We have a new Executive Director!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LYNN, MA ( May 7, 2014)

The Highlands Coalition announced today the appointment of Wendy Joseph as its next Executive Director. The Highlands Coalition is a Social Justice Organization serving Lynn concentrating on The Highlands neighborhood and its residents, advocating for the economic, social, and political advancement of this historic area.

“I am delighted to be chosen to lead The Highlands Coalition at this important time in the organization’s development.” Joseph said. “I have enjoyed my previous roles as organizer and project manager and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie before us.”

“We are very grateful to our outgoing Executive Director, David Gass for his enduring passion and achievements during his tenure,” said Leslie Greenberg, Chair of The Highlands Coalition Board. “David’s continued involvement as The Highland Coalition’s Plant Manager will ensure consistency for the ongoing garden activities.”

“We are fortunate and pleased to have recruited Joseph, who has proved herself to be an exceptional leader and manager while working as a member of the Coalition,” continued Greenberg.

During her time as a regular member of The Highlands Coalition, Joseph partnered with other organizations such as LYSOA, (Lynn’s Youth Outreach Advocacy) team members Antonio Gutierrez and Teresa DiGregorio, and Councilor Billy Trahant in working to restore Henry Avenue Park, which had fallen into disrepair and was taken over by gangs. With an ‘Engaging New Audiences’ Grant from Mass Humanities, Joseph partnered with other non-profits Girls Inc. and Kaya along with The Lynn Museum and North Shore Community College to film oral histories of immigrants and elders in The Highlands.

Continuing her association with Mass Humanities and working with Councilor Rich Colucci, Joseph created the popular July 3rd High Rock Tower Park event, now in its 4th year. Joseph played a lead role in working with the Lynn Human Rights Commission and Lynn City Council in the ongoing effort to bring voting back to the Ford School, and was a speaker at the recent Suffolk University Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights symposium.

Joseph has secured a Partnership Grant with Essex National Heritage to continue The Highlands Oral History Project with the goal of inspiring community pride and changing perceptions of The Highlands Neighborhood.