Staff Spotlight Series
UTEC is proud to have a team of dedicated and accomplished staff members. Get to know some of the exceptional individuals and their work a bit better below.
Will Vilas-Novas
Director of Culture and Talent Development
Since 2013, Will has brought warmth, wisdom, and a bit of competitive edge to UTEC. As Director of Culture and Talent Development, he’s deeply committed to the young adults at the heart of UTEC’s mission—and equally invested in nurturing a strong, connected staff community. Whether he’s planning a training, facilitating a workshop, or celebrating wins big and small, Will shows up with authenticity, intention, and heart.
Originally from Brazil, he’s known for bringing people together over shared stories, meals, and a well-placed ping pong challenge (he’s the reigning champ, after all). Will’s proudest moments often happen behind the scenes—when he sees people grow, connect, and feel truly seen.
Fun Fact: Will hopes to one day attend a World Cup Final. Until then, he’ll keep building community—one story, training, and tournament at a time.
Miguel Rivera
Front Desk Coordinator
Miguel’s connection to the mission runs deep. “Being able to take the experience of my past and apply it to something this meaningful—that’s my why,” he says. Since joining the team in 2023, he’s become a go-to person for staff and young adults alike, bringing heart, dependability, and humor to every interaction. He’s especially proud of how much he’s grown in the role, finding his own approach and becoming a familiar, trusted face at UTEC.
When he’s off the clock, Miguel can usually be found gaming with his fiancée (Mario Kart never gets old), sketching with his sister, or daydreaming about future travels to Puerto Rico and Japan.
Rashira Batista
Lead Programming Support Specialist
Rashira is a passionate advocate and culture builder who brings purpose and heart to everything she does at UTEC. Known for her unwavering belief in the potential of young adults, she listens deeply, offers support, and walks alongside them through their journeys.
“The best part of my job is the one-on-one interactions I have with young adults. Their resilience and determination, despite all their hardships and obstacles, inspire me every day.”
Outside of work, Rashira is a proud Bad Bunny superfan and dreams of catching him live in Puerto Rico—or at least the next time he’s in Boston.
Chris Bishop
Academic Educator
Chris Bishop, one of UTEC’s Academic Educators, brings creativity, care, and a passion for connection into every classroom. After a decade in public high schools, Chris joined UTEC to ensure no young person slips through the cracks. Here, he’s able to build strong relationships and provide the one-on-one support that makes all the difference.
“At UTEC, I’m far more able to give each student the individual attention and support they need. That’s why I’m here.”
He’s also behind some of UTEC’s most creative community-building activities, including launching our first Dungeons & Dragons club, running a monthly Spotify tournament, and 3D printing custom trophies for the winners. Chris is especially proud of organizing outdoor workshops that offer young adults a chance to connect, reflect, and recharge in nature.
Munay Gaston
Lead Dispatcher, UTEC Mattress Recycling
Munay Gaston first came to UTEC as a young adult in our programming; now she’s a staff member helping others walk their own path to success. Over the past six years, her connection to UTEC has deepened from personal experience to professional purpose.
“I first got involved with UTEC because I wanted to support expungement. I felt like this law passing would help my family and me. Now, I’m proud to work for an organization that does so much for our community.”
On her days off, Munay lives life to the fullest. The one thing on her bucket list? Retiring in Switzerland.
Ian Vargas
Onsite IT Tech & System Administrator
Ian is the problem-solver behind the scenes, keeping UTEC’s systems running smoothly every day. As the onsite IT technician and system administrator, he’s proud to maintain the infrastructure that helps every program function—“making sure the gears keep turning 100 percent,” as he puts it.
He’s all about using his strengths to support the mission and team. “The best part of my job is doing what I do best to solve technical problems,” he says. And with a deep appreciation for UTEC’s culture and staff, Ian says the environment itself is a big part of his “why.”
Outside of work, you’ll find him leveling up—literally. He spends downtime with his kids and family or diving into online courses to keep building his skills. Top of the bucket list? Renting a supercar and taking it full speed down the autobahn.
David (Mighty) Cifredo
Lowell Streetwork Manager
David, aka Mighty, was once a young adult in UTEC programming and is now a Streetworker in Lowell. His past experience gives him a unique perspective that helps him connect with the young adults he now serves. He is one of the first to step up in times of crises and is a mentor to countless young adults in our community.
Ginny Chhuon
Culinary Enterprise Lead
Ginny has been involved with UTEC since she started the program as a Young Adult back in 2014. From graduating the program to helping make a difference in the growth of current Young Adults, Ginny loves being involved in the community.
“My favorite part of my job is knowing that I’m serving food to insecure communities, and I get to bring them nutritious options! But my main purpose is to connect with Young Adults and hopefully make a difference for at least one of them, because I was once in their shoes.”
Sam Man
Lowell Streetworker
Sam has been doing outreach work for 6 months now, but first got introduced to UTEC back in 2000 and he came back as a Young Adult in 2005. As a Streetworker, Sam mentioned the challenges his team encounters everyday. But he’s passionate about the mission and wants to do everything he can to help the young adults.
“I used to be in their same shoes. UTEC has been a part of my life from when I was a troubled teenager to my struggling young adult years. I once used to destroy my city, but now I am helping rebuild my community.”
Anthony Ellis
Director of Transitional Coaching
Rula Jaber
Early Education Director, 2Gen Center
Paul (Viengsamay) Chaleunphong
Erick Griffin-Lane
Data Analyst
Brittney Marte
Kevin Giuffrida
Miguel Rivera
Matthew Morin
Sandy Mak
Jason Bettencourt
Judy Normandin
Chief Development Officer
Judy has been with UTEC for years and has grown into her role as Chief Development Officer, now leading the Development team and overseeing a wide range of fundraising efforts.
She continues to value cross-departmental collaboration and emphasizes that strong grant writing and fundraising are deeply collaborative processes. Judy is most proud of the policy and systems change projects she’s contributed to: “It’s inspiring to see the changes that happen when young adults share their stories and advocate for new policies.”
Shambra McDowney
Director of Culinary Social Enterprise
Shambra has been involved with UTEC for almost three years now and stays busy in the kitchen as the Director of Culinary Social Enterprise.
Around UTEC, she’s known for being able to make deep connections with young adults and offering them a safe space. Shambra has found her passion in working with youth, acting as a positive role model, and helping them find their voice.
Some fun facts about Shambra: The last song she listened to was Rich Flex, one item on her bucket list is to visit African safaris, and when she’s not at UTEC, she’s busy running her own catering company Red’s Kitchen and Catering!
Gianghi LeNguyen
Enterprise Operations Manager
Gianghi has appreciated the work and outreach done by UTEC in the community, and is now excited to be a part of getting the job done.
The most challenging part of the job is also her favorite: Gianghi is responsible for synthesizing Enterprise data, and finds it rewarding as, “others can focus on doing the hands-on work and growing the Enterprises, which will then produce revenue that can go back into UTEC.”
Originally from Springfield, MA, Gianghi is proud to be a part of UTEC’s mission in reducing gang violence and giving back to the community.
Angel Ace Vasquez
Lawrence Streetworker Manager
Angel is passionate about bringing the community together and solving complex problems. He knows firsthand what it is like to be involved in street life: “I experienced the hopelessness and loss of so many talented young adults. It made me realize that I could only help my community by first changing myself.”
As Streetworker Manager, he now works to make a difference for so many young adults and appreciates the moments where he can help spark a new beginning for someone who is struggling.
Sadyra Martinez
Lead Transitional Coach
Sadyra has been involved with UTEC for over 7 years — she started as a Social Justice Specialist and has now made her way to being the Lead Transitional Coach.
She’s proud to work with UTEC for a few reasons: the young adults, the advocacy work, and the relationship building.
While Sadyra may not know what to expect on a day-to-day basis, she embraces going with the flow. She is most proud of the fact that young adults welcome her into their lives so she can help support them — when things are going great and when challenges arise.