MEET OUR TEAM

Mercedes Parker is a 7 year law enforcement veteran who joined the Girls Reflecting Our World (G.R.O.W.) mentorship program in 2022. She quickly became a mentor within the program and now serves as the Assistant Director of Programs. In this role, Mercedes oversees day to day operations of the initiatives that empower inner-city girls through mentorship, life skills training, and academic and career development. She is passionate about supporting opportunities for young women to thrive and helping them achieve their full potential.

My name is Daniela Baez, and I am a proud first-generation college student at Boston University, entering my final semester as an undergraduate. I am majoring in Psychology and pursuing an undergraduate certificate in Criminal Justice. As an Afro-Latina woman from Roxbury, a historic and resilient neighborhood in Boston, my background has profoundly shaped my passion for advocacy and justice.

After graduation, I plan to take a gap year to gain hands-on experience and embrace new opportunities before continuing my education in graduate school. My long-term goal is to become a forensic psychologist, court clinician, or forensic social worker. By blending my knowledge of psychology and criminal justice, I aim to advocate for individuals who are often marginalized in the system, amplifying their voices and driving meaningful reform for transformative change.

I joined the GROW program in the summer of 2023, and it has been a truly life-changing experience. Through GROW, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with inspiring young women of color and build relationships with professionals across diverse fields, including finance, government, philanthropy, and mental health. GROW has not only provided a powerful sisterhood but also empowered me to explore leadership, community building, and a wide range of career pathways. It has been a transformative space for personal and professional growth, and I’m excited to continue learning and contributing to the program.

Nia McGregor is a technology professional and mentor dedicated to empowering young Black girls in STEM. Originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, she earned her B.A. in Education Studies and Computer Science from Brown University and now works as a Technology Associate at Liberty Mutual Insurance in Boston.

In 2024, Nia joined G.R.O.W. Leadership, where she leads STEM workshops focused on coding, app development, and technology exploration, ensuring girls gain the skills and confidence to thrive in tech. Passionate about diversity and innovation, she is committed to creating opportunities for young women to see themselves reflected in the future of STEM.Outside of work, Nia is a dedicated sports fan (proud Broncos & Avalanche supporter in Boston!) and enjoys reality TV. Through mentorship and education, she continues to pave the way for the next generation of women in tech.

I am a passionate youth leader at G.R.O.W., based in the Dorchester area of Boston. My journey with G.R.O.W. began in high school, when I joined the program as a member in 2021. I was honored to become G.R.O.W.'s first "G.R.O.W. Girl" turned youth leader, and have since taken on a variety of roles within the program.

Currently, I am transitioning into a program leader role, where I am responsible for data collection, operations, and peer mentorship. My leadership position allows me to support my peers while developing critical skills in program management.

In addition to my work at G.R.O.W., I am pursuing a career in emergency medical services (EMS) and have recently applied for an EMT program. My long-term goal is to continue growing in the medical field, with an open mind to exploring other healthcare opportunities along the way.

My name is Kamila Civilus, and I’m from Boston, Massachusetts. I’m currently a junior at Suffolk University, majoring in Psychology. My career goal is to become a therapist, specializing in working with children and teens.

I joined the GROW program in the summer of 2023, and since then, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in various aspects of the program, including operation support, program facilitation, administrative tasks, and peer mentorship. Being a part of GROW has not only allowed me to contribute to the development of others but has also provided invaluable personal and professional growth. I’ve enjoyed the chance to meet and learn from the young girls I work with, and I’m excited to continue developing my skills in this meaningful and supportive environment.

Analisa is a former G.R.O.W. participant turned program leader, dedicated to mentorship, mental health awareness, and youth empowerment. A Psychology major at Simmons University, she is passionate about understanding human behavior and using her knowledge to support and uplift young women.

Beyond academics, Analisa enjoys reading, arts and crafts, and continuous learning. Now leading within G.R.O.W., she is committed to helping the next generation of girls develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self—just as the program once did for her.