Meet the Staff
Adriana Ojeda-Joslyn is the Lead Organizer and Executive Director of the Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center. In this role, she oversees strategic and operational responsibilities of the organization and the execution of its mission. Adriana believes that building a base of empowered residents to create and sustain resident-driven leadership is essential to achieving equity and supporting social justice. She has 20+ years of experience working with many different populations in Worcester and surrounding towns. She has provided support in the areas of immigration, housing, and shelter and most recently served as an educator and advocate for sexual and reproductive health.
As a mother of 3 children with special needs, Adriana has first-hand knowledge of the challenges and resources that are unique to Worcester and its residents. As someone who grew up in the Pleasant Street neighborhood, she has seen many changes and has had many impactful experiences, both good and bad. These experiences are what have ultimately driven her to community work and advocacy. Adriana is working to bring awareness to the many assets that the Pleasant Street neighborhood offers and that are often overlooked. Adriana recognizes the value of a neighborhood that has cultural foods and markets, safe play areas, and community centers. Through her lived experiences and knowledge of networks and resources, she will work to educate and empower the residents of this community to use their voices and leverage their collective power to bring positive and healing change to the neighborhood.
As a mother of 3 children with special needs, Adriana has first-hand knowledge of the challenges and resources that are unique to Worcester and its residents. As someone who grew up in the Pleasant Street neighborhood, she has seen many changes and has had many impactful experiences, both good and bad. These experiences are what have ultimately driven her to community work and advocacy. Adriana is working to bring awareness to the many assets that the Pleasant Street neighborhood offers and that are often overlooked. Adriana recognizes the value of a neighborhood that has cultural foods and markets, safe play areas, and community centers. Through her lived experiences and knowledge of networks and resources, she will work to educate and empower the residents of this community to use their voices and leverage their collective power to bring positive and healing change to the neighborhood.
PSNNC Board Members
Max Stern is the board president of the Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center, has been on the board for the past 4 years now. He has also been a teacher in the Worcester Public Schools for the past 10 years. He is a history teacher at University Park Campus School. Max is passionate about teaching history in culturally responsive ways; bringing the arts, music, and hip-hop into his classroom. He hopes to figure out ways to bring hip-hop and the arts into the work of the center, and hopefully connect with other nonprofits and artists in the city doing similar work. In his spare time Max enjoys exercising, playing basketball, and rooting for his New York Sports Teams.
Jibrael Younis is an Operations Manager for the MassHire Central Career Center, a partnership of the Massachusetts Department of Career Services and the City of Worcester. Jibrael was born in Worcester, MA to a mother of Irish-American descent with a long family lineage of Worcester residents and to a father of first generation Americans originating from the Ein El Hlilweh Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon. Jibrael finished his Masters of Social Work at Boston College with a macro focus on Global Studies and Policy Development and Management, while also working as a Resource Developer for small non-profit organizations. He graduated from Endicott College in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. Jibrael was connected to the Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center (PSNNC) through relatives and family friends who are associated with the organization. Jibrael believes that the PSNNC’s mission aligns with Jibrael’s values, and he believes that they play a pivotal role in the health and wellness of a vital and core part of the greater Worcester community. He hopes to offer his skills, experience, knowledge and resources to the PSNNC Board of Directors to support the mission and vision of the PSNNC.
Jerry Filmore is the esteemed CEO and visionary founder behind "What's Up Worcester," a distinguished local online news outlet headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts. With an intimate connection to Worcester since the age of 9, Jerry's deep-rooted commitment to the community has been the driving force behind the platform's remarkable success.
Combining his unwavering passion for journalism and his profound appreciation for Worcester's diverse communities, Jerry Filmore has curated a platform that serves as a reliable source of insightful news and stories. His astute leadership has guided "What's Up Worcester" in capturing the heartbeat of the city, shedding light on the unique aspects and vibrant culture that define this dynamic locale.
Under Jerry's astute guidance, "What's Up Worcester" has become an indispensable resource for both residents and enthusiasts, offering comprehensive coverage of local events, issues, and achievements. Through his visionary approach, he has cultivated a dedicated team of journalists who share his enthusiasm for showcasing the essence of Worcester and the surrounding areas.
Jerry Filmore's tireless dedication to fostering a sense of community pride and understanding through informative and engaging content has earned him the respect and admiration of both readers and peers. His impact on the local media landscape is a testament to his unwavering commitment to highlighting Worcester's distinctive character, and his legacy as a pioneering figure in digital journalism continues to flourish
Combining his unwavering passion for journalism and his profound appreciation for Worcester's diverse communities, Jerry Filmore has curated a platform that serves as a reliable source of insightful news and stories. His astute leadership has guided "What's Up Worcester" in capturing the heartbeat of the city, shedding light on the unique aspects and vibrant culture that define this dynamic locale.
Under Jerry's astute guidance, "What's Up Worcester" has become an indispensable resource for both residents and enthusiasts, offering comprehensive coverage of local events, issues, and achievements. Through his visionary approach, he has cultivated a dedicated team of journalists who share his enthusiasm for showcasing the essence of Worcester and the surrounding areas.
Jerry Filmore's tireless dedication to fostering a sense of community pride and understanding through informative and engaging content has earned him the respect and admiration of both readers and peers. His impact on the local media landscape is a testament to his unwavering commitment to highlighting Worcester's distinctive character, and his legacy as a pioneering figure in digital journalism continues to flourish
Jack McPadden is the Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center. Jack joined the Board of PSNNC in 2021 while attending Clark University, where he subsequently completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Community, Youth, and Education Studies. Jack is presently pursuing his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with a particular passion for providing culturally responsive mental health care in historically underserved and systemically marginalized communities. Jack is deeply committed to his role as Vice President of PSNNC’s Board of Directors. He believes that community members hold expertise on our neighborhoods strengths, challenges, and opportunities. As Board Vice President, Jack is dedicated to leadership and collaboration that facilitates resident-centered community organizing for positive collective change.
BOB MICHEL was born and raised Brooklyn, NY. Army veteran, Vietnam era. B.A, Hunter college, M. Div., Andover Newton. Work history includes New Line Cinema (film tech), MassMutual (Systems Analyst) and mental health therapist in the Worcester area. Presently deacon, United Congregational Church and member and former executive board member Worc. NAACP. Reside on Elm St. with wife of 20 years, Rev. Linda Michel.
