Arkeem Samuel, a proud 2012 graduate of BDEA, is a dedicated social worker and mental health professional committed to supporting children, families, and individuals with diverse needs. He currently serves as a Clinical Adjustment Counselor at Newton Central High and is pursuing his Master of Social Work.

Arkeem brings years of experience across residential programs, schools, and community-based mental health services, including roles with MAB Community Services, Ivy Street School, and South Shore Mental Health. His work has focused on helping individuals on the autism spectrum and others navigating emotional and behavioral challenges.

Known for his strong communication skills and teachable nature, Arkeem approaches his work with empathy, humility, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning. As an active leader in BDEA’s alumni engagement initiative, he has helped strengthen connections among graduates, organized community events, and supported advancement efforts to expand opportunities for current and future students.

CJ Jones, a proud 2013 graduate of BDEA, is a creative professional and dedicated alumni advocate with expertise in marketing, web design, and digital communications. Deeply committed to giving back, CJ has remained closely connected to BDEA through his ongoing volunteerism and collaboration with staff across departments.

In the past six months alone, CJ has contributed more than 100 volunteer hours supporting operations, advancement, and programming initiatives. He has played a key organizing role in developing BDEA’s mentoring program in partnership with the Postgraduate Planning Department.

With professional experience at Harvard MedScience and Bank of America, as well as a strong background in photography, marketing, and web development, CJ brings valuable skills in branding, outreach, and community engagement to advance BDEA’s mission and strengthen its alumni network.

Lili Allen is a Senior Advisor at Jobs for the Future (JFF), where she continues to advance equitable pathways to postsecondary credentials and career-track employment for young adults from low-income communities. With more than 25 years of leadership in education and workforce development, Lili is recognized nationally for her expertise in designing and scaling reconnection and talent development strategies that open doors to opportunity.

Previously serving as JFF’s Associate Vice President for Reconnection Strategies and Designs, she led large, multi-city initiatives helping states, regions, and communities create “Back on Track” schools and programs for off-track and out-of-school youth—combining rigorous instruction, accelerated learning, and strong student supports. She also leads a national Young Adult Talent Development Network and provides strategic consultation for initiatives supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Aspen Forum for Community Solutions, the Greater Texas Foundation, and the Citi Foundation.

A skilled strategist, facilitator, and writer, Lili is known for her ability to unite diverse partners around shared goals. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to educational equity, social justice, and expanding economic opportunity for all young people.

Emilie Steele is an educator and leader with extensive experience in curriculum design, assessment, program evaluation, and higher education administration. She served for nearly 30 years as an Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston, College of Public and Community Service, shaping learning outcomes and competency-based education for countless students. Earlier in her career, she coordinated and trained paraprofessionals at the Metropolitan College of New York, laying the groundwork for strong human services programs.

Emilie has a long history of civic engagement and board leadership, including serving as Interim Chair of Mount Saint Joseph Academy and as a trustee or board member for numerous educational and arts organizations. She currently serves as a Trustee of Revels, Inc., a member of the President’s Council at New England Conservatory, and on the Council of Advocates at Boston Arts Academy.

Renowned for her expertise in educational outcomes and her dedication to fostering equitable learning environments, Emilie brings strategic insight, institutional knowledge, and a lifelong commitment to advancing education and community impact.

Marcy Ostberg brings an eclectic background in civic innovation, urban policy, and education to her work in advancing social impact and equity. She currently serves as Director of the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics in Boston, leading efforts to scale human-centered civic innovation across city departments to better meet the needs of residents.

Previously, Marcy held leadership roles including Director of Operations for Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development, overseeing a $100 million budget and a team of 150 staff, and Housing Innovation Lab Director, where she launched experimental affordable housing programs and advanced racial equity initiatives. As a strategic consultant, she has guided organizations addressing housing affordability, health equity, environmental justice, and education, applying Human-Centered Design to drive systemic improvements.

Marcy began her career as a science teacher at BDEA, where she designed experiential curricula on sustainability, climate, and environmental science, and led participatory research projects with the Boston Museum of Science. Known for her creativity, strategic thinking, and ability to unite diverse stakeholders, Marcy leverages her varied experiences to develop innovative solutions to complex social challenges.