Main Number: (617) 524-3541

Lisa Owens, Executive Director
Ext. 307 lowens@clvu.org

Steve Meacham, Organizing Coordinator
Ext. 310 smeacham@clvu.org

Denise Matthews-Turner, Office/Human Resource Manager
Ext. 317 dmturner@clvu.org

Antonio Ennis, Community Organizer
Ext. 301 aennis@clvu.org

Frances Amador, East Boston/North Side Organizer (English/Spanish)
(617) 397-3773, famador@clvu.org

Gabriela Cartagena, East Boston/North Side Organizer (English/Spanish)
(617) 397-3773, gcartagena@clvu.org

In Memoriam

James Brooks, Community Organizer

Board of Directors

Lawrence Carty has been a member of CL/VU for over three years. They bring an analytical perspective from the world of software development fused with a passion for principle from his lived experience as a Black person who identifies outside of the gender binary. Lawrence serves on the Executive Committee of CL/VU’s member Leadership Team and brings the skills of empathy, rational analysis, and an intuitive feel for patterns in large data to his service on the Leadership Team’s Evaluation Committee. They hold an A.B. in Economics from Harvard and has an extensive background in software design management/consulting. 

Alma Chislom came to City Life as a tenant living in a foreclosed building. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of CL/VU’s member Leadership Team and as a Community Land Trust (CLT) Ambassador, bringing together other CLT residents, to educate and encourage them so that they can to participate actively in governing their housing. She will also build knowledge and awareness about the CLT model through outreach. Her current professional role leading a team in the healthcare field and especially her experience as a single mother of five have enabled her to practice and refine skills of building unity, listening, and teaching which she brings to her leadership roles here.

Luis Erasmo came to City Life in early 2018 to learn more about his housing rights. Recognizing the great need for housing rights information, particularly for Spanish-speakers, Luis quickly became a leader in the effort to distribute informational flyers in community venues in East Boston and to inform people about City Life. He is also an active member of Cosecha, working on the campaign to establish a Municipal ID program.

Laura Foner has been a CLVU member since 1977, veteran community activist for over 40 years. Program experience Working closely with many schools, day care and after school programs, families, and other community organizations.

Heather Gordon-Gayle (Vice Chair) has been a Jamaica Plain resident since 1984. She became a member of CLVU in 2009 while fighting her own housing issues. Heather became a vital and vocal leader of the movement; and has served on the Executive Committee of the member Leadership Team. She was a fund accountant in the financial industry for over thirty-five years.

Carolyn Lomax (Chair) is the CL/VU Board Vice President. Carolyn has lived in Dorchester for more than 30 years and has been self employed as a cosmetologist for more than 20 years. She came to her first City Life/Vida Urbana meeting in October 2009 and became a member in March 2010. She is a member of the Executive, Finance and Membership Committees.

Maura Russell (Treasurer) is a member of the Dorchester-Roxbury Labor Committee, Board Member of Community Works (serves as Treasurer). Past Executive Director of Women in the Building Trades. Founder of the Association of Self Employed Tradeswomen.

Juana Sanchez joined City Life two years ago when her building was purchased by a corporation that planned to clear out the building for redevelopment. Through active organizing, she and her neighbors have prevented these evictions. Prior to coming to City Life, Juana was a volunteer workers’ rights organizer with MassCOSH. She serves on CL/VU’s member Leadership Team.

Mike Wolfson (Secretary) is a community member, and past Board member of Jamaica Plain APAC. He serves on the Fundraising Committee.