ECCO Network

Our network of 59 congregations and the North Shore Labor Council brings many hands to the work and is the heart of ECCO. By working and learning together, we are able to bring about vital changes on the local, county, and state levels.

Our Staff

Rabbi Margie Klein-Ronkin, Executive Director
Rabbi Margie, founder of Kavod Boston, leads a multi-ethnic, youth-driven community focused on justice. A Yale graduate and co-editor of Righteous Indignation, she’s been featured in major media and invited to the White House for her faith-based social justice work.

Rev. Bernadette Hickman-Maynard, Deputy Director
Rev. Bernadette, originally from Los Angeles, holds nearly 20 years of experience in educational, cultural, and social justice work across diverse communities. She attended Harvard University and now serves as Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Lynn, MA, advocating for unity and justice across race, ethnicity, and faith.

Colette Lima , Racial Justice Coordinator
Rev. Bernadette, originally from Los Angeles, holds nearly 20 years of experience in educational, cultural, and social justice work across diverse communities. She attended Harvard University and now serves as Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Lynn, MA, advocating for unity and justice across race, ethnicity, and faith.

Allen Lipson, Organizer and Development Coordinator 
Ordained as a rabbi in May 2024, Allen transitioned from corporate finance to grassroots organizing and fundraising. He has worked with Faith in New York, Brockton Interfaith Community, and UNITE-HERE. A published author on Judaism and economic justice, Allen coordinates donor work and supports grant fundraising.

Alexis Valeriano-Hernandez, Immigrant Organizer 
Born in Mexico, Alexis moved to the U.S. at six and has since led union campaigns and supported pro-worker, pro-immigrant legislation. Before joining ECCO as an organizer for immigrant communities and Salem, he initiated a successful union campaign in Minnesota and advocated for immigrant rights in Colorado.

Dr. Alexandra Piñeros-Shields, Consultant and former Executive Director 
With 30 years of experience in immigration advocacy, Alexandra focuses on cross-racial, cross-national solidarity and empowering immigrant communities. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Policy from Brandeis University's Heller School, where she now teaches, and has worked with multiple organizations to promote immigrant political power and education.

Our Board

  • Rev. Dr. Andre Bennett, Zion Baptist, Lynn - Co-President

  • Brenda Womack, Zion Baptist, Lynn - Co-President

  • Sseziwa Mukasa, Bethel AME - Treasurer

  • Sam Silverman, Temple Ahavat Achim, Gloucester - Secretary

  • Ellen Bartlett, Brazilian Community, Beverly

  • Rev. Holly Brauner, First Church UCC, Swampscott

  • Martha Curry, UU Church of Greater Lynn, Swampscott

  • Vianka Jimenez,  Immaculate Conception, Salem

  • Bob Reynolds, North Shore Labor Council, Lynn

  • Roy Rhodes, Bethel AME Church, Lynn