Academy, a prep school in Daytona Beach, FL. He competed for the Men’s basketball team at DePaul University in Chicago, IL from 2008 – 2011.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine. He now lives in Jamaica Plain, MA.

When not at Summer Search he coaches the Women’s Basketball team at Roxbury Community College and coaches AAU basketball with the New York Gauchos.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Diane has been working with youth in the mental health field for over 7 years. Diane started in a residential setting, and then transitioned to a school setting. Prior to coming to Summer Search, she was a Therapeutic Mentor to youth ages 6-16. Diane is so excited to exclusively work with students in high school. She truly believe in the benefits of mentorship and the impacts it has on students during this crucial stage in their life. Diane is extremely passionate about supporting youth through self-exploration, cultural identity exploration, and social emotional learning.

Outside of work, she enjoys music and reading, although most of her free time is taken up by completing her degree in Business Administration/Nonprofit Management.

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Ethan believes that confidence building through adventure and mentorship is key to supporting teen development. Ethan also understands the need for deeper equity in Boston, a city with a widening opportunity gap. Before arriving at Summer Search, Ethan worked at Youth Enrichment Services managing adventure programs and volunteers. His work experience also includes student instruction at Thompson Island Outward Bound, case management at Action for Boston Community Development, and coaching at Boston College High School.

Ethan holds a BA in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire and a Core Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Institute for Nonprofit Practice.

Outside of his work, Ethan enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, gardening, and playing speed chess.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers.

A native of Belize, Central America and a first-generation college graduate, Hermese has firsthand experience with the game changing power of education. Hermese’s long-standing commitment to Summer Search spans multiple roles, including participant during her high school years, Alumni Board Chair, and member of the Summer Search Boston Board of Directors. It is Hermese’s delight and Summer Search’s great fortune to have her add staff member to that list, stepping into the role of Boston Executive Director in December 2016.

Before joining the Summer Search staff, Hermese was a results-oriented Project Manager in the travel industry. She has provided project management over several top priority initiatives and enterprise wide implementations, cultivating her skills in data analysis, risk assessment, communication, relationship building, and change management, vital talents for a non-profit leader. While her professional experience is heavy in the project management capacity, her volunteer experience has been dominated by Summer Search! Though Hermese’s after work haven is now her full-time gig, she continues to volunteer as a coach for adults reentering college.

During the warmer months, Hermese enjoys daily 5Ks while listening to Beyoncé and Whitney Houston’s Greatest Hits! She also loves to travel and has visited at least 1 new country a year for the past 5 years; with 5 continents, down and 2 more to go! Hermese and her family live in Boston.

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Jacob has a passion for working with young adults and assisting in their social and emotional development during their formative years. At Summer Search he works as a Program Associate and enjoys the opportunity to help guide young students through their High School years.

Prior to coming to Summer Search, Jacob worked as the Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army in the South End of Boston, and as Canon Missioner for The Order of St. Martin de Porres. Additionally, Jacob formerly ran for City Council in the 4th district of Boston where he focused on addressing the challenges he faced growing up within a Low-Income Immigrant household in the city of Boston. Jacob is an alumnus of New York Theological Seminary (NYTS) where he participated in various certificate programs, and where he has since returned to complete a Masters in Divinity.

Jacob now resides in Providence, RI where he continues to advocate and support young adults and their families through extensive community/civic engagement work locally and nationwide. Outside of work you can find Jacob at the gym, traveling around to new destinations, or binge-watching the latest movies or series.

Program Associate – He/Him/His

As a first-generation college grad and alumnus of the Summer Search program, Josue has seen first-hand the benefits of mentoring and providing opportunities to youths that would otherwise not receive those opportunities. Josue is passionate about youth empowerment and through Summer Search he became interested in working in the fields of education, non-profit work, and youth mental health.

Josue has worked as a team leader for the Jumpstart Americorps program, family service provider and therapeutic mentor for youths ages 4-21. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a Degree in Psychology concentrating in Community Psychology and minoring in Criminal Justice.

Outside of work, Josue enjoys boxing, sports, art, music, films, and spending time with friends and family.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Julia is passionate about college access and youth development, supporting young people to leverage their strengths and follow their own pathways. Growing up in an ROTC military family, she is especially conscientious of the challenges first generation students face and dedicated to providing insight and resources.

Prior to coming to Summer Search, Julia served as a college advisor for 4 years at KIPP Delta Public Schools in the rural Arkansas Delta. There she recognized the power of 1:1 mentoring and group work to support students through postsecondary milestones, as well as identity and social development. Additionally, she volunteered with the local Humane Society as a foster mom and shelter photographer. Julia is excited to be back on the east coast and serving Boston students.

Outside of work you can find Julia hiking or saltwater kayaking with her dog Sasha, cooking every meal of the day, and writing postcards to her friends and family scattered around the world.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Kat believes that everyone has the right to forge their own path in life. She sees the power in telling the story of self and seeks to provide youth a chance to explore and unpack their stories in safe spaces, with mentors who believe in and support them.

Prior to joining Summer Search, Kat worked for the Boston-based NGO South Africa Partners as a program assistant, and with the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts (PHENOM). She graduated from UMass Amherst with a BA in Social Thought and Political Economy.

Outside of the office, Kat can be found running, biking, singing, and eating entirely too much Thai food.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers.

Kristie believes passionately in providing equal access to educational opportunities.

Prior to joining Summer Search, Kristie led development efforts for Breakthrough Greater Boston, an educational non-profit providing out-of-school time programming, and City on a Hill Charter Public Schools, a charter school network in Boston and New Bedford. It was through City on a Hill students who were involved with Summer Search that she first began her admiration for the organization ten years before joining the team.

Kristie holds a B.A. in Sociology from Villanova University. Outside of the office, she can be found running, snowboarding, and having a blast with her husband and two boys. She and her family live in Milton.

Pronouns she/her/hers

Leeyan Redwood is from Long Island New York and is a first generation woman with roots in Jamaica. She was on the Varsity Track and Field Team at Northeastern University, specializing in the shotput and discus throws. She then graduated from Northeastern University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication & a Minor in Media Production. Leeyan previously worked for the Boston Red Sox as a Non-Profit Programs Coordinator, and now specializes in youth mentoring as Program Associate at Summer Search. Being a part of organizations that prioritize providing valuable experiences to the youth is a privilege that she does not take for granted. In her free time Leeyan enjoys exercising during Zumba and HIIT classes, cooking with friends, and relaxing on the beach with a good book.   

Libby believes that creating community and providing personal growth opportunities for students is a significant piece of the puzzle in removing barriers to their overall success.

Prior to working at Summer Search, Libby worked at Catie’s Closet, a Massachusetts based non profit providing free clothing and toiletries to students in Boston Public Schools. Her experience at Catie’s Closet ignited her passion for supporting local Boston students through meaningful engagement. She also has experience in the field of educational travel with a focus on student travel groups.

Libby has a B.A in Sociology from Emmanuel College in Boston. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, practicing yoga, reading, taking care of her plants, and exploring the city.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Lily joined the Summer Search staff in August 2023 with an interest in social and educational systems. She believes in the importance of a strong educational foundation in transforming the trajectory of one’s life.

In the past, she has completed research on the black-white achievement gap in high school students and facilitated discussions on the implications of race in the present. Additionally, she is entering the Master of Public Administration program at Northeastern University in Fall 2023.

Lily continues to pursue ways to create opportunities for underrepresented communities. She hopes to positively impact young adults through assisting them with professional development and building the necessary skills for their careers. She is passionate about expanding educational and career spaces to create a more equitable environment for youth in the Boston area. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and staying active outside work.