Co-Founder and Executive Director
Dr. Terza A. Silva Lima-Neves is a proud Kriola, wife, mamá, scholar, educator, author, and community builder who believes in the power of empathy, culture, and connection. With more than 20 years of experience, she uses her voice to create learning spaces where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to lead with care. Born and raised in São Vicente, Cabo Verde, Terza’s work is shaped by the stories of women in her family and community. She holds degrees in political science from Providence College and Clark Atlanta University.
In 2016, Terza co-founded the Poderoza Conference to honor Cabo Verdean women’s resilience, leadership, and global contributions. Her widely acclaimed TEDx talk on compassionate education (2025), urges institutions to put humanity at the center of learning. As a scholar and author, Dr. Lima-Neves is the editor of Cabo Verdeans in the United States: 21st Century Critical Perspectives (2024) and the co-editor of Cabo Verdean Women Writing Remembrance, Resilience, and Revolution: Kriolas Poderozas, (with Dr. Fernandes-Pilgrim) both published by Lexington Press (2021). Her talks have reached broad audiences at UNC–Chapel Hill, Smith College, Howard University, Brown University, CNN Africa, the Netherlands, Portugal, Cabo Verde, and more. Lima-Neves has been officially recognized by the Government of Cabo Verde for her contributions to education and cultural preservation, a pinnacle moment in her career. You can learn more about her personal and professional journey on her website, www.terzalimaneves.com.Terza lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, Luis, their three children, Erivaldo, Max, and Emilio and fur baby, Sushi Junior.
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Lauraberth Lima (they/she) is the Chief of Exhibitions and Collections at the American LGBTQ+ Museum and adjunct Professor of Museum Studies at New York University. Lima has also worked as an established Cultural Consultant with over 15 years of experience in education and community engagement in museums and cultural institutions. Lauraberth brings a social justice lens to exhibition development through interdisciplinary expertise in BIPOC representation in the arts, abolitionary praxis, health equity, museum and art education, youth and early childhood development for LGBTQ2SIA+/gender expansive communities.
Lima has worked with the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI), The Aspen Institute, Wellcome Trust, Art21, Visual AIDS, MoMA PS1, Creative Time, Columbia University Teachers College, Vassar University, Little Sun, and more. Lauraberth has also served as the Co-Director of Programs at the Center for Art and Advocacy, Director of Education for No Longer Empty, Manager of Family and Community Engagement Programs and the Internship in Museum Education Program at the Museum of the City of New York, Family Programs Coordinator at the Brooklyn Museum, Education Director at the Boys and Girls Club of Boston, a Teaching Artist, and more.
Lima is the founder of @CaboQueer, is a founding member of the arts education organization, The Love Yourself Project, NYC, 501(c)3, and a member of The Committee to Empower Voices for Healing and Equity (led by NYC DCLA). They currently serve as Vice Chair of the Making Gay History Board of Directors.
Lauraberth was born in Cabo Verde, West Africa, raised in Rhode Island, and has been based in NYC since 2009. They earned an MFA in Photography, Video and Related Media from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan and now live with their wife and child in Jackson Heights, NY.
VICE-PRESIDENT
Ndaya Kasanda is a strategic and results-driven leader with a proven track record of driving business transformation for top organizations. She specializes in enhancing customer experience, optimizing operations, and leveraging data-driven insights to support sustainable growth and drive positive change.
Passionate about pioneering innovation within Africa and emerging markets, Ndaya is dedicated to cultivating, scaling, and elevating the next generation of global consumer brands rooted in the unique strengths and creativity of these regions.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Luis Neves is a seasoned information technology and audiovisual professional with over 15 years of experience, specializing in the education sector. Born and raised in Cabo Verde, he is committed to bridging the digital divide and actively supports schools and community organizations by facilitating the donation of essential technology, including laptops and tablets. He collaborates with organizations in the United States to ensure these resources reach communities in need and provides comprehensive training on both software and hardware, equipping educators and students with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Luis is also the owner of Diverti Gaming Lounge in São Vicente, Cabo Verde—a community-centered space designed to provide young people and residents of all ages with a positive, safe, and engaging environment to connect, have fun, and enjoy video gaming. Through Diverti, he promotes responsible gaming, social connection, and access to technology in a welcoming setting. His commitment to community development extends beyond technology to include donating sports uniforms to local schools and organizations, creating opportunities for youth engagement, wellness, and growth. Through his work, Luis continues to make a lasting impact across education, recreation, and community empowerment in Cabo Verde.
SECRETARY
Frandine Lima-Ribeiro is a Radiologic Technologist R T (R) expert with 14 years of experience in various modalities. A native of Cabo Verde, she is known for her attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and results-driven approach to her work. Her dedication to excellence has made her a trusted professional in her field.
Beyond her career, Frandine is an active member of the Cape Verdeans of the Carolinas Association, where she contributes to initiatives that support and celebrate the Cabo Verdean community. A proud mother of two, she balances her professional and community involvement with her deep commitment to family.
Board Member
Iolanda Da Luz is the owner of IDALUZ LLC and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), coach, and consultant with over 15 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and couples. She is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive therapeutic space where individuals from all backgrounds feel seen, respected, and valued. Her work honors each person’s identity, culture, race, gender, sexuality, faith or non-faith, language, and family story.
As an immigrant herself, Iolanda brings in-depth understanding of the emotional complexities of immigration, cultural displacement, identity development, grief, and resilience. She supports individuals navigating acculturation stress, intergenerational dynamics, and life transitions, helping them reconnect with their identity, restore a sense of safety, and build lives grounded in dignity and strength. Iolanda approaches therapy as a collaborative partnership and integrates trauma-informed care, family systems, and community-centered practices to promote emotional wellness and lasting growth.
Outside of her professional work, Iolanda enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the gym, hiking, traveling when possible, and participating in weekly meditation and spiritual study groups. And true to her Cabo Verdean roots, she also finds joy in cleaning, gathering loved ones, and hosting dinners and celebrations.
Board Member
Summer Silva is an experienced professional with a proven track record of optimizing processes and driving measurable efficiency across cross-functional teams. With over seven years of experience in operational effectiveness and business systems, she has become known for her ability to break down complex challenges and build streamlined, technology-enabled solutions that support organizational performance. As a collaborative problem-solver, Summer is passionate about improving how work gets done, ensuring that teams can focus on outcomes rather than friction. In her role as Vision Strategist, Summer brings a tactical lens to supporting Poderoza’s vision, helping translate big-picture goals and ideas into actionable steps that drive engagement, productivity, and long-term impact. With a focus on sustainability, leadership development, and generational impact, Summer works to ensure Poderoza not only serves today’s women, but builds pathways for future generations to thrive, connect, and lead with purpose.
Board Member
Lorreta Rocha proudly represents her origins - Sal, Cabo Verde. As one of the first individuals from her country to be granted with a basketball scholarship and study at a University in the United States, she excelled as a college team captain and played for Cabo Verde’s national basketball women’s team. Lorreta’s journey took her to Boston, where she dedicated years to community based organizing, ultimately leading finance and benefits for the statewide nonprofit network, MCAN. Today, she is the founder of a successful hair business in Boston called HBL and also co-hosts Praçazul, a podcast that highlights Cabo Verdean culture, music, sports, and social issues. A devoted mother, daughter, sister, and activist, Lorreta is driven by purpose, deeply connected to her culture, and always proud of her origins.
