UNCF New England Area Office Hosts Inaugural “She Leads: Lift As We Rise” Breakfast
Building on UNCF’s powerful legacy of establishing a dynamic intergenerational community of women
On June 11 UNCF New England brought together Pioneers who broke barriers, our Trailblazers who took the torch and are making an impact now, and our Rising Stars poised to lead the future for an intergenerational gathering focused on sharing wisdom, building networks and driving progress together.
Guests were delighted to hear special remarks from Governor Maura T. Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. Both leaders underscored the critical importance of women’s leadership, access to an affordable education for all and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
More than 100 remarkable women, and a few male allies, gathered to discuss navigating career evolution, cultivating resilience and mental well-being, and leveraging the power of community and mentorship. Panelists included Dr. Thea James, Vice President of Mission, Associate Chief Medical Officer, Boston Medical Center; April English, Chief Secretary, Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura T Healey; and Dr. Devin Cromartie Bodrick. Faculty, Boston University School of Medicine, Psychiatrist, Talkiatry moderated by Courtney Boston, Founder & CEO Hervision Media & Consulting and Co-Founder of WWOC Media Network.
“For 81 years, UNCF has been a steadfast champion for educational access, economic mobility and institutional empowerment.” said Arleaya Martin, Development Director, UNCF New England. “The intergenerational panel of HBCU Alumna representing some of the Commonwealth’s remarkable Pioneers, Trailblazers and Rising Stars exemplified the success of historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) to cultivate exceptional leaders and foster environments where talent thrives.”
This event marked the inaugural “She Leads” breakfast aimed to foster a strong, interconnected leadership network of women. Many of the women in the room have, in their own way, shaped and continue to define the world in which we live. The UNCF New England Area Office was honored to bring nearly 100 remarkable women across generations together under their umbrella to connect, uplift and lead.
To learn more about upcoming opportunities and resources, please contact Arleaya Martin at arleaya.martin@uncf.org. To donate and support this important work, please visit UNCF.org/BostonGive.
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About UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. While totaling only 3% of all colleges and universities, UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 15% of bachelor’s degrees, 5% of master’s degrees, 10% of doctoral degrees and 19% of all STEM degrees earned by Black students in higher education. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram.