With a background in non-profit management and banking administration Saritin Rizzuto began a distinguished career in the not for profit sector over twenty five years ago, when as a teen, she worked as a peer leader for the department of public health. Her goal was to go into communities with at-risk youth and educate them about violence prevention, substance abuse and teen pregnancy. Saritin found her path then, and has spent what seems like every waking moment “doing for others”.
She has worked in a variety of settings that reflect her passion and commitment to improving the lives of others- as a teen health educator, an advocate for the disabled, in support of AIDS advocacy, creating awareness about mental health and addiction and combating domestic violence. Saritin’s work has been as tireless as it has been compassionate, working both out in the community and in-house in program administration. Her broad interest, knowledge and effectiveness have benefited local, regional and national organizations and all the people they serve.
Even now, working at Metro Credit Union as Vice President of Emerging Populations & Community Relations, Saritin takes on the traditional role of her job as only she can, finding the time to incorporate community organizing and building partnerships to benefit low income and emerging populations. She is the leading force behind an effort to create effective solutions and address challenges facing members in different stages of the financial spectrum under the Metro Credit Union umbrella. The Latino Economic Advancement Advisory Council engages community leaders in the development and execution of ideas designed to help individuals with wealth creation.
Saritin’s many accomplishments have her in high demand as a leader and champion of many causes. She is a member of the Board of Trustees for The Immigrant Learning Center, Phoenix Academy Charter School, Casa Myrna, North Suffolk Mental Health, The East Boston Social Center, The Newmarket Business Association and The Governor’s Public Education Nominating Council. She served as past President of North Suffolk Mental Health Board of Director and also as past President of the Rotary Club of Chelsea where during her presidency she was instrumental in an effort to raise funds and execute a plan to build a hospital facility in an indigenous village in Colombia .
During her eight years as a member of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, Saritin led the annual Pot-O-Gold planning committee as chairman and increased revenue for the Chamber’s major source of funding by 40%. She played a leading role in coordinating the Taste of Chelsea during its inception over 10 years ago by establishing a partnership between the members of the business community and HarborCOV, a non-profit Organization that serves people affected by domestic violence. Saritin was the driving force in organizing a series of seminars to further develop the members of the business community in topics that would help expand their businesses. Her effort to organize Latino businesses to join and have a voice in the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce and City Government has proven highly successful.
Saritin has received many accolades throughout her career and is a well- rounded individual that is seen as a trailblazer across the commonwealth and the Latino community.