DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC EQUITY INTIATIVES, THE BOSTON FOUNDATION

Courtney is a mission-driven leader and process oriented thinker working to create economic mobility for all through legislative policy, legal advocacy, and strategic philanthropic investments.

In her role as Director of Economic Equity Initiatives at the Boston Foundation, she leads the Racial Wealth Gap Partnership, a convening of 40+ cross sector leaders to unlock wealth for underrepresented households in the region via homeownership, and the Foundation’s business equity strategy, which seeks to use research, advocacy, grant making, convening, and narrative storytelling to increase capital access to entrepreneurs of color.

From shaping national legislative strategies to create affordable housing and preserve consumer protections to representing low income clients facing eviction and wage theft, Courtney’s career path has been guided by a deep commitment to community-informed equity and justice. Across every role, she brings a systems-level perspective to her work, focused on shifting policies, practices, and capital flows to ensure that equity is not an aspiration - but an outcome.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER

CEO, SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Gonzalo J. Puigbó is the Chief Executive Officer of Somerville Community Corporation. He brings a unique combination of corporate and community experience with an entrepreneurial and inclusive spirit and a mission to help low-income families to achieve financial independence via homeownership, workforce development, financial literacy, education, community organizing and leadership initiatives.

Gonzalo is a passionate Servant Leader willing to help anyone along the way who needs help with any type of support. Gonzalo has volunteered countless hours in financial literacy and homebuyer education. He has also served at many boards that support housing, mental health awareness, LatinX community and more with an aim to support our immigrant population improve their lives, from where they originally came from.

Gonzalo received his Bachelor of Science and MBA from Framingham State University. In 2012, his alma mater presented him with the Alumni Achievement Award for his outstanding work in our local communities.

Gonzalo loves visiting his second home in Cape Cod during the Summer and travel with his wife and two young adults all over the world.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS, SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Renee joined SCC in November 2021 and is the Director of our Community Programs. In this role, she oversees our Asset Building, First Source and Digital Literacy Programs. She brings with her broad work experiences including working in corporate, nonprofit, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Renee Taylor is a member of the leadership team at the Somerville Community Corporation.  Her role as Director of Community Programs allows her to build programming to meet the needs of the community.  Born and raised in Cambridge, she has a love of adventure and travel which has allowed her to live in 10 different states.  Each location has taught her a greater level of understanding when it comes to people, what they need in life, and how to connect the two.  Renee has a visionary, outside-the-box way of thinking that has opened additional opportunities for those who seek assistance. 

She has a sincere desire to help people!  Often you will hear her mention her “toolbox” which contains good and challenging life lessons.  Her transparency allows her to offer her skills, encouragement, and passions to friends, family, the community, and beyond.

When she’s not working, Renee loves spending time near water and enjoys great food and live music.  As a licensed minister she has a heart for youth and young adults.  She is also a licensed massage therapist. Most recently she has become a “fur mom” to a Yorkie, Laya, who keep her on her toes.

FOUNDER, WILKS PRODUCTIONS CONSULTANCY

Yvette Wilks is the founder of Wilks Productions Consultancy with over 30 years of experience in creating visual representations and project management.  Yvette is the co-creator of the Annual Evolution of Hip Hop Festival is known for creating platforms where talent from all is showcased.  She has produced many festivals in the greater Boston area and works with UMass Boston to document  stories from community members of local labor unions to celebrating Hip Hop covering history.  Yvette is passionate about creating productive learning environments and paths to long term positions for our young people.  When not working, she enjoys swimming, roller skating and traveling.

FOUNDER, RACIAL JUSTICE COLLABORATIVE

Diane Wong is a Harvard-educated lawyer, conflict resolution specialist, and founder of the Racial Justice Collaborative. She brings decades of experience in racial dialogue, community healing, and cross-cultural facilitation, shaped by her deep connection to the long African American experience in the United States. As a Board member of the Processwork Institute and a certified mediator, Diane has led local and international initiatives focused on resolving conflict and finding alternatives to war.

In Somerville, Diane is dedicated to building BIPOC leadership and fostering community through meaningful relationships. Her work centers on creating spaces for dialogue that heal racial divides and strengthen our human family. A local yoga and meditation teacher at Be InUnion Yoga, she integrates mindfulness and emotional awareness into her racial justice work, helping communities face hard truths with courage, compassion, and vision.