Hira Ambreen, a dedicated resident of Arlington, brings a wealth of skills in public administration, strategic planning, and digital literacy, driven by her passion for community improvement and diversity. With a strong background in project management and ongoing academic pursuits at Harvard Kennedy School, Hira aims to make meaningful contributions to the AHRC.
 

As the Diversity/Community Liaison Officer for Harvard University PD, Kevin provided DEIB training and served as White Ribbon Day Ambassador, an ally and member of the Harvard Gender & Sexuality Caucus, Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), The Network/LaRed, and G.O.A.L./Gay Officers Action League – NE. He retired in 2020 after 29 years of service. Kevin is an Affiliated Baptist Minister at the Memorial Church at Harvard, and serves as Chaplain for the Harvard University, Newton, and Arlington Police Departments. He is also currently a Recovery Coach for Ellenhorn.

Gary has been a Commissioner since 2010 and served as chairman for one year. He also has been a Town Meeting member. Gary comes to the commission with over 20 years experience working with at risk youth and as an educator. He believes strongly in equal rights for all and the Constitution where it says “all men are created equal” and is always a bit dismayed when people aren’t treated that way.

Laurie comes to the AHRC with a passion for equity, social justice, and anti-racism. She grew up in an ambitious working-class family, and is a first-generation college graduate. She has been a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years, including over a decade of work in the Arlington Public Schools. She has also worked in the Randolph and Boston Public Schools, community-based mental health centers in Boston, intensive home-based family therapy, residential treatment, and in a small private practice. She is excited to join the AHRC’s work to address human rights and equity issues in Arlington and beyond.

Jillian became the Town's first Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator, now Director in 2019. She additionally serves as the ADA Coordinator, is a member of the Mystic Valley NAACP Branch and a steering committee member of the CHNA 17. She received a BA in Anthropology from UMass Amherst and Master of Public Affairs (MPA) degree from Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs. Jill's prior occupations and personal experiences exposed her to the lack of access to healthcare and the educational gaps within underserved communities which compelled her to further serve underrepresented communities and combat social injustices.

Kristen comes to the AHRC with a wealth of international human rights experience from working on these issues in U.S. Embassies overseas.  Kristen also has an American legal background. She is eager to deepen her understanding of challenges in Arlington and bring her experiences to strengthen the AHRC’s outreach and response.

 

Christine has served on the Commission since the 1990s. A self-described townie, she has worked to ensure her hometown is a welcoming place for all through volunteer leadership roles at several local organizations, engagement in town politics, and advancing ballot questions like the Community Preservation Act.

Griffin has lived in East Arlington with his wife and three young children since 2016. He owns and operates Collectively Determined, a health justice practice, where he engages in research and advocacy for marginalized populations in Massachusetts, and for justice and equity leadership nationally at Harvard University and Yale Law School. He’s passionate about ensuring that Arlington is a thriving, accessible, and just community for all.

Drake joined the Commission in 2019 and has lived in Arlington since 2006. He specializes in building relationships based on empowerment. Drake started Volition Project in 2014 to help brands empower their customers through more sincere and empathetic customer experiences and products. He also coaches entrepreneurial students at Harvard to start their own businesses in a way that generates the same kinds of reciprocity through empathy. Drake helps the Commission communicate its role in the community, build relationships, protect the rights of the individual, and foster the town’s win-win opportunities.

Crystal has worked with senior citizens, the homeless, and the local food bank since high school. She now serves in the equity and inclusion working group at a state regulatory agency where she began as a program manager for diversity and workforce development. She hopes to bring a unique perspective to the AHRC as a newer Arlington resident, a renter, and someone who grew up below the poverty line in a small town in NY. She continues to be passionate about homelessness and food insecurity.

Sharon brings a passion for social justice and activism to the AHRC that began as a teenager. She has been deeply involved in volunteer, leadership and activist roles since moving to Arlington over 30 years ago and is a school psychologist. These experiences help to inform her passion for social justice, equity issues, and cultural awareness. Sharon believes in the AHRC’s mission as it continues to build collaborative relationships with that will continue to make Arlington a town that welcomes, appreciates, and respects all.

Scott has been an Arlington resident since 1995 with 2 children graduated from APS. He is a 36-year veteran of the Bedford PD, serving the community in various roles including its Jail Diversion Program, Restorative Justice Program, and Drug Treatment Court. He has served as the department’s civil rights officer for the past 30 years, worked on community partnerships including gun violence prevention and buyback programs, and is an active member of the Bedford Rotary Club - promoting service in the community. In serving the AHRC, Scott strives to strengthen the partnerships in town and have Arlington be a diverse and welcoming community. 

Having made Arlington my home since the past 14 years, I have been drawn to involve myself in the town's diverse and vibrant volunteer committees. Engaging in issues that concern the most deeply marginalized people, including the students in town and also to campaign for social justice issues has led me to work with the Human Rights Commission.