Leadership
Our team, guided by experience, driven by compassion.
Our leadership brings decades of expertise in psychology, social justice, international development,
and grassroots organizing.
Dr. Rosilda
Alves
Founder, President
Dr. Rosilda Alves
Dr. Rosilda Alves is a distinguished psychologist with more than 30 years of experience in the mental health field, specializing in the treatment of survivors of incest and sexual assault, particularly within cultural contexts. Her work is rooted in an integrative, trauma-informed approach that addresses the complex intersections of family dynamics, acculturation, racial identity, immigration challenges, and family separation.
Throughout her career, Dr. Alves has served diverse populations, providing culturally responsive care to individuals navigating trauma and the challenges of cultural adaptation. She has also dedicated five years to academia as a professor, sharing her expertise with students and professionals in the mental health field. For over two decades, she has provided clinical consultation in hospital settings, contributing to interdisciplinary treatment teams and offering crisis intervention services.
Dr. Alves is the founder of Alves Psychotherapy Professional Corporation, a private practice dedicated to supporting individuals coping with trauma and cultural displacement. In addition to her clinical work, she is the author of the critically acclaimed book The Garden of Secrets (2018), which explores sexual abuse within collective cultures—specifically the Cabo Verdean community—and offers profound insight into the healing process for survivors from diverse backgrounds.
Her advocacy extends well beyond her writing. In 2018, Dr. Alves was the keynote speaker on sexual abuse and healing at the International Women’s Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. She has trained fellow therapists on “Treating Complex Trauma in Collective Communities” at Kaiser Permanente in California and at Inclusion Family Counseling Center in Brockton, Massachusetts. She has also been a frequent presence on radio and television, educating audiences about the physical, spiritual, and psychological impacts of sexual trauma, while emphasizing parental and community responsibility in healing.
Between 2018 and 2019, Dr. Alves facilitated several community caucus groups to confront and address sexual abuse. She has been a consistent voice in the Cabo Verdean community of Brockton, appearing regularly on radio talk shows to discuss mental health and education.
Her impact has reached an international audience. In April 2021, she held a book launch in Praia, Cabo Verde, with proceeds benefiting domestic violence and sexual abuse prevention organizations. This was followed by a second book signing in Fogo (2022) and a third in Portugal (2023), both raising funds to support services for survivors of sexual and domestic violence in Cabo Verde.
Dr. Alves holds a Doctorate and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, California. She also earned a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts.
Dr. Aminah Fernandes Pilgrim
Vice President
Dr. Aminah Pilgrim
Dr. Aminah Fernandes Pilgrim is an educator, author, artist, and community organizer whose work bridges academia, culture, and social justice. She serves as an Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she made history as the first professor hired in this division. She also coordinates the Black Studies Program at Massasoit Community College and has taught for more than two decades at UMass Boston in Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies, the Critical Ethnic & Community Studies MS Program, and Africana Studies.
Her areas of expertise include African-American history, women’s history, African Diaspora studies, Cape Verdean studies, and critical education research. She has lectured widely, including at Morehouse College, Boston University, and other institutions, while contributing to public history initiatives such as the Providence Black Studies Freedom School and the City of Brockton Community Black History Course.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Pilgrim is a respected community leader and advocate. She is a founding member of the Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies at Bridgewater State University, co-director of the Clemente Program in Brockton, and the founder or co-founder of several initiatives including the HIPHOP Initiative (2004), SABURA Youth Program (2013), and PODEROZA: International Conference on Cabo Verdean Women (2016). Her organizing and advocacy address youth and gang violence, the school-to-prison pipeline, immigrant transitions, and women’s empowerment.
She has also been deeply engaged in civic and cultural leadership, helping lead a 2019 trade mission to Cabo Verde with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and authoring decolonized U.S. History curriculum for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services. Today, she continues to be a sought-after speaker, trusted advisor, and leader in education, equity, and community empowerment.
Catherine Silva
Walker
Treasurer
Catherine Silva Walker
Catherine Silva Walker is a proud Cape Verdean American and dedicated community leader whose life reflects a deep commitment to service, cultural preservation, and humanitarian outreach. She currently resides in Inglewood, California, with her husband of 46 years. Together, they raised two sons and are blessed with two grandchildren.
Catherine enjoyed a 22-year career as a Customer Service Agent with Alaska Airlines at LAX, where she retired in 2018. Her work allowed her to travel the world, building a love for experiencing diverse countries and cultures. In 2005, she and her husband launched their own family business, Vader Air Conditioning & Heating, where she continues to work full time.
Born in Stockton, California, to Cape Verdean parents, Catherine proudly identifies as both a first- and second-generation American Cape Verdean. Her father, Manuel J. Silva, immigrated from the island of São Nicolau in the early 1920s, working as a longshoreman in San Francisco while remaining active in the Cape Verdean community as a musician. Her mother, Loretta Ramos, was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to Cape Verdean parents, including her grandfather Manuel Anacleto Ramos, who also emigrated from São Nicolau in the late 1920s.
At the age of 40, Catherine embarked on her first trip to Cape Verde, a transformative journey that strengthened her identity and deepened her pride in her heritage. She has since made nine return visits, often as part of V.I.D.A. Ministry, where she helps deliver food, clothing, and supplies to families in need. Catherine has also been an active leader in the Cape Verdeans of Southern California Association (CVSC) for more than 20 years, serving in a variety of roles and currently as Vice President. She is also engaged with other Cape Verdean organizations across the U.S., including the Miguel Monteiro Foundation.
Her experiences have ignited a lifelong passion for connecting the diaspora with their roots. Catherine encourages Cape Verdean descendants to visit the islands, believing such journeys are transformative and vital to preserving culture, traditions, and heritage for future generations.
Patricia
Ferreira
Secretary
Patricia Fereira
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Palm Beach Atlantic University and holds an Accredited Claims Adjuster designation from the University of Central Florida, along with additional insurance-related certifications.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Patricia is deeply committed to community service. For nearly 20 years, she has volunteered with The Rock Church, supporting construction, childcare, and meal preparation for hundreds of families. She has also served as a Community Relations Coordinator with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and contributed to food security research with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Her dedication to both professional excellence and community care reflects her passion for service and advocacy.
Claudina
Ovenden
Public Relations
Claudina Ovenden
With a natural gift for connecting with others and helping them shine, Claudina excelled in retail management, where she developed expertise in creating welcoming environments, building loyal teams, and elevating customer experiences. In 2006, she moved to California, where her entrepreneurial spirit flourished with the support of her late husband, David Ovenden. Together, they nurtured both family and community, building a foundation of love, commitment, and service.
Today, Claudina is the proud owner of Loard’s Ice Cream Shop in Moraga. More than a business, her shop has become a community gathering place where people of all ages come together to celebrate, connect, and create memories. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, she is deeply engaged in civic and community life. Claudina is an active member of Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary and serves on the Board of Directors for the Moraga Chamber of Commerce, where she contributes her voice, vision, and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of the community she loves.
Claudina’s passion for public relations lies in her unique ability to see and highlight the best in others. She is known for her genuine spirit, her trustworthy presence, and her pure kindness that allows people to feel safe, valued, and seen. Her work whether in business, service, or leadership reflects her belief that true success comes not just from personal achievement, but from love, commitment, and helping others shine.
Her life is also enriched by her love of family and nature. She finds joy in long walks, moments of reflection outdoors, and time spent with loved ones.
Claudina Ovenden’s story is one of perseverance, love, genuineness, trustworthiness, and unwavering dedication. Whether through business, community service, or personal connection, she continues to inspire and influence those around her with grace, generosity, and a deep devotion to making the world brighter.
Dr. José Manuel
Ledo
Cabo Verde Director
Dr. Ledo Pontes
International Leadership
Currently residing in the United States, José Manuel Ledo Pontes da Rosa was born in 1975 in São Filipe, on the island of Fogo, Cape Verde. He earned his degree in Medicine from the University of Camagüey, Cuba, in 2003, and later specialized in Legal Medicine at the University of Coimbra, Portugal, in 2008.
Dr. da Rosa began his career in General Medicine (2003–2004) before serving as Health Delegate in Mosteiros (2004–2006 and 2011–2015) and in São Filipe (2015–2016), both on the island of Fogo. He also served at the national level as a Medical-Legal Expert for the islands of Windward and worked as a University Professor from 2017 to 2021.
In addition to his medical career, he pursued complementary specializations, including Professional Education in Health (Brazil, 2011). He was also appointed National Coordinator during the 2014 volcanic eruption on the island of Fogo, leading critical emergency response efforts.
In public service, Dr. da Rosa was elected Deputy of the Nation in the IX Legislature of Cape Verde, representing the constituency of Fogo. He was also a member of the Specialized Commission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (AP-CPLP).
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