July 25, 2023 Press Releases
Community Foundation Announces Addition of Seven Distinguished Members to its Philanthropic Services Committee
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) is pleased to share that it has welcomed seven highly accomplished professionals to take part in the Foundation’s philanthropic work. The newly selected committee members bring a wealth of expertise and experience, further strengthening the Foundation’s ability to deliver impactful initiatives. Xiomara DeLobato, Jessica Holloway, Terrell Joyner, Sarah Lapolice, Amie Miarecki, Lillian Ortiz, and Kathryn Wakefield each bring exceptional skills and diverse backgrounds which will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of the community foundation.
“We are thrilled to have the guidance and support of this phenomenal group of professionals. In just a short time, they have already made valuable contributions,” said Joanna S. Ballantine, vice president for Philanthropic Services. “We are confident that our committee will continue to be at the forefront of creating meaningful change and impact in the Foundation’s philanthropic work across our three-county region.”
New Committee Members:
Xiomara DeLobato currently serves as the vice president and chief of staff for the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC) where she facilitates the growth and development of a vigorous regional economy by encouraging, influencing, and sustaining capital investment and quality job growth in Western Mass.
DeLobato serves as an active board member for Girl’s Inc. of the Valley, as Trustee for Veritas Prep Charter School in Springfield, MA., as an advisory board member for the Jandon Center for Community Engagement at Smith College, and she is the town-appointed member for the Wilbraham Economic Development Committee and the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She is a dedicated change agent and steadfast advocate for equitable access to economic and academic opportunities.
Since 2014, Jessica Holloway has been an invaluable member of The Jamrog Group. Previously she served as an investment consultant for MassMutual’s corporate headquarters. Holloway regularly researches and implements evidence-based planning strategies to best serve her planning clients. She serves as Secretary on the board of Directors for Girls on the Run of Western Massachusetts and is passionate about supporting organizations that empower young people to reach their full potential through health, knowledge, and confidence.
Terrell Joyner is the principal of RJ Consulting, a firm specializing in financial planning and business coaching services. As an entrepreneur, Joyner understands firsthand the struggle faced in balancing workloads and personal lives. For this reason, he believes that proper planning and understanding of one’s goals helps individuals to overcome financial restraints.
As a member of the LGBT community, Joyner has been a champion for equality and social justice. His charitable interests are a direct reflection of his passion for his work providing financial literacy to students. He currently mentors a first-generation college student who is applying to graduate schools, serves as the executive committee vice president for Junior Achievement of Massachusetts, and is on the advisory committee for his alma mater’s Center for Social Justice.
Amie Miarecki is executive director of Christopher Heights of Belchertown, an assisted living community. Prior to this position, she was the director of community relations for Sunshine Village and director of marketing and development at Porchlight VNA/Home Care. Miarecki has over 20 years of experience working in health and human services, serving vulnerable populations with her strengths in marketing, resource development, and advocacy.
Currently, Miarecki serves as a board member for the East of the River Chamber of Commerce and the Business Segment Committee for Living Local 413. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Ludlow, the Springfield City Library’s Civic and Community Engagement Committee, and the Baystate Children’s Hospital Golf Committee.
Lillian Ortiz previously served as vice president of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Engagement at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Massachusetts. Over the past 30 years, she has worked in the areas of education, training, employment, and philanthropy, within community colleges and non-profits across Connecticut and Massachusetts. She has extensive background working with legislatures and foundation boards and brings widespread experience working in urban cities among highly diverse demographics. Ortiz is a committed servant leader who is invested in building opportunities through the lens of social justice for all.
Sarah Lapolice is a CPA at a regional accounting firm in Western Massachusetts. She is involved in the tax, consulting, and accounting areas of the practice. Sarah services a diverse client base and manages engagements of various sizes and complexity. She is an adjunct faculty in the MBA Accounting program at Elms College and a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Kathryn Wakefield, JD, joined Advanced Sales in 2010 and currently serves as the CLU Director. She began her career as a financial advisor for American Express Financial Advisors prior to joining MassMutual, as well as working for the US Attorney’s office in Springfield. Additionally, Wakefield has spent time in private practice offering estate planning, business succession planning, and entrepreneurial law.
Wakefield is a member of the Pioneer Valley and Hampden County Estate Planning Councils, and she is a frequent volunteer at the Hampden County Probate Court Lawyer for a Day program. She also serves on the Advisory Committee for It Takes a Village.