Staff

Kimberly R. Lyle is a nationally respected leader in community development finance, affordable housing, and equitable economic policy. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation, a Boston-based CDC/CDFI that integrates housing development, small business lending, and community investment to advance inclusive economic growth. Under her leadership, DBEDC manages a $229 million portfolio that includes more than 900 affordable rental homes, 40,000 square feet of commercial space, a $2 million microenterprise loan fund, and approximately $11 million in annual operating revenue.

Kimberly is widely recognized for her ability to bridge community-based practice with systems-level policy and capital strategy. Her work sits at the intersection of public finance, mission-driven lending, and real estate development, with a focus on structuring sustainable capital stacks, stewarding public and philanthropic resources, and strengthening institutional balance sheets to support long-term community impact. She has led DBEDC through significant organizational growth while maintaining strong financial performance, audit outcomes, and portfolio health—demonstrating that equity-centered development and financial discipline are not competing priorities, but mutually reinforcing ones.

Known for her strategic clarity and willingness to challenge conventional approaches, Kimberly has positioned DBEDC as a forward-looking institution responsive to evolving policy, market, and regulatory conditions. She brings particular expertise in navigating complex public-private partnerships, aligning community development outcomes with funder and investor requirements, and translating on-the-ground realities into actionable policy insight. Her leadership emphasizes accountability, measurable outcomes, and the responsible deployment of capital and other resources in historically underinvested communities.

Beyond DBEDC, Kimberly plays an active role in shaping the broader community development and CDFI ecosystem. She serves as Board Chair of the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations, where she helps guide statewide policy advocacy and sector strategy. She is also a board member of the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast and the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, contributing to regional efforts to expand equitable access to capital, support mission-driven enterprises, and strengthen community-based financial infrastructure.

Dena brings more than 17 years of executive support experience to Dorchester Bay EDC, where she provides executive and strategic support to the CEO. Throughout her career with some of Boston’s best-known organizations—including MIT, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and The Boston Foundation—she has developed a reputation for bringing structure to complex work, helping leaders stay focused on their priorities.

At Dorchester Bay, Dena manages board governance, executive communications, and the logistics that support strategic planning and organizational initiatives. She brings a systems-thinking approach and a continuous improvement mindset to her work, with a focus on creating efficient processes and supporting the organization’s mission.

Underlying her work is a lifelong commitment to justice, equality, fairness, and human dignity; values that have guided the organizations she has chosen to serve throughout her career.

Outside the office, Dena is an avid reader who enjoys the arts and loves to travel. Whether exploring the Pacific Coast Highway in her home state of Oregon or returning to the cities and coastlines of her native Greece, she enjoys discovering the history, culture, and people that make each place unique.

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617-533-9575

Susan is the Chief Real Estate Officer. Prior to DBEDC, Susan worked at a Chinatown nonprofit where she led the organization through several affordable housing development initiatives and projects, including the development of 85 new units of affordable rental housing. Before entering the world of affordable housing, Susan practiced law for several years, representing individuals, private companies, and nonprofit organizations in various civil and transactional matters, including zoning appeals.

[email protected]
617-533-9561

Samantha Menard is the Chief Development & Communications Officer at Dorchester Bay EDC. She is a visionary strategist expertly devising tactical action plans to support and raise vital funds for programs that promote economically equitable outcomes. She oversees the Resource Development team, responsible for fundraising, grant direction, and donor relations.

For the last 15 years, Samantha has been amplifying resources, power, and collaboration in nonprofit spaces committed to social justice. Before DBEDC, she served as a Chief Operating Officer for an organization that supports non-violent, mother-tongue education in rural communities of Haiti.

Samantha holds a Master of Media Management and a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University. She is an avid traveler currently DIY-ing a zen backyard space, struggling to discover her green thumb, and experimenting in the kitchen with her two spirited preschoolers.

[email protected]
617-533-9569

Shamekia L. Gordon serves as the Director of Community Engagement at Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC), where she leads strategic initiatives that strengthen communities through resident engagement, housing stabilization, workforce development, youth and senior programming, and cross-sector partnerships. She is passionate about creating equitable opportunities that empower individuals and families to thrive while ensuring residents have access to the resources, relationships, and support needed to build long-term stability.

A native of Roxbury, Massachusetts, Shamekia’s commitment to community development is deeply rooted in her own lived experiences. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the power of a connected community—neighbors who looked out for one another, community centers that invested in young people, and mentors who helped shape her future. Those experiences inspired her lifelong mission to ensure that every child, family, and resident has access to the same sense of belonging, opportunity, and hope that influenced her own journey.

With more than 18 years of experience in the nonprofit, government, and housing sectors, Shamekia has dedicated her career to serving children, youth, families, and underserved communities. Throughout her career, she has led multimillion-dollar initiatives, managed diverse teams, developed innovative community programs, secured strategic partnerships, and implemented resident-centered services designed to improve quality of life and expand economic opportunity. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in collaboration, transparency, and the belief that sustainable community change is achieved by working alongside residents rather than simply providing services.

Shamekia holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Nonprofit Management and a Graduate Certificate in Women in Politics and Public Policy. She is recognized as a collaborative leader who brings people together across sectors to solve complex challenges, strengthen neighborhoods, and advance equitable community development.

Above all, Shamekia believes that every community deserves to be seen for its strengths and potential. Her work is driven by a simple but powerful goal: to ensure that every child growing up in neighborhoods like the one she called home understands that where they begin does not determine where they can go.

Angie is an outgoing and passionate person who strongly believes everyone deserves a place to call home! She has worked in different departments throughout her time in affordable housing, such as inspections, compliance, and of course resident services. Throughout her experience, she has learned that being out in her community and serving the residents is exactly where she is supposed to be.

As a member of the community and having over 10 years of housing experience, she looks forward to being an advocate for residents, and a support system for the management team. Angie encourages the community to advocate for the changes that they want to see. Her number one goal is to reassure them that they are living and working in the safest and most enjoyable community, all while staying in compliance with their lease.

[email protected]
617-533-9576

Felicia is a Resident Services Coordinator, and previously served as a climate justice community organizer for the Fairmount Indigo CDC Collaborative (FICC), organizing for climate justice and health equity. Felicia was born and raised in Boston, MA in the Dorchester neighborhood. In her free time, Felicia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading and cooking.

“Getting involved with community advocacy comes very naturally for me; My parents have always been involved with community advocacy, so I have learned by example. I have been a volunteer for over 20 years with the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA), advocating for affordable homeownership in the City of Boston and the State of Massachusetts.” – Felicia Richard

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617-533-9560

Karen “Cookie” Sheers works closely with our residents and teaches the Technology Goes Home computer class. Cookie has successfully graduated over 650 students in or around the Dorchester area. 15 years ago, Cookie started at Dorchester Bay as an AmeriCorps VISTA member then became the Administrative Assistant/ Building Manager to Resident Service Coordinator for Dudley Village N&S.

Cookie is professionally trained in Early Childhood Education and School Age Child Care. With over 12 years of experience, Cookie has worked at several youth programs that include the Dorchester YMCA and Bird Street Community Center.

[email protected]
617-533-9554

David is a results-driven lending professional whose career has been anchored by a steadfast belief: that meaningful community relationships are the foundation of lasting financial change. This conviction has not only shaped his professional path but has driven him to pursue work that creates real, measurable impact in the communities he serves.

Over the course of his career, David has built deep expertise across small business finance, commercial lending, and private wealth management. His work has consistently centered on one goal, improving access to capital, particularly for individuals and businesses in underserved markets who have long faced systemic barriers to financial opportunity. What sets David apart is the breadth of environments in which he has applied this expertise. With experience spanning the private sector, DC local government, and the federal government, he has developed a nuanced, well-rounded understanding of the financial systems that shape economic mobility and community development.

This diverse foundation has positioned David as a trusted bridge between traditional financial institutions and the small businesses that often struggle to access them. His work across Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Texas, and Chicago has been defined by a talent for identifying collaborative opportunities, connecting lenders, businesses, and community organizations in ways that produce more inclusive and accessible lending ecosystems. It is in this work that David found his true calling.

Looking ahead, his mission remains as focused as ever: to continuously refine lending processes, deepen access to capital, and ensure that underserved communities are active participants ant not afterthoughts of the financial systems designed to support them. David envisions a future where technology and innovation work hand in hand with genuine human connection to build a more equitable financial landscape, one where businesses of all sizes and backgrounds can access the resources they need to grow and thrive.

David is energized by the road ahead and remains deeply committed to doing the work that makes financial opportunity a reality for all.

Brenda works to provide clients with loans, grants, and technical assistance. Brenda is bilingual and worked for two small businesses in California before joining Dorchester Bay. Brenda started as in admin here at Dorchester Bay back in 2017 and transitioned into small business in 2018. She attended Cambridge College for her Business Development Certification and also participated in the NALCAB Pete Garcia Community Economic Development Fellowship and got her certificate.

[email protected]
617-533-9578

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Natalia Dotel Villegas is a professional working in the field of community economic development and small business advisory, providing support to entrepreneurs in Boston. Her passion is to strengthen local businesses and promote inclusive economic growth.

Natalia is originally from San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic. Academically, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) and a Master’s degree in Marketing Management from Universidad APEC. She brings a strong background in the banking sector, with experience in credit analysis, financial planning, loan structuring, sales culture, and customer service leadership.

Natalia has experience in both the private sector and nonprofit organizations focused on community economic development, providing strategic guidance, technical assistance, and access to capital support to small businesses.

In her work, she combines technical expertise with a human centered approach, helping entrepreneurs transform their ideas into strong and sustainable business structures. Her commitment is centered on generating real impact, creating economic opportunities, and strengthening Boston’s local business ecosystem while working with integrity, accessibility, and a results-driven vision.

[email protected] | 617-829-2064

Bio coming soon!

Shermaine volunteers with African Bridge Network which is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting new immigrants navigate the and overcome the obstacles which foreign trained professionals often come upon when they relocate to the USA and try to find jobs in their area of training and experience. ABN partners with a number of organizations to place new immigrants in fellowship roles, which often lead to permanent employment or at least relevant work experience gained within the USA. Outside of work, Shermaine is an avid traveler and nature enthusiast. On the weekends you will often find her in the Middlesex Fells, Breakheart Reservation, the Blue Hills, or exploring one of the many seaside towns on Boston’s north shore. Shermaine has been to over 22 countries including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Botswana.

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Sylvia is an accomplished accounting and finance professional with nine years of experience in financial management and analysis, including five years dedicated to the real estate investment and asset management industry. She holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from The University of Queensland and is a certified CPA in Australia. Currently, she is preparing for the US CPA license. Outside of work, Sylvia enjoys cooking, traveling, and quality time with her family.

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With over 20 years of diverse financial and administrative experience, Jessica currently serves as an Accountant at Dorchester Bay EDC.

Jessica’s background includes over 10 years as an Accountant Assistant in the retail food & beverage industry with The Briar Group, one of Boston’s leading and longest standing independently owned restaurant groups. Jessica’s career journey also includes roles as a Medical Billing Supervisor and Administrative Coordinator, demonstrating expertise in invoicing, vendor relations, tax compliance, office operations, and internal controls. She holds a foundation in Business Administration/Accounting from Massasoit Community College, with a Bookkeeping I & II certification from Miami Dade College.

A proud Dominican-American, Boston native, Jessica currently resides in Roxbury with her 13-year-old son and maintains strong ties to the Hispanic community and local family-owned small businesses. Beyond her professional life, Jessica enjoys travel, all Boston sports, is an avid reader, and embraces a diverse taste in music.

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Steve is the Director of Operations at DBEDC, where he oversees day-to-day operations and manages the policies and operational infrastructure of the organization.  As an integral member of the senior leadership team, he leads the operations team and serves as a strategic thought partner to the CEO.

Drawing from an extensive entrepreneurial and operational background spanning financial services, edtech, SaaS (Software as a Service), and media, Steve brings a thoughtful and innovative approach to solving problems, leading teams, and shaping strategic initiatives. Among his notable achievements, he co-founded the edtech startup Money Experience Inc. where he led the development of an award-winning financial literacy software platform that was widely adopted by K-12, higher ed, non-profits, and financial institutions.  As Head of Operations at Redstar Media, he helped build a thriving community around live-produced events and video content, resulting in 3 Emmy Awards and many more nominations.  Most recently, he supported startups and small businesses in his role as Director of Operations at the financial services firm Mighty Financial.  Steve’s time as a business leader and entrepreneur was preceded by a successful career in the music industry, working in the studio with Grammy Award-winning producers and touring with renowned artists both nationally and internationally.

Steve has lived in the Boston area for over 25 years and currently resides in Medford.  He enjoys spending time with his family at the beach, fishing, bike riding, and hiking in the Fells.

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David Nardelli is the Data and Evaluations Manager. They oversee DBEDC’s transition and utilization of a unified data management software across the organization.

David Nardelli deeply cares about the impacts of affordable housing for vulnerable populations, and how data can be utilized to empower marginalized communities. Prior to working at DBEDC, they oversaw the transition to a digital HMIS at Commonwealth Land Trust, a permanent supportive housing provider in Boston. David graduated from Northeastern with an MS in Urban Planning and Policy.

David lives in Dorchester with his two roommates and cat, and spends his time biking and rock climbing in his neighborhood.

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Temique Roach supports the entire organization in her role as Administrative Coordinator, serving as the first point of contact and connection with the community. In her most recent role, Temique served as Residential Advocate at Casa Myrna Vazquez, supporting program participants. Previous roles also include Berkeley Research Group and Mass Health. Temique is also a member of the Community Care and Connection Circle through the MAWOCN (Mass Woman of Color Network).
In her free time, Temique enjoys spending time with her son and cooking and hosting for family.

[email protected]

617-681-5458

At Dorchester Bay EDC, Samariah works to define and cultivate an organizational culture that is collaborative, inclusive, empowering, and culturally sensitive, while administering all human resources functions. Prior to this role, Samariah worked in many HR leadership roles with a focus in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Samariah’s career in human resources began in 2011 with Upham’s Community Care (previously Upham’s Community Health Center). Previously, she was the HR Director for the Department of Transitional Assistance where she supported a staff of over 1,600 employees. She also served as the Employee Relations Specialist for the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Samariah is currently enrolled in the MBA HR Management accelerated program with Fitchburg State University and is expected to graduate in 2024.

[email protected]
617-533-9551

Susan is the Chief Real Estate Officer. Prior to DBEDC, Susan worked at a Chinatown nonprofit where she led the organization through several affordable housing development initiatives and projects, including the development of 85 new units of affordable rental housing. Before entering the world of affordable housing, Susan practiced law for several years, representing individuals, private companies, and nonprofit organizations in various civil and transactional matters, including zoning appeals.

[email protected]
617-533-9561

Briana is a Real Estate Project Manager who supports various housing and mixed-use development projects. Briana has an academic background in political science and urban planning and is deeply passionate about affordable housing, urban design, and community outreach. With a diverse background in real estate, encompassing affordable housing development and commercial real estate acquisitions, development, and property management, she is dedicated to advancing community and economic development through the built environment.

Briana loves outdoor activities including hiking, climbing, and backpacking, and also enjoys knitting and crocheting. For the past few years, she has been a volunteer and facilitator for the City of Cambridge’s Participatory Budgeting initiative and hopes to make participating in local government more accessible and engaging for all.

[email protected]
617-533-9586

Tim assists the Real Estate team in the development of new housing projects for the Dorchester/Upham’s Corner community. For the last 5+ years, Tim worked as a Rehabilitation Specialist at Just A Start in Cambridge, providing logistical and technical assistance to low/moderate income homeowners with their home improvement projects. Tim also worked with the Community Development Dept. for the City of Cambridge, to refurbish first-time homebuyer units for the resale market.

“Even though I am not native to New England, for 25+ years now I still enjoy finding new places and activities to explore. Recently, I volunteered for a nearby elementary school to help 1st and 2nd graders with reading and comprehension. I also volunteered as a grant writer for the West End Museum to help with major renovation projects and exhibit construction.”

[email protected]
617-533-9564

Kim oversees DBEDC’s1200-unit portfolio of affordable housing and commercial real estate. She has over a decade of Asset Management experience and has overseen many communities including Rural Development, Tax Credit and Section 8 properties in both non-profit and for-profit sectors. She began her journey as an Asset Manager at Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation. She has over a decade of experience in Asset Management primarily in affordable housing in both non- profit and for- profit sectors. She began her journey as an Asset Manager at Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation, a Boston based non-profit syndicator, where she managed a Low Income Housing Tax Credits and New Market Tax Credits portfolio and worked with various investors, developers and management companies throughout the New England area. While at Boston Financial, a Boston based syndicator, she managed a national portfolio consisting of Metro and Rural residential developments with various layers of subsidies. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Emmanuel College. Outside of work, Kim enjoys crafting, Caribbean cultural arts and spending time with her family.

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Alex is a Real Estate Asset Analyst who supports the management and performance monitoring of DBEDC’s affordable housing and commercial real estate portfolio. Prior to joining DBEDC, Alex worked in hospitality asset management, childcare, and The Neighborhood Developers’ CONNECT program, where he focused on helping vulnerable households secure rental assistance and emergency housing assistance. Alex is dedicated to using his skills and experience to support affordable housing initiatives that preserve communities and provide residents with the environment they need to thrive. Alex has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with minors in Asian Studies, Africana Studies, History, and Real Estate.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys volunteering, reading, cooking, and spending time with friends.

Samantha Menard is the Chief Development & Communications Officer at Dorchester Bay EDC. She is a visionary strategist expertly devising tactical action plans to support and raise vital funds for programs that promote economically equitable outcomes. She oversees the Resource Development team, responsible for fundraising, grant direction, and donor relations.

For the last 15 years, Samantha has been amplifying resources, power, and collaboration in nonprofit spaces committed to social justice. Before DBEDC, she served as a Chief Operating Officer for an organization that supports non-violent, mother-tongue education in rural communities of Haiti.

Samantha holds a Master of Media Management and a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University. She is an avid traveler currently DIY-ing a zen backyard space, struggling to discover her green thumb, and experimenting in the kitchen with her two spirited preschoolers.

[email protected]
617-533-9569

As the Donor Relations Manager (DRM), Laurene collaborates with the Resource Development Director to develop, plan, implement and evaluate fundraising approaches, including sponsorships and annual giving, to sustain and grow revenue and the donor base. Laurene started her career in the Non-Profit world in 2020 at Codman Square NDC as the Executive Assistant/Special Projects manager. While there she worked on various projects that focused on improving the quality of life and economic stability in the Dorchester community. Prior to working at CSNDC she worked as a Program Coordinator at Mass General Hospital in the Telehealth Department. Laurene holds a BS in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She lives in Dorchester and enjoys volunteering at different community events and organizations, as well as reading and traveling.

[email protected]
617-250-0711

As Grants Manager, Allison identifies and leads new business development initiatives, builds relationships with donors and strategic partners, and manages the implementation of DBEDC’s contracts and grants.

Allison holds a professional and educational background in economic development, equality, and human rights. She has worked previously as a Senior Program Officer with Partners of the Americas, supporting the implementation of projects to promote human and labor rights and gender equality. She has also worked in the Multi-Agency Coordination Unit of Standing Together Against Domestic Violence, helping to coordinate the efforts of local service providers to protect high-risk victims of abuse. She additionally worked in resource development at Women for Women International, identifying and engaging sources of funding for the organization. Allison has a master’s degree in Gender, Development, and Globalization from The London School of Economics, and a bachelor’s degree in International Development and Latin American Studies from The George Washington University.

In her free time, Allison enjoys going for hikes, baking, and growing her houseplant collection. She is a native English speaker and fluent in Spanish.

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As the Director of Workforce Development at Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC), Carolina Leins-Sultan leads the strategic planning, design, and execution of the Dorchester Bay Workforce Development Program. With over 15 years of dedicated experience as a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), Carolina has transitioned from direct service roles to impactful program management, driving systemic change and enhancing community well-being.

Carolina holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her expertise is further enhanced by certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Trauma-Informed Child Welfare, Multi-Contextual Trauma Treatment, and Forensic Services. These credentials support her comprehensive approach to workforce development.

In her previous role as Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Development Program Manager, Carolina managed grants and spearheaded initiatives to engage diverse stakeholders, promote supplier diversity, and increase and diversify the energy efficiency workforce. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to serving marginalized communities, advocating for others, and empowering individuals to enhance their skills and achieve self-sufficiency.

Fluent in Spanish, Carolina effectively engages and supports diverse communities. Her strategic leadership and commitment to equity drive sustainable solutions and foster long-term societal impact. Carolina is a Boston-native and is committed to serving her community.

[email protected]
(617) 533-9573

Jasmine Griffin serves as the Workforce Development Program Manager, where she helps design and implement impactful programs that equip participants for sustainable, high-growth careers. Reporting to the Director of Workforce Development, Jasmine leads sector-specific training initiatives, cultivates strong partnerships with employers and community organizations, facilitates dynamic workshops, and ensures accurate program data collection for ongoing evaluation and reporting.

With over a decade of experience, Jasmine has managed high-impact youth development programs, supported career readiness efforts, and performed data analysis for youth-focused initiatives across Boston. Her professional foundation is rooted in youth development through roles in teaching, advising, and program management. A proud Boston native, Jasmine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Africana Studies from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her earlier work as a community organizer centered on social, political, and economic justice for the neighborhoods of Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan. This experience has shaped her holistic approach to workforce development—bridging direct youth engagement with broader efforts to help Boston residents access wealth-building opportunities and make data-informed decisions.

Outside of her professional work, Jasmine enjoys cooking, staying active, and expressing her creativity through pyrography (woodburning), her chosen art form where she crafts detailed portraits into wood.

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