Our Leadership Team
ERCP is led by a dedicated volunteer board whose members bring diverse professional backgrounds and a shared commitment to helping students achieve their academic goals. In the organization’s first two years, this five-member working board has served as both the governing body and operating leadership team, guiding decisions while leading core areas including executive leadership, finance and operations, programs, communications, and development. Board members serve without pay and continue to support ERCP through personal contributions, hands-on leadership, and a deep belief in the students and families we serve.
Nelida Semedo Barbosa, Esq.
Nelida Semedo Barbosa, Esq., is an Immigration Attorney and Certified Mediator whose work is shaped by her own journey as a Cape Verdean immigrant. She holds degrees from Rhode Island College and Roger Williams School of Law, where she served on the leadership boards of several student associations. Fluent in Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, and Spanish, she is committed to advocating for immigrant families and expanding access to justice. She is licensed to practice immigration law in all 50 states and admitted to multiple federal appellate courts.
Board Chair
Edmilson Landim
Communications & Development Director
Edmilson “Eddy” Landim is a software developer and community educator who brings both technical expertise and lived experience to his work with Excel & Ready Community Program. Born and raised in Cape Verde, Eddy understands the challenges many students face when adjusting to new academic systems. His own journey from overcoming early academic hurdles to earning a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Rhode Island fuels his commitment to creating pathways for young learners.
Eddy joined ERCP after witnessing the program’s mission firsthand and immediately connected with its purpose of reducing educational gaps in the Cape Verdean community. A natural communicator who enjoys teaching and public speaking, he has delivered talks on youth wellbeing, including “The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health,” which he has presented in multiple community settings.
Parents often express the growth they see in their children because of ERCP, and it is this impact that inspires Eddy to give more. His combination of technical problem solving, mentorship, and cultural understanding makes him a vital contributor to ERCP’s vision of expanding access, confidence, and opportunity for the next generation.
Josienne Rodrigues
Josienne Rodrigues leads with compassion, clarity, and a steady commitment to supporting both the emotional and academic growth of every child at Excel & Ready Community Program.
Since immigrating to the United States, she has advanced her education with intention, earning her GED, completing her Nursing Assistant certification, and now pursuing a Psychology degree at the Community College of Rhode Island. This journey fuels her passion for helping young people build confidence, navigate challenges, and recognize their own potential.
Her professional experience as a CNA, Medical Assistant, and now Quality Care Coordinator reflects her commitment to learning, service, and caring for others with integrity. Josienne’s lived experience, thoughtful perspective, and natural ability to uplift those around her make her an invaluable part of ERCP’s mission.
Program Director
Ronny Soares
Ronny Soares is a community-focused professional whose experience spans international development, healthcare, and youth empowerment. She spent seven years supporting education and women’s initiatives across Africa with World Education and IREX, work that strengthened her commitment to equity and culturally grounded service.
Ronny is also developing Oiii Preta, an empowerment platform for Cape Verdean and diasporic youth that centers leadership, confidence, and economic opportunity. She brings to ERCP a strong belief in culture, service, and opening pathways for the next generation to thrive.
Finance & Operations Director
Valdir Cabral, Esq.
Valdir Cabral is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Cabral Law Office, LLC, and a community advocate whose journey reflects resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to service. Born and raised in Cape Verde, he immigrated to the United States in 2003 in pursuit of education and expanded opportunity. His early years working in a factory alongside his father shaped his belief in possibility and fueled his drive to build a different future.
Determined to advance his education, Valdir began taking English classes and later enrolled at the Community College of Rhode Island, where he earned his associate degree. He continued on to Rhode Island College, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Computer Information Systems. His academic path led him to Vermont Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor and became the first attorney in his family.
Before launching his own practice, Valdir served as a public defender with the Committee for Public Counsel Services in the Children and Family Law Division and worked with Central West Justice Center and Community Legal Aid. Across these roles, he represented families navigating complex challenges, including shelter evictions, public benefits reductions, and elder law matters, always centering dignity, access, and justice.
Valdir founded Excel and Ready Community Program to help Cape Verdean students gain the confidence, academic support, and community connection that he needed as a young immigrant. His leadership is driven by a belief that every child deserves the tools and encouragement to pursue their goals, no matter their starting point.
Founder & Executive Director
Interested in becoming a board member or volunteer?
Join us in building an organization that strengthens our community. Beyond donations we welcome contributions of dedicated volunteers who lend their expertise, skills, time, and energy to our cause.