Who We Are

delphene.mooney@ontherise.org

Delphene Mooney (she/her) is a relationship-builder and leader in fundraising, change management, community engagement, strategic planning and culture. With nearly 20 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofits, her areas of expertise span multiple sectors, including healthcare, human services and higher education. She is a strategic leader of diverse people and perspectives and has a proven track record of inspiring teams to achieve shared goals and create values-driven impact. Delphene holds an MPA from Suffolk University Sawyer Business School and a BA from Boston University.

charyti.reiter@ontherise.org

Charyti Reiter (she/her) has over 25 years of experience in the human service field working with and advocating for survivors of domestic violence and people who are experiencing homelessness. Charyti believes deeply in the transformative power of relationships, and she works to build those relationships as a helper, a colleague, a collaborator, and a community member. A social worker by training, Charyti believes in meeting people where they are and building on their strengths and resilience while also advocating for change within the systems that perpetuate inequities.

andrea.kalsow@ontherise.org

Andrea Kalsow (she/her) is a versatile, mission-focused professional specializing in development, marketing and communications. She is experienced in a variety of nonprofit settings, both in terms of size and mission, and is committed to the social health and wellbeing of local communities. Andrea increased revenue at every organization she worked with through fundraising efforts deeply rooted in relationship building as well as equity and inclusion.

nora.allenwiles@ontherise.org

Prior to joining On the Rise, Nora Allen-Wiles (she/her) co-founded, and was the Executive Director, of GRCB, a non-profit organization in Boston that utilizes music education, performance, and mentorship as tools to empower girls, women, and gender expansive youth and adults. She has extensive experience working in program coordination and youth advocacy/outreach positions in a variety of non-profit organizations dedicated to arts and culture, and empowering girls, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.

maria.rodriguez@ontherise.org

As a teenager, Maria (she/her) volunteered with organizations such as Horizons for Homeless Children, where she supported children in domestic violence shelters, and LBFE Boston | Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, where she provided elder support. Prior to joining On the Rise, she built on this foundation by working in the DA’s Office as a Victim’s Witness Advocate, serving as a Bilingual Case Manager with Commonwealth Land Trust and as a RAFT Case Manager with MetroHousing.

maya.talwarhebert@ontherise.org

Maya (she/her) graduated with her Masters of Public Health in Social Determinants of Health from Columbia University in 2024. As the Keep The Keys Program Manager, Maya supports participants who have moved into housing, manages our internship program, and assists with program evaluation and improvement activities. She is passionate about forging strong bonds with the communities she works with based on trust, care, and mutual aid. She spends much of her free time involved in grassroots community organizing and dancing with a local company.

Benny Wheat (she/her) joined On The Rise in 2010. As a Community Advocate, she works with participants on a variety of needs, including problem solving and helping them to access resources. She also co-coordinates On The Rise’s Trans Access Program (TAP). Prior to joining On The Rise, she worked in biomedical research. Benny spends her free time doing prison abolition organizing and is learning Haitian Creole.

Ciara Neal (she/her) brings a strong background in community services to On The Rise. She has worked with people from many backgrounds, serving those most in need. Over the past few years, she worked as a case manager specializing in obtaining documentation and workforce development for unhoused people. Ciara supported people with resume building, job searches, and job training. She builds meaningful relationships with On The Rise participants while supporting their personal journeys.

Erin McLaughlin (she/they) has a passion and dedication to working with people unable to access mainstream resources. Prior to joining On The Rise, she helped run a residential program for formerly incarcerated transgender folks with nowhere else to go, counseled tenants facing eviction, and helped sue a prison for wrongful conditions of confinement. She creates a warm and welcoming space for our queer and trans community, as well as folks from all walks of life, and is a co-coordinator of On The Rise’s Trans Access Program (TAP). Erin also spreads the tools she learned from her legal education among participants, helping them become even more effective advocates in their own lives and communities.

As a bilingual (Spanish) Community Advocate, Jeniffer (she/her) is passionate about helping others. Originally from Boston, she was a Medical Assistant for 6 years and came to On The Rise wanting to be more involved in creating meaningful relationships with participants. Jeniffer loves to go to parks, travel, and spend time with her family.

As a bilingual (Haitian Creole) Community Advocate, Kennysha Pierre (she/her) holds a Master’s degree in Health Policy and a Bachelor’s in Public Health Sociology. Originally from Brockton, she is deeply committed to understanding the social determinants of health and the systemic factors that impact health equity. By identifying and addressing the root causes of health disparities, she strives to create more inclusive and equitable communities where everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal well-being.

Her passion for advocacy and policy-driven solutions continues to shape her work, ensuring that marginalized populations receive the resources and support they need. Outside of her professional pursuits, Kennysha enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, and shopping!

Zoe Loitz (she/her) received a doctorate in occupational therapy from Boston University, and has specific passions of working in mental health and with people experiencing homelessness. Zoe has experience working to develop living skills of people with various mental illnesses, physical disabilities, and comorbidities. She is committed to uplifting communities experiencing intersectional oppressions and is grateful to continue building meaningful relationships at On The Rise!

Asha Lawrence (any pronouns) is a senior at UMass Boston studying Women, Gender & Sexuality. They are from New York City and have been involved in activism since high school. They are excited to be getting hands-on experience working with folks in the Cambridge community. They are particularly passionate about harm reduction, relationship-building and LGBTQ+ advocacy. The values of On The Rise are very close to Asha’s heart. In their free time they enjoy exploring the city and cooking!

Abigail Hamilton (she/her) is a dedicated nonprofit professional with a passion for building community connections. Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, she began her career in the arts nonprofit sector holding roles at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, KY and the ICA/Boston. At On The Rise, Abigail leads event planning and fosters relationships with supporters to strengthen the community of care that sustains the organization’s mission. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology from Transylvania University (Lexington, KY) and loves reading, farmers markets, visiting galleries and art museums, and listening to history podcasts.

Meghan Dye (she/her) is a development professional with a background in sales, account management, and recruiting. She has experience leveraging strong relationship-building skills to mobilize resources and drive impact. Meghan is passionate about learning, networking, and advancing philanthropy that fosters equity, wellbeing, and lasting change.

Emma (they/them) joined On The Rise in 2021. As Operations Coordinator, they provide organizational and administrative support throughout the agency for both staff and participants, while also specializing in Data/IT, Facilities Management, and Financial Administrative support.

Jessica Cruz (she/her) graduated from Year Up in February 2016 majoring in business management with a background in financial operations. As a DACA recipient, she is passionate about community outreach and Latinx representation in corporate spaces. When she isn’t spending time with her two sons and partner she is either painting or participating in local markets and community events showing and selling her artwork.

Jenna (she/her) is passionate about serving her community and is excited to work with both participants and the broader community in service of On The Rise’s mission. In her free time, she likes biking around the greater Boston area, hosting potlucks on her patio, sailing on the Charles, or volunteering in her own time! Jenna grew up in North Carolina but lived in both Breckenridge, CO, and Chicago, IL before relocating to Cambridge.

Owner - Operator
1369 Coffee Houses

Senior Project Manager
Boylston Properties

Metalsmith/Artist

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

Program Manager
Cambridge Savings Bank

Healthcare Marketing Executive (Retired)

CEO, Opportunity Communities

Associate
Prellwitz Chilinski Associates

Union Side Labor Lawyer

Clinical staff at Boston College, University Counseling Service (Retired)

Associate Professor of Education Leadership
Neag School of Education, UConn

Personal/Professional Coach & Non Profit Consultant