Personal Stories
Embracing Differences: Finance Director Vera Bruursema on Bringing Her Superpower to CM
Finance Director Vera Bruursema was born and raised in Massachusetts and was fortunate to be part of a loving and supportive family that enjoys spending time together. Her high energy is atypical of the average finance professional. She takes pride in forming meaningful relationships with clients and co-workers and enjoys [...]
Change Matrix Staff Celebrate Juneteenth
The United States has many federal holidays, but less is known about the newly appointed federal holiday Juneteenth. Officially recognized by President Biden in 2021, Juneteenth occurs annually on June 19. In January 1863, the first Watch Night took place — when enslaved and free African Americans gathered in secret [...]
From Global Upbringing to Change Agent: Change Consultant Cachet Evans on Defying Conformity
Born in Greece, Change Consultant Cachet Evans was a world traveler at a very young age. Raised in an active military family, she moved quite a lot, even attending school in Italy, Puerto Rico, and Virginia all in one year. Though this was a difficult adjustment, Cachet's life was enriched [...]
Piecing Together the Puzzle: Change Consultant Ryza Corcino on Mental Health Within the Asian Community
Ryza Corcino is a queer, first-generation Filipino American from Southern California. In 2022, they earned their B.S. in Public Health with a concentration in Health Education and Promotion from California Baptist University. Throughout Ryza's college journey, they took on various roles, including serving as the senior captain of their school's [...]
From Rural Roots to Equity Advocate: Manny Stegall on Championing Systemic Change
Manny Stegall is ethnically Mexican and was adopted as an infant by white parents, and grew up in a predominantly rural, white community. Raised in a lower socio-economic bracket, his family greatly benefited from adoptee social programs. Navigating the challenges of being one of the few people of color in [...]
The Power of Languages: Change Consultant Neda Moussapour on Bridging Two Worlds
Neda Moussapour immigrated to the United States from Iran when she was five years old. Though she hasn't been able to go back since elementary school, her identity as an Iranian has remained the most integral part of her life and has tremendously shaped the person that she is today. [...]