

Spring Celebration 2023 - Champions of Community Action
Leonard Tshitenge
Certified poet, member of the Great Black Speakers’Association, and consultant and artist in the African diaspora, founder of Consciously Exposed Consulting. (see Bio below)
Nominated an Honoree for Black History Month and Interviewed by Elizabeth A. Wando, Rehousing and Stabilization Case Manager – Community Teamwork
Primary Questions:
What is your title/role/organization and involvement in the community?
I am a Consultant and Artist specializing in African Diaspora Engagement with a Master’s in psychology and mental health and a doctoral student in leadership psychology. I founded “Consciously Exposed Consulting”, which uses psychological, artistic, and cultural approaches to improve business innovation, community building, and development programming. I work with African immigrant communities, marginalized Black fathers, and entrepreneurs to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through leadership, social impact, and organizational culture.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a celebration of black excellence and the contributions of African American men and women to the building of America. It is an opportunity to unite the African diaspora and celebrate cultural nuances.
What can the community do to recognize Black History during the year?
To better recognize Black History throughout the year, the community should be committed and intentional in educating children, families, and themselves about the contributions of African American heroes and theorists. The focus should be on building strength, talent, and resilience within the community and celebrating each other’s talents through intentional community-building activities.
Optional Questions:
What has been the most rewarding part of your commitment to the community?
The most rewarding part of my commitment to the community has been learning from marginalized, low-income members and building initiatives that amplify their voices and create visibility for marginalized communities.
How have you seen your efforts make a positive difference in people’s lives?
I have seen my efforts make a positive difference in people’s lives through my involvement and collaboration with community-based organizations and leaders, as well as through my clients.
What advice would you give to future generations of leaders in the community?
My advice to future generations of leaders in the community would be to understand that their gift should be a gift to their community. They should practice cultural humility, and authentic, and transformational leadership to create space for followers to shine, and remain humble, practicing empathy and cultural humility.
How did you become inspired to make a difference in your community?
I became inspired to make a difference in my community through my passion for Africa and the African diaspora population, and my commitment to uplifting marginalized voices.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future to further your positive impact?
I hope to further my positive impact by completing my doctoral program.
What have been some of your greatest accomplishments in your field?
Some of my most notable accomplishments in my field include the recognition and awards I have received over the past 12 years and my proficiency in utilizing artistic, psychological, and cultural methods to enhance community building, entrepreneurship, and mental health in the cities of Boston, Lowell, Africa, and the African diaspora.
What advice would you give to young people looking to make a positive influence in their community?
My advice to young people looking to make a positive influence in their community would be to invest in self-love, and self-worth, seek mentorship and surround themselves with positive people and environments. Young people are the future.
What would you say are the most important qualities needed to become a leader in the community?
The most important qualities needed to become a leader in the community are empathy, cultural humility, active listening, and the ability to lead through an authentic and transformational leadership lens.
How has your experience as a Black person influenced your work?
My experience as a Black person has influenced my work by providing me with a deeper sense of cross-cultural topics and emotional intelligence, as well as a unique perspective as a Black person.
What advice would you give to other young Black people looking to make a difference in their communities?
Remember Nelson Mandela said “Education is the most weapon one can use to change the world” so seek guidance from mentors, learn from inspiring leaders, utilize your unique strengths and abilities, prioritize personal growth, healing, and authenticity, and never forget the power of faith and spiritual traditions in building resilience and strength.
What was the most difficult obstacle you had to overcome to become a leader in your community?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome to become a leader in my community was navigating linguistic and cultural limitations, as well as being overlooked while balancing my blended identities. However, I view these challenges as gifts that make me unique, and I believe that God’s strength and power shine through our ancestors, allowing us to continue to heal and grow as a community.
Bio
Leonard Tshitenge is a trailblazer in the field of African diaspora engagement, bringing a unique combination of creativity, expertise, and passion to the table. As a certified poet, a member of the Great Black Speakers’ Association, and a consultant on the African diaspora, Leonard is a force to be reckoned with. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Science in Psychology/Mental Health from the same institution and is currently pursuing his doctorate in Leadership Psychology at William James College.
With a deep understanding of cross-cultural topics and emotional intelligence, Leonard leverages his artistic skills to drive meaningful change. He founded Consciously Exposed Consulting in 2013, with the goal of elevating the voices of marginalized communities in the United States and across Africa and the African diaspora. Through this platform, Leonard works with organizations and universities to foster cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion, making a positive impact on society.
As a Certified Minority Business Enterprise, Leonard is committed to excellence in all he does. With his powerful voice and unwavering dedication, he is poised to leave a lasting legacy of impact, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.
#CommunityLeader #Leadership #Appreciation #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackLivesMatter #DEIatCTI #grateful #LowellBlackExcellence
During Black History Month, CTI will be publishing profile features of local Black leaders to celebrate #LowellBlackExcellence. Check back regularly throughout the month as we hear from our leaders in their own words about their experiences, perspectives and wisdom as Black leaders in our local communities.
Nokuthula (“Thula”) Sibanda, Ph.D., Chief of Staff for the Department of Youth Services
By Carl Howell, CTI’s Chief Program Officer
CTI is honored to recognize the Chief of Staff for the Department of Youth Services, Nokuthula (“Thula”) Sibanda, Ph.D., during Black History Month for her leadership and dedication to the community.
Dr. Sibanda has been a vital voice and leader for youth across the Commonwealth and especially here in Lowell. She has impacted policy and services to provide more supportive services to youth engaged in the State’s juvenile justice system. She has been an advocate to build safer communities and collaborations for an equitable and fair system for our youth. In her work, she has a personal understanding of where the youth are coming from, “Their communities are my communities; I could have easily have been one of them.”
Dr. Sibanda believes Black History Month is a time to appreciate and acknowledge Black Excellence, both past and present. It is also a time where we honor those who have paved the way for us and to remember that the work is not yet done. She feels that we need to further our acknowledgment of Black Excellence and not limit it to just a month but emphasize it in everything communities do, and to make an effort to uplift the contributions that Black people have made throughout the year.
When asked what advice would she would give young people, she stated, “Own your voice and speak up against injustices that you encounter. You are the community! Embrace it and participate in activities that are focused on cultivating change.”
As a young Black woman in leadership, Dr. Sibanda has often found herself in rooms where no one looked like her. She was always the “other”, the anomaly, the one who watched others being referred to by their titles or credentials. She always wondered when someone would use her title or refer to her as “Dr. Sibanda”. She has been asked many times why she keeps showing up to those meetings. For her, the answer has always been, “As long as we have a disproportionate number of Black and Brown youth in detention facilities, then I will keep showing up because they do not have a choice but I have the opportunity to advocate and that’s what I continue to do.” Her advice to young Black leaders is to find what you are passionate about and keep showing up until the change takes place.
We are grateful for Dr. Sibanda’s commitment and passion for making our community and state a better place.
#CommunityLeader #Leadership #Appreciation #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackLivesMatter #DEIatCTI #grateful
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Pam Houlares is a native Bostonian born into a large Greek family. She grew up in a large extended family with aunts, uncles and cousins in the Boston area. Both sisters, including her twin, experienced a strong bond with their Greek culture and identity. After graduation from UMass Amherst, Pam’s older sister became a nun in Greece and has lived there for about 50 years. Her twin sister, Natalie, is a real estate broker with Sotheby’s in Boston.
In Pam’s 37 years in education, she began as a Spanish teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and ultimately, a Principal of Jonas Clarke Middle School in Lexington, MA. After retirement, Pam worked in two colleges as an Adjunct Professor instructing courses in administration and continues as a Spanish tutor in her home -town.
During 2016 – 2020, Pam served as the President of the Hellenic Women’s Benevolent Association, a non-profit that oversees the Hellenic Nursing Home in Canton, MA. In fact, Pam’s mother, Jennie, was one of the founders of the nursing home in 1973. Pam continues to serve on the Board of Directors at the Hellenic Home.
Pam and Jim have four grandchildren, James, Conor, Catherine and Theodore, who live nearby, Aside from some babysitting, Pam and Jim feel very fortunate that they are very close and celebrate holidays and family events together.
Pam’s husband, James, has devoted his entire career to early childhood education. Jim displays that same enthusiasm and love of children to this day, and is adored by his children and grandchildren, alike. Both Pam and Jim are pleased that to continue to be a part of the CTI family and have contributed greatly to the Early Education programs at Community Teamwork.
James Houlares was born and raised in Auburn, Maine, He has a twin sister and also married a twin who has a twin sister as well. James has an older and younger brother as well. James and Pam have been married since 1974 and lived in Wellesley and now South Natick. They have two children, Nathaniel and Elena, named after my father-in-law and mother. Nathaniel and Christina have two children, Catherine (2.5 years old) and Theodore (7 months). Elena and John have two children, James (9) and Conor (7).
In1962, Jim arrived in Boston to attend the Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology to earn a Bachelors and an advanced degree. His studies continued at the University of MA in Amherst where he earned his Masters. Jim’s first job with Head Start was as a teacher in Lewiston, Maine 1969 – 1971. After earning his Masters, in 1973, he was hired as an Education Coordinator at the Head Start program at Community Teamwork. At that time, CTI served 120 children in six classrooms. When Jim retired in 2005, the Agency served more than 516 Head Start and Early Head Start children.
During Jim’s 32 years at Community Teamwork, he was involved with many challenging and exciting initiatives including:
MA Education Coordinators Association
CDA Advisor and Instructor
State Supplemental Funding for Head Start Programs
Planned and designed the James A Houlares Early Learning Center in Lowell
Chaired the State Head Start Association
Hiring the First Executive Director of the MA Head Start Association
Chaired the New England Head Start Association
Jim presently serves on the following boards: New England Head Start (NEHSA), National Head Start (NHSA), and the Thom Child and Family Services.
Jim is forever grateful to Community Teamwork Inc. for the opportunities it offered to him in the field of early learning and care for children and families, and Community Teamwork is forever grateful to Jim for his contributions to the field of Early Learning and his additional contributions to Community Teamwork over the past few years.
Community Teamwork is celebrating Bill Lipchitz’s retirement after a legendary 51-year career. He currently serves as the Director of Real Estate Operations for Common Ground Development Corporation, a Community Teamwork subsidiary that develops affordable housing for low-income families in northeast Massachusetts. He oversees several other Community Teamwork subsidiaries, including Merrimack Valley Housing Services, Inc. and Mechanics Hall Corporation, and serves as a Special Assistant to the Executive Director working with the Community Teamwork Board on Board Development and Governance.
Bill’s career at Community Teamwork started in 1971 when he was hired as a Community Planner. Initially, Bill was assigned to the Town of Dracut to assist the Town in identifying and applying for grants. Bill was quickly promoted to Deputy Director of the Agency and served in that position for many years. Bill transitioned to oversee the Agency’s subsidiary, to assist Common Ground in implementing its vision of building and managing a portfolio of affordable housing. Common Ground has grown, and now supports family and senior housing in Methuen, Lowell, Acton, and Westford. Common Ground is currently working on new developments in Acton and Dracut and is assisting Community Teamwork and its partners in developing at least 300 units of permanent housing for homeless individuals.
Bill has devoted his life’s work to Community Action and to the City of Lowell, not only at Community Teamwork but in his many other roles including serving as Clerk of the Lowell Development and Financial Corporation, President of the Center City Committee, and on the Boards of the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA), Lowell Heritage Partnership, and the National Community Action Foundation. Bill was also deeply involved with the Friends of Lowell High School and Shedd Park Baseball (where he served as Baseball Commissioner!)
Bill has also mentored many staff at Community Teamwork and beyond. His love of his family, City, and work all centered Bill’s life and career. Passing on his passions and knowledge has helped move the career path forward for many staff and community members over the years.
Bill holds a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Lowell Technological Institute (now UMass Lowell), a Master’s in Organic Chemistry and a Master’s in Urban Affairs from Boston University. We are all fortunate that Bill left his first career teaching at the college level. Bill is the proud father of Rebecca and Will and grandfather of five.
Aleksandra Tugbiyele (née Ward) is a Development professional turned Executive Assistant that builds relationships to make positive change. Her Lowell story began when she transferred to UMass Lowell and earned her BA in English. Since then, Aleksandra has helped raise nearly $100M for local and national non-profit organizations including the Children’s Trust Fund, UTEC, Acre Family Child Care, and Jumpstart for Young Children.
Aleksandra is a passionate advocate and volunteer in our community. She is currently serving on the Board of Trustees for Community Teamwork, Inc,; is a member of the DEI Consortium- Lowell, and was recently appointed to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Black Men and Boys. In her current role within the Office of the President at Middlesex Community College (MCC), Aleksandra provides administrative and operations support. She is also a part- time student! Above all, her favorite “job” is “Best Friend and Wife” to Bobby, and “Mom” to Sammuel and Ellis.
Originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, Aleksandra is from a family of heroes. She is the proud daughter of a teacher and a fire-fighter, and is the big sister to a nurse. She adores bagpipes, describes fire truck sirens as a “lullaby”, and drinks mostly Polar seltzer and Bustelo coffee . In her spare time she enjoys supporting small businesses, and together with her children practicing Kung-Fu and tending their plot at the Rotary Park community garden.
Bobby Tugbiyele (2-B-L-AY) is the Founder and CEO of The Leap Network, LLC, a multi-specialty recruitment firm specializing in the staffing and placement of medical professionals and administrators. Prior to launching his firm in 2017, Bobby was the Recruiting Manager for Lowell Community Health Center and oversaw the career services and job development arm of Community Teamwork Inc.’s Workforce Development division.
He currently serves on the Board of Corporators for Lowell General Hospital, a board member for the Massachusetts Workforce Association, and is a member of the Middlesex 3 Coalition, which is focused on economic development, job growth and retention in Middlesex County. He is an advisory board member for UMass Lowell’s College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (FAHSS) as well the Entrepreneurship-For-All (EForAll) business accelerator program. He is a former Trustee of the Merrimack Repertory Theatre and former President of the Center City Committee, which advocated and spearheaded public-private collaborative projects for the betterment of the downtown area. He is a Co-Founder and organizer of The Foundation Mixer, a networking event series for ascending professionals to foster greater connections, engagement and collaboration.
In 2018, Bobby was awarded Young Professional of the Year by the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce. Bobby has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and minor in History from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Boston University.
Last year, Bobby was a first time City-Wide candidate for Lowell City Council who placed 4th place with over 4100 votes. He currently resides in Downtown Lowell with his wife, Aleksandra, and two sons, Samuel and Ellis.