Jaha Kerr

Jaha is a Creative Director and strategist, building her own creative production studio. She specializes in merging data with storytelling and art direction to help brands craft meaningful, human-centered digital universes to move the needle on relevance and revenue. Over the years, her work has focused on creating creative systems that are both strategically driven and culturally aware, ensuring that every project resonates with the people it reaches.

Jaha is excited to join the ACCL family as a mentor and share her journey as a founder, offering support, insight, and guidance to others growing as founders or pursuing their own path in entrepreneurship while navigating the ever-evolving landscape of building something of their own.

Grace B. Oladoja

CityShip Intern from UMass Lowell

I am a current junior Honors student at UMass Lowell studying Public Health, with a health science concentration on the Pre-Med track. 

I’m also a first generation born citizen to immigrant Nigerian parents. I have always been passionate about working with children and youth. This passion has shaped much of my education and community involvement.

Through my experiences with programs like Greg Neighborhood House and JumpStart AmeriCorps, I have had the chance to mentor and support children in their academic growth. I help them build confidence in their social and emotional development. I enjoy creating engaging learning spaces and providing tutoring in reading, writing, and other key academic areas to help students reach their full potential.

Outside the classroom, I have served as Vice President and Communication Chair for the Minority Association of Pre-Med Students. I also represented the African Student Association, where I promoted inclusivity and celebrated African heritage on campus.

Being part of the African Community Center of Lowell lets me combine my love for education, community, and cultural connection. I am excited to contribute to programs that empower young people, support academic success, and create a sense of belonging for families in our community.

Pat Pestana

Pat Pestana has over 30 years of experience in adult learning and development and has a lifetime commitment to social justice. She has worked as an education and career advisor, case manager, and instructor for several agencies in Boston, including Project Hope in Roxbury, Jewish Vocational Service and JFY Networks (formerly Jobs for Youth). 

She has also served as adjunct faculty at Cambridge College and as a program specialist for Northern Essex C.C./Merrimack Valley Career Center. Pat served as a consultant/trainer for the Mass. Coalition of Adult Educators, The Adult Literacy Resource Institute, and the MA Dept. of Education Adult and Community Learning Services. 

She has experience working with diverse populations in Lowell, Lawrence, and Boston. A Lowell native, Pat is the grandchild of Portuguese immigrants who worked in the textile mills of Lowell. She holds a master’s degree in education from Harvard University. Now retired, she is a volunteer at Eliot Church's Day Center for homeless individuals.