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. 

Cornel Boothe proudly serves on the Board of Directors at Veterans Support Services, where he also fulfills the role of Clerk. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Worcester State College.

With over 13 years of experience in transportation and supply chain management, Cornel has held key leadership positions at industry-leading companies such as FedEx, Fresh Express, and Walgreens. His career has been defined by a focus on strategic planning, process optimization, and building efficient, results-driven delivery systems.

Deeply committed to service and community, Cornel now dedicates his expertise to supporting veterans. Through logistics coordination, outreach programs, and operational support, he plays a vital role in helping the organization deliver impactful, streamlined services to those who served our nation.

 TBA

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.

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.