Kristen comes to the AHRC with a wealth of international human rights experience from working on these issues in U.S. Embassies overseas.  Kristen also has an American legal background. She is eager to deepen her understanding of challenges in Arlington and bring her experiences to strengthen the AHRC’s outreach and response.







 

As the Diversity/Community Liaison Officer for Harvard University PD, Kevin provided DEIB training within the HUPD and served as White Ribbon Day Ambassador, an ally and member of the Harvard Gender & Sexuality Caucus, Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), The Network/LaRed, and G.O.A.L./Gay Officers Action League – NE. He retired in 2020 after 29 years of service. Kevin is an Affiliated Baptist Minister at the Memorial Church at Harvard, and serves as Chaplain for the Harvard University, Newton, and Arlington Police Departments. He is also currently a Recovery Coach for Ellenhorn.

Gary has been a Commissioner since 2010 and served as chairman for one year. He also has been a Town Meeting member. Gary comes to the commission with over 20 years experience working with at risk youth and as an educator. He believes strongly in equal rights for all and the Constitution where it says “all men are created equal” and is always a bit dismayed when people aren’t treated that way.

Laurie comes to the AHRC with a passion for equity, social justice, and anti-racism. She grew up in an ambitious working-class family, and is a first-generation college graduate. She has been a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years, including over a decade of work in the Arlington Public Schools. She has also worked in the Randolph and Boston Public Schools, community-based mental health centers in Boston, intensive home-based family therapy, residential treatment, and in a small private practice. She is excited to join the AHRC’s work to address human rights and equity issues in Arlington and beyond.

Having made Arlington my home since the past 14 years, I have been drawn to involve myself in the town's diverse and vibrant volunteer committees. Engaging in issues that concern the most deeply marginalized people, including the students in town and also to campaign for social justice issues has led me to work with the Human Rights Commission. 

Crystal has worked with senior citizens, the homeless, and the local food bank since high school. She now serves in the equity and inclusion working group at a state regulatory agency where she began as a program manager for diversity and workforce development. She hopes to bring a unique perspective to the AHRC as a newer Arlington resident, a renter, and someone who grew up below the poverty line in a small town in NY. She continues to be passionate about homelessness and food insecurity.

Christine has served on the Commission since the 1990s. A self-described townie, she has worked to ensure her hometown is a welcoming place for all through volunteer leadership roles at several local organizations, engagement in town politics, and advancing ballot questions like the Community Preservation Act

Hina joined the commission in 2020 and has lived in Arlington for 5 years. She has worked in healthcare for over 20 years pursuing her passion for science and education. Throughout her career as a pharmacist she has had a strong focus on patient advocacy. She has been actively fighting for social justice and matters of equal opportunity from a young age. As a member of the Arlington Human Rights Commission Hina hopes to promote diversity and inclusion while advocating for those that have been marginalized and silenced for far too long.

Drake joined the Commission in 2019 and has lived in Arlington since 2006. He specializes in building relationships based on empowerment. Drake started Volition Project in 2014 to help brands empower their customers through more sincere and empathetic customer experiences and products. He also coaches entrepreneurial students at Harvard to start their own businesses in a way that generates the same kinds of reciprocity through empathy. Drake helps the Commission communicate its role in the community, build relationships, protect the rights of the individual, and foster the town’s win-win opportunities.

Jillian became the Town's first Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator, now Director in 2019. She additionally serves as the ADA Coordinator, is a member of the Mystic Valley NAACP Branch and a steering committee member of the CHNA 17. She received a BA in Anthropology from UMass Amherst and Master of Public Affairs (MPA) degree from Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs. Jill's prior occupations and personal experiences exposed her to the lack of access to healthcare and the educational gaps within underserved communities which compelled her to further serve underrepresented communities and combat social injustices.

Melanie comes to the AHRC with a 25 year history of fighting for a seat at the table for women and people of color in the tech sector. Professionally, she is a Backend DevOps Developer, and an analyst with a love of all things data. She was a founding member of Polaroid's Diversity Committee, and is a volunteer for the Hour Of Code. Born in Arlington, she lived in Cambridge and Somerville until returning to Arlington 10 years ago with her husband. Coming from a family of social activists, Melanie attended her very first protest at the age of 10, when she rallied at the state house for an early version of the Bottle Bill.

Sharon brings a passion for social justice and activism to the AHRC that began as a teenager. She has been deeply involved in volunteer, leadership and activist roles since moving to Arlington over 30 years ago and is a school psychologist. These experiences help to inform her passion for social justice, equity issues, and cultural awareness. Sharon believes in the AHRC’s mission as it continues to build collaborative relationships with that will continue to make Arlington a town that welcomes, appreciates, and respects all.

Scott has been an Arlington resident since 1995 with 2 children graduated from APS. He is a 36-year veteran of the Bedford PD, serving the community in various roles including its Jail Diversion Program, Restorative Justice Program, and Drug Treatment Court. He has served as the department’s civil rights officer for the past 30 years, worked on community partnerships including gun violence prevention and buyback programs, and is an active member of the Bedford Rotary Club - promoting service in the community. In serving the AHRC, Scott strives to strengthen the partnerships in town and have Arlington be a diverse and welcoming community. 

Kathy Rogers has lived in Arlington for 30 years and both her children graduated from the Arlington Public Schools. Kathy recently retired from Simmons University where she served a chief of staff, chief legal officer, and secretary to the board of trustees. Kathy is passionate about women’s education. She identifies with first-generation college students because she was one. She has served as an adjunct professor at Simmons and plans to return to teaching in 2023 giving courses on individuals who sought justice for themselves and others from the U.S. Supreme Court in notable civil rights cases. She joined the Commission in 2019.