WORCESTER—Quinsigamond Community College has appointed three new members to its Board of Trustees, adding to the college’s leadership those with backgrounds in law, nonprofit advocacy and public education.
The appointments of Max German, Maricelis “Mari” Gonzalez and Jessica Mandes were made in October and November by Gov. Maura Healey, following recommendations from the Public Education Nominating Council, according to a college announcement issued recently.
“We are thrilled to have the new members on board,” QCC Board Chair Dr. Linda Maykel said. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, and it’s great to be working together towards our goals.”
German is currently a student at Boston College Law School and a graduate of Quinsigamond Community College. After completing his studies at QCC, he transferred to Boston College and brings experience in labor, politics and government, while maintaining strong ties to Worcester.
Gonzalez serves as executive director of El Buen Samaritano Food Program Inc., a Worcester-based nonprofit focused on combating food insecurity and supporting vulnerable families.
She has more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and advocacy and is a member of Gov. Healey’s Latino Empowerment Council. Her recognitions include being named Worcester Business Journal’s 2025 Nonprofit Business Leader of the Year and receiving the Telegram & Gazette’s “Hometown Hero” honor in 2021.
Mandes, a Worcester native and first-generation college graduate, is the director of multilingual education for Worcester Public Schools. She has more than 25 years of experience in youth work and 15 years in public education and is an advocate for multilingual learners. Mandes also serves on several boards, including Worcester Latino Dollars for Scholars.
“These new trustees bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to education and community,” QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja said in the announcement. “Their leadership will help guide QCC as we continue to serve our students and the region.”
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