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.
Julia Kilgore
Senior Deputy Director
Julia is a graduate of Assumption College with concentrated studies in Sociology, Social Policy, and Community Service Learning. In addition, she holds a master’s degree from New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service. Julia comes to us with extensive experience in the non-profit sector with a particular focus in out-of-school learning gathered from her work with Boston After School and Beyond and African Community Education (ACE).
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.
Noe J. medina
Worcester Education Equity Roundtable Facilitator and Consultant
Serving as the facilitator of the Worcester Education Equity Roundtable (WEER) and a consultant to the Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC). He has spent almost 40 years working to advance racial equity, social justice, and systemic change in K-12 education. During this time, he has organized and facilitated cross-sector, community-based coalitions and networks, designed and conducted program evaluations, and assisted with organizational planning and development. His work has involved public schools and school districts, higher education institutions, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, cultural institutions, state agencies, and Indian tribes. He emphasizes the use of culturally responsive, participatory, and equitable practices in all of his work to ensure that voices, perspectives, and experiences of participants, stakeholders, and program staff are incorporated into the results. Mr. Medina has a JD from Harvard Law School and a BA from Texas A & M University.
Rose Payva
Joselyn suero
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Joselyn Suero holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources and currently serves as a Family & Community Engagement Specialist at Worcester Education Collaborative, where she empowers parents to find their voice at the policy-making table and equips them with tools to better support their children and families.
A proud mother of four, Joselyn has deep roots in the Worcester Public Schools community. Three of her children are proud WPS graduates, including her eldest son, who graduated from Clark University with a degree in Computer Engineering. Her youngest is currently in middle school, keeping her closely connected to the educational experience of local families.
Joselyn’s passion for serving others is reflected in her decade-long volunteer role as a Co-Facilitator at Worcester Community Action, where she supported individuals with physical and mental challenges in building self-esteem and improving behavior. Her impact extends to grassroots organizing through her work with Neighbor to Neighbor and Parents Union of Massachusetts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating food pantries, fundraisers, and voter outreach initiatives. Her leadership earned her a seat on the election committee.
Known for her unwavering dedication, Joselyn thrives in roles that allow her to listen, uplift, and advocate for the community she loves. Her life's work is guided by one mission: to help others thrive through connection, education, and compassion.
Dina tedeschi
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
crystal guzman
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
