Hira Ambreen, a dedicated resident of Arlington, brings a wealth of skills in public administration, strategic planning, and digital literacy, driven by her passion for community improvement and diversity. With a strong background in project management and ongoing academic pursuits at Harvard Kennedy School, Hira aims to make meaningful contributions to the AHRC.
 

​Allison has spent the last 8 years working in immigration both domestically and internationally.  She has lived in East Arlington since 2021, having spent around 10 years living and working abroad. Allison first became interested in the humanitarian field during grad school where she trained as a court expert in Forensic Speech Science with her research focused on linguistic assessments to evaluate asylum claims when applicants lack proof of their identity or origin. She is excited to join the AHRC and help contribute to human rights on a local level.

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.

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.

Barbara has lived in Arlington since 2000 and has been a Town Meeting member since 2022. She believes that community involvement is important, particularly to make sure that residents have what they need and that our town is inclusive. Volunteer interests include addressing food insecurity, promoting diversity and belonging, immigrant rights, public health, and using technology for good. She is a software engineer and loves helping underrepresented groups to get into technology.

As the Diversity/Community Liaison Officer for Harvard University PD, Kevin provided DEIB training 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.

Griffin has lived in East Arlington with his wife and three young children since 2016. He owns and operates Collectively Determined, a health justice practice, where he engages in research and advocacy for marginalized populations in Massachusetts, and for justice and equity leadership nationally at Harvard University and Yale Law School. He’s passionate about ensuring that Arlington is a thriving, accessible, and just community for all.

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.

Ramsha has spent over a decade working with diverse individuals across three continents, consistently observing that despite our many differences, the pursuit of universal, inalienable, and indivisible human rights reflects a fundamental, shared aspiration to grow and thrive in nurturing and safe environments. Ramsha is dedicated to serving the Arlington community by building authentic relationships, listening to residents’ needs, and offering support whenever required. She believes in collaborative approaches that build trust and sustainable impact.

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.

 

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.

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. 

Nadja has lived in Arlington with her family since 2010. She is proud to live in a town that respects and values our many differences and our shared basic humanity. Nadja has been a community volunteer for several years. She is excited to now join the AHRC and contribute to its work to recognize and appreciate diversity, nurture and grow inclusivity, and protect human rights.