Board of Directors
Pamela Alexander - President of the Board
Pamela joined the Board of Directors in 2017. Prior to joining the Board, Pamela was a volunteer at Sojourner House. She is the co-founder and director of the Ark of Cherubs Summer Program at The Church of Christ in Roxbury where she is also an active member. Pamela has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Mount Holyoke College. She enjoys exploring healing through spiritual development and holistic medicine, studying the bible, and spending time with family and friends. As a resident of Roxbury, Pamela is passionate about giving back to the community where she volunteers her time at local shelters, schools, and various organizations.
Doreen Mangini, Ph.D. - Board Clerk
Doreen joined the Board of Directors in 2017. She graduated from Boston University with a degree in Physical Education and Health Education and a Ph.D. in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College. She is currently enrolled in the Master’s program for Special Education Administration. Doreen is a Director of Nutrition and Wellness at a residential school for students with special needs. Doreen lived and taught overseas in the Middle East for over twenty years. She enjoys running, cooking, and traveling.
Susie Pickens - Board Treasurer
Susie has been on the Board of Directors since 1994. Susie is a retired auditor for the Federal Government. She graduated from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is very active in the community and is the co-founder of Blacks in Government (BIG) Boston Chapter, a member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and volunteers for Central Boston Elder Service. Susie enjoys gardening, volunteering and advocating for social justice.
Susie Pickens - Board Treasurer
Susie has been on the Board of Directors since 1994. Susie is a retired auditor for the Federal Government. She graduated from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is very active in the community and is the co-founder of Blacks in Government (BIG) Boston Chapter, a member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and volunteers for Central Boston Elder Service. Susie enjoys gardening, volunteering and advocating for social justice.
Julie Panchamsingh - Barakat, Ed.D
Julie joined the Board of Directors in 2017. She has spent her professional career working within the Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan communities as a social worker and educator for over 30 years. Julie recently retired from Boston Public Schools, and is a lifelong learner with several academic credentials and a variety of personal interests including gardening, yoga and writing. She is devoted to her family and enjoys spending. time with her grandchildren. Julie is the co-founder of Ali’s Roti restaurants, and is currently cultivating Cham Consultants, LLC- focused on professional development for educators and teacher mentoring. She is looking forward to supporting the efforts at Sojourner House.
Detective Larry Ellison
Larry recently joined the Board in 2016. At the age of eighteen, he became a Boston Police Cadet and soon after became a Boston Police Officer. Larry has worked for the Boston Police Department for over 30 years. He has served as the President of Massachusetts Association of Minority Enforcement Officers (MAMLEO) For nine years. He is a graduate of Curry College with a degree in Criminal Justice. Larry enjoys volunteering with Big Brother Association and is passionate about fighting for equal rights and being a voice for the voiceless. He enjoys fishing and spending time with his family.
Larry Ellison
Larry joined the Board of Directors in 2016. At the age of eighteen, he became a Boston Police Cadet and soon after became a Boston Police Officer. Larry has worked for the Boston Police Department for over 30 years. He has served as the President of Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers (MAMLEO) For nine years. He is a graduate of Curry College with a degree in Criminal Justice. Larry enjoys volunteering with Big Brother Association and is passionate about fighting for equal rights and being a voice for the voiceless. He enjoys fishing and spending time with his family.
Julie Panchamsingh - Barakat, Ed.D
Alison Marschner
Alison joined the Board of Directors after completing the Net Impact Board Fellows program in 2018. She graduated from Holy Cross with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Alison has over 10 years of experience in product management and currently works at a financial services firm. She enjoys music, being outdoors and spending time with family.
Mike McGreenery
Mike Joined the Board of Directors in 2019. Mike studied finance at Bentley University and, after spending nearly 20 years in the financial services communities of Boston and New York, shifted gears in 2017. He now works in Human Capital Management, partnering with and focusing on nonprofit organizations in the Greater Boston area. A huge fan of Boston sports, cooking, and spending time with family, Mike looks forward to making a difference in the lives of homeless children and families in and around Boston.