Executive Director

Ariel is driven by the belief that access to health is a human right, and is dedicated to building a new liberated model of community health that is designed from the margins and rooted in relationships. After over a decade of directing maternal and child health equity programs at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Ariel joined Vital CxNs to lead the organizations strategic development and catalyze activities advancing Vital CxNs ambitious goals. In addition to radically reimagining health equity, Ariel can be found immersed in her own 'vital connections' with those she loves, including adventuring around Boston with her partner Jesse and their two kiddos Hazel and Simone.

Co-Founder and Deputy Director

Mariana is a first generation immigrant committed to rebuilding inefficient and ineffective systems to create an ecosystem of health that is accessible and acceptable by all. With a background in public health and social work, she has spent time both providing direct clinical services and executing programmatic-level work. At Vital CxNs, Mariana spends her time developing processes that enable the team to catalyze, convene, and connect, in addition to leading our food systems initiatives. When she is not deep in strategic conversations with Ariel, you can find her painting with watercolors, cooking for loved ones, or on a walking trail with her husband, Ben and their pitbull, Archie.

Director of Community Partnerships

Ayanna is a community connector and advocate with a dynamic background of leadership in the government and nonprofit sectors. She excels at uniting diverse stakeholders to drive positive change, breaking down barriers and empowering individuals to be at the forefront of creating a more equitable society. With over 15 years of local and national leadership with the NAACP, Ayanna leverages her communications and organizing background to amplify marginalized voices and bring awareness to social justice issues. Ayanna is committed to making an impact with social action campaigns throughout New England. In her free time, Ayanna enjoys tending to her plants and exploring Boston’s food scene.

Project Manager

Mary believes in the power of community to drive health equity. She is dedicated to building meaningful relationships, creating inclusive environments, and bridging the gap between diverse stakeholders. Her background in macro social work, community-engaged research, and experiential learning uniquely shapes her approach to working alongside community members to create positive systems change. Mary provides support across the Vital CxNs' initiatives and leads our newest mental health initiative. In her free time, Mary loves running with Pioneers and TrailblazHers run crews, being in nature, traveling, dancing with her partner Abeo, and loving on their dog, Orzo.

Founding Director, Board of Directors Co-chair

Rich’s mission is to create the ideas that inspire, conditions that enable, and initiatives and systems that empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health and well-being. As the Founding Director and Chair of the Board of Directors at Vital CxNs, he works to forge cross-sector partnerships, engage stakeholders, and ensure the sustainability of Vital CxNs. Rich received his medical training at Brigham and Women's Hospital where he currently practices in Obesity Medicine and serves on faculty at Harvard Medical School. Rich’s life is enriched (and at times overflowing) by his wonderful young children and his wife, Sarah, who keep him grounded, active, laughing, and on his toes!

Health Equity Scholar*

MaryAnn is dedicated to redesigning existing inefficient and inequitable health systems to reflect the needs of diverse and vulnerable populations. She is passionate about creating engaging community health programs focused on preventative care and lifestyle interventions through intentional collaboration with community stakeholders. A pre-med student at Harvard College, MaryAnn has a deep interest in the potential of clinical-community partnerships to reimagine healthcare access for populations historically underserved by current health infrastructure. Outside of school and work, MaryAnn enjoys hosting her show at the student radio station, spending time with her friends, and tackling creative sewing projects!

Health Equity Scholar*

Shwe is a dedicated public health advocate passionate about building coalitions to uplift underserved communities. As a first-generation Burmese immigrant from Hawaii, she finds her grounding in amplifying the work of community stakeholders and organizing coordinated action for social impact. Her clinical experiences—ranging from shadowing at her island hospital to volunteering at pop-up clinics in Latin America—have fueled her commitment to addressing health disparities. As a Health Equity Scholar, Shwe is excited to support Vital CxNs’ communications efforts and mental health initiatives. In her free time, you can find her cafe-hopping around Cambridge, running along the Charles River, and learning the ukulele.