New Board Announced as Urban Edge and Nuestra Reach Major Milestone in Merger Process

February 15, 2026 — Urban Edge and Nuestra Comunidad announced today, following a unanimous vote by Nuestra’s current Board of Directors; the appointment of a new Board of Directors and Emilio Dorcely, CEO of Urban Edge as Interim Executive Director of Nuestra, effective today.  The formation of the new Nuestra Board of Directors as Urban Edge advances its planned merger with Nuestra Comunidad marks a significant milestone in the process. The merger will increase the ability to preserve affordable housing, support residents, and invest deeply in the neighborhoods we serve: Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, and Mattapan.

“The formation of this new board is an exciting step forward in our merger journey and our shared commitment to stronger, more equitable neighborhoods. Throughout this process the support and stewardship of Evelyn Friedman was essential. We also salute the efforts of Nuestra’s volunteer board over the past year and a half, which helped bring us to this moment,” said Emilio Dorcely, CEO of Urban Edge and Interim CEO of Nuestra.

The new Board, composed almost entirely of local community members, reflects a shared commitment to continuity and mission alignment as both organizations prepare for functional integration by 2027.

The newly appointed Board of Directors includes:

• Johanna Smith, President and Director

• Kelvin Juarbe, Clerk and Director

• Natacha Dunker, Treasurer and Director

• Donna Cramer, Director

• Genie Curry, Director

• Eddie Jenkins, Director

• Anne McKinnon, Director

• Armani White, Director

“This moment represents a powerful alignment of two organizations with deep roots and a shared vision for equitable development, community empowerment, and housing stability,” said Johanna Smith, newly-elected President and Director of the Board.

“As we move forward together, our priority remains clear: protecting affordability, strengthening resident services, and ensuring that the people who call Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and Mattapan home continue to have a voice in shaping their neighborhoods,” said Donna Cramer, newly-elected Director of the Board (and board member of Nuestra from 2009-2026).

Merger Announcement: Urban Edge & Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation

October 29, 2025 — Urban Edge and Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation announced today that we have decided to move forward with a merger process that will combine the strengths of both organizations. Please see full details in the letter below.