Meet our team
Marcus Pierre
President
Marcus Pierre founded Digital Defenders Inc. in July of 2024. The vision for Digital Defenders was born in a college classroom, where Marcus realized the need to better prepare youth for the digital world. With a background in criminal justice and a master’s degree in cybersecurity, Marcus is passionate about equipping the next generation with the tools to navigate the digital world safely. Through its early efforts, Digital Defenders is building a foundation to become a trusted resource for cybersecurity education in local communities.
As an advocate for community education, Marcus combines his expertise in cybersecurity with a commitment to creating impactful learning experiences. He believes in the power of youth as digital advocates and works tirelessly to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and practical application in underserved communities.
Aminah Pilgrim, PhD
Vice President
Dr. Aminah Pilgrim is an accomplished educator of over 20 years, and published author. As a community leader with over a decade of experience empowering youth through her work as Co-Founder and President of SABURA Youth Programs, Inc., she's made a significant impact in fostering development and mentorship opportunities. She holds a PhD from Rutgers University and a BA from Duke University, which have shaped her approach to mentoring and community engagement.
As an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music and Senior Lecturer at UMass Boston, Dr. Pilgrim brings a wealth of knowledge and a collaborative mindset to her work. Her leadership is grounded in a passion for youth development and an understanding of the critical importance of guiding young people .
Dr. Pilgrim’s experience and commitment to community make her an essential leader at Digital Defenders Inc., where she is helping to drive initiatives that empower youth and promote cyber safety. For more on Dr. Pilgrim, see www.aminahpilgrim.com
Shirley Joseph-Kelly
Treasurer
Shirley Joseph-Kelly brings over two decades of experience in operations and financial management to Digital Defenders Inc. With a background in Business/Management Information Systems from Salem State University, Shirley has worked in various leadership roles, including her current position at Harvard University. At Digital Defenders Inc., Shirley applies her expertise in streamlining financial processes, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support the nonprofit's mission of empowering youth through cybersecurity education.
Her strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential in overseeing the nonprofit’s financial health, enabling Digital Defenders Inc. to focus on creating impactful programs for youth. This ensures the organization operates with transparency, accountability, and the flexibility needed to expand its reach and impact.
Sharice Nazaire
Clerk
Sharice Nazaire brings her excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Drawing from her experience as a Quality Assurance Engineer at Amazon Blink, Sharice is adept at maintaining precise records and efficiently managing information. In her role, she plays a vital part in organizing agendas, and ensuring that all communication flows smoothly within the organization, allowing Digital Defenders Inc. to maintain transparency and accountability.
Her expertise in managing complex projects and collaborating with teams translates seamlessly into her role. Sharice’s ability to handle detailed tasks with efficiency and precision allows the team to stay focused on its mission of empowering youth through cybersecurity education.
Nicholas Desjardins, MPAS, PA-C
Board Member / Educational Director
Nicholas J. Desjardins, MPAS, PA-C, brings a unique blend of clinical care, IT support, and youth mentorship to the Digital Defenders Board of Directors. With experience as a Physician Assistant in Orthopedic Surgery at the VA Boston Healthcare System and past roles in IT at Tufts Medical Center and Merrimack College, Nicholas offers both technical insight and a strong commitment to education.
Outside of his professional roles, Nicholas has spent over a decade coaching high school football and mentoring young people through sports and community outreach. Fluent in English and Haitian Creole, with working proficiency in Spanish, he brings a culturally aware approach to Digital Defenders’ mission of creating a safer digital world for all youth.
