PROJECTS
Throughout my past and ongoing experiences, I have engaged in a diverse array of projects, spanning college organizations, community initiatives, and various volunteer endeavors. These projects have been driven by a shared vision: to contribute to the betterment of our communities and, in turn, to create a more equitable and prosperous world for all.
Latest Projects
Board Secretary 2017-2020 Chairperson of the Board 2020-PRESENT, A BETTER WAY FOUNDATION, CONNECTICUT
As the Chairperson of the Board of ABWF-CT (A Better Way Foundation), my role is to provide strategic leadership and guidance to the organization. I work closely with our collective of organizers to champion racial, gender-based, dis/ability justice, and economic justice. Our focus is on empowering marginalized groups and amplifying the work of black, brown, indigenous, and LGBTQIA+ leaders, with a particular emphasis on youth, equity, and education. By utilizing anti-racist organizing principles and challenging existing power structures, we aim to dismantle and realign systems of power. I oversee governance processes, represent the organization in external engagements, and foster collaborative leadership development. Together with our dedicated team, I work towards mobilizing resources, advocating for policy reforms, and building strategic partnerships to create lasting change in Connecticut and serve as a model for national alignment.
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE, NEW LONDON BOARD OF EDUCATION CURRICULUM COMMITTEE 2017-2019
The Curriculum Committee considers and makes recommendations concerning the District’s broad policies of education and research. This committee reviews major areas of curriculum development, regular/special education services, pupil assessment, long-term program review and program revisions. Committee members consider the Board’s priorities in curriculum areas. The Committee reports its findings to the Board and suggests programs and policy modifications that may be appropriate in curriculum and program areas. New program activities undertaken by the district, the implementation of new curricula, or the piloting of new programs are topics of particular interest. The Committee reviews research on the curriculum and program changes and reports its recommendations to the Board. The committee reviews proposals concerning student courses, ensure the Board’s familiarity with district educational programs, monitor achievements and cause the evaluation of education programs.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER, UNITED WAY MOBILE FOOD PANTRY 2016-2019, CONNECTICUT
The Mobile Pantry visits remote areas of New London County considered "food deserts," where there is no large, retail grocery store or supermarket and/or where transportation options are limited. Residents are therefore forced to walk long distances to buy food or to purchase it at a higher price at small convenience stores. Also, because the truck is refrigerated, it can keep healthy and perishable items safe and fresh until distribution, allowing volunteers to distribute healthier options to the community guests.
CAPTAIN: INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP 2014-2015, SAN JUAN, PR
Ocean trash is a serious pollution problem that affects the health of people, wildlife and local economies. As the captain I joined the world’s largest volunteer effort for our ocean and waterways by participating in the International Coastal Cleanup as part of Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. My dutties were to create the logistic plan to manage around 800 volunteers in Playa #8 of the Escambrón Beach Park and applying the plan on real time at the date of the event. My logistic plan created for the event will be applied to all the beaches managed by the local organization, because it proved to be effective and organized.
PROJECT LEADER: LIGHT IT UP BLUE 2013-2014-2015, SAN JUAN, PR
A one day event with the main purpose to promote the arts, singing, dance, magic and mimicry as a form of therapy for people with autism. The Sagrado Corazón landmark building lit up blue for the first time, joining hundreds of buildings and landmarks that participated in the activity of the Autism Speaks org.
FOUNDER: STUDENT THEATER ORGANIZATION IMAGINARTE 2011-2012-2013-2014, SAN JUAN, PR
Theater Student Association Imaginarte is a student organization at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón that gives everyone the opportunity to work in theater productions, inside and outside the stage. The organization works with improvisation, classical and modern plays and it encourage its members to create their original play writes.
Recommendations
“I had the pleasure of working with Erick at the University Sagrado Corazón. Erick is not only a resourceful person and insightful colleague, but also a natural leader. Having Erick in the team, makes me confident that I am working with a proactive person that always has a solution for everyday challenges, he enables excellent cooperation between the faculty and the students and exceeds achieving the goals of the institution in his activities. I highly recommend him for employment.”
Alma N. Diaz, Flamboyan Foundation Program Assistant
“During our project, he has proven to be a take-charge person who is able to lead a group as well as work in coalition with others. He is able to successfully develop plans and implement them. Erick is a quick learner, motivated and extremely diligent.”
Ranita Ray Ph. D. , UNLV