She has been instrumental in connecting families to vital resources and fostering an environment conducive to personal and professional growth on a road to self-sustainability.
WORCESTER, MA, June 21, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Tasia L. Cerezo has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Cerezo has dedicated over a decade to the nonprofit sector, with a particular focus on underserved youth. As the chief executive officer and president of Meryl's Safe Haven, Inc. she has been instrumental in connecting families to vital resources and fostering an environment conducive to personal and professional growth on a road to self-sustainability. Prior to her current role, Dr. Cerezo served as the director of YouthWorks at Commonwealth Corporation, where she supported the development of curriculum development and has developed and enhanced impactful programs aimed at enhancing youth employment opportunities and skill attainment.
Dr. Cerezo's commitment to education and community extended into academia as an adjunct professor at Merrimack College, where she shared her expertise in nonprofit management and community engagement with the next generation of leaders. Her career also includes significant roles as a program manager for AmeriCorps VISTA at Campus Compact, as an academic advisor and transfer counselor at Mount Wachusett Community College, and in various positions at North Shore Community College—all positions that underscored her dedication to student success and community involvement.
Dr. Cerezo's journey in the nonprofit sector began early, influenced by her mother's leadership in a nonprofit organization which started at their church. This upbringing instilled in her a passion for giving back, community and education, leading her to pursue a career that bridges both fields. Those aspirations are backed by an impressive academic foundation, beginning with Dr. Cerezo receiving a bachelor's degree in psychology from Spelman College in 2008. She went on to earn a Master of Education in community engagement from Merrimack College in 2016, followed by completing her Doctor of Education at Regis College in 2020. Dr. Cerezo's pursuit of continuous learning is further evidenced by her certifications; she is a certified conflict manager from the Management and Strategy Institute and has earned several certifications from LinkedIn.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Cerezo has contributed significantly to civic engagement and literature. She has volunteered with the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and served as a VISTA Leader for AmeriCorps. Dr. Cerezo's literary contributions include co-authoring "Ensuring Success for Students Who Transfer: The Importance of Career and Professional Development" in 2024, and authoring "Fostered Love: The Journey of Foster-Parents" in 2023 and "Familiar Stranger" in 2014 in addition to her work and research around first-generation college students. These works reflect her deep commitment to addressing complex social issues through both action and advocacy.
Looking ahead, Dr. Cerezo envisions a future where Meryl's Safe Haven operates independently of federal and/or state funding sources, emphasizing sustainability and autonomy. Her long-term goal is to transition towards educational leadership at the community college level, aspiring to impact higher education through innovative leadership and policy reform. This vision underscores Dr. Cerezo's lifelong commitment to empowering individuals through education and support services, aiming to leave a lasting legacy that transcends her immediate professional achievements.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
# # #