Susanne Curry lives in Chelmsford with her husband and daughter. She currently works at AgeSpan, Inc. as an Options Counselor. Previously she worked at The International Institute of New England in the Boston, Lowell, and Manchester Offices. For four years at IINE she was a case manager with refugees in NH, assisting them with all aspects of resettlement. She is excited to continue work with The African Community Center of Lowell as a member of the Board since 2020. She hopes to bring her enthusiasm, administrative skills, and experience working with diverse groups to further the mission of the Center.

Marshunda Smith is the Music Director and Conductor of the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra. Having Marshunda on the podium has injected new energy into the orchestra as well as into the City of Lowell.

Marshunda is also the Music Director and Conductor of PostPardon: The Opera. She created the Cherry Hill Chamber Orchestra and co-founded the NoName Orchestra of Boston.

Marshunda has been a teacher at the Waldorf School in Beverly, Mass., for over 10 years and continues to mentor and teach future teachers at Sunbridge Institute in New York.

Marshunda joined the Board of Directors of ACCL in 2023. The vibrant energy she brings to every endeavor makes her a strong leader for the organization.

Affectionately known as Adjoa, I am excited to be a part of ACCL’s counsel board of thought leaders, planners, and community advisors. My volunteer services with ACCL will be to  provide resume reviewing, as well as light interview coaching.

A little about me

Originally from the warm coastal beaches of North  Carolina, I recently moved to Massachusetts to pursue a career in Revenue Cycle Management Consulting. My background in this specialized field has spanned 15+ years. Although this work is very challenging, it brings out my best process improvement and problem-solving professional skills. I also have the joy of working with many different people and building new relationships. My compassionate side really values helping wonderful people.

A few of my personal interests are reading,  listening to music, salsa and bachata dancing, fine dining (I am a total foodie), and spending time with family and friends. In my down time, I enjoy spending moments outdoors in the sun, taking long walks and enjoying the sounds of nature. Also, I love international travel and I travel at least once a year.

In the aftermath of disrupting problems around the world, many of which are human inspired conflicts, people, in their naturally imbued desire for safety and survival, have wholeheartedly embraced migration, in most cases the only panacea for them. The United States of America, which in structure and content with a near absolute capacity in all subsistence parameters, has been the destination of choice. Thus, the country has become a global melting pot, a sub-universe. However, for any immigrant, navigating through the maze of rules and laws, procedures and requirements to realize their existential needs, generally knowing what and where, is a daunting task. The African Community Center of Lowell, in its coalesced mission and vision, has stepped in to play a life-saving role of helping African immigrants and beyond to find their bearing and live a community impacting life. In my considered opinion, the role played by ACCL is not just noble, it is divinely directed. It encapsulates the revered Zulu phrase: “Umuntu ngubuntu ngabuntu,” translated, “a person is a person through other people” or “I am because you are.”

As a person of African descent, myself, I feel it as an honor and a duty to serve on the Board of the ACCL, by which process I can, whichever way and with whatever, contribute to the enrichment of humanity.

I am a financial professional and a long-time resident of Lowell, currentl living in Dracut with my wife and two beautiful children. I joined the organization to further its mission of empowering immigrants. As the treasurer on the board of a non-profit organization dedicated to serving immigrants, I oversee the organization’s financial health and ensure that funds are managed responsibly. In addition to maintaining accurate financial records, I collaborate with other board members to develop budgets that support our efforts in helping immigrants access government benefits and learn essential skills. My role ensures the organization’s financial sustainability while enabling us to continue delivering impactful services.

Liz is one of the founding board members of ACCL and has held the position of Board Clerk at ACCL since 2016. 

She has been a board member of the Lowell Community Health Center since Feb 2017 and currently holds the position of Board Clerk. 

Liz is a board member of the Homeless Reform Project, Lowell, MA, since May 2023. She also serves as a member of the school site council – (LPS) Moody Elementary School - 2022 to present.

Liz currently works as a Family Advocate for Residential Programs, Housing and Homeless Services at Community Teamwork Inc., contributing to 6 ½ years of service.

Liz is multilingual and provides Swahili language translation services in the community as needed. Liz has a commendable record of working with African immigrants, low-income families, homeless families, domestic violence victims and individuals struggling with addiction, solidifying her role as a trained recovery coach, mediator and vital community & social justice advocate.

Liz is also a singer, songwriter and poet.