WATCH Staff
For general inquiries, contact WATCH at 781-891-6689. For specific program-related issues, contact the appropriate staff person below.
Daria Gere has been the Executive Director of WATCH since 2013, and formerly served as WATCH'S community organizer. She has over fifteen years of experience in working as an organizer for community based non-profit organizations, including the Massachusetts Senior Action Council, State-wide Organizing for Community Empowerment in Tennessee, and the Community Media Organizing Project. Daria brings her passion for justice, practical experience, and successes in organizing around a variety of issues on local, state and federal policy campaigns.
Tania Lang Burger is the Development Director at WATCH. She came to WATCH in 2013 from more than a decade of experience as Development and Communications Coordinator for a historically African-American non-profit organization in Montgomery, Alabama. At the Federation of Child Care Centers of Alabama, Tania participated in the full range of organizational programs. In addition to managing fundraising, communications, and public relations activities, Tania facilitated workshops and trainings, undertook child care policy research and advocacy, and guided collaborations with partner organizations. She was particularly involved in the organization's signature program for bridging differences in the service of community development and personal empowerment.
Brianna Polanco-Smith is a proud member of the Latino/x community and a passionate advocate for equity and community empowerment. She currently serves as Director of Operations and Media at WATCH CDC, following two years as Campaign and Communications Coordinator. With a B.A. in Public Relations, an MBA from the University of Rhode Island, and a certification in Nonprofit Management, she brings strong communication, leadership, and strategic skills to her work. Brianna’s career centers on storytelling and community-building, and she has earned multiple awards for her commitment to uplifting Black and Brown communities. Whether in nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, or community engagement, Brianna’s mission remains the same: to build and strengthen community.
Vanessa has joined the WATCH CDC team as the newly appointed Housing Clinic Director. Born & raised near Waltham in Providence, RI, Vanessa is of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent, and prides herself on contributing to spaces that support, uplift and empower marginalized communities. She holds her B.A. in Child & Family Studies from Syracuse University, an MSW from Fordham University, and years of experience in non-profit leadership, grass-root organizing and strengths-based advocacy throughout New York State, New York City, and Providence. Vanessa hopes to bring her skillset to Waltham to further her contribution to safe community-based spaces, help those in need navigate necessary resources, and cheer them on as they realize their quality of life spans far beyond their basic needs.
Nafisa Abdinur
Volunteer and Internship Coordinator
Extension 212
Cell: 781-570-4380
Nafisa joined WATCH in June 2023 as the new Volunteer and Internship Coordinator. She is a dedicated social justice advocate with an MBA in Social Impact and an MS in Global Health from Brandeis University. She comes to us with a background in clinical medicine and community health and extensive experience in community engagement and research and a comprehensive understanding of social justice, health, and the challenges vulnerable populations face. Her passions lie in promoting affordable housing, providing civic education and leadership development, and empowering underrepresented residents through civic engagement. With a focus on sustainable solutions and social equity, she is committed to creating a more equitable and just world for all.
Originally from Guatemala, Daisy came to the United States at 13 years old and had to learn a new language and accustom herself to a new life. Daisy preserved and eventually graduated from Sawyer College in 1994 with a degree in Hotel and Tourism Management. Shortly after, Daisy started a 10 year career with American Airlines as a Customer Service Agent. Later, Daisy founded a logistics company that unfortunately closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Daisy started with WATCH in December 2020 and is excited to work with the Waltham community.
Jimmy joined WATCH in January 2022 as the Data and Outcomes Manager. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Health Studies with a Health Promotion specialization in May of 2020 and is now working on a degree in Nursing. Jimmy has been part of many community groups as well as leadership roles at URI. At Watch, he will be managing data pertaining to our many programs and compiling reports which will reflect our own outcomes. He is very passionate about helping others, and he is excited to bring that passion to WATCH!
Jessica, a former intern at WATCH's Housing Clinic, dedicated nearly a year to her work there. With over two years of experience in various housing clinics, she honed her skills in advocacy, breaking down housing barriers, aiding in obtaining essential documents, navigating unemployment, and accessing city assistance and funding. Currently, Jessica serves on the Board of Directors at Silver Lining Mentoring, contributing to program planning and coordination. Her involvement extends to event planning and brainstorming engaging activities. Moreover, she advocates for mentees, addressing their concerns and community issues, emphasizing the values of open communication and consistency as pillars of support. Jessica is currently in her senior year at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, pursuing a degree in Human Services.
Taryn joined WATCH in April 2025 as the Adult Education Program Manager. She holds a B.A. in Secondary Social Studies Education from SUNY Old Westbury and an M.A. in TESOL Education from Adelphi University. Since 2019, Taryn has been dedicated to adult ESOL education. She previously served as an English Language Acquisition Specialist at a nonprofit in Utah, where she supported adult language learners, trained and managed volunteers, and developed personalized curriculum. After relocating to the East Coast, she continued her work as an ESOL teacher at the Waltham Family School. Taryn is passionate about creating safe, inclusive environments where individuals can build confidence and practice their English skills.
Gianfranco Cornejo Gizzi (they/he/she) joined WATCH CDC in early September of 2025. Born and raised in El Salvador, Gian moved to Massachusetts to get his B.A. degree in Political Science and Creative Writing at Clark University, after being an active member of various LGBTQA+, education, youth, social justice, and advocacy-based organizations in his home country. Proud member of the LGBTQA+ and LatinX communities, Gian is passionate about community engagement, building, organizing, and outreach as well as creating partnerships and pathways of access for justice communities. Gian hopes to bring their skillset to straighten the relationships WATCH CDC holds with other key actors, advocates, and volunteers in Waltham, foster a safe space for those navigating the housing system and necessary resources, and build a strong community of advocacy and change.
Nam Dinh
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Gercide Luc
First Time Home Buyer Facilitator
Meet our Interns
To learn how you can intern at WATCH email our Volunteer & Internship Coordinator Nafisa at nafisa@watchcdc.org or visit our jobs and internship page.
Judiana Moise
Housing Clinic Intern
Judiana Moise has a background in research, community outreach, design, GIS data, and communications. She holds a B.A. in Art History and Architecture and is passionate about housing justice, equity-focused planning, and visual storytelling. With experience in data analysis, community engagement, spatial design, and mapping, Judiana brings a multidisciplinary approach to advancing community-based solutions. She is excited to support WATCH CDC’s mission and continue learning how grassroots housing advocacy can drive meaningful impact. Her long-term goal is to pursue a Master’s in Urban Planning.