WHO WE ARE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Boston’s Bridge to Excellence, Board of Directors provides guidance, support and insight to support the growth and sustainability of the organization.

DEJON RICE

Founder & CEO, Boston's Bridge to Excellence

Growing up as a young man from Dorchester, Massachusetts, Dejon attended both charter and public schools. Dejon personally struggled with academics and had to work twice as hard to get good grades. He did not have access to tutors to help, but he persevered, graduated high school and graduated from Wheelock College in 2016. Due to his personal struggles in school, Dejon has made a commitment to provide children with the tools necessary to succeed in school and life so they can reach their full potential as human beings. Through this commitment, Dejon opened Boston’s Bridge to Excellence program in the Boston Public Schools.  Dejon is passionate in bringing together Boston’s Bridge to Excellence programs, school districts and community partners, so they can all work together towards the common goal: all children deserve access to quality education and experiences  in schools, especially during extended learning times.

Sophia Rice
SOPHIA BISHOP-RICE

Chairwoman, Boston's Bridge to Excellence

Sophia Bishop-Rice is the Executive Director of Newton-based Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries. Sophia Communicates a compelling and inspired vision and ensures the implementation of the organization’s mission to mobilize congregations and communities across economic, religious, racial, and ethnic boundaries so that, in partnership, we can work more effectively for a just and peaceful society and for spiritual growth and interfaith understanding. Sophia facilitates continuous and healthy growth of the organization by engaging the team in long-range strategic planning for achieving its mission. Sophia has a working knowledge of research and trends in violence prevention and youth development. Plans and implements short-intermediate- and longer-term opportunities for the organization and provides leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff while implementing Board authorized policies and plans. Deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to foster an environment of inclusiveness Sophia models cultural competence as an ongoing learning experience for all personnel. Sophia lives in Quincy, Massachusetts and in her spare time teaches Values over Violence to youth in the Boston Public Schools and Discovering Justice Mock Trials in partnership with Moakley Courthouse.

Jacqueline Rosario
JACQUELINE ROSARIO

Teacher, Boston Public Schools

Jacqueline Rosario is a passionate and dynamic teacher who has worked in Boston Public Schools for over two decades. She is committed to helping students develop critical thinking skills and is known for her ability to inspire students to love reading and writing. She is also an advocate for social justice and uses her classroom as a platform to promote diversity and inclusiveness. 

SHAHIRA H. BOSTON

Attorney at Law

Bio Coming Soon…