Our Co-Founders:
Co-Founder and CEO, Erik Dyson, has a proven track record in both the corporate and non-profit sectors and is fully engaged to capitalize upon this opportunity. Please see LinkedIn for more details on Erik's experience.
Co-Founder and President, Debbi Dyson, has worked in the non-profit sector, for over 30 years, as a founder, administrator, advocate, and teacher. Her deep experience and commitment to the sector will be critical to HandUp's success.
Our Staff
Isabel Donoso
Director of Upcycling
Isabel leads our emerging upcycling/resale efforts, and her deep experience in marketing is so important as we look to grow this part of the business. She is full of energy and great ideas, and we are certain this will become a core part of the business in the coming months. Isabel is from Chile and settled in the New Bedford area with her family.
Rita Alvarado
Director of Recycling Operations
Rita manages the mattress recycling operations as we are quickly scaling the business. Rita's deep experience and organizational skills are critical as we see ever-increasing volumes and look to improve our processes to meet this new demand. Rita is from Chile and, along with her family, is eagerly exploring all that the South coast area of MA has to offer.
Efrain Algarin Ortiz Jr.
Driver
Efrain ("Junior") is an expert driver who is happiest when he is out on the road picking up mattresses all over the State. Originally from Puerto Rico, Junior spends his free time working on his house and, of course, driving his motorcycle.
Cirilo Lopez Coxaj
Forklift Driver & Machine Operator
Cirilo is a jack-of-all-trades who has figured out the best way to compact foam and cotton, is a certified forklift driver and trainer, and is our resident carpenter and handyman to fix whatever is broken. Originally from Guatemala, Cirilo somehow finds the energy to work out and play soccer on this time off.
Digna Mariana Portales Maldonado
Mattress Sanitizing Operator
Digna is a master at cleaning and sanitizing mattresses to give them a second life. She is constantly looking at how we can improve our approach, and her attention to detail is so appreciated. She is originally from Honduras and is the proud mother of three wonderful children.
Julia Martinez Diaz
Mattress Deconstructor
Julia is the heart of the mattress deconstructing operations, and she has learned to spot a tricky mattress a mile away. She hails from El Salvador and is heavily involved in many community groups and activities, including community gardening.
Juan Cruz
Driver's Assistant
Juan is always ready to do whatever is needed while out collecting mattresses or in the facility. He is from Guatemala and everyone loves his infectious smile and warm morning welcomes.
Our Investors
Our Partners & Advisors:
A top-tier, global legal firm that serves as pro-bono legal counsel to HandUp for all legal and regulatory matters.
