Synergy Spotlight: Meet Jahaira Gonzalez, Deputy Director of Financial Services

Jahaira Gonzalez is a shining example of a successful, career-driven professional who shattered through the glass ceiling. Her extreme passion for the community in which she lives, as well as her desire to learn, can be traced back to when she was just a child.
Born in Puerto Rico, Jahaira moved to Worcester, Massachusetts when she was in kindergarten and immediately started English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. However, Jahaira’s grandmother, who raised her, encouraged her to only speak Spanish at home so that she would never forget it – and rightfully so – as her bilingual abilities have positioned her to excel throughout her career.
During high school, Jahaira began her first job as a summer camp counselor, part of a program for children at Assumption University in Worcester – the city in which she’s resided for most of her life. Not long after, Jahaira became employed at UMass Memorial Medical Center, where she initially started as an intern doing patient registration. Jahaira began rising through the ranks (something she would also later do at RCAP Solutions); she was quickly brought onboard as a temporary employee and subsequently hired to work in the hospital’s center for spine health.
Jahaira’s next venture led her to a local law firm, where she worked as a receptionist and interpreter for several years. After making an impression at the law firm, Jahaira was approached by the owner of an interpreting services company with a job offer to oversee the company’s 45 interpreters, who provided services to courthouses, hospitals, insurance adjusters, and more.
Although she was excelling, Jahaira found herself in a tough situation after being let go. A friend referred her to RCAP Solutions and informed her that they have programs that could assist with rent payments. However, instead of receiving financial assistance from RCAP Solutions, she received a job.
In 2013, Jahaira was hired by RCAP Solutions as Administrative Assistant to the President & CEO at the time, Karen A. Koller. Shortly after, the organization needed someone to take over duties at the front desk, and thus Jahaira transferred into the role. During her time at the front desk, Jahaira learned the ins-and-outs of the many various housing programs which RCAP Solutions administers, including our voucher programs and the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program.
After approximately 2 years, a RAFT Specialist position became available – Jahaira applied, and got the job. Originally, the RAFT team consisted of approximately 3 staff members, including Jahaira, and the program was overseen by Bill Minkle, RCAP Solutions’ Executive Vice President at the time. During 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting financial pressure put on families caused RAFT applications to skyrocket. The team quadrupled in size and Jahaira played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the program alongside Bill.
In August 2020, Bill Minkle tragically passed away. His death rocked the RCAP Solutions staff and the greater Central Massachusetts community as a whole. Jahaira, who attributed Bill to many of her successes within the organization, lost a mentor.
The following month, Jahaira stepped into the role of Deputy Director of Financial Services – approximately 7 years after first joining RCAP Solutions as an administrative assistant and in the front desk role.
Working closely with the Director of Housing Counseling & Financial Services, Jahaira oversees the RAFT program, the HomeBASE program, and the Secure Jobs program. She also manages several staff members and when things get busy, she often reclaims her former duties as RAFT Specialist; processing applications and paperwork herself.
Jahaira attributes her success to the fact that she’s been in the same situation as many of the families we serve, describing the struggles during the early days of her career, “I know what the clients go through. I had no vehicle, so I had to improvise. I had to take the bus or walk with my daughter who at that time was just a baby, it was hard. Striving to meet your goals can be difficult, but with determination and perseverance you can achieve success.”
Jahaira’s contributions were noted by Josh Bedarian, Chief Housing & Compliance Officer, who said, “Jahaira embodies what commitment means in every sense of the word. Jahaira began her career at RCAP Solutions as a receptionist and through her tireless effort and commitment to the mission, vision, and values that RCAP Solutions holds dear, she has elevated herself to the position of Deputy Director of Financial Services. I cannot say enough about how proud I am of the work Jahaira has done for our clients, for herself, and most important of all, for her family. Jahaira’s passion and commitment to her work cannot be understated.”
In her role, Jahaira has become a strong mentor, encouraging her team to take advantage of the benefits that RCAP Solutions offers, including our many education and training offerings. She is a committed advocate and promotes the many opportunities for advancement within the organization.
Lovette Chislom, Director of Housing Counseling & Financial Services, concluded, “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jahaira over the course of the last 11 years as she worked tirelessly to climb the RCAP Solutions ladder of success and have had the distinct honor of working with her as the Deputy Director of Financial Services for the last 3+ years. Jahaira stepped into this leadership role with professionalism, grace, and dignity. Jahaira goes above and beyond to assist staff and management no matter the ask. She is dedicated to providing guidance and continued encouragement to the staff. Jahaira is always striving for ways to improve processes while working diligently to elevate her managerial skills. She is held in high esteem by staff, colleagues, and management. Jahaira continues to strive for greatness in every aspect of her life. I am truly honored to work with Jahaira and look forward to many more years.”
Fun Facts About Jahaira:
- Hometown: Worcester, Massachusetts
- Favorite Book: Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
- Favorite Movie: The Notebook directed by Nick Cassavetes
- Favorite Sports Team: Boston Celtics
- Favorite Musicians: Goldford (LA-based pop/rock singer-songwriter) and JP Cooper (soul/alternative rock singer-songwriter)
- Historical Figures She’d Like to Meet: Rosa Parks (African-American activist in the civil rights movement) and Martin Luther King Jr. (African-American minister and activist in the civil rights movement)
- Places She’d Like to Travel to: Spain, Italy, and Greece
Check Out This Video (ft. Jahaira) About the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) Program!