WORCESTER, MA – September 24, 2025 – The Quinsigamond Community College Foundation has gained five new members on its board of directors. Elected in August and September 2025, the new directors are dedicated to advancing the college's mission of providing accessible, high-quality education and supporting student success through scholarships, programs and community partnerships.
“This isn’t just about adding new names to our board; it’s about strengthening the heart of the Quinsigamond Community College Foundation. With the new directors, our capacity to change lives grows,” said Foundation President Jorgo Gushi.
These new members bring a wealth of experience across multiple industries and a shared commitment to advancing educational opportunities and community development.
"Having dedicated, community-oriented leaders on our Foundation board is essential. Their deep understanding of the college, our students and the broader community provides invaluable insight, helping guide informed decisions that create meaningful and lasting impact for our students,” said QCC President Luis. Pedraja, Ph.D.
The new 2025 Foundation directors include:
Alyssa Benefit, a digital marketing executive with over 18 years of experience, who currently serves as director of CRM at The Aspen Group. Her leadership spans healthcare, financial services, retail and technology sectors, with a proven track record at organizations including Bond Veterinary, Zeta Global, Monster Worldwide, and Staples Inc. A Suffolk University graduate and 2023 Visionary of the Year recipient from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of New England, she brings strategic vision and philanthropic leadership to the Foundation.
Jessica Favreau, vice president and commercial lending officer at Dean Bank, manages a commercial loan portfolio exceeding $120 million. President of the QCC Alumni Association (QCC class of ’02), Favreau also holds degrees from Worcester State College and New England College of Business. She serves on the boards of Girls on the Run, the Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce and CASA's Champions for Children Committee, along with completing Leadership Worcester (Class of ‘24).
Jennifer Hernandez, CEO and director of strategic marketing at GEM Marketing Solutions, has dedicated over 15 years to empowering entrepreneurs, small businesses and nonprofit organizations. A QCC alumna who earned an Associate of Arts in Human Services in 2014, Hernandez has been recognized with the Worcester Business Journal's Outstanding Women in Business Award and the Worcester Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Year Award in 2023. She currently chairs the City of Worcester's Status of Women board and mentors through EforAll, a nationwide support network for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Jacob Rucker, private equity analyst at Rucker Investments, brings expertise in financial analysis, market research and strategic investment decisions. A Northeastern University D'Amore-McKim School of Business graduate with a finance concentration, Rucker has experience at Goldman Sachs, Bain Capital and SCS Financial. In 2024, he co-founded Auxilium, an innovation accelerator in Worcester dedicated to supporting early-stage startups through workspace, mentorship and funding.
Jetari Veal, assistant vice president of community and business development at Workers Federal Credit Union, leads strategic initiatives to grow membership and community engagement. With over a decade in financial services and educational credentials, including a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi Valley State University and an MBA from Grand Canyon University, Veal serves on advisory boards for the Center for Women & Enterprise, Worcester Historical Museum and LUK Inc.
Continuing QCC Foundation Board members include James M. Griffin, vice president; Linda Cavaioli, treasurer; Kola Akindele, Linda Cammuso, Jack Cutone, Diane Giampa, Timothy Hally, Dr. Jean King, Dr. Linda S. Larrivee, Jared Madison, Esq., Dr. Mary Meade-Montaque and Matthew Wally.
The QCC Foundation continues to advance transformative projects that directly support student achievement and community impact. The Foundation’s current priorities can be found at QCC.edu/thrive.
“Our mission is simple but profound: to open doors for students who carry big dreams but also big burdens. Many of our students are first-generation, working parents, or immigrants trying to balance school, work, and family. Too often, they quietly wonder if they belong. And through this Foundation, our answer to them is yes,” Gushi added.