Crisolita Brito
Founder & CEO
Meet our team; we look forward to working with you.
Crisolita Brito is a passionate community advocate, mother, and founder of Harbor of Hope Foundation. Her journey began in 1995, when she immigrated to the United States with a dream of building a better future through education. While balancing full-time work, high school, and the challenges of starting a new life, she learned firsthand the power of perseverance, opportunity, and hope.
As a mother of three daughters whose educational journeys have shaped her perspective, Crisolita’s commitment to education is deeply personal. Her experiences have strengthened her belief that every child deserves to feel supported, every family deserves to be heard, and every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Rather than simply wishing for a better educational experience for her children and her community, Crisolita chose to become part of the solution. Through Harbor of Hope Foundation, she is building bridges between schools and families, creating opportunities for students, and helping parents become confident partners in their children’s education.
At the heart of her work is a simple but powerful belief: our struggles do not define us; they can become the very foundation upon which we help others rise. Through her leadership, compassion, and lived experiences, Crisolita is committed to creating a community where every child and family has access to the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.
For Crisolita, Harbor of Hope Foundation is more than an organization, it is a reflection of her journey, her family, and her unwavering hope for a brighter future for the next generation.
Dr. Mariza Lopes is a licensed psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health. Her career spans across community mental health, medical, forensic, military, and private practice settings, with a longstanding commitment to culturally responsive care and underserved communities.
She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Boston College, M.A. in Developmental Psychology with a concentration in Risk and Resilience from Columbia University, and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Akron. Her research has focused on culture, resilience, mental health, and underserved populations, including her doctoral research on resilience among Cape Verdean males. In 2024, she authored the book chapter “Cabo Verdeans and Mental Health,” published in Cabo Verdeans in the United States: Twenty-First Century Critical Perspectives.
A Cape Verdean American and multilingual clinician, Dr. Lopes brings her professional experience and connection to the community to Harbor of Hope Foundation. As President, she is committed to strengthening opportunities for youth and families through mental health, education, mentorship, workforce development, and community partnerships.
Mercedes Neves is a school psychologist, educational advocate, and passionate supporter of children, families, and communities. As both an educator and a mother of two, she brings a personal and professional understanding of the importance of creating environments where children feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Throughout her career, Mercedes has worked to bridge gaps between families and educational systems, advocating for equitable access to resources, meaningful opportunities, and the support children need to thrive. Her experience also includes community development work in Washington, D.C., where she supported youth development, adult education, and senior engagement programming within affordable housing communities. These experiences have shaped her belief in the power of education, opportunity, and strong community partnerships to create meaningful and lasting change.
With deep ties to the Pawtucket community, Mercedes brings her expertise in education, mental health, and family advocacy to her role on the Harbor of Hope Foundation board. She is proud to support the Foundation’s mission of empowering individuals and families through education, mentorship, and community engagement, reflecting her personal commitment to uplifting others and expanding opportunities for underserved communities
Jim Vincent se desempeña actualmente como Oficial de Alcance Comunitario en la Autoridad de Tránsito Público de Rhode Island (RIPTA).
Desde 2013 hasta 2019, Jim se desempeñó como Oficial de Cumplimiento en RIPTA, donde supervisó los programas de Igualdad de Oportunidades (EEO), Empresas Comerciales Desfavorecidas (DBE) y el Título VI.
Elegido por primera vez en 2010, Jim cumplió seis mandatos como presidente de la sucursal de la NAACP en Providence. Actualmente se desempeña como Presidente del Comité de Vivienda de la Conferencia del Área de Nueva Inglaterra de la NAACP. También es presidente de la junta directiva del East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP, desde 2004) y de Providence Promise (2023).
También es miembro de la junta directiva de Black Lives Matter RI PAC (2022-2023). Jim es expresidente de la Liga Urbana de Rhode Island (1999-2001), del Centro de Política y Promoción Hispana (CHisPA, 2011-2012) y de los Profesionales de Acción Afirmativa de Rhode Island (RIAAP, 2002-2015). Jim también es miembro del Comité Ejecutivo de la Alianza Africana de Rhode Island (AARI), del Comité de Obras Caritativas de Cox, de la Comisión de Prejuicios y Sesgos de Rhode Island (2023- ), del Consejo de Equidad de Rhode Island, del Grupo de Embajadores Afroamericanos de Providence (AAAG) y miembro a largo plazo del Centro Progresista Caboverdiano.
Desde 2002, Jim ha sido el productor y presentador del programa de televisión Jim Vincent Show. Ha recibido un “Reconocimiento Especial” a la Mejor Serie en los Premios de Televisión COX PEG de Rhode Island (2006) y el Premio a la Diversidad Metcalf para transmisiones de televisión (2006 y 2017). Es Tesorero de la Asociación de Periodistas Negros del Sur de Nueva Inglaterra (SNEABJ).
Durante varios años, Jim participó activamente como Copresidente de la Semana de la Empresa Minoritaria de Rhode Island (MEDWEEK) y del Comité de Comunicaciones de la Herencia Negra de Rhode Island
Nilton Tavares is a dedicated community advocate, entrepreneur, and real estate professional who is passionate about empowering families, creating opportunities, and strengthening the communities he serves.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Sciences with a focus in Social Work, an educational background that has shaped his understanding of the social and economic challenges faced by individuals and families. His passion for helping others extends beyond his education and is reflected in his professional and community involvement.
Nilton plays an integral role at Tavares and Associates, a family-owned business that has established itself as a trusted resource within the community. Through its tax preparation, immigration document assistance, and other essential services, the business serves as a bridge connecting individuals and families to valuable resources and opportunities. His work has given him firsthand insight into the importance of financial literacy, economic stability, and access to reliable community support.
In addition to his work as a tax professional, Nilton is a licensed Realtor and real estate investor. His experience in entrepreneurship, financial management, and property investment has strengthened his belief that financial education and economic empowerment can create lasting opportunities for individuals and future generations.
As Treasurer of Harbor of Hope Foundation, Nilton brings together his background in social work, financial expertise, and commitment to community service. He is dedicated to supporting the foundation’s mission of empowering youth and families through education, mentorship, and access to resources. He believes that strong communities are built when individuals are given the support, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Tina Cardoso is a registered nurse with over 25 years of experience serving diverse immigrant and marginalized populations, primarily in primary care at Boston Medical Center. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UMass Boston in 1998 and her Master of Science in Nursing from Simmons University’s Family Nurse Practitioner program this year! Tina is also a proud mother of three wonder women and a grandmother to two beautiful grandchildren.
In 2016, Tina founded Cape Verdean Women United (CVWU), a nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting, educating, and empowering youth and families across all cultures. CVWU’s work focuses on mental health awareness, violence prevention, including domestic violence, community education and support. The organization has also extended its work internationally through oral health initiatives in Cabo Verde.
Tina made history as the first Cape Verdean woman elected to the Brockton City Council, where she served one term. In 2021, she became the first Cape Verdean woman to run for Mayor of Brockton, winning the preliminary election and advancing to the general election.
She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her leadership and commitment to supporting Brockton’s youth and families.
Through her nursing career, community advocacy, and nonprofit leadership, Tina remains committed to expanding access to care, creating opportunities, and helping Brockton residents build healthier, stronger futures.
More Information Coming Soon !