Volunteer Board Members

I’m Madeleine Moreno and honored to join the Board of Directors for Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester. As an immigration attorney with over 20 years of experience, I am passionate about providing compassionate, strategic, and results-driven legal services to individuals and families across New England. I earned my law degree from Northeastern University School of Law and my bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross.

Since founding Moreno Law Office, LLC, with offices in Worcester, MA and Pawtucket, RI, I have remained deeply committed to expanding access to justice. Since 2005, I have offered pro-bono legal services to Friendly House, Inc., and have partnered with organizations like Ascentria Care Alliance, Central West Justice Center, local churches, and other nonprofits to advocate for underserved communities. I am excited to bring my experience, passion for community service, and commitment to equity and education to Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester, and I look forward to helping support our learners and volunteers.

I’m Rezarta Reso and honored to join the Board of Directors at Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester and excited to support the mission of empowering our community through literacy.In 1995, my family and I immigrated to the United States. We first arrived in Boston, MA, and soon after made Worcester our home. Although I had earned a degree in Literature before coming here, my English skills were limited, and I worked wherever I could while taking English classes to improve. The Worcester Public Library became a crucial part of my journey, offering me resources and support to strengthen my language skills.

After five years of working as a teacher, I applied for a position at the Worcester Public Library, where my passion for education and community service continued to grow. I went on to study librarianship and earned my Master of Library and Information Studies (MLS) degree from the University of Rhode Island. Today, I proudly serve as a Youth Services Librarian at WPL, helping young learners discover the power of reading and education.

My name is Yahui Kong, and I am honored to join the Board of Directors at Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester. Originally from China, I now call Worcester home and work as a Senior Scientist at Curia, a global contract research, development, and manufacturing organization.

My journey with LVGW began as an ESOL student. Through the ESOL classes and tutoring program, I received tremendous support that helped me improve my English skills and better understand American culture. Inspired by the impact LVGW had on my life, I later volunteered to assist with ESOL classes.

As an immigrant who once struggled with limited English communication skills, I truly understand the challenges newcomers face. I know firsthand how critical LVGW’s support is for those building a new life here. I’m proud to now serve on the Board and excited to help strengthen LVGW’s impact in the community.

My name is Laila Mhirig. I moved to the U.S. from Morocco in 1998 and began my journey by attending ESL classes to learn English. With determination and hard work, I pursued higher education and graduated with a degree in Business Management. Since 2000, I have been building my career in banking, steadily moving up the ladder and now serving as a VP Senior Market Manager. Beyond my professional achievements, I am a proud spouse and mother of two wonderful daughters. My journey has been one of resilience, growth, and a deep appreciation for lifelong learning.”

My name is Tori Buerschaper and I am the Executive Director of Community Harvest Project, a nonprofit farm that grows produce for hunger relief, and a Worcester resident. After the 2016 election I wanted to find a way to support the vibrant immigrant population in Worcester and started volunteering with LVGW as a tutor in 2017. I have experience with fundraising in my day job, and was asked to join the fundraising committee and then the board where I now serve as President and Clerk. LVGW students are some of the most driven, interesting, and wonderful people I have met in our city. I am thrilled to lend my nonprofit management experience to such a small but mighty organization to help local English language learners thrive.

I’m Ilka Kostka, and I’ve been involved with Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester (LVGW) since September 2022. I was first an English language tutor and then joined the Board of Directors. I enjoy discussing curricular and programmatic issues, creating and delivering workshops for students, and working with the Board to carry out the mission of the organization. I’m currently a full-time professor at Northeastern University in Boston, where I teach a range of English language courses to undergraduate and graduate international students. I’m so proud to be part of LVGW and to have the opportunity to use my passion for English language education to support learners in the Worcester area.

My name is Hilda Rosa Maldonado, originally from Canóvanas, Puerto Rico and currently serving the community of Worcester, MA as Program Director at Green Island Neighborhood Center, a program of Friendly House, Inc. With a background in Education from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, my interest in continuing my college studies was born. In 2023 I was able to complete a Human Services Associate of Science Degree from Quinsigamond Community College.

Today, I am pleased to serve on the LVGW Board of Directors, with the purpose of continuing to make a difference in people’s lives to do better. Understanding that my skills and years of experience could be of great benefit to impact others, it’s my desire to be an advocate and voice for this community.

My name is Anyeliny Lamptey, I was born in San Francisco de Macorís in the Dominican Republic, raised in Lawrence MA but call Worcester my home for over 8 years. I am currently a Senior Community Relations Representative at Point32 Health. I graduated from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester VT 2014 with a BA degree in Political Science.

I have recently joined the LVGW Board of Directors with the hopes of using my passion for social justice and community building to help build on the mission.

My name is Raquel Mota-Hays, and I have a strong passion for personal growth and community development. I work as a Wraparound at Worcester Public School, where I consistently strive to promote literacy and passionately advocate for ESOL students. I have a degree in law from a university in Brazil and an Associate’s degree in paralegal studies and psychology from Bunker Hill Community College. These qualifications significantly enhance my skillset and enable me to bring a unique perspective to my work. I am honored to serve on  and contribute my expertise to this exceptional team that aims to deliver the best for the Worcester community.