We’ve been expanding the SEG team, and could not be more excited to celebrate our newest members! We asked them each why they chose to join the SEG team:
Michael Henderson | Board Member
he/him/his
Michael Henderson is Vice President for Research and Chief Research Officer at Lifespan Corporation . He is trained as a scientist and a patent attorney admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Michael’s research interests include cancer therapy, substance abuse, population health, tax policy, health inequities and medical/health geographies. Michael’s areas of expertise include complex contract negotiations, innovation, technology commercialization, research compliance, and various facets of intellectual property.
Michael holds a BS in Biology from Lincoln University, a JD from Villanova University, a MS in Neuropharmacology from Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine, and an LLM in taxation from Temple University.
Ruth Rodriguez | Manager – Outreach & Spanish Programs
she/her/hers | Hablo español
I love being part of SEG because we help our communities make a social impact and a difference as entrepreneur’s and communities. What drew me in was the diversity and the strong equity values they have at SEG. Getting the chance to do outreach in the community is what excites me about my work and the relationships I have been building throughout my Latin community gives me such gratification knowing that we are making a difference in many peoples lives.
Ruth Rodriguez was born in New York and raised in Boston. As a Boston native and a daughter of a loving, and inspiring teacher she was taught to give back and give forward in her community. She acquired several certificates that contribute to her skill as a multi-faced community leader with experience in human services, coordinating, project management, event planning and customer relations. She received certifications for Microsoft in 2019, Event planning at Ashworth college in 2017 and in Cosmetology at Empire beauty school in 2015. She has been able to promote significant positive change in individuals and communities through advocacy, empowerment, and compassion. She takes pride in engaging in a civically based approach to the community building and is committed to a life-long service based on personal and professional experiences.
Kristine Pearson | Program Coordinator – Talent Management & Newport
they/them/theirs
I had served as an AmeriCorps VISTA at SEG for 3 years when I was offered a permanent position as a Program Coordinator. I was excited for the opportunity to work more closely with the Newport community that I live in. I also look forward to continuing to develop and manage the Talent Matchmaking program.
Kristine’s professional experience includes job coaching for unhoused individuals and serving as a Resident Services Coordinator in Newport, Rhode Island. Prior to this role, Kristine served as Program and Measurement VISTA at SEG for three years. Kristine’s favorite music artists are David Bowie, Joy Division, and Nico.
Margaret Garcia | Hub Manager
she/her/hers | Hablo español
I chose to join SEG because I believe in the power of community. I wanted to be part of a team that helped and encouraged entrepreneurs of all ages and from all fields to pursue their business goals in order to change their own lives and the community they are a part of for the better.
Margaret has always been driven by social change and positively transforming her community. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs create bold and innovative social impact. Her education and communication skills warrant her the ability to cultivate a safe and creative space for entrepreneurial problem -solvers to gather and use their minds to solve our communities toughest challenges. Prior to joining Social Enterprise Greenhouse, Margaret was on the founding team for two Charter Schools right here in Providence. Her professional experience includes over nine years of operational management and providing translation services to different hospitals over Rhode Island. Margaret is receiving her bachelor’s degree from Rhode Island College in English Literature with a concentration on Creative Writing. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends, reading and bringing new life to vintage and second-hand furniture with her business partner and best friend.
Akisch Lenus | Program Coordinator
he/him/his
I joined SEG because of the work being done to improve the lives of individuals and their families. The work being done by SEG is second to none. SEG is the roadmap to success that entrepreneurs need to thrive . I’m excited to bring my past experiences, relationships and expertise to this amazing team. SEG to the WORLD and beyond!
Akisch Lenus is an entrepreneur born on the beautiful Island of St.Maarten. He comes with a background in brand development and management. His experience working with award winning artists, major record labels and internationally recognized brands led him to start Love Trust Loyalty, a management and consultant firm.
Rachael Brady | Program Coordinator
she/her/hers
I am delighted to join the SEG staff after my year here as a VISTA because I get to be a part of creating a more just, resilient, and equitable economy alongside an incredible team and inspiring small businesses and entrepreneurs. I am so excited to work further on language accessibility, program management, and communications initiatives!
Rachael Brady grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She then attended George Washington University where she studied abroad in Santiago, Chile and spent much of her time with the Honey W. Nashman Center where she led a service trip to El Paso, Texas focusing on Immigration and Border Community Rights. In May 2020 she graduated Magna cum laude with a B.A. in International Affairs and Spanish. She wrote her Spanish Honors Thesis on the representation of fragmented families along the US-MX border in modern literature. In October 2020, she joined the Brown University AmeriCorps VISTA Fellowship cohort and is excited to serve as the Program Development VISTA for SEG. She looks forward to learning more about what it means to create a sustainable economy as she supports the expansion of SEG programming to Pawtucket and Central Falls. In her spare time, Rachael enjoys creative writing, exploring, running, and playing piano.