Board of Advisors

Jesse Wong joined Santander in January 2018 as Executive Director of Corporate Investment Banking. Jesse is responsible for the growth of SCIB cash management portfolio focusing on Technology, Media, and Telecom, Industrials, Consumer, Retail and Healthcare, and Financial Institution Group. Prior to joining Santander, Jesse served as a Director of Global Transaction Services at Bank of America Merrill Lynch where she covered large corporate Technology, Media and Telecom vertical both domestic and international.

Jesse is very actively in the community where she is currently the Lead for Santander Veteran Network for Volunteer/Community Affairs. She was also the Chair of Goodwill Young Professional Committee, Chair at Bank of America Merrill Lynch Military Support and Assistance Group in Boston (MSAG), and Co-Chair at Bank of America Community Volunteer Boston. She was also part of the mentorship program at Cherie Blair Foundation for Women where she served as a mentor for women entrepreneurship program. Jesse is also one of the top fundraisers for Alzheimer Association in Boston.

Jesse earned a BBA from University of Massachusetts Amherst, and MSF in Finance Economics from Boston University.

For over a decade, Alberto Ferreira has mastered patron experiences on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Originally hailing from Portugal, with family roots in the Azure Islands as well, Alberto is able to leverage his global experiences that have taken him from the Islands, to Europe and ultimately to his home in the United States. Alberto initially joined Anthem as a marquee team member with The Anchor. With a keen eye for detail, thorough follow through and significant experience in business-to-business, as well as, consumer facing positions, Alberto quickly rose to a team leader and ultimately on-site manager. He was a marquee and instrumental player during The Anchor’s inaugural season and played a vital role in the launch of its sophomore season in 2020.

Additionally, Alberto is adept in an extraordinary diverse range of skills. It is more than his managerial prowess that impacts both the operational and community-centric sides of The Anchor. His handiwork is prevalent throughout the venue. His customer service experience shapes the hospitable nature of the entire team. Likewise, his overarching business sense and interpersonal skills make him indispensable. Alberto now contributes to Anthem and The Anchor through guidance, feedback and creativity on community, placemaking and philanthropic initiatives. His years of experience, global perspective, impressive personal journey and diverse skills provide immense value as The Anthem and Anchor teams strive to continuously strengthen its social mission.

Nicole is a dynamic connector and storyteller who specializes in implementing strategies to promote connectivity, engagement and education through music and the arts. Her specialties include communication strategy, marketing and promotions, educational speaking, media relations, content creation, event management, community outreach and relationship building.

Some of her roles have included serving as Director of Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation, home to First Fridays in Roosevelt Row Arts District, one of the nation’s largest community art walks boasting 30,000 each month. She is also co-author “Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row” with Roosevelt Row CDC’s co-founder and board vice president Greg Esser. As a consultant, she serves a number of local arts nonprofits and small businesses to help shine a light on the great work taking place in their respective efforts.

Currently, she has ventured into the world of music event production, recently launching The Zenith Experiment, creating local music-driven events that connect audiences together in authentic and meaningful ways. She has helped produce 4 ongoing music series, comprised of over 50 shows, and has grown to 80 shows in the first 6 months. She founded “Beyond Jazz Phoenix” to launch a 4-day event celebrating Blue Note Jazz’s 80th year anniversary and is in the works to develop further projects that connect people together around the power of music. You can read about her recent music efforts on Page 12 in January 2020’s edition of Java Magazine.

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Nisreen is a foodie who fell in love with Boston at first bite. After attending Emerson College, she spent a lot of her early career working in food related industries – from catering and digital media to foodservice GPOs and technology. She is currently the co-founder of Crème de Liqueur, a liquor-infused ice cream custard made in Massachusetts and is enjoying the chance to make ice cream that uses local spirits and mix-ins when possible. A big passion of hers is supporting and highlighting local businesses and shining a light on female-owned and diverse entrepreneurs.

Jennifer Bowman worked in the corporate world as a software sales professional for fifteen years before transferring her skill set into the non-profit world as an accomplished fundraiser. For the past twenty years, she has worked in development and communications for some of the largest and well-known non-profits creating some of the most profitable events in the organizations’ histories. In her spare time, she golfs, rescues dogs and is an avid lover of all animals.

Kara Ruthe is a United States Air Force veteran. Her duties led to service both domestically and abroad. Subsequent to her military career, Kara attained her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing with high honors. While at the prestigious Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Kara worked in a myriad of capacities ranging from clinical in the emergency department to full-time positions in the operating room. She is currently a traveling Labor and Delivery specialist having most recently completed an assignment at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. As a traveling nurse, Kara continues to accumulate invaluable experience in a variety of hospital settings and different cities, which she applies to her career and to her Anthem advisory role.

As a high academic achiever from an early age, having spearheaded her own study-abroad program at just 16 years old – one of Kara’s passions is encouraging young women and girls to break stereotypes, study math and sciences and to learn new cultures. Her initial time abroad was a year-long high school program in Japan, which was a prelude to her primary stationing in Germany and additional time in a host of European nations. Kara’s extensive travels, education and understanding of diverse cultures helps shape community initiatives at The Anchor that are designed to expose inner-city youth to new ideas, people and places. Kara brings substantial experience to the board. Her multifaceted career, ranging from medicine to military and academic accomplishments that date back to her time in Japan set an example for teens and pre-teens that there are many paths to success.

In her personal life, Kara is a devoted dog and cat mom, an artist, a Notre Dame football fan, an avid reader, and is bilingual speaking both Japanese and English. Additionally, she is involved in volunteer and philanthropic efforts with an emphasis on vulnerable and at-risk children. She loves her new adopted home of Boston and loves the impact she makes through Anthem and The Anchor’s mission of serving its local communities.

Rocio currently provides operational support and transportation management to one of Georgia’s Largest Transportation Companies, Cooper-Global.

Originally a Native of Southern California, Rocio has worked in the transportation industry for over 15 years. Working in various transportation fields from Fleet Trucking to School Buses, Motor Coaches to Event Transportation Management, Rocio has had the opportunity to work Nationwide with companies such as Carey International, TMS, First Group America, SP Plus Gameday, Metropolitan Shuttle…to name a few. She has had experience in almost every aspect of the industry, from reception and sales to dispatch and operations. She was a Managing Partner and VP of Business Development for The Travel Firm, a Transportation Management group out of Dallas, Texas. While focusing on developing transportation solutions for groups and organizations large and small, she found passion in combining reliable transportation at low and affordable cost for various non-profits and religious organizations such as Boys and Girls Club, YMCA and Archdiocese of San Antonio. Rocio is a member of the United Motor coach Association and has been an active member of the local convention and visitors bureau.

Ms. Evans has extensive experience in hospitality, sales, and guest experience. She has worked with Anthem on its projects both in the UK and in the US for the past two years. She is a resident of Manchester, UK and leverages her extensive event and restaurant experience to guide The Anchor’s initiatives focused on Boston’s global tourism industry. Ms. Evans has provided invaluable advice and insight into international best practices during the launch of The Anchor. She looks forward to continuing her role and expanding her reach to all areas of Anthem and The Anchor.

Raiza Fonseca, is a Project Coordinator at The Anthem Group. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing. In Puerto Rico, she worked as a Junior Business Consultant and was certified in MCP-Microsoft Dynamics CRM Application 2015 and MCP-Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 Online Deployment. She was later accepted to study for a Master’s degree in International Business and awarded a scholarship for her second Master’s in International Marketing at Hult International Business School in Boston, Massachusetts.

During this time, she and her team won the Social Impact Hackathon and developed a marketing campaign for the One World Strong Foundation. She was a recipient of the Dean’s List Award and competed in the Hult Prize, where her team came second place. Additionally, she acquired the Google AdSense Google Analytics Certified, HubSpot Academy Social Media Certified and Associate-Level Certified from Action Selling. She is a volunteer at the American Red Cross in Puerto Rico where she is active in helping others around the island.

During 2017, she took the role of Public Affairs throughout the Hurricane Maria Relief Operation and managed the Communications Department at a critical time. Currently, she is a manager at The Anchor Boston, actively supporting event production, hospitality initiatives, as well as services for several clients. She coordinates mixed-media, marketing and digital campaigns throughout several online platforms simultaneously for Anthem properties and company clients. In her free time, she’s training for a half marathon and enjoys her new home of Boston.

Shelby Elwell is the Program Manager for The Anthem Group. With diverse experience in both hospitality and event production, Shelby’s talent has enabled her to acquire extensive experience. She spearheads a wide spectrum of responsibilities within Anthem Production and Anthem Placemaking. Additionally, Shelby currently manages The Anthem Group’s newest waterfront venue – The Anchor, Boston’s only multi-story public gathering space, performing and visual arts venue and open-air wine and beer garden.

In her role as a Program Manager, Shelby previously directed “The Big Cheese” Holiday Tour, which launched this new and dynamic product into the market. She supervised operations in Boston, NYC, Philadelphia and Washington D.C., which included orchestrating the transport of product, infrastructure and personnel. Shelby has coordinated other marquee brand activations across the country as well, including Uptime Energy’s 50+ market campaign, the brand’s signature NYE partnership in Detroit and special ski-themed winter projects. She has also worked with dozens of other clients and brands throughout the course of her Anthem career.

Furthermore, Shelby was one of Anthem’s key team members to work with “Stockton Scholars” for its inaugural media launch in California, with the primary purpose of the event being to reveal a $20 million-dollar donation to be used to initiate a college scholarship program available to all Stockton Unified graduates. Shelby and her team travelled to Stockton, CA to produce all aspects of the event which featured international media outlets, highly influential California elected officials, VIPS and nearly 600 high school scholarship participants.

In her capacity with Anthem Placemaking, Shelby has been a leading force behind over 1100 free public events, programs, public art and seasonal installations in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Additionally, Shelby is the lead manager for an expansive team that includes assistant managers, team leaders, security personnel, operational employees and service staff.

Shelby works closely with members of Anthem Marketing to contribute to business-to-business campaigns including mixed media and digital, throughout several online platforms weekly. She plays a key role in establishing and cultivating new and existing relationships with vendors, suppliers, talent and other constituents. Additionally, Shelby is instrumental in operational management and execution for both client-driven and internal programming.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Endicott College with a major in Hospitality and Event Management. She was a prized member of the Women’s Soccer Team, where she was recognized for being the “All-Conference” Female Student-Athlete of the Year.

Shelby has a passion for traveling and exploring new cultures and has already frequented several countries across the globe. She enjoys spending time on her family’s farm in Connecticut, watching Notre Dame football, staying active with fitness and soccer and supporting all Boston sports teams.

Though generally a quiet individual, Erica becomes quite animated and vocal when she is at work. This is because she is a teacher. Throughout her 15 years as an educator, she has taught the gambit, from kindergarten up to eighth grade. In the most recent years, she’s been teaching 4th grade within the Los Angeles Unified School District. When she isn’t busy filling young minds with knowledge, Erica can be found spending quality time with her 3-year-old son, reading from a never-ending stack of books, crocheting Hogwarts House attire for friends, or jumping into the world of camp directing at her own childhood camp. Learning, creating, and teaching are her life’s passions.

With her family hailing from both Mexico and the United States, her passionate work with youth and fulfilling her life’s calling in teaching, Erica hopes to inspire programs and community building throughout The Anthem Group’s youth, family and placemaking initiatives – with a specific focus on The Anchor. Erica aspires to establish some reciprocal programs in between her students in Los Angeles and the young students served via The Anchor’s outreach. Her diverse experience in and out of the classroom provides the foundation and vision for her significant board contribution.

Among many talents and professions including a painter, actor, signer, writer and voice over artists, J.J. Long is the founder of JJ Artworks, LLC – an art and entertainment business established in 2005. What once started out as an oil painting business has now grown into a social painting event company that also creates music, film, and voice over projects. As J.J.’s love for art grows in all media types, so will the JJArtworks™ brand. It is with this umbrella name that J.J. and his artists seek to add value to the world, through their creative passions across all mediums.

Ali Akell is an artist and painter who has been involved with The Anchor’s curation process for programmatic and aesthetic placemaking since its inception. In addition to her contributions on several of the venue’s visual design projects, Ali created two of The Anchor’s landmark artworks.

Ali holds a BFA in Art Education from Massachusetts College of Art as well as an MA in Critical and Creative Thinking from University of Massachusetts Boston. Passionate about all things visual and aesthetic, Ali brings her enthusiasm for art and community to The Anchor’s ongoing commitment of vibrancy and dynamic experience to the public.

Alejandro is a Mexican entrepreneur and professional musician. He had an extensive career in the hotel industry, including “The Inn at Harvard” for eight years as a primary concierge. Additionally, Alejandro built his own company in 2004 in the cleaning services industry. After 14 years he successfully sold the business to transition to his new challenges. As a musician, he was member of the Department of Romance and Literature of Harvard University, teaching history of Latin music. Alejandro brings a diverse and unique perspective to all Anchor to all programs, especially live performances.

Paige relocated to Boston after graduating from Stonehill College with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration. She enjoys exploring her beloved new home and finding new local restaurants, museums and venues. But Paige does not venture out only for the food, but for the art and design choices that create unique experiences, which she utilizes as inspiration in her own creative process She has always been interested in painting, drawing and exploring new artistic pursuits. Paige is proficient at incorporating simple abstract shapes and contrasting colors or mediums in her art. She aspires to bring together opposing elements to create new harmonies. Patrons can also find her art hanging upstairs on the brick pillars at The Anchor. During her tenure on The Anchor board, Paige hopes to share her experiences as a newer resident, an artist and as a creative female innovator.

Ashley Mercurio is the National Events Director and Managing Partner for The Anthem Group – a collection of highly acclaimed and award-winning entities. Since starting with Anthem, Ashley has become widely recognized as one of the most respected and gifted events coordinators in the country. With extraordinary talent to produce private events while keeping an equally strong focus on public programs, Ashley is responsible for overseeing internal and external event operations for all Anthem properties. Additionally, she manages Anthem’s highly renown global internship and fellowship programs which collaborates with some of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

As an expert in venue and site selection, creative and décor design, event cataloging, pedestrian traffic flow and large-scale project management, Ashley plays an integral role in Anthem’s everyday success. She is the client liaison for Anthem’s high-profile galas, media launches and similar projects – and has coordinated hundreds of all-encompassing events from pre-event planning to post-event analysis. Ashley’s brilliant gift with complex production and efficient organization has made her Anthem’s leader on many internal procedures and operations. She straddles a hybrid of internal and external responsibilities. Ashley spearheads a mixture of wide-reaching operational, administrative and personnel duties while also leading creation, innovation and execution of both Anthem initiated and client-driven programs and projects. This rare skillset to be both creative and operationally proficient is a hallmark of Ashley’s abilities.

Ashley has composed the production and execution of all fashion-based events, directed the personnel and operations for Anthem’s 80-market International Music Festival and oversaw vendor operations for Boston’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular for over ten years. She oversees more than 100 suppliers, contractors and partners annually. One of Ashley’s most beloved contributions to The Anthem Group is the conception and execution of the renowned New England Dessert Showcase – the country’s original and leading boutique dessert experience.

Externally, she also spearheads most of Anthem’s community and philanthropic partners, which now includes over 150 different organizations. Additionally, she manages an entire team that orchestrates nearly 500 public programs and events annually. On a weekly basis she directs more than a dozen client driven events, projects or campaigns.

As a leader of Anthem’s core values and philosophies, Ashley energetically serves as Chairwoman of Anthem’s own Placemaking and Public Art Advisory Board. She leads the majority of Anthem’s initiatives, such as the annual youth trick or treat Halloween celebration, Anthem committees on community programs and previously was a member for the Easter Seals Regional Board. Ashley showcases much of her philanthropic endeavors through her work at Anthem with non-profit partners, but notably enjoys collaborating with charitable organizations such as Cradles to Crayons and dozens of others.

Ashley graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Sociology with Honors and was most recently named as one of LASSO’s Top Women in Events in 2020.

When she isn’t creating, managing and coordinating with The Anthem Group, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters and two dogs. She enjoys family-time and activities such as baking, watching movies, sports and vacationing anywhere warm!