Our Team
Our Team
Our staff, board, committees and internships are made up of a diverse group of motivated individuals that believe deeply in the cause of affordable housing and the promise of a more livable Greater Providence and East Bay.
Driven by her passion for advocacy and social justice, Dr. Jackson brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role.
Dr. Jackson has been actively involved in the field of housing for approximately 8 years, starting with her humble beginnings as site support in a homeless shelter in Brockton, Massachusetts. Her commitment and hard work led her to serve as the Interim Executive Director of the Brockton Redevelopment Authority, overseeing various critical programs. These programs included HUD Lead Hazard Control Program, HUD Healthy Homes, HUD CDBG – Public Services, Facilities, and Façade Improvement Program, as well as the HUD HOME Program encompassing residential and commercial development projects.
“Advocacy and social justice have always been the driving forces behind my work in the field of housing. I am honored to join Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay, an organization that shares my commitment to creating affordable and adequate housing for underserved communities,” said Dr. Patricia Jackson, newly appointed Executive Director. “I am excited to work alongside the dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families in need.”
Originally from Kansas City, Kansas, Dr. Jackson’s educational journey has been impressive. She graduated 8th in her class from Wyandotte High School in 2002 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Kansas. Later, she pursued a Masters in Public Administration with a specialty in Urban Design from Park University. In 2016, she moved to the East Coast to obtain a Masters in Legal Studies, specializing in Business Studies, from Northeastern University. Five years later, Dr. Jackson achieved her Doctorate in Law and Policy from Northeastern University, with her dissertation focusing on the Disinvestment and Lack of Reinvestment in Disenfranchised Communities.
As the Chief Operating Officer, Steve Santos will be responsible for conducting initial aging in place home assessments, drafting scopes of work, coordinating site supervisors and sub-contractors, and conducting quality assurance reviews on all Aging in Place home modifications.
Steve brings more than 15 years of relevant work experience both in the construction and home performance fields. He possesses an impressive array of industry-recognized certifications, including the Building Performance Institute’s Energy Auditor, Building Analyst, Heating Professional, Healthy Home Renovator, Quality Control Specialist, Healthy Home Principles, and Healthy Home Renovator. Steve is well-known for his kind and engaging customer service skills
Steve is a native Rhode Islander, a proud Cape Verdean, and is an active community leader in Providence and the surrounding areas. He is on the board of directors for the Chad Brown Alumni Association and the West Elmwood Intruder Alumni Association and is a proud mentor to many young people in the Providence community.
Originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico, Carmen M. González Batíz moved to the United States at the age of 5, living here in the State of Rhode Island. At the age of 14, she moved back to her humble Island where she graduated top of her class at Escuela Adolfo Grana Rivera Superior.
In 1998, right after her graduation, Carmen moved back to Rhode Island and in 2004, she attended The Sawyer School and acquired a certification for OIS and graduated first in her class with awards such as Humanitarian Award, Outstanding Student of the Year and Highest Honors.
Ms. González Batíz, worked for former Mayor Ángel Tavares, Esq., while he still had his practice with his then partner, Richard Corley, Esq, as a legal assistant. Fascinated with her work there she started pursuing her education and became a Paralegal in 2007. Ms. González Batíz, worked as the Volunteer Coordinator for The Angel for Providence Campaign which he won as the first Spanish Mayor for Providence, Rhode Island.
Her goal was and still is to help those less fortunate so she continued working as a paralegal for over two decades. She felt like there was more that she can do, to help. She applied to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay in August of 2023, and was hired on the spot by Dr. Patricia Jackson.
In this role she has successfully obtained various certificates, and is still studying to achieve her goal. Her motto has always been, there is no stupid question than the one you do not ask.
“Today, I am honored to work with such an amazing team and we have each others back, we excel in helping our Elderly Residents and it has been very rewarding to do something different, to change a life in a second, the gratitude we receive from our residents it’s just gratifying. To know that we can be that impact in helping the elderly stay in their homes, there is just no words that can measure to how we feel”
Knowledge: For she is more precious than rubies, nothing you desire can compare to her. Proverbs 3:15
Born and raised in Providence, Shackiella Tarty has always maintained a strong connection to the local community. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Rhode Island, she spent several years working in the mental health field before transitioning to a career in real estate. Seeking a meaningful way to give back, Shackiella began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, which eventually led to her role as Build Site Manager for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay.
Outside of work, Shackiella enjoys exploring new foods, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her dedication to building homes and fostering community growth continues to drive her work and commitment to Habitat’s mission.
Stephanie is excited to bring her decades of business experience to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay as a Project Manager.
After a successful 25-year career in Manhattan residential real estate, followed by over 15 years as a business owner in Providence, she is now dedicated to giving back to the community and empowering others. Her passion for real estate has evolved into a commitment to building affordable housing and creating a better city and world. Starting as a Habitat volunteer, she feels fortunate to have transitioned into a role within this vitally important and highly respected organization.
Her other interests include running, hiking, rowing, and baking. She was raised in Brooklyn, NY, where her father owned a bakery. Additionally, she is a dedicated volunteer at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
Hi!
I’m a digital marketing specialist proudly born and raised in Providence, RI. I manage the email campaigns, social media presence, and website for Habitat for Humanity Greater Providence and East Bay. It’s a role that means the world to me, as it allows me to combine my passion for marketing with my deep love for my hometown. Knowing that my efforts directly support families in Providence, helping them achieve stability and a brighter future, is incredibly fulfilling. Every post, email, and web update I create reflects my commitment to fostering positive change in the community I’ve always called home.
