KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Shannon Mumblo, MSW, LICSW, BSN, RN, ORDM, President, Shannon Mumblo Consulting, Inc. https://www.shannonmumbloconsulting.com/ 

Shannon Mumblo believes that the strongest organizational strategies are built on a foundation of human empathy. As the founder of Shannon Mumblo Consulting, she brings over 23 years of experience on the front lines and in executive leadership to help organizations thrive.

With a unique professional background as a Registered Nurse, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), and Ordained Minister, Shannon possesses a rare perspective on the "human element" of business. She doesn’t just advise; she acts as a trusted partner to help non-profits and mission-driven companies attract sustainable resources through data-driven storytelling, bridge the gap between strategic vision and operational reality, and lead with unwavering integrity. Shannon finds her greatest joy in solving complex challenges and inspiring leaders to build loyal, high-performing teams that stay mission-aligned in an ever-changing world.

Beyond strategic consulting, Shannon serves as a coach who empowers leaders to unlock their full potential. She blends clinical insight with executive experience to help leaders navigate the isolation that often comes with increased responsibility and high-level decision making, refine their emotional intelligence, and move from reactive management to proactive, visionary leadership. Her approach is rooted in the belief that true success requires more than just a quick fix; it demands transformative change that yields sustainable results.

Louis Burgos, MS, Multimedia Specialist, Holyoke Community College

Louis Burgos is a communications professional who specializes in social media, social media marketing/strategy, digital engagement, audience-focused content, video, and video editing. Since 2021, he has worked as a social media manager for a non-profit organization and two higher education institutions. He currently films and edits videos while managing Holyoke Community College's social media accounts. Louis holds a Master's degree in Applied Communication from Fitchburg State University and a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Westfield State University.

Sam Chery, Deputy General Council, TSNE, https://tsne.org/ 

With in-house and law firm experience, Sam brings a strong mix of practical perspectives and knowledge to his legal practice. Through the years, Sam has assisted clients with high value general legal analysis along with drafting and negotiating a variety of complex agreements that have supported their commercial, research, and clinical development activities. Most recently, Sam has advised clients on matters of risk management, compliance, and intellectual property. Sam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Westfield State University, and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School.

Rebecca Coolong, Human Service Forum Executive Director https://www.humanserviceforum.org/ 

Rebecca has served as the Human Service Forum Executive Director since 2017, bringing a wealth of experience in both the entertainment and nonprofit sectors. In 2006, after working in live theater, film, and television, Becca transitioned her management expertise to the human service sector, assuming the role of Director of Youth and Family Services at the Springfield Jewish Community Center. Through her work in this field, Becca emerged as a staunch advocate for continuous learning and growth, with a steadfast commitment to social justice principles. Since 2016, she has sat on the advisory board for Duggan Academy as well as serving on support committees for several different organizations including CHD, the Hebrew Free Loan Society, and the Unity House Players. 

Debbie DiStefano, PhD, Chief People and Compliance Officer for Hilltown Community Health Center https://www.hchcweb.org/  

In her current role, Dr. Debbie DiStefano collaborates with staff to create an inclusive space for both staff and patients.  She oversees HR and works with the HR Director to create policies and procedures that speak to the mission and vision of HCHC.  She oversees career development and recruiting, building connections with local institutions to build a strong, consistent, culturally competent, primary care workforce. Dr. DiStefano served as a professor of Spanish at Southeast Missouri State University for 18 years.  She is a Latin Americanist whose area of expertise is the history and cultural production of the many populations of Asian descent in Latin America. 

Alina T. Gross, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability (GPS), Westfield State University 

Dr. Alina Gross predominantly teaches courses in the Regional Planning curriculum. The 2nd edition of her book, Housing in America, co-authored with Dr. Marijoan Bull, was published in 2023. Dr. Gross particularly enjoys leading community planning projects with students, working with them on community engagement in local municipalities, and supporting them in presenting their work to local planners, stakeholders, and community members. Dr. Gross’ research focuses on community engagement within the field of planning, and most recently she and Dr. Neog have focused on researching the way planning educators design studio projects with their students. Dr. Gross holds a Master’s and PhD in Regional Planning from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  

Alexandra Maggio, Chief of Community Engagement, United Way of Pioneer Valley https://www.uwpv.org/ 

Alexandra Maggio has over 13 years of experience in the field of Volunteer Engagement, Nonprofit Management and Program implementation. Her first job was as a volunteer coordinator with Zoo New England, and since then she has worked in a variety of nonprofits throughout the state. Alexandra holds a BS from Connecticut College and MS from the University of Leicester, UK. She also obtained a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Boston University in 2019, and became a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) in 2023. Alexandra has done speaking engagements with State and National entities on Volunteer Management and is currently a facilitator of Service Enterprise with the Massachusetts Service Alliance for Western MA cohorts. She lives in Longmeadow, MA with her husband and three kids.

Dristi Neog, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability (GPS), Westfield State University

Dr. Dristi Neog's teaching and research focus on sustainable urban development, transportation planning, and urban design, with an emphasis on creating greener, more livable communities through integrated land use and urban form. She is the author of the book Shaping Our Future: Community Planning Basics for Happier, Healthier, and More Sustainable Cities. Her current research examines post-pandemic transit systems, place-based community learning in the U.S., and contemporary and traditional built forms in India that reflect principles of sustainability.  Dr. Neog holds a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University, a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Bachelor of Architecture from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, India.  

Kimm Quinlan, MPA, Director of Early Childhood Initiatives, Holyoke Community College

Kimm Quinlan has dedicated over 25 years to advancing the field of early education and care. Her extensive experience spans many roles across the education and nonprofit sectors. She holds academic degrees in Early Childhood Education and Psychology, and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management.  In her current role, Kimm collaboratively leads a team of professionals dedicated to early education and student success.  Programs include a free college certificate program for early childhood educators, coaching and training supports for the early education community throughout western Massachusetts and child care for Holyoke Community College’s student parents.  In addition to her role at Holyoke Community College, Kimm serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Master of Public Administration program at Westfield State University. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys hiking and spending quality time with family and friends.

Dr. Tamara L. Smith, Chair of Health Sciences, Westfield State University

Dr. Tamara Smith has been a professor at Westfield State University since 2007. Her areas of specialty are aging, families and informal caregiving. She is on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit 'Massachusetts Gerontological Society', and serves as the Vice President of the nonprofit 'Easthampton Neighbors'.

Dr. Gregory Todd, Executive Director, Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA), YMCA of Greater Springfield https://mochaspringfield.org/ 

Dr. Gregory Todd is a seasoned and innovative nonprofit leader with over 20 years of hands-on experience across a wide range of program settings. He has a proven track record of building and leading diverse organizations, particularly those serving vulnerable populations, while successfully identifying and securing critical funding to sustain and grow impactful initiatives.

Drawing on an eclectic academic background that includes art history, recreation therapy, and a PhD in nonprofit management, Dr. Todd brings a unique and thoughtful approach to leadership. His work is grounded in the intentional transformation of individuals, teams, and organizations, with a strong emphasis on long-term sustainability.

Originally from Bermuda, Dr. Todd spent his formative professional years in Canada and across various regions of the United States, where he led and contributed to impactful programs. Through these experiences, he developed a deep understanding of how policies, procedures, and staff training shape and influence organizational culture.

Dr. Todd currently serves as the Executive Director of Men of Color Health Awareness, where he leads a dedicated team focused on programming that addresses the social determinants of health. In addition, he serves as an active board member of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts and as an advisory board member for Square One and Tech Foundry.

Robert Vigneault, Assistant Director of Veteran and Military Services and School Certifying Official, Westfield State University

Robert Vigneault is a U.S. Air Force Veteran and dedicated advocate for military‑connected students. Born in Okinawa and raised at Fort Bliss, he later served as an Aircraft Structural Maintenance Technician and as a chef in the Air Force Reserve. After active duty, Robert supported his family through 24 years and nine cross‑country moves, contributing to a combined 47 years of Air Force service in his household. These experiences shaped his commitment to helping veterans succeed in civilian and academic life. Robert began his higher‑education career as a Veterans Counselor and School Certifying Official at Holyoke Community College and Greenfield Community College. In 2023 he began his current role where he strengthens support systems, expands resources, and fosters community for veterans, service members, and military families. He is a Veterans Mediator certified through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and remains active in the veteran community through the Marine Corps League, the American Legion and the Sarah Gillett Foundation. 

Wilbert Weche, Founder & CEO of Willful Change LLC https://www.willfulchange.com/ 

Wilbert is a distinguished professional who holds a prestigious Master's degree in Business Administration, specializing in Management & Leadership. But his pursuit of excellence didn't stop there; in 2020, Wilbert embarked on a remarkable journey with the renowned John Maxwell Team, obtaining certifications as a captivating keynote speaker, inspiring trainer, and empowering coach. With an innate gift for communication and an uncanny ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life, Wilbert has astounded countless professionals through his dynamic and engaging training sessions.  Notably, Wilbert's expertise has transcended expectations, leaving a lasting impression on clients spanning the spectrum from entry-level managers to esteemed C-Level executives across diverse professional industries. As a result, his reputation for delivering unparalleled results continues to soar.