Meet The Staff

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Julio Zayas is a proud U.S. Air Force Veteran who served as an Enlisted Security Forces (Military Police) Airman from 2009 to 2013. After completing his military service, Julio committed himself to community improvement through human services, educational outreach, project management, and veteran support initiatives.

In 2025, Julio became a licensed real estate agent to educate first-time homebuyers—an effort inspired by his own experience of not knowing the process, which delayed his path to homeownership. His mission is to ensure others are better informed and empowered in their journey to owning a home.

That same year, he founded Veterans Support Services (VSS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans access education, navigate state and federal benefits, and receive critical support in areas such as mental health, housing, medical care, and community reintegration.

Julio also mentors incarcerated veterans at the Veterans Essex Courthouse in Lawrence, MA, providing guidance to those preparing to reenter civilian life. His mentorship helps ensure these individuals have access to the tools and support necessary for a successful transition.

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Project Management and a Master’s degree in Management from Colorado Technical University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

 Andres Benitez is a seasoned Senior Loan Officer with over 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry. Throughout his career at Rate, Andres has worked closely with numerous veterans, providing expert guidance and successfully processing VA loans to support their homeownership goals.  His commitment to serving the veteran community is deeply personal—many of his close friends are veterans, and he holds the utmost respect for those who have served. Andres takes great pride in ensuring veterans receive the financial support and loan options they deserve. 

Glenda Rodriguez brings over 11 years of experience in higher education and community based engagement. With a deep commitment to building inclusive spaces, she has dedicated her career to supporting diverse student populations and strengthening connections between academic institutions and the communities they serve.

As a bilingual professional, Glenda values the power of language and cultural understanding in fostering equity and belonging. She is also passionate about supporting Veterans, ensuring they have access to the resources, guidance, and advocacy needed to thrive in education and beyond.

Known for her approachable leadership style, Glenda combines professional expertise with compassion and vision, inspiring others to pursue growth, resilience, and meaningful impact.

Charlie Hash is excited to bring her passion for creating meaningful gatherings to her role as Director of Events with Veterans Support Services. As a business owner, she has years of experience planning and managing large-scale events, and she loves using that background to build programs that bring people together and strengthen community.

Charlie comes from a proud military family, and works closely with service members in her professional life. That connection gives her a deep appreciation for the challenges and triumphs of military life, and she pours that understanding into every event she helps create.

Mitzi Pineda is the AVP of Community & Business Development at Workers Credit Union, where she is passionate about building meaningful relationships, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the communities she serves. Originally from Guatemala, Mitzi immigrated to the United States in 1991, bringing with her a strong work ethic, determination, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed.

With extensive experience in community engagement, business development, and financial education, Mitzi works closely with organizations, businesses, and community leaders to create opportunities that positively impact individuals and families throughout the region. She considers her life's mission to be helping people achieve their financial goals, especially those in underserved communities who may lack access to financial education and resources. Through her work, she strives to empower individuals and families to build stronger financial futures and create lasting economic opportunities.

As the Sponsorship Director for Veterans Support Services, Mitzi is honored to help advance the organization's mission of serving and uplifting veterans. She believes that supporting veterans is one of the most meaningful ways to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Through sponsorship development, fundraising, community partnerships, and outreach efforts, she is committed to ensuring that veterans and their families have access to the support, recognition, and resources they deserve. Mitzi is passionate about bringing businesses, community leaders, and residents together to create meaningful opportunities that improve the lives of veterans and demonstrate the community's gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Above all, Mitzi is a proud mother of two wonderful sons, who are her greatest accomplishment and her pride and joy. Known for her authentic approach to relationship-building and her passion for service, she believes that strong communities are built through collaboration, education, and a shared commitment to helping others succeed.