Meet Our Inspiring Presenters
At the INSPIRE: Massachusetts Youth Leadership Institute, we are honored to host an exceptional group of presenters who are dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders. These educators, activists, and changemakers bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and expertise to the table. Each one is committed to guiding and motivating youth to take bold steps toward positive change in their communities and beyond.
Our presenters are passionate about addressing critical issues such as social justice, civic engagement, environmental sustainability, and equity. Through their compelling stories, interactive sessions, and actionable insights, they aim to ignite a spark in every participant, equipping them with the skills and confidence to lead with purpose and make a difference.
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DEE-1 (Host)
Award-winning Rapper, Educator, and Activist
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Dr. Andrew “Drew” King
MTA Community Schools Program Strategist
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Dr. Gregory Payne
Chair, Department of Communication Studies, Emerson College
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Charlie Rose
Senior Vice President and Dean, City Year
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Shepard Vargo
Boston Program Director for Beat The Streets New England
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Niko Emack
Emerson College Affiliated Faculty
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Kevin Mercuri
CEO and Founder, Propheta Communications; Executive in Residence, Emerson College
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Angelica Fontes
Senior Manager, Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Capacity Building, Health Resources in Action
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Max Page
President, Massachusetts Teacher Association
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Deb McCarthy
Vice President, Massachusetts Teachers Association
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Becky Pringle
President, National Education Association
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Neil Harris
Teacher, Boston Public Schools
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Josh Zakim
Affordable Housing Developer
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Dr. Ricardo D. Rosa
Training & Professional Learning Director, Massachusetts Teachers Association
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Ariana Foster
Regional Organizer, Massachusetts Teachers Association