Since last summer, 78 individuals from 9 different Boston neighborhoods and 12 neighborhood organizations have been recruited, trained and supported to become effective champions for Policy, System and Environmental improvements in Boston neighborhoods. Get to know a few of them below!

Kerry Cameron

Age: 26
Organization: Neponset Health Center
Neighborhood: South Dorchester
Topic Area: Active Transit
Why did you become involved with the Healthy Community Champions Program? I thought the Healthy Community Champions program would be a great way to intertwine becoming more involved in the community and my passion for health and wellness.
What are you hoping to accomplish? I’m really hoping to instill that passion I have for health and wellness into others in the community. Because not everyone has access to the same resources, I hope we can provide community members with the resources they need and then motivate them to take advantage of those resources to increase their physical activity level through biking.
What have you accomplished to date – personally or as a team? As a team, we held a very successful Keep It Rolling Event by partnering with Boston Bikes and Leahy Holloran Community Center! I also feel like I have accomplished a lot personally with different leadership skills.

Tiffany Cogell

Age: 46
Organization: Talbot Norfolk Triangle / The Boston Project Ministries
‬‬‬‬‬‬Neighborhood: TNT/Codman Square/Dorchester
Topic Area: Active Transit
Why did you become involved with the Healthy Community Champions Program? As a young girl I was a ballerina, a cheerleader, and an athlete. I had good health, took my vitamins every day, before it became a fad, and led an active lifestyle. After getting older and focusing on family and career there was less time for physical activity. I became sedentary and obese and pre-diabetic. Three years ago, I had surgery to correct a 13 year old injury. I promised myself that if/when my knee healed and I could finally run – I’d never take mobility and health for granted again. I lost over 50 pounds and worked to strengthen my knee every day. At 276 pounds, running anywhere felt impossible. Running, jumping, climbing and simply being active is now a reality for me again, and I have avoided developing diabetes. Last year I took a position as a Block Steward. Through my community work with TNT/TBPM the opportunity was presented to become an HCC. Now I have the privilege of raising awareness about the importance of Active Transit – whether it be walking, biking, or just finding a way to be active every day – physical activity is essential to a healthy lifestyle. It is my pleasure to participate in an initiative to serve my neighbors in this way.
What are you hoping to accomplish? My goal for myself is to continue striving to make healthy food choices and engage in some form of physical activity each day to get closer to the healthiest me possible and set a good example for my children. Every day isn’t a great day, but I never give up. My goal for my community is to bring awareness to the positive benefits of physical activity and to start conversations about how anyone at any age or size can improve their health and quality of life.
What have you accomplished to date – personally or as a team? Gratefully, I had the opportunity to participate in the summer program with Poder Latino in Codman Commons this past summer teaching stretching techniques and strength training every Friday. I was also asked to lead a children’s Zumba class at Charles Yancey’s Book Fair. I had a great time. As a group, TNT/TBPM, under the direction of Paul Malkemes and Bill Snyder, Mari, Takiyah and I have been able to utilize the Active Transit initiative to broaden our scope of service to our neighbors in the Talbot Norfolk Triangle; we’re working on initiatives that will bring about measureable progress in the areas of safety, walkability, bikeability, improved health and quality of life.

Michelle Harrison

Age: 33
Organization: Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation
‬‬‬‬‬‬Neighborhood: Allston Brighton
Topic Area: Healthy Food & Beverage Access and Active Transit
Why did you become involved with the Healthy Community Champions Program? I had been working on becoming healthier and I wished that there were more options available in Allston Brighton. Healthy food can be expensive and somewhat difficult to get to without a car and so when I was introduced to this project, I jumped at the chance because I would love for my neighborhood to be healthier and offer more options.
What are you hoping to accomplish? I’m hoping to bring more awareness about these organizations and their missions to the community. I want the community at large to realize that they have a voice and they can impact change. I also want to develop as a leader personally and step out of my comfort zone somewhat.
What have you accomplished to date – personally or as a team?  We have gotten at least one CVS to jump on board to potentially pledge to carry healthier food and drinks. We attended a number of public meetings related to Active Transit, allowing us to see what changes are being proposed as well as the receptivity of other neighbors. We also attended the launch of the Hubway station by St. Elizabeth’s Hospital which again allowed us to be more visible.

Hugh Roach

Age: 65
Organization: Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition (MFFC)
Neighborhood: Mattapan
Topic Area(s): Active Transit and Healthy Food & Beverages
Why did you become involved with the Healthy Community Champions Program? Accidentally. I read an article in the Bay State Banner in reference to the state of health in the “Black” community and I was surprised to learn that the incidents of diabetes, Hypertension and obesity was highest amongst residents of Mattapan. But then again, I was not surprised when I looked at the community diversity and having some idea of the foods that are available to the community, the number of “cook shops” prevalent and their menus, appetizing but definitely not healthy. When I met Vivian Ortiz (MFFC) and she asked if I would be interested in being involved in this program, I said yes for the stated reasons. Also I felt that I would have access to information that could broaden my scope of understanding of these issues.
What have you accomplished to date – personally or as a team? Personally, I have been able to ride my bicycle from Mattapan to Castle island incorporating the Neponset River Greenway. As a team, we have surveyed residents at Adams Court (Mattapan), Mattapan Farmers Market & Gallivan Community Center, and the Mattapan Community Health Center fair. Our involvement in bike safety includes passing out lights in Mattapan Square and attending the New England Bike-Walk Summit in Worcester. We also participated in the introduction to the Kennedy Community Garden and Fairmount Line (commuter rail).

Denise Roman

Age: 23
Organization: Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation
Neighborhood: North Dorchester
Topic Area: Smoke-Free Housing and Safe Routes to School
Why did you become involved with the Healthy Community Champions Program? I became involved with the Healthy Community Champions program because I was born and raised in Boston and I loved the idea of becoming part of a good change to Boston. Since starting as an HCC, I’ve transitioned to a staff position at the DBEDC, as a Resident Engagement Coordinator and now work alongside the HCCs.
What are you hoping to accomplish? I am hoping to change people’s lives in a positive way. I am also hoping for everyone in Boston to know us and know the work that we do for our community.
What have you accomplished to date – personally or as a team? We have accomplished numerous things so far. The most important one to us was building a team to work together to be the voice of Boston. Before knowing about this program I had no idea it existed, and then to be asked to be part of it was a great feeling/ life-changing for me. I’ve learned so many things that I never knew about.