Lan Baker, New England Village
Lan Baker has served as a program manager at New England Village’s Living Center (TLC) for the past 21 years. Lan works with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to create an enrichment program that centers on their personal interests, energy levels, and desires. TLC is a community-based day services program for individuals who have retired from working or those who wish to spend time in a slower-paced environment. To help the individuals that she supports meet their goals, Lan also collaborate with various local organizations.
She is a proud mother of 3 amazing children, step-mother of 4 wonderful children and a grandmother to a beautiful granddaughter.
She enjoys taking other New England individuals on outings that meet their interests and hobbies, doing C25K training/races with individuals she serves. In addition, Lan has been taking ASL classes to better communicate with members at The Living Center. According to Lan, “nothing makes me happier than to be able to volunteer in the community and help people.”
Wilfrix Cherazard, English for New Bostonians
Wilfrix Cherazard provides group and individual workforce readiness coaching to students learning English at English for New Bostonians’ community ESOL programs. He helps students prepare for the job market and small business opportunities. Wilfrix supports students as they learn to use technology as part of their job search, learn about U.S. work culture, and connect with employers who will treat them with respect. In Haiti, Wilfrix was a youth teacher, journalist, and a pastor. While a student at Gilbert Albert Community Center, one of ENB’s ESOL sites, he became a student leader advocating for more English classes, and also served on ENB’s Board of Directors for three years. He worked as a cook while attending Urban College where he earned an Associate’s degree in Human Services Administration. Wilfrix speaks Haitian Kreyol, French and English. For Wilfrix, working as an ESOL Career Coach is an opportunity to give back by helping those struggling to have a better life as an immigrant, as he has done himself. He believes ENB gives immigrants “The Key,” and is happy to help extend that key – English classes. Wilfrix knows that by helping others, he helps himself.
Saaran Sillah, Yawkey Club of Roxbury Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston
Saaran Sillah serves as the College Pathways Manager at the Yawkey Club of Roxbury Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. This non-profit organization focuses on intentional programming targeted to development and helping young people realize their full potential as leaders. Over the course of a remarkable career spanning more than a decade, Saaran has experience working with ages 6-21.
In her current role, she guides and supports middle and high school members in developing strategic plans for life after high school. Through personalized mentorship/advising, transformative programming, and academic support, she aims to equip individuals with the tools needed for life success. As a dedicated advocate for educational advancement, Saaran has been instrumental in assisting over 80 seniors navigate the intricate process of college applications and assisted in securing seniors and alum with over 20 scholarships.
Honing into college and career readiness, Saaran has spearheaded impactful programming tailored to youth goals. As part of the College Club program, she facilitates an affordable 10-day Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) tour and Northeast Colleges and Universities tour to expose members to diverse educational opportunities. Recognizing the critical importance of financial literacy, Saaran created Wealth Builders. This new initiative focuses on educating youth on informed financial decisions and investments, with the goal to ultimately address the generational wealth gap that persists in the Boston community. Saaran has an unwavering dedication to creating positive change in the lives of young people and is passionate about the work she does. She hopes to continue to empower our youth to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Recipients of the 2024 Light of Dawnn Scholarship:
- Fidelina Martinez Baez, Boston Latin Academy
- Mimi Ozojiofor, Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School
- Bryan Eduardo Turcios Giron, Boston Latin School
To read about all of the previous Light of Dawnn awardees, visit this page.
