Community Advisory Committee

Community
In our quest to create a more equitable and just organization that values the expertise and lived experiences of those who live in our community, RiseBoro has created its first Community Advisory Committee. The members of the CAC will use their technical expertise and/or lived experience to elevate the voices of the people we serve so they are at the center of program design and implementation.

About the CAC

Using their technical expertise and/or lived experience, members of the community advisory committee will: 

  • Elevate the voices of the people we serve so they are at the center of program design and implementation 
  • Contribute to the build-out and implementation of the CAC during their tenure 
  • Support program design and evaluation  
  • Serve as an ambassador for RiseBoro during events and throughout the community  
  • Identify community needs and make recommendations on ways to address them 

Click Here to Apply to Join Our Community Advisory Committee! 

Community Members

Community Advisory Committee

Rhonda Jackson

 

Rhonda Jackson

Rhonda Jackson

“Giving back to our community is a responsibility, not a choice.”

Rhonda is a proud native New Yorker who worked for the Metropolitan Transit Authority until the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. Since then, she has dedicated herself to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. She is a Lived Experience Community Engagement Consultant and Senior Fellow with the Family Homeless Coalition. She also Co-Chairs the New York City Fund to End Youth and Family Homelessness.

 

 

RaQuell Brunson

 

RaQuell Brunson

RaQuell Brunson

“I want to help provide “UNITY” in all communities”

RaQuell has been a school safety agent with the New York City Police Department for 25 years. She has lived in the Brownsville Community for over 45 years. Her passion has always been to advocate for others whose voices need to be heard. She enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with family, and helping people.

 

 

Virgie Jones

 

Virgie Jones

Virgie Jones

“It is important to me to continue taking pride in my community, giving back, and contributing to its’ up rise.”

Virgie has worked in District 32 for over 26 years. She feels blessed and fortunate to retire as an Assistant Principal from her alma mater, where she started as a teacher.
She is a Brooklynite and has lived in the Bushwick Community for over 50 years.
She serves and volunteers on CB4 and advocates for our ever-growing, changing, and challenging community.

 

 

Joanne Swain

 

Joanne Swain

Joanne Swain

“I want to continue being an active member of my community to improve the overall quality of life in our growing populations, and fostering inclusiveness and a sense of belonging.”

Joanne was born in Brooklyn and has lived in Bedford-Stuyvesant her whole life. She is involved in various community-based organizations and is committed to promoting local resources and improving fellow community members’ overall quality of life.

 

 

Jacqueline A Becerra

 

Jacqueline A Becerra

Jacqueline A Becerra

“I serve as a voice for the special needs population and fight for the community provide inclusion and acceptance.”

Jacqueline was born and raised in Bushwick. As a parent of a special needs son, she is proud to have found acceptance and unity for her child in the community. She is passionate about advocating and helping other families with disabilities. She wants others to feel the same community support and acceptance.

 

 

Franklin Rijo

 

Franklin Rijo

Franklin Rijo

“My community has shaped who I am today and I want to be a part of shaping new generations to come.”

Franklyn is a lifelong resident of Bushwick, as well as a small business owner and father. As a participant since young through the RB Youth Center; RiseBoro has had a lasting impact and profound presence on his life. He is looking forward to being the bridge that helps connect his community with the same resources and opportunities offered to him and his family.

 

 

Paris Nicole Perez

 

Paris Nicole Perez

Rhonda Jackson

“I believe in the power of collective action to effect positive change in our communities”

Paris was Born and raised in Bushwick by a single mother. While growing up, she saw the struggles of Bushwick residents and lived through a tough time being bullied because of who she was.
She realized that there was not enough being done to support the youth, especially the LGBTQ+.
Paris founded the first LGBTQ+ safe space/support group in Bushwick, GLOBE (Gays and Lesbians of Bushwick Empowered). She remains an active community member and advocates for those most in need.