DR. JENNIFER ETESSE HERRING, PHD

Executive Director

Jennifer Herring, Executive Director of Worcester Education Collaborative, works collaboratively with community partners in creating high quality, safe and supportive learning opportunities for all student in the city of Worcester.

Jennifer has has held school based leadership and central office roles in Curriculum & Instruction as well as Student Services. Prior to her work at the district level, she has taught Special Education, ELA, Spanish and Theater throughout her teaching career in Boston, Cambridge, MA and Lawrence, Massachusetts.

In addition to her work in schools, Jennifer also serves as an Adjunct Professor teaching psychology and the impact of trauma in schools through the lens of racial equity, inclusion and belonging. In graduate school, Jennifer obtained a Master’s of Education in Psychological Studies from Cambridge College, as well as a PhD in Educational Leadership from Lesley University with research centered on supporting sexual trauma survivors in school.

Prior to working in education, Jennifer spent time in the non-profit space supporting summer and after school programs at Girls Inc. of Lynn, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking prevention programs in the Greater Boston area.

Toyin Akinbuli

Executive Assistant

Toyin is a strategic operations and project coordination professional with years of experience supporting mission-driven organizations across healthcare, education, nonprofit, and community-focused environments. She brings a strong background in organizational coordination, stakeholder engagement, documentation, process improvement, and administrative operations, with a particular interest in work that advances equity and strengthens communities.

Her professional experience spans project and program coordination, organizational operations, workforce development, healthcare initiatives, data and reporting systems, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. She is particularly skilled at bringing structure to complex work, coordinating across stakeholders, managing details, and helping leaders and teams move priorities forward effectively.

Toyin holds an MBA in Strategy & Leadership from Anna Maria College and a B.S. in Resource Economics with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is passionate about bringing thoughtful organization, relationship-building, and practical problem-solving to organizations working to create stronger opportunities for individuals, families, and communities.

Jennifer hernandez

Marketing Director

A marketing strategist and community advocate with more than 15 years of experience helping nonprofits and small businesses amplify their impact. A graduate of Quinsigamond Community College with a focus in Human Services, Jennifer combines her background in people-centered work with deep marketing expertise to craft authentic, mission-driven communications.

A cheerleader for Worcester, Jennifer has partnered with numerous local organizations to elevate their stories, strengthen community engagement, and drive sustainable growth. Passionate about creating meaningful connections, Jennifer is dedicated to advancing educational opportunity and equity through her work with the Worcester Education Collaborative.

crystal guzman

Family & Community Engagement Specialist