Events

Join us this week as Lexi Kantor brings an inspiring update from the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) front, including the upcoming district retreat at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA (likely May 2026)

🔹 What is RYLA?
An intensive, weekend-long leadership experience designed by Rotary to develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and ethical leadership in high school students 

🔹 Camp Rotary in Boxford
A historic, co-ed overnight camp (est. 1921) nestled in a wooded campus at 372 Ipswich Rd., offering a meaningful and transformative environment for youth leadership growth 

🔹 Why It Matters
Participants gain practical leadership tools, form lasting connections, and embody Rotary’s “Service Above Self” ethos—emerging ready to positively impact their communities

Joan Lovely has become a leading voice in Massachusetts politics, serving as State Senator for the 2nd Essex District encompassing Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Salem, and Topsfield since January 2013.

Her political journey began locally: after raising a family in Salem, she earned a law degree from Massachusetts School of Law and Salem State University, then served on the Salem City Council from 1998 to 2012. During her tenure, she held roles as Ward 3 Councillor, Councillor-at-Large, Council President, and even Acting Mayor, leveraging her grassroots experience to rebuild a neighborhood playground and advocate for aging and disability causes.

In the Senate, Lovely has taken on influential leadership roles. She is the Assistant Majority Leader, Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules, Vice Chair on several policy committees, and President of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators. Her legislative leadership spans areas such as housing, climate change, disability rights, postpartum depression, opioid recovery, and public records reform.

Among her major accomplishments, Senator Lovely has successfully secured funding for local priorities—such as grants for Salem Common renovations, affordable housing, autism services, and North Shore infrastructure. She co-sponsored major bills protecting voter access, reproductive rights, environmental justice, and economic resilience for gateway cities.

Beyond her legislative portfolio, Lovely is deeply rooted in her community in Salem with her husband Stephen, their three children, a granddaughter, and a lively household of four Labradors, a cat, chickens, and ducks.

Whether advocating for her constituents on Beacon Hill or volunteering locally, Senator Lovely’s career exemplifies dedicated public service, focused on equity, community empowerment, and New England progress.

Yamilis Cruz is the Assistant Principal at Bentley Academy Innovation School in Salem, MA, bringing over 13 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership. A native of Miami, Florida, and fluent in Spanish, Mrs. Cruz has served as a literacy coach, English and ESL teacher, and administrator across school districts in Florida and Massachusetts. She holds a bachelor's degree in English Education and a master's in Reading Education from Florida International University, as well as a CAGS from Nova Southeastern University.

Since relocating to Salem in 2021, Mrs. Cruz has been deeply involved in the local community and schools, most recently as a literacy coach at Collins Middle School. Passionate about equity in education and the power of representation, she is committed to supporting Bentley’s Dual Language program and celebrating the cultural and linguistic diversity of its students. Mrs. Cruz also serves on several district and city committees, including the Racial Equity Advisory Team and the City of Salem Scholarship and Education Committee. She lives in Salem with her husband, Camilo, and their son.

Audrey Bradley joined FFI in February 2025, bringing with her a strong background in language education and cross-cultural communication. A native of the Seacoast area, Audrey developed a love for languages early on, which led her to earn a Bachelor's degree in Spanish and International Affairs from the University of New Hampshire. She has taught English as a Second Language abroad and Spanish in New Hampshire, experiences that deepened her commitment to language access and global engagement. Audrey is thrilled to support FFI’s mission both locally and internationally through her role in programs and community outreach.

John DeLorey is the Founder and President of College Planning Services (CPS), a trusted leader in college financing for over 30 years. A graduate of Boston College with a B.S. in Accounting, John has dedicated his career to helping families navigate the financial challenges of higher education. Through his personalized and strategic approach, he has helped clients save thousands of dollars annually by maximizing financial aid, reducing college loans, and ensuring the accurate completion of financial aid forms. John and his five-member team are known for building long-term relationships with families, offering professional, unbiased advice to make college more affordable. He lives in Newburyport with his two children.