Shantae Holmes, Co-Executive Director & Board President (She/her)
Shantae co-founded Be Inclusive. Over the last few years, she changed her career path to focus solely on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion while teaching her community about cultural humility. Shantae earned her Bachelor's degree in Counseling from Lesley University and is certified in Non-Profit Management for Practitioners offered through MetroWest Nonprofit Network and Framingham State University. She believes strong and supportive leadership is one of the keys to a successful organization.
Kristen Kohlmeyer, LICSW, Co-Executive Director & Board Chair (She/her)
Kristen is a licensed social worker, therapist, and local community organizer. She moved to Massachusetts from Phoenix, Arizona, in 2003 to attend graduate school. She earned her Masters in Social Work from Boston University in 2005 and spent over 15 years working in community-based mental health settings. She spent much of her career supporting families, who had children with significant mental health needs, in navigating the complicated mental health system. She then worked as an Adjunct Faculty member at Simmons University teaching courses on trauma-informed care before opening her private practice in 2021.
Through her work she has seen how racism and bias impact family systems through intergenerational trauma, as well as individuals' mental health, wellbeing and sense of self. She believes that through Be Inclusive, Inc.'s programming, important conversations about race and culture can be had and a greater understanding of one another can be built. She recognizes that it is critically important for all kids and adults to have access to diverse stories, voices and community events in order to build healthy racial identity, cultural awareness, and belonging in the community.
Rev. Anna Flowers, Treasurer (She/her)
A supporter of Be Inclusive from its beginning, Rev. Anna Flowers is thrilled to be serving on its board and hopes to further its mission and be a champion for inclusivity in the Walpole community and beyond. Rev. Flowers is the Senior Pastor of United Church in Walpole, an open and affirming congregation that has been a pillar of love and justice in the heart of Walpole for 300+ years, helping to found and launch organizations such as the Walpole Community Food Pantry, Turning Point Recovery Center, Walpole Peace and Justice, and more.
Saranya Suresh, Clerk (She/her)
Saranya is an attorney and has spent the last six years working in the child welfare space. As a new immigrant herself who struggled with imposter syndrome when she joined the Greater Boston legal community, she understands the need for individuals from marginalized communities to have a seat at the table. Saranya joined Be Inclusive as a volunteer at the Diwali event in 2023 and was truly inspired by the power of diverse community celebrations to build friendships.
As a parent of young children, Saranya believes that it is important for children of all races and backgrounds to have a sense of pride in their culture and heritage. She also believes that celebrations sparking joy in black and brown communities are often overlooked within the political landscape of America. Given this reality, the community events organized by Be Inclusive hold even greater meaning in reducing bias, building confidence in children of color, and creating awareness.
Outside of her job, Saranya is passionate about cooking, the outdoors and art. She loves to dabble in recipes old and new and loves to explore hiking trails.
Toben Asklar, Board Member (They/them)
Toben Asklar organized the first two Sharon Pride Car Parades and helped create the Sharon Pride Steering Committee, which has produced the Sharon Pride Festival ever since. They served as a member of Sharon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC) for four years, including two as Chair. They currently work stadium event security and substitute teach.
They have worked at an LGBTQ+ community center, a weekly newspaper, a college public relations office, a private boarding and day school, a construction company office, a university residence hall, a hospital childbirth unit, and a family restaurant. Their first job cleaning the dirt from potatoes at a truck farm near Erie, Pennsylvania brought them elbow to elbow with older generations and developed their early understanding of socioeconomic challenges and their work ethic. Toben values their family and the connections forged with their co-workers, students, friends, and acquaintances along the way.
In their free time, Toben enjoys shared time with their children and spouse, volunteering at an animal rescue, hiking, reading, gardening, cooking, and writing. They were honored with an inaugural 2026 Commonwealth Pride Award in June at the Massachusetts Statehouse.
Photo Credit: Paul Vicario
Leah Press, Board Member (She/her)
Leah Press is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, bringing over 10 years of experience in human resource development to her role as a board member of Be Inclusive. Originally from California’s Bay Area, Leah relocated to Massachusetts in 2012 and has been a resident of Walpole since 2019. She is a first-generation college graduate, a child of an immigrant, and comes from a multicultural background—experiences that fuel her commitment to fostering inclusive communities.
Leah has played a pivotal role in shaping organizational cultures, including leading the creation and implementation of a comprehensive DEI strategy at a Boston-based tech company, embedding inclusive practices across the organization.
Beyond her professional work, Leah is a mother of two who enjoys spending time with her family, exploring local festivities, listening to audiobooks, and enjoying a nice little treat!
Imran Qazi, Board Member (He/him)
Imran is a dedicated community leader and advocate, combining expertise as a financial services and marketing professional with the entrepreneurial spirit of a local business owner. With a rich multicultural background, Imran is passionate about fostering inclusivity and diversity, and he brings a wealth of experience in advocating for equitable opportunities. As a soccer coach and active volunteer, Imran believes in the power of teamwork—both on and off the field—to build inclusive, thriving communities. As a member of the Be Inclusive Board, Imran is committed to empowering others, fostering connections, and championing diversity in every aspect of life.
Lauren Sertich, Board Member (She/her)
After hearing about the Multicultural Books Initiative at an elementary school meeting, she decided that she should put her thoughts and feelings into action and join the dynamic parent community. By day, Lauren is a mom of two and an institutional investment consultant at Callan LLC. She has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Dartmouth College.