State Co-Director
Cynthia joined Clean Water Action Massachusetts in March 2024, bringing with her a tapestry of experience. Born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Cynthia's journey is deeply influenced by her diverse background, including her Puerto Rican and Tiano maternal heritage. Her father served as a minister and a prison chaplain in Massachusetts, and her great-grandfather captained a historic ship that assisted many first-generation Cape-Verdeans Americans escaping colonized islands. Cynthia’s family legacy deepens her understanding of colonialism's impact on our climate crisis.
Later in life, Cynthia worked in her community on many issues, including housing justice and preserving green spaces. Then, friends in the community asked her to run for office! Cynthia won a breakout grassroots campaign for the Rhode Island State Senate. Her tenure as a state senator was marked by a solid commitment to climate advocacy, contributing to the passage of groundbreaking legislation. Her passion for nurturing new leaders has led her to build robust internship programs and serve as a consultant on several campaigns and PACs. She also serves on caucuses and boards at the forefront of policy, diversity, and equity.
Cynthia came to Clean Water Action from an organization dedicated to enacting ambitious climate, racial, and economic justice policies. There, she led projects in recruitment, outreach strategy, major donor fundraising, and policy research and development. Her nonprofit expertise spans human resources, DEIJ, development, policy, and electoral and issue campaigns.
Cynthia brings her human-centered systems thinking to the Clean Water Action team. From growing up in the United Front projects and experiencing environmental racism to carrying on her family heritage of justice, Cynthia is passionate about fighting for clean air, water, and healthy living conditions for all. Her personal and professional work is a testament to her commitment to environmental justice and her belief in the power of collective action to bring about meaningful, lasting change.
