Executive Director

Ariel is driven by the belief that access to health is a human right, and is dedicated to building a new liberated model of community health that is designed from the margins and rooted in relationships. After over a decade of directing maternal and child health equity programs at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Ariel joined Vital CxNs to lead the organizations strategic development and catalyze activities advancing Vital CxNs ambitious goals. In addition to radically reimagining health equity, Ariel can be found immersed in her own 'vital connections' with those she loves, including adventuring around Boston with her partner Jesse and their two kiddos Hazel and Simone.

Co-Founder and Deputy Director

Mariana is a first generation immigrant committed to rebuilding inefficient and ineffective systems to create an ecosystem of health that is accessible and acceptable by all. With a background in public health and social work, she has spent time both providing direct clinical services and executing programmatic-level work. At Vital CxNs, Mariana spends her time developing processes that enable the team to catalyze, convene, and connect, in addition to leading our food systems initiatives. When she is not deep in strategic conversations with Ariel, you can find her painting with watercolors, cooking for loved ones, or on a walking trail with her husband, Ben and their pitbull, Archie.

Director of Community Partnerships

Ayanna is a community connector and advocate with a dynamic background of leadership in the government and nonprofit sectors. She excels at uniting diverse stakeholders to drive positive change, breaking down barriers and empowering individuals to be at the forefront of creating a more equitable society. With over 15 years of local and national leadership with the NAACP, Ayanna leverages her communications and organizing background to amplify marginalized voices and bring awareness to social justice issues. Ayanna is committed to making an impact with social action campaigns throughout New England. In her free time, Ayanna enjoys tending to her plants and exploring Boston’s food scene.

Founding Director, Board of Directors Co-chair

Rich’s mission is to create the ideas that inspire, conditions that enable, and initiatives and systems that empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health and well-being. As the Founding Director and Chair of the Board of Directors at Vital CxNs, he works to forge cross-sector partnerships, engage stakeholders, and ensure the sustainability of Vital CxNs. Rich received his medical training at Brigham and Women's Hospital where he currently practices in Obesity Medicine and serves on faculty at Harvard Medical School. Rich’s life is enriched (and at times overflowing) by his wonderful young children and his wife, Sarah, who keep him grounded, active, laughing, and on his toes!