Nilda Peralta of La Melaza de Peralta recently participated in a State Health Department Inspection in hopes of obtaining a Wholesale License. She and RTK passed with flying colors! She can also now sell to stores and restaurants - a giant step forward for her business!

Our newest member of the RTK is Nashali Ramos of Nash's Healthy Meals! She offers a healthy meal prep service in which you can order daily, weekly, or monthly with a big emphasis on nutritional shakes, detox juices, and teas as well.

Oka of Oka DaChef / Cooking So Serious is expanding to catering! Learning locally and regional cuisines topped off with a true passion for food, Oka DaChef is always finding new ways to creatively express his culinary talents.

The Revolving Test Kitchen (RTK) continues to recruit new members! If you or someone you know is looking for a shared culinary space in a commercial kitchen within the heart of Lawrence, please encourage them to apply for the program!

Board Chair, Attorney Socrates De La Cruz, was recently highlighted by the Eagle Tribune for stepping into the role. De La Cruz is a true success story from Lawrence - from spending time at the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club to honing his skills and education into becoming an attorney. At the Lawrence Partnership, we look forward to the new perspectives and opportunities De La Cruz will bring to the organization.

Attorney Zoila Gomez recently became a published author in "Breaking the Glass Ceiling." The book is a powerful compilation of narratives highlighting the journeys of extraordinary Latina women who have shattered barriers and defied expectations.

"As one of the authors, I am deeply passionate about sharing these inspirational stories with those members of my community and beyond. Our book introduces a diverse group of Latina trailblazers, including entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and activists, who have paved the way for a brighter, more inclusive future." -- Zoila Gomez

Lesly Melendez, Executive Director of Groundwork Lawrence, attended the National Brownfields Conference in Detroit, focusing on revitalizing contaminated land. She testified in D.C. on September 27th, advocating for reauthorizing the national brownfields program, emphasizing equitable revitalization and funding's importance. Lesly highlighted the impact of over $25 million, including EPA Brownfields funding, in creating parks and greenspaces, benefiting property values and Lawrence residents. Congresswoman Lori Trahan, a strong environmental justice advocate, also participated. You can watch their testimonies for more insight into their advocacy. (Lesly's testimony starts at ~1hr 59min)

John J. Howard, President and CEO of Merrimack Valley Credit Union and Marine Corps veteran, was awarded the U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo Memorial Award. The award was presented by the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce during its annual Veterans Recognition Breakfast Forum on Friday, Nov. 3 at Salvatore's Riverwalk in Lawrence.

Professional Opportunities

The Working Places team at the Boston Fed is hiring:

• Senior Community Development Analyst

AgeSpan is hiring:

• Care Manager
• Geriatric Support Services Coordinator (Bilingual – Khmer & or Spanish)
• Nutrition Site Aide (Dracut, MA)
• PCA Skills Trainer
• Long Term Supports Coordinator (Lawrence, MA)

Dio's Accounting Services is hiring:

• Accounting Assistant

The Forest Foundation is hiring:

• Program Coordinator

Greater Lawrence Community Action Council (GLCAC) is hiring:

• Volunteer Coordinator (Bilingual - English & Spanish)

Additional Opportunities