Jasarah Burgos
I’m Jasarah Burgos, a community leader, strategist, and facilitator working at the intersection of systems change, leadership, and purpose. I am passionate about connecting families to the right resources and empowering communities. I strive to create meaningful connections and bridge the gap between families and the support they need. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power of strong family and community engagement. By fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and providing access to essential resources, we can create a positive and nurturing environment for families to thrive. My journey in this field has allowed me to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including educators, community leaders, service providers, and families themselves. By actively engaging with these stakeholders, I aim to build strong partnerships and amplify the voices of families in the decision-making process. With a deep understanding of the challenges families face, I am committed to developing innovative strategies that address their unique needs. Whether it's promoting parent involvement in education, facilitating community workshops, or advocating for accessible services, I strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of families and communities.
As an advocate for equitable access to resources, I believe that every family deserves the opportunity to thrive.
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology
• Associate’s Degree in Human Services
• Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach, Facilitator & Speaker
Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach, Facilitator & Speaker
Maxwell Leadership
• Family Engagement in Education
Family Engagement in Education
Harvard University
• Language Translation and Interpretation
Language Translation and Interpretation
University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Madrina (Godmother) of the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade 2023
• Holyoke Public Schools Cone of Excellence Award, February 2019
• Mass Live article: Jasarah Burgos helps connect Latinos with important resources
• Using 413Cares to support my family - Jasarah Burgos testimonial
• RootCause Guest Speaker on: The Power of Funder & Community Partnerships in Collective Action
• Boston Globe Article: Government Shutdown
• National Family, School and Community Engagement Association (NAFSCE), Member since February 2019
• New England Translators Association, Member since February 2019
• MA Association of Community Health Workers (MACHW), Member since April 2021
• Homework House - Board member since 2024
• Families First Advisory Council - member since 2024
• Downtown Springfield YMCA Advisory Council - Board member from 2024 to 2025
• Latino Scholarship Fund of Western MA, Board member from 2022 to 2024
• Maternal Child Health Commission SDHHS, Member since 2023
• Baystate Medical Center CBAC, Member since 2023
• Family & Community Engagement Network of Western MA, Founder in 2023
• Holyoke Community College Foundation - Board member since 2023
• Home City Families Springfield Advisory Council - member since 2023
• HCS Head Start Policy Council - Chairperson since 2023
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my lived experience, unwavering resilience, and deep commitment to service. Coming from a family of hardworking entrepreneurs, I was exposed to work and responsibility at an early age. My mother, in particular, instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything I set my heart and mind to. That foundation shaped my work ethic, confidence, and sense of possibility.
As an immigrant, mother, and community leader, I have learned how to navigate systems, build trust, and lead with both empathy and strategy. I pair intuition with data, vision with execution, and heart with accountability. Most importantly, I have learned that real success is not individual but collective. Every milestone I have reached has been shaped by community, collaboration, and an intentional choice to lead with purpose rather than ego.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to study, find my niche, and become deeply knowledgeable in it. To truly master my craft, be the expert in the room, and never stop learning. Just as important, I was taught that real leadership is not about standing alone at the top, but about building other leaders along the way. When you invest in developing others, your impact multiplies and your work becomes sustainable beyond you.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women not to give up. Many of the systems in this industry were not designed with us in mind, and that reality can feel discouraging. But we are finding our way, creating our own lanes, and actively working to change the narrative. Your voice, perspective, and lived experience are not obstacles, they are assets. Stay grounded in your purpose, keep learning, build community, and remember that your presence alone is part of the change.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities across professions right now is navigating what it means to be a working mother in spaces that still do not fully understand or value that experience. Motherhood is often seen as a limitation, when in reality it expands our skill set. It strengthens leadership, emotional intelligence, adaptability, time management, and vision. Building a legacy while being a professional is not a contradiction, it is a powerful form of leadership.
Another key challenge and opportunity, especially in community and leadership spaces, is bridging the tension between old and new ways of working. There is a growing need to honor intergenerational wisdom while also embracing innovation, equity, and new leadership models. When we create space for both, we unlock deeper impact, sustainability, and transformation.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are responsibility, discipline, integrity, and love. Responsibility keeps me accountable to my commitments and the people I serve. Discipline allows me to stay focused, consistent, and intentional in my growth. Integrity guides my decisions and ensures my actions align with my values. And love is the foundation of everything I do. It is how I lead, how I serve, and how I build meaningful relationships and lasting impact.
