Episode 35: Rooted in Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Ph.D., is the CEO of IBA-Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, a community development corporation dedicated to empowering individuals through education, workforce development, and arts programs. She shares IBA’s holistic approach to youth development and how the arts unleash the collective power and voice of the young people they serve.

Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Ph.D.Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Ph.D., is the CEO of IBA-Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, a community development corporation dedicated to empowering individuals through education, workforce development and arts programs, and to creating vibrant affordable housing communities. Through her leadership, IBA has become the largest Latino-led nonprofit organization in Greater Boston.

Continue reading “Episode 35: Rooted in Arts, Activism, and Social Justice”

Episode 34: Why is a Social Service Agency Running a Classical Music Program?

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Berkshire Children & Families (BCF), a social service agency serving Western Massachusetts, believes that partnering with families is the best way to promote healthy, happy children to make strong families and better communities. Carolyn Mower Burns, President and CEO, shared how through Kids 4 Harmony, an intensive classical music program for social change, BCF uses musical excellence as a vehicle for developing whole children and whole families.

Since this conversation was recorded, Massachusetts has lost a tremendous advocate for creative youth development. Carolyn passed in the Fall of 2016. She is missed.

Carolyn Mower BurnsCarolyn Mower Burns, LICSW, was recognized as a leader and champion for community-centered programs to strengthen children and families.  Prior to her death in the Fall of 2016, Carolyn presided over Berkshire Children and Families (BCF) for 27 years forging a legacy of leadership and innovation.  BCF is one of the most comprehensive family service agencies in Western MA, providing cutting-edge programs that create lasting opportunity for children and their families in Berkshire County and the Pioneer Valley.
Continue reading “Episode 34: Why is a Social Service Agency Running a Classical Music Program?”

Episode 32: When Community Service is Hardwired Into a Museum

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Fitchburg Art Museum is experiencing a renaissance. Director Nick Capasso describes how their commitment to community service – through organizational culture, programming, and partnerships – strengthens and grows the creative ecology of the city.

Nick CapassoNicholas Capasso, Ph.D. is Director of the Fitchburg Art Museum, a community-oriented museum in Fitchburg, Massachusetts with art historical collections, changing exhibitions of regional contemporary art, and educational and community outreach programs. Prior to his appointment at Fitchburg, Capasso was Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, a museum of contemporary art in Lincoln, Massachusetts.
Continue reading “Episode 32: When Community Service is Hardwired Into a Museum”

Episode 31: Collective Action Revitalized Arts Education in Boston

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Marinell Rousmaniere, Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at EdVestors, discusses the Boston Public Schools (BPS) Arts Expansion Initiative, a multi-year effort focused on increasing access, equity, and quality of arts learning for all BPS students.

Launched in 2009, this public-private partnership involves a large and coordinated network of partners, including schools, arts organizations, local and national foundations, colleges and universities, and the Mayor’s office, among others.

Marinell RousmaniereMarinell Rousmaniere oversees EdVestors’ cross-sector initiative work, including BPS Arts Expansion, as well as policy and communications as Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives. Marinell brings more than 20 years of experience working in youth development and education in both the public and nonprofit sectors to the role. She previously served as Executive Director of mytown, inc., a nonprofit focused on connecting Boston teenagers to the city’s diverse history,
Continue reading “Episode 31: Collective Action Revitalized Arts Education in Boston”