WORCESTER—The Worcester Community Action Council has added a familiar name in local nonprofit circles to its leadership ranks.
Echo Louissaint-Collins, a Worcester-based human services professional and youth advocate, has been appointed to the agency’s board of directors, the organization announced this week. WCAC, founded in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “war on poverty,” serves as the federally designated community action agency for Central Massachusetts, providing programs aimed at helping individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Louissaint-Collins serves as an HR generalist and internship coordinator at Seven Hills Foundation and is the founder and executive director of 508 C.H.E.E.R.S., a youth leadership and community service organization focused on food security, youth employment and civic engagement, according to the announcement. She has also served on multiple local boards and advisory committees and has been recognized with the United Way Women’s Initiative Lois B. Green Leadership Award and as a Worcester Magazine Hometown Hero.
“It is truly an honor to serve on the WCAC board,” Louissaint-Collins said in the announcement. “This agency has long been a pillar in our community, and both personally and professionally I have seen the impact of its work. Giving back to an organization that has supported so many families, including those I serve through 508 C.H.E.E.R.S., feels deeply meaningful. I believe when we invest in our community, we strengthen it for everyone. I am excited to contribute my voice, lived experience, and commitment to service as we continue to aim toward dismantling poverty by building pathways of opportunity, stability, and hope for Worcester.”
WCAC Board Chair Kristen Lemire said in the release that she looks forward to welcoming Louissaint-Collins to the board, citing her “enthusiasm, energy, and a unique voice, along with a strong connection to the diverse community that we serve.”
WCAC Chief Executive Officer Marybeth Campbell said the organization is “thrilled to welcome Echo to the WCAC board for a three-year term,” noting her experience as a partner, client and advocate for the agency.
WCAC serves the city of Worcester and 45 surrounding communities through programs and partnerships designed to expand economic opportunity and stability.
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