CARE - Coalition for Anti-racism and Equity is a state member-driven nonprofit in the state of Massachusetts. We are committed to fostering social justice and equity in education. We work to empower students, educators, and communities by advocating for systemic change, promoting diversity, and creating opportunities for underrepresented voices to lead and thrive.

Our Team.

Executive Director

Thu Nguyen

Thu is a queer, Vietnamese refugee who made history as the first nonbinary person to ever be elected in Massachusetts and the first Southeast Asian elected to Worcester City Council on a platform of creating political reimagination of Worcester and nationally, where our government uplifts and holistically serves everyone. They bring in over a decade of intersectional movement building with young people and underserved communities. With a deep understanding of nonprofit, community care and legislative work, they commit their time and efforts towards investigating and navigating the intersectionality of identity and systems to center and advocate for equity, collective care, and social justice. After serving two terms, they are excited to join CARE to build intergenerational power and ensure our youth have the access and resources to create a more just world.

Program Director

Tarik Bartel

Tarik (they/them) is an educator, artist, and community organizer whose work is rooted in creating spaces for collective joy and liberation. Tarik is passionate about youth-led organizing at the intersections of climate, racial, and disability justice— building on the lineages of their elders in movement work and the ancestors that guide them to visioning more sustainable futures. They bring over a decade of youth work experience to their role as Program Director at CARE, and are excited to engage in collective dreaming with young people committed to anti-racism and equity.

Tarik's lifework is informed by the belief that building youth leadership in communities historically targeted by systemic oppression can leverage social change and move us closer to collective liberation. They hope to pour into future generations all of the care, resourcing, and devotion that has been poured into them.

Leadership Next Gen Program Manager

Etel Haxhiaj

Etel has served as an elected leader, community organizer and educator within the Worcester community, engaging with youth and the non-profit sector. As a two-term City Councilor, she moved forward legislation related to increasing housing affordability, addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable tenants. She has been a vocal advocate for immigrant rights and police accountability. She has worked extensively in housing and homelessness policy at the local, state and national level, as well as a community organizers on climate justice policy. In her capacity as a youth worker and mentor for first-generation college-bound Worcester young people, she oversaw a youth development and leadership program. She is committed to community-building, anti-racism policies, and building power in her community.