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.
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.
Eben Forbes
Director of Programs
eben@watchcdc.org
Cell: (781) 512-8050
Office: (781)- 891-6689 ext. 302
Eben joined WATCH in March 2026, following six years with the City of Somerville’s Office of Housing Stability, where he preserved tenancies through financial and legal assistance, landlord engagement and policy initiatives. Prior to this he worked with the Community Day Center of Waltham as the Executive Director, and later as a consultant. He has also worked overseas in Myanmar, Laos, Nicaragua, Guatemala and India with non-profit organizations. Eben is fluent in Spanish and proficient in French. In his spare time, he plays jazz guitar, rock and traditional music with other local musicians.
Nafisa Abdinur
Volunteer and Internship Coordinator
Cell: 781-570-4380
Office: 781-891-6689 ext 212
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.
Steve joined WATCH CDC in September 2025 as a part-time Housing Case Manager and later transitioned into a full-time role. He brings several years of experience as a case manager and school liaison with multiple Massachusetts nonprofit organizations, where he has supported families navigating housing instability and other complex challenges. Steve holds a Bachelor of Laws from the State University of Haiti. He also completed a Master's in Diplomacy, earned a Master’s in International Human Rights from Nantes University, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Law at Northeastern University.
As a native Haitian, Steve plays a vital role in helping WATCH CDC strengthen connections and communication with its growing Haitian community. His academic training and professional experience reflect a deep commitment to advocacy, equity, and housing stability. Outside of work, Steve is an avid soccer fan and leads a foundation that helps cover school tuition for children in Haiti. He is passionate about empowering clients to build confidence, achieve stability, and create pathways toward a more secure future.
Paula Pedrosa (she/her) joined WATCH CDC as a temporary Case Manager in December 2025, transitioning into a full-time role in March 2026. Born in Brazil, Paula moved to the US at the age of 6 and was raised by strong Brazilian women who inspired her passion for community, justice, and supporting others.
Before joining WATCH, Paula spent several years working in property management, where she gained firsthand insight into the challenges tenants face navigating the housing system. This experience inspired her commitment to tenant advocacy and access to stable housing. As a proud immigrant and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Paula is dedicated to supporting the diverse Waltham community by helping tenants understand their rights, advocating for their needs, and connecting them with immediate resources.
Jimmy Rodrigues
Data and Outcomes Manager
Cell: 781-570-4357
Office: 781-891-6689 ext 214
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!
Taryn
Seidenspinner
Adult Education Program Manager
Cell: 781-570-4359
Office: 781-891-6689 ext 202
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
Community Engagement Specialist and WCRC Director
Cell: (781) 296-8865
Office: 781-891-6689 ext 201
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.
Genesis Contreras
Administrative Assistant
Cell: 781-512-8052
Office: 781-891-6689 ext. 206
Born and raised in NYC, Genesis moved to Boston to pursue a BA in Media Studies from Tufts University, enchanted by the world of visual storytelling and the power in personal stories to create lasting change. A proud first-gen Afro-Latina, she is driven to amplify marginalized voices and expand service accessibility to improve quality of life within vulnerable communities. In 2023, she began working in care coordination for addiction recovery, and is now pursuing her MPH in Health Equity, bringing a person-first approach to everything she does. Genesis joined WATCH as an Administrative Assistant in February 2026.
Mario David Zepeda is a bilingual marketing and communications leader specializing in storytelling, multimedia, and community engagement. He currently serves as Director of Marketing & Communications at DotHouse Health, where he leads strategic campaigns and multimedia content across digital and print platforms. With a background in journalism and nonprofit work, he has extensive experience in donor communications, fundraising, and community outreach. Mario holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Emerson College and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Spanish from Denison University. Passionate about equity and representation, he brings a DEI-focused lens to his work, helping organizations connect with diverse communities.
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.
Eli Burrell is a neuroscience student at Brandeis University pursuing the pre-med track with the goal of becoming a physician. He is passionate about community service and believes that strong communities are built through accessible resources, education, and support. Through his work with WATCH CDC, Eli is excited to contribute to initiatives that strengthen the Waltham community. Outside of school and volunteering, he enjoys basketball, strength training, and exploring interests in neuroscience and health.
Huawan Zhong
Data Analyst
Huawan joined WATCH CDC in March 2026 as a Data Analyst. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Analytics from Boston University. In her role, Huawan is responsible for analyzing organizational data to provide actionable insights and strategic suggestions that support WATCH’s programs and advocacy efforts. Huawan is passionate about using data-driven storytelling to identify community needs and improve service delivery for the Waltham community. With a focus on accuracy and impact, she is dedicated to help WATCH continue to make informed, effective decisions to strengthen the community.
Maya Schulman
Maya is an aspiring therapist who plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and work to support neurodivergent adolescents and adults. Her area of interest is helping individuals develop tailored strategies for successful life and career interactions. She is prepared to commit to several years of graduate school and is eager to pursue hands-on clinical work along with her own research projects that advance the field while building a more inclusive world.
Adina Saks
Program and Community Engagement Intern
Adina Saks is a sophomore at Brandeis University, studying psychology and public health on the pre-med track. She is passionate about health-related nonprofit work and is excited to give back to the Waltham community through Watch CDC. Adina is a big believer in cultural bridge building through shared resources and education. Outside of Watch CDC, Adina is also involved in Sharsheret at Brandeis, raising awareness about breast and ovarian cancer. In her free time, you can find Adina spending time outside!