Meet Our Founders

WALKIRIA POOL

PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER 

Walkiria Pool’s career path has more than 20 years of experience in community development and the housing services industry, with a focus on affordable housing and economic asset development for families.

She earned a Master’s degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University and a graduate certificate in Women, Politics, and Public Policy from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. During his high school studies at the same institution, he completed his degree in Psychology and Sociology.

Throughout his career, he has contributed to the development of important community initiatives. She was responsible for developing and implementing the “More Than You” project for the National Council of La Raza, considered the nation’s first community financial institution targeting low-income families. She also served as the Youth Program Director in the Family Asset Development division of Lawrence Community Works, and as an AmeriCorps VISTA member at the Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation.

In addition, she has been part of various boards of directors and advisory committees of community organizations, contributing to the strengthening of initiatives focused on the well-being and development of communities.

Driven by her commitment to low-income families and immigrant communities, she founded the Family Support Center (CAF) in Massachusetts in 2006, an organization of which she is president and founder. Its vision was to create an institution dedicated to strengthening communities through economic, social, and educational development, providing opportunities and comprehensive support to those who face barriers to accessing essential resources and services.

Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its impact and presence to Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, developing programs focused on housing, economic development, education, and community wellness. Through its vision and commitment to community service, Walkiria Pool  has guided CAF in its mission to empower families and contribute to the building of stronger and more resilient communities; serving more than 55,000 families annually.

His leadership has been widely recognized. In 2020 and again in 2026, she was selected as one of the honorees of the prestigious “Top 100 Women” recognition given by The Daily.

Record in Maryland, which highlights women leaders for their professional achievements, their impact on the community, and their commitment to mentoring and strengthening future generations. This recognition reflects your dedication to driving opportunity and creating positive change in the communities you serve.

DAMARIS FRÍAS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER 

Damaris Frias& co-founded CAF. She is Executive director of CAF’s Lawrence, MA office and oversees The Connectors, a national capacity building program for clergy serving Latino churches that prepares them to serve as bridge between their congregations and their communities.  Mrs. Frias brings over 15 years of experience in the area of leadership development, management, and program development. She holds a BA in Psychology from University of Massachusetts at Boston and a MA in Mental Health with an specialty in children, youths and families from Southern New Hampshire University. Mrs. Frias has served at her local church as youth, children, and family minister director.