Amanda Shea is a renowned spoken word and multidisciplinary artist, educator, coach, activist, publicist, power networker, mother, and friend. She knows, loves, and uplifts artists all over Greater Boston across New England to the DMV, Atlanta, Chicago... and beyond. Amanda is a community heartbeat. She's hosted BAMSFest and countless poetry slam events; she facilitates youth workshops for spoken word poetry, visual arts, and public speaking; she is a publicist for hip hop artist Brandie Blaze; she has managed and supported countless other artists in Boston.

Last year, she was named among WBUR The ARTery's 25 artists of color transforming the cultural landscape. To top all of that -- she co-founded and curated four (soon to be five!) iterations of Activating ARTivism, a community festival to amplify POC through art, activism, and resistance.

Dr. Kevin Keith Martins is an educator, activist, and thought leader dedicated to inclusion and justice. With over fifteen years as a higher education practitioner, he currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Bryant University. As a native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Dr. Martins serves on the Pawtucket Mayor’s Community Board working to bridge community engagement with the city government.

Dr. Martins holds a Bachelor’s and Masters of Science in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University. Above all else, Dr. Martins is a husband and a father of three.

John McVeigh started serving in July of 2022 as the new Head of School at the Holderness School in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Before making this move, John was a beloved and integral member of the Brooks School community, where over the course of 19 years he held the positions of Associate Head of School, Dean of Faculty, Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, Director of College Counseling, student advisor and classroom teacher in the Science, Math, and English departments. John also served as the highly successful Brooks boys basketball team coach, where he coached 617Peak founder Ikenna Ndugba for four years.

Prior to his time at Brooks, John was an Academic All-American basketball player at Merrimack College, where he served as team captain, double-majored in biology and chemistry, and was the recipient of a scholarship from the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence.

Takora McIntyre is relatively new in the non-profit sector. She is passionate and knowledgeable in her field. Takora holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from The College of Saint Rose and is also a graduate of the Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator (ENLA) program at The University of Albany. Takora is familiar with 617Peak’s goals as a longtime resident of Dorchester and alum of Fenway High School.

As a published author of two books, a poet, and a lifestyle blogger, Takora feels connected to this area of 617Peak. She uses her love for words to reach out and impact others.

She currently serves as the Communications Coordinator for the Emma Bowen Foundation, a fellowship that promotes a more diverse industry by placing students of color in multi-year paid internships at leading media and tech companies.

Yamit was an advisor to 617Peak when it was created and is now a Board Member. He supported 617Peak in partnering with community leaders and non-profit organizations for its very first Open Mic Night.

Throughout his career, Yamit has led the planning of large-scale events, established 6-figure scholarship funds, expanded mentorship programs, and broadened his services to consulting non-profit organizations.

Born and raised in a low-income neighborhood in New York City, he has a deep, personal commitment to supporting under-represented groups and working with individuals from various backgrounds. Yamit believes in the power of one’s voice, so he is proud to support 617Peak and its dedication to the youth and the arts.