Haverhill, MA (May 1, 2025) — The Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome two new members. Governor Maura Healey has appointed Zoila Gomez and Juan Yepez to five-year terms.

Zoila Gomez, ’97

Local immigration lawyer Zoila Gomez has dedicated countless hours to helping current students and their families with the immigration process. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Gomez graduated from Northern Essex in 1997 with a degree in paralegal studies, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from UMass Lowell, and her Juris Doctor degree from Massachusetts School of Law. She founded her law office in 2006, and in the fall of 2011, she returned to NECC as a professor of Immigration Law and Policy.

“As a proud NECC alumna, Class of 1997, who began my journey in ESL classes as a newly arrived immigrant from the Dominican Republic, I am honored to join the Board of Trustees. NECC played a pivotal role in shaping my future, and I hope to bring a fresh perspective to the board, one rooted in lived experience and a deep commitment to educational access. I look forward to helping the college continue its mission of empowering underserved communities to achieve their academic and career goals.”

Juan Yepez

Juan Yepez founded Mainstream Global in 2000, a company that provides supply-chain solutions to some of the world’s largest technology organizations. As a first-generation Ecuadorian American, Yepez says he understands the transformative power of education firsthand. Through Mainstream Global, Yepez, along with COO Luis Yepez, has supported Northern Essex and its students through financial support, mentorship, and guidance. That support helped the Lawrence Promise reach a significant funding milestone. The endowment provides financial support to early college students from Lawrence who continue their education at Northern Essex.

“Together, we can shape a community college that is a beacon of opportunity and innovation for all,” says Yepez.

“We’re grateful to have two involved, local leaders join the Board of Trustees who have already shown a deep commitment to NECC students and our mission,” says Northern Essex President Lane Glenn. “Both bring an incredible wealth of expertise and passion for the communities we serve.”

Gomez replaces former trustee Glennys Sanchez, while Yepez will fill the seat previously held by Sally O’Rorke.

The college’s Board of Trustees includes nine members appointed by the governor to a maximum of two five-year terms, an alumni-elected member who also serves a maximum of 10 years, and a student trustee who serves for two semesters. For more information on the Board of Trustees, visit the webpage.