Leadership
Our work builds bridges from jail to college, for individuals and for communities seeking stronger, more just futures.
Our Team
Nicole J. Hendricks
Executive Director & Co-Founder
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Nicole co-founded Western Mass CORE and formerly served as a Senior Policy Analyst at the Council of State Governments Justice Center, where she provided training and technical assistance to federal grantees focused on children of incarcerated parents. She brings over two decades of experience in criminal legal system education and policy, including roles as a professor at Holyoke Community College and as a research associate at the Vera Institute of Justice. Nicole holds degrees from Wesleyan University and NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service. Away from work, Nicole is rooted in the everyday rhythms of parenting, planting, and rowing on the Connecticut River.
Norma Hairston
Community Engagement Manager
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Norma is a dedicated professional with a long-standing commitment to recovery, education, and community service. With lived experience in both addiction recovery and incarceration, she brings a powerful and personal perspective to her work. She most recently served as a Recruitment Counselor at Holyoke Community College, supporting students—especially those impacted by the criminal legal system—in pursuing their educational goals. In 2023, she earned her Recovery Coach certification from Choice Recovery and her Community Health Worker certification from Holyoke Community College. She is currently completing her Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. Norma is grateful to work alongside others who are rebuilding their lives and is a strong advocate for accessible pathways to college and career. She is passionate about helping people with any criminal history find their way back to education and opportunity, and believes everyone deserves the chance to define their own future after incarceration. Norma is committed to creating supportive, empowering environments that foster growth, healing, and resilience.
Brianna Owen
Program Manager
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Brianna is a community-rooted educator and justice advocate with over 8 years experience advancing equity across public safety, youth development, and education, with a particular focus on increasing access to resources for historically marginalized communities, especially young people transitioning out of the foster care system. She co-founded the Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service (CRESS), Massachusetts’ first-ever alternative response service rooted in anti-racism and trauma-informed care. Her leadership experience includes serving as Chief of Staff at 80 Acres, Director of Community Engagement & Impact at The Rise Above Foundation, and Program Director at Friends of Children. Brianna holds a B.A. in Legal Studies from UMass Amherst and certificates in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Nonprofit Management. Outside of work, Brianna enjoys hiking and soaking up nature in the Valley, spending quality time with her family, and unwinding by the beach.
Steering Committee
Alyssa Golden
Senior Supervising Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Unit, Community Legal Aid
Terrell Joyner
MBA CFP, Financial Advisor, Charter Oak Financial
Jared Loggins
Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Black Studies and Political Science, Amherst College
Mary Orisich
Professor of Economic, Holyoke Community College, Co-Founder, Western Mass CORE
Ramona Reno-Rivera
Executive Director of Re-entry & Recovery Services, MassHire Holyoke
Israel Rivera
At-Large City Councilor, City of Holyoke