our leadership

zaida ismatul oliva

executive director

Bi-cultural, proud immigrant, first in family, English-language learner, dual citizen—so many ways to describe our Executive Director, Zaida make her empathetic to the lives of the young women we serve. More importantly, her life experience renders Zaida profoundly committed to cultivating a world of women empowering women, a sisterhood of love and uplifting one another.  She came to Chica Project from her leadership role at Bunker Hill Community College where she directed dual enrollment and early college related programming. Her experience conducting outreach, recruiting 60-90 mentors annually, spearheading curriculum and trainings for academic achievement and cultural competency brought her to what she describes as her dream job. (Of course, second place to her role as mom to 3-year-old Luna). 

shanice douglas

director of programs

Shanice, a Boston native and first-generation Caribbean-American (Jamaican & Puerto Rican), brings forth 10 years of expertise developing lesson plans, constructing curriculums, and spearheading programs for youth and young adults in and around Boston. She is passionate about dismantling systems of oppression by cultivating partnerships, networks, resources, programs, and trauma informed spaces to center and empower marginalized communities. Personally, Shanice loves all forms of art, fashion, traveling, animals, vegan food, and most importantly, her 5lb Pomeranian/Yorkie, Isis.

lorrin van evra

director of development

Lorrin moved to Boston in 2020 from New York City. She is passionate about the creation of safe spaces and mentorship opportunities for women and girls. With an education in Nonprofit Management and Business Administration, she has dedicated her career to uplifting critical causes through community-centric fundraising. When she's not working, you can find Lorrin playing with her cat Rocky, or baking something sweet!

 

our team

We are firm believers in the fact that Together Everyone Achieves More. That all-for-one-and one-for-all is the way to success (and happiness) because great things are never done by just one person. They’re done by groups of people with common values and goals, dreams and ideals.

Our team brings its best to every moment, focused on creating a world in which chicas—girls and young Women of Color—thrive. Unencumbered by obstacles society and history often place in their way. 

full time & part time team

interns & fellows

Headshots: Dante Luna & Travis Alex