2023 Launch Program Book

We are grateful to WBZ-TV, our media partner, for amplifying the voices of a NEW Generation of changemakers

© Mike Casey Photography

With greatest joy, we welcome the Class of 2023!

We begin in gratitude for those who enable our mission with belief, generosity, and partnership— educators, families, civic and nonprofit leaders, investors, Alumni, champions, and volunteers. On this Launch Day, we offer special gratitude for the leadership of John Hancock and WBZ-TV.

Everyone gathered in this Great Hall shares our belief in you—eighth grade unsung heroes and quiet leaders selected as Ambassadors to represent the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns. To serve and lead, dream and build. We celebrate your unity as 35ONE—our 13th Class, diverse in all ways but for your kind hearts and bold aspirations for positive change.

Our mission and your movement draws inspiration from two American heroes—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Yesterday, history was made, with the unveiling of The Embrace, a powerful representation of the love shared by the Kings—and the transformational change realized by that love-in-action. Hank Willis Thomas and MASS Design Group, the artists who designed the memorial, reflected,

“In evoking (the Kings’) love, their commitment to each other, and their ideals,The Embrace is overwhelmingly simple and accessible: it is about what we share, not what sets us apart… the memorial will remind visitors of the power of collective action. The 1965 Freedom Rally Memorial Plaza is accessed by peace walks that pay tribute to Boston activists for Civil Rights…inviting us to continue marching together against social injustice.”

The Embrace honors the Kings’ magnificent legacy as movement makers—a reflection of their relentless pursuit of equality and courageous insistence on opportunity for all. Their vision for a Beloved Community—diverse, inclusive, united and just—endures as inspiration for our service and motivation for our mission.

On this first day of your Ambassador year, I invite you to embrace…hope, unity, and love. To activate compassion and commitment to make your difference in the world. To inspire others by your example as a loyal friend, caring classmate, and kind neighbor. To use your voice on behalf of issues and causes that inspire your passion. And, find joy and friendship in this Beloved Community that powers your leadership forward.

We believe that change is possible, because we believe in you. So, let’s begin!

With admiration, Carolyn

Carolyn Casey Founder & Executive Director Project 351

Class of 2023 Ambassadors Embrace hope by...

AZUL, STOW “Never giving up and always thinking of ways to improve. I try to focus on the positive: if you believe that there is something you can do to be of help, you will feel more hopeful.”

MATEO, LONGMEADOW “Never giving up, by always believing there is still a chance, a possibility. By spreading positive vibes to anyone who needs it. I will show others what people do to make the world better and encourage them to see the possibility of positive change.”

PATRICK, SALISBURY “Even at our lowest points, people continue to help one another. Some run away from danger, others run towards it, trying to help. I strive to always be the one helping those around me, and instilling hope in those who may have lost it.”

ELI, BUCKLAND “Never letting go of my vision of the future and a better world, always fighting to make it into a reality.”

JAYDA, LYNN “Reminding others to look at what they have done to get to where they are, and to believe in themselves.”

ANDREW, WORCESTER “Telling others: Don’t give up on yourself. You’ll never go anywhere if you don’t believe. Be filled with DETERMINATION!”

NYA’LIA, STOUGHTON “Having empathy for people and their struggles. I will create solutions that show we can overcome any challenge.”

2023 13TH ANNUAL LAUNCH DAY |

13th Annual Launch Day

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther Jr. & Coretta Scott King

In celebration of the spirit of the Ambassador Class of 2023

Saturday, January 14, 2023

8:30 AM

COMMUNITY BUILDING in Service Hero Teams with Charlie Rose, Chair Emeritus, Project 351 Advisory Board & Senior Vice President, City Year

9:30 AM MORNING PROGRAM & CELEBRATION

Program will include:

Remarks by Jim Gallagher, General Counsel, John Hancock, a unit of Manulife Imari Paris Jeffries, Executive Director, Embrace Boston Service Hero Roll Call with Alumni Mentoring Corps

Ambassador Navy Tee Ceremony Call-to-Serve

10:45 AM

AMBASSADORS DEPART FOR SERVICE SITES & LUNCH

11:45 AM – 3:30 PM

UNITE. ACT. LEAD!

Through an afternoon of team-based service, Ambassadors will positively impact the lives of 10,000 neighbors by addressing the issues of hunger, homelessness, poverty, and the care of children and veterans.

3:45 PM – 5:00 PM Community Meeting & Service Celebration

Ambassador-led celebrations of service impact and reflections on lessons learned, Kick-off to Spring Service: Project 351’s annual campaign in support of Cradles to Crayons, and a year of service, leadership, and friendship

Unite, Act, Lead: An Afternoon of Service

We serve with joy—and with humility and respect for the communities with whom we are privileged to partner. An afternoon of service makes real Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community through unity, compassion, and hope.

At four Impact Sites, Ambassadors will invest their skills to make a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors across Boston and our state. As they serve, they’ll gain knowledge of important issues, build empathy, and forge friendships. And, learn from the example of the Alumni, educators, nonprofit leaders, and private sector champions with whom they serve.

We’re grateful to be led by a community of partners including About Fresh, Annie’s Kindness Blankets, Cradles to Crayons, Hope & Comfort, La Colaborativa, Pine Street Inn, Veterans of Foreign War Posts, and the Wonderfund. It’s an honor to serve with leaders working on the frontline of building hope, expanding equity of opportunity, and meeting the critical needs of our neighbors. The lessons learned and skills developed will strengthen Ambassador leadership throughout their service year.

Celebrating Embrace Boston

We’re honored to welcome Imari Paris Jeffries, Executive Director of Embrace Boston, and celebrate his visionary leadership. Founded in 2017, Embrace Boston works at the intersection of arts and culture, community, and research to dismantle structural racism. Their vision is a radically inclusive and equitable Boston where everyone belongs and the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) community prospers—grounded in joy, love, and well-being. Embrace Boston is deeply collaborative and BIPOC-led, working toward an ecosystem which fosters equity, opportunity, and well-being for a transformed Boston by 2030, the City’s 400th birthday.

Designed by Hank Willis Thomas and MASS Design Group, “The Embrace” is a representation of the Kings’ loving embrace upon hearing that Dr. King would be honored as 1964 Nobel Peace Laureate. Located on the Boston Common, The Embrace is the centerpiece of the 1965 Freedom Plaza, which highlights 65 civil rights leaders from Greater Boston—a place of beauty and history that inspires our awe and invites our reflection, commitment, and action.

“The Embrace will stand tall as our collective symbol of love, equity, inclusion, belonging and justice. It will serve as a permanent monument representing the Kings’ time and powerful presence here in Boston, a time that helped shape their approach to an equitable society.”

Imari Paris Jeffries Executive Director

“Martin

King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King are monumental examples of the capacity of love to shape society. I can only hope The Embrace can be a call to action to each of us to never forget what they’ve taught us.”

“Is there a more radical act of justice than love? The choice to love your neighbor, to love someone that is not yourself, to go into a community and act is the foundational seed of social justice. To us, there was no better way to honor the Kings’ legacy and advance collective action.”

Pr incipal & Executive Direc tor, MASS Design Group

Michael Murphy

Founding

Luther

Hank Willis Thomas artist

• Kindness: The quality of being friendly, considerate, and warm toward all others

• Compassion: The instinct to care deeply about others through greater understanding of their lived experiences and unique traditions and heritage

• Humility: The characteristic of being modest, especially when using one’s power for good

• Gratitude: The act of being thankful; demonstrating appreciation and kindness with joy

• Begin each day and each service project in gratitude

• Enter into each community with humility and respect.

• Through word, deed, and action; respect and value the dignity of all.

• Honor diversity as our strength—one team, one community, one family: 35ONE!

• Service is joy!

• Create transformational impact to eradicate the causes & consequences of poverty to advance equity and build the Beloved Community.

• Make “good trouble!”—and, honor the heroic legacy of Congressman John Lewis, whose example inspired the founding of Project 351.

Served

1,224,541 neighbors

Mobilized

312,580 students and friends in service

Developed the skills, confidence, and courage to lead and succeed as agents of positive change

Fostered a culture of kindness and compassion in hundreds of schools and communities

Committed to a lifetime of civic responsibility and service

The wisdom of our Service HeroEs

“There comes a time when time itself is ready for a change.”

“FOR THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT, IF ONLY WE’RE BRAVE ENOUGH TO SEE IT. IF ONLY WE’RE BRAVE ENOUGH TO BE IT.”

[ AMANDA GORMAN ]

[MALALA YOUSAFZAI]

“I’M ALWAYS LOOKING TO THE FUTURE AND WHAT WILL NEXT BE ON THE HORIZON.”

[ CHEF JOSÉ ANDRÉS ]

[ CORETTA SCOTT KING ]

“Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.”

MARTIN RICHARD

“WHEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, WE CAN CONNECT IN WAYS WE DIDN’T THINK WERE POSSIBLE. WE CAN REPLACE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WITH CONSISTENT ACTS OF LOVE.”

“I think that hope, that ability to envision, to imagine a better way, and then to apply yourself to it…is the way to build a better life, a better community, and a better country.”

[ GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK ]

“Get in trouble— good trouble.”

[ CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS ]

[ MEGAN BURKE ]

“I THINK EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO BE WHO THEY ARE.”

[ DOLLY PARTON]

Service Hero Teams

Unity is a core value of Project 351. Our Ambassadors convene from every corner of the state and demonstrate the remarkable change that can happen when young people unite as one community.

Service Hero Teams serve as the foundation of our efforts to build community, share values, and experience Project 351 service and programming. Each team honors an inspirational force for good— global leaders, everyday heroes, and young people who found their own unique way to make a difference. Led by an Alumni team leader, our 40 teams are geographically diverse to foster friendships, expand perspective, and discover common ground.

We are honored by the privilege of tributing these remarkable leaders as 2023 Service Heroes. And, are proud to introduce the eighth grade unsung heroes who will lead and serve as the Ambassador Class of 2023.

Chef José Andrés Founder, World Central Kitchen NOURISHING THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY

José Andrés, globally renowned chef and humanitarian, believes that food can heal communities. After the 2010 earthquakes in Haiti, Andrés founded World Central Kitchen (WCK), a network of volunteers who use their skills to empower communities and strengthen economies. The much beloved Chef has inspired hundreds of thousands of chefs and volunteers to join his global response to natural and humanitarian disasters. Their mandate is clear – “first to the frontlines with comfort and hope.” Over the last 13 years, WCK has provided 250 million meals worldwide – including more than 185 million meals supporting families in war-torn Ukraine. Andrés is guided by a simple truth, ”Food is not a luxury reserved for the lucky few. It’s a universal human right to live free from hunger.”

Francesca Forcellati, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Revere

Alexa Cortis, Westhampton

Asher Laprade, New Braintree

William Maguy, Phillipston

Emma Maher, West Bridgewater

Autumn Nagle, Oakham

Sarah Naz, Revere

Tracey Ngabaiya, Agawam

Paige Testa, Amesbury

Samuel Woodsmall, Swansea

Annie’s Girls Co-Founders, Annie’s Kindness Blankets

A HUG OF KINDNESS

When Annie Varney hugged you, “she wouldn’t let go,” reflects Barbara Buckley, Annie’s aunt and a co-founder of Annie’s Kindness Blankets. AKB honors Annie, a much-loved Mom, daughter, and friend, who died by suicide in 2015 after struggling with her mental health. Annie’s warm embraces inspired her daughters – Mia, Christina, and Angela – to honor her by paying kindness forward, one hug at a time. “Annie’s Kindness Blankets” builds awareness of mental health and suicide through a growing movement of love, acceptance, and hope. Volunteer-powered and one of Project 351’s most beloved partners, AKB creates and distributes fleece blankets for anyone experiencing pain, loss, illness, or someone who needs a little more love. Each a reminder: It’s okay not to be okay, YOU matter, you belong here, you are not alone, you are worth it, you are important, you are loved.

Maeve Hagberg, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Avon

Jose Arias, Boston

Kate Austrino, Avon

Lukas Bushy, Falmouth

Anna Craft, Kingston

Kimee Duplessis, Framingham

Lily Hughes, Chesterfield

Misha Kalava, Groton

Claire Morin, Hancock

Joseph Schneider Jr, Sheffield

Governor Charlie & Lauren Baker

72nd Governor of Massachusetts & Founder, Wonderfund

PASSION, PURPOSE, PARTNERSHIP

President John Quincy Adams advised, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Indeed, the best leaders cause us to be more brave, noble, and true, and to stretch beyond what we believe we’re capable of—in service to others and in pursuit of the common good. For eight years, Governor Charlie Baker and First Lady Lauren Baker have given a Master Class in Adams’ definition of leadership. They teach by example: roll-up-your-sleeves, do-whatever-ittakes, youth-first, love-centered leadership. They have encouraged our Ambassadors to soar and remind them that service matters and kindness is necessary. From the Governor, we learn the power of collaboration and the nobility of service and from Lauren, Founder of The Wonderfund and record holder for most Ambassador Community Calls, the gift of generosity of spirit. Lauren never said “no” to a request or invitation – not once in eight years. And in the depth of COVID, provided steady reassurance and unconditional love. After two terms of magnificent leadership, the Governor and Lauren begin a new chapter and a new role as grandparents – and Service Heroes! We carry their lessons forward – to lead with love, serve with passion, and never relent on the vision of the Beloved Community.

Anika Teckchandani, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Braintree

Lia Beatrice, Swampscott

Achraf Boukirou, Revere

Keira Carrara, Braintree

Layla Flint, Berkley

Kate McConatha, Eastham

Azul Roberts, Stow

Nicholas Roy, Millis

Hannah Spratt, Leicester

Angel Velasquez, Springfield

General Gary Brito

Commanding General, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command

HONOR & COURAGE

Growing up on a small street in Hyannis, General Gary Brito’s universe of family, including his great grandfather and sister/Service Hero Lisa Fortenberry Spaloss, were all within a mile and a half. Their loving presence forged a foundation for a lifetime of exceptional service to our country. First commissioned as an Infantry Officer in 1987, General Brito now serves as the Commanding General of United States Army Training and Doctrine Command – the first Black leader to earn the post and one of just 16 four-star U.S. Army generals currently serving our nation. The history-making honor is well-placed as his accomplishments include the Distinguished Service Medal, with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Legion of Merit, with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster; Bronze Star Medal, with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal for Valor; and the Army Commendation Medal, with four Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. Widely respected for his distinguished leadership and valor, General Brito inspires deep admiration for his devotion to his soldiers – to him, the Army’s most valuable asset. As an advisor to the People First Task Force when assigned as the Army G1, the General promotes a holistic approach to ensure the physical and mental health of his soldiers. And, fosters a culture of dignity, inclusion, and trust, where every enlisted can reach their full potential. For 35 years, General Brito has been a paragon of service and virtue – rooted in the example of his family’s love – inspiring the greatest excellence of those who are called to serve. Our admiration and gratitude is abiding.

Jack Favata, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Ludlow

Nyah Blake, Brockton

Grace Connor, Boxborough

Camille Depuy, Dennis

Isaac Hanna, Wayland

Elise Modracek, Rochester

Ana-Lucia Ohm, Northampton

Pari Patel, Hanson

Amelia Powers, Sterling

Tyler Tatro, Ludlow

Alyssa Vera, Springfield

Megan Burke

Project 351 Alumna, Class of 2013; Founder, Cuerd@s Clothing CONSISTENT ACTS OF LOVE

At Project 351, we believe that every young person is remarkable. That standard was set early in our history by Megan Burke, Class of 2013, of Holliston. As an Ambassador, Megan’s mission was “to transform random acts of kindness into consistent acts of love.” An ethos that has defined her vision for change as capacity-building for good. That year, motivated by a deep love for her sibling, Megan founded The Beautiful Mind Campaign, a peer-to-peer mental health education and awareness organization. Through BMC, Megan honed her gifts as a respected advocate and fearless agent of change. A decade later and now a graduate of Villanova University, Megan’s passion has manifested as social entrepreneur and founder of Cuerd@s. Cuerd@s is a genderneutral line of thrifted clothing with tactile sensory patches to support self-soothing. Profits of sales are dedicated to a partnership with the BeWell Center, a psychiatric facility in Philadelphia. Megan’s emphasis on sustainable clothing and hand craftsmanship is intentional. A fusion of love for the planet and for one another. “That is something I’m trying to get across: the woven fabric of our shared humanity. We’re doing this together.”

Caitlin O’Donnell, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Mattapoisett

Paige Henebry, Medfield

Patrick Jansen, Salisbury

Natalie Lanoue, Charlemont

Aidan Octavius, Millbury

Jayden Rios, Fairhaven

Nala Thermora, Framingham

Olivia Thompson, Mattapoisett

Caitlin Wilson, Brookline

Sam Carson

Assistant Director, HMS MEDscience

EVER TRUE

The kindest person you’ll ever know, Sam is an architect of Project 351 as founding team member and devoted champion. It was November 2010 and Sam, a student at Vanderbilt University, had left it all out on the field electing Governor Deval Patrick for a second term. And now, a new assignment from the Governor – Project 351. A concept that was yet unheard of with a team he did not know. In no time at all, Sam was all-in – designing and

leading the strategy to recruit our first class of Ambassadors. And with that, a youth-led movement for change was born! For 13 years, we have loved, admired, and been grateful for Sam’s strategic guidance, impassioned advocacy, and deep loyalty. His legacy spans from Ambassador #1 to the navy shirts that fill this hall today and the 1.2 million neighbors they have served. And to each of us fortunate to call him a beloved friend, teammate, and mentor.

Sava Kassev, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Sharon

Bruno Andrews Mundo, Hull

Alexis Burt, Holland

Allison Corado Trejo, Waltham

Coltin Fausett, Orange

Alexander Horton, Nantucket

William Lippman, Dunstable

Elsie Serrano, Sharon

Sejal Shirole, Natick

Caylie Whitney, Tisbury

Governor Paul Cellucci

69th Governor of Massachusetts COURAGEOUS DIPLOMAT

A beloved public servant, respected global diplomat, cherished friend, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Governor Paul Cellucci had a 30-year meteoric rise from small town politician in Hudson to Governor and US Ambassador. But, he may best be known by what he termed “my last campaign,” which was to raise millions of dollars and build national support for cutting edge ALS research at UMass Medical School. Even as he waged a courageous fight against the affliction, the late Governor Cellucci served the public. Together with his wife and best friend Jan, they established the UMass ALS Cellucci Fund, to create a $10 million endowment to fund bold research ideas to advance treatment and cure for ALS. “He won every race he ran, all the way up to governor,” said UMass Medical Center Chancellor Michael F. Collins, “But he wanted ALS research, not politics, to be his legacy. He wanted to do whatever he could to contribute.”

Jack Regan, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Abington

Nafisah Alao, West Springfield

Alique Brown, Harwich

Ava Cassavant, Warren

Lydia Deal, Boxford

Dylan Gaffny, Hudson

James Galvin, Rockland

Benjamin Mason, Shirley

César Chávez

Labor Leader & Civil Rights Activist CHAMPION OF WORKERS RIGHTS

César Chévez is a civil rights activist, advocate of nonviolent social change, and Mexican-American labor leader. In 1962, he founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) with activist Dolores Huerta to empower workers, address injustice, and root out generational poverty. Together, they educated, organized, and amplified the voices of migrant farm workers to secure civil rights and economic justice. Chávez’s rallying cry was “Si, se puede!” and he proved this adage to be true. His lifelong campaign for fairness, dignity, and farm workers’ rights changed the lives of millions. Today, a bust of Chávez is displayed prominently in President Biden’s Oval Office. A symbol, according to César’s son Paul, that “represents faith and empowerment for an entire people…and affirms the importance and the contributions of our community, immigrants and Latinos.”

Anna Noroian, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Hopkinton

Madeline Cotter, Bolton

Harley Edwards, Georgetown

Ketsliany Lopez Velez, Heath

Aidan McNamara, Athol

Molly Schroder, Brookline

Charles Walker, Plymouth

Jaylese Wright, Worcester

Sophia Zanella, Hopkinton

Welles Remy Crowther Volunteer Firefighter & 9.11 Hero

THE MAN IN THE RED BANDANA

Each Fall, we unite to serve in remembrance of the September 11th terrorist attacks on our nation—a day that broke our hearts and forever changed our nation. More than two decades later, stories of courage, hope, and love endure—including the “Man with the Red Bandana.” Welles Remy Crowther was a young professional working in New York’s World Trade Center on the morning of the attacks. A graduate of Boston College and volunteer firefighter, Crowther immediately jumped into action. With extraordinary courage, he organized a rescue effort for colleagues trapped on the 78th floor—carrying victims to safety and returning to help again and again. In the days that followed, survivors spoke of the valor of “The Man in the Red Bandana”—bringing comfort to Crowther’s devastated family. Through 9.11 service,

Pemberley Mongeau, Princeton

Sreemayi Reddy, Westwood

we affirm we will never forget Welles and the other 2,976 loved ones lost. And, work to assure that their legacy is one of hope, light, and love.

Robyn Douglas, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Harvard

Briar Allis, Conway

Lauren Arakelian, Boylston

Isabella Babb, Westport

Avery Cooper, Belchertown

William Dresser, Peabody

Klever Morales Alonzo, Springfield

Arjun Mukherjee, Northborough

Annabelle Purcell, Harvard

Kristi-Jo Salmon, Yarmouth

Jeff Duffany

Educator, Sandwich Public Schools; Bus Captain & Educator Mentor, Project 351 ALWAYS BY OUR SIDE

It is often said at Project 351 and always true–”Educators are our heroes–our ballast and inspiration.” The last three years have only deepened those truths as fundamental to our mission and movement. We’ve witnessed educators across the state redefine the meaning of “devotion” through over-and-above support for their students and our mission. In the face of unprecedented and historic challenges, they offered wisdom, compassion, resolve, and a way forward. Each year, we honor an educator as a Service Hero. Admittedly an impossible task, this year, we’re privileged to celebrate Jeff Duffany, 8th grade history teacher, bus captain, Educator Advisory Group member, and mentor to mighty Region 15. His students offer the most meaningful tribute. From Kelly Broder, ALC Regional Leader, Class of 2019, “Mr. Duffany is a powerful source of motivation for 351 in Sandwich and across the Cape and Islands. Known for his humor, compassion, and disdain of glitter (!), he shines with radiance and warmth and fuels the unwavering fire that is youth leadership.” And from Alumna and UNH student Molly Kent, “Mr. Duffany is the backbone of the Project 351 Sandwich team. He stands up for us, looks out for us, and is always there when we need him. Mr. Duffany is more than an educator and a mentor, he is an advocate, activist, and change maker.” Thank you, Mr. Duffany, with 35ONELove from Sandwich, Region 15, and beyond!

Tara Geoghan, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Canton

Nolan Barnes, Williamstown

Nicole Carmenate, Worcester

Dessa Demears, Wales

Lilian Feth, Sandwich

Ethan LaConte, Wilmington

Nina Martins, Easton

Sasha O’Sullivan, Scituate

Hailey Powers, Hampden

Swara Sonchhatra, Walpole

Anne Frank

Author & Holocaust Victim

LOVE & LIGHT

It was 1942 and the rise of Hitler and his atrocities against millions of people of Jewish faith created peril for 13-year-old Anne Frank and her family in the Netherlands. They took safe refuge in a secret annex, where Anne documented two years of her family’s experience, and her observations, aspirations, and emotions. “In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart... How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

Tragically, the Frank family was discovered and Anne, her mother, and sister became victims of the Holocaust. Today, The Diary of Anne Frank has been translated into 70 languages – an enduring testament to the power of hope. Anne’s courageous example inspires millions to stand boldly and unequivocally against fear, prejudice, and hatred.

Julia Caron, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Dartmouth

Olivia Araujo, Dartmouth

Lucas Bastien, East Brookfield

Hannah Blauch, Medford

Grace Jacques, Ashland

Lydia McLean, Hanover

Jeanny Sainvil, Gardner

Lalitha Sarvendram, Hamilton

Brielle Stine, Southampton

Pete Frates Champion for a Cure for ALS

PASSIONATE GREATNESS

Pete Frates, a native of Beverly and a Boston College Eagle, inspired our country and the world with his heroic fight to find a cure for ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). His leadership of the Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014 mobilized a global community to donate $220 million in the short span of five weeks. The unprecedented fundraising hasn’t stopped, galvanizing resources and research to help find a cure for ALS. Frates, a son, brother,

husband, and father, was an accomplished athlete when diagnosed in 2012, and his loss was deeply felt all over the world upon his passing in 2019. His example of strength through love and progress through teamwork lives on through the Pete Frates Family Foundation. And, in the words of wisdom he left behind: “Be passionate, be genuine, be hardworking, and don’t ever be afraid to be great.”

Anya Patel, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Beverly

Emily Andersen, Lakeville

Elizabeth Cordero, Quincy

Celina Cutler, Douglas

Anna Dobkowski, Beverly

Naedsa Gaspard, Milford

Grace McCurdy, Winthrop

Carlos Merced, Springfield

Kelly Taylor, Templeton

Benjamin Therrien, Adams

Amanda Gorman

Author, Poet, & Activist

THE LANGUAGE OF HOPE

Amanda Gorman is our nation’s founding Youth Poet Laureate and the youngest inaugural poet in history. Amanda uses her lyrical gift of language to inspire hope and motivate activism for the environment, racial equality, and gender justice. A graduate of Harvard University, Amanda is an author, youth delegate to the United Nations, and founder of “One Pen, One Page,” a nonprofit dedicated to literacy and youth leadership. At the 2021 Presidential Inaugural, she captured the spirit of our nation with her performance of “The Hill We Climb.” Amanda’s words contrasted the painful realities of our history with the aspirational vision of who we can and must be as a nation and a Beloved Community. As we begin this Ambassador year, we embrace Amanda’s insistence on leadership defined by compassion and courage: “The new dawn blooms as we free it / For there is always light / if only we’re brave enough to see it / If only we’re brave enough to be it.”

Kayla Vallecillo, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Upton

Zeinab Alkinani, Quincy

Genesis Castro, Lynn

Sophie Coates, East Bridgewater

Vendella Keier, Blandford

Allison Luo, Westford

Alyssa McKay, Plymouth

Sol Shin, Winchester

Lily Thieme, Upton

Wyatt Whitman, New Salem

Emiliana Guereca

Founder, Women’s March Foundation UPLIFTING WOMEN

Emiliana “Emi” Guereca is courageous, resilient, and passionate—attributes nurtured as the seventh of 13 children in a family of Mexican immigrants living in Chicago. Working as a 12-year-old on a local factory’s overnight shift and witnessing her parents struggle on an hourly wage of $3.35 drove her ambitious dreams. Through grit and determination, Emi became the first in her family to graduate from college, become a successful entrepreneur, and in 2017, the founder and lead organizer of Los Angeles’ 750,000-person Women’s March. An event producer by trade and an activist by circumstance, Emi channels her passion, talents, and networks in pursuit of gender equality and representation in politics, and as advocate for Latino education, girls empowerment, and social justice. “The world needs more female risk-takers. Taking risks is good for the soul. Shout out to all the women that have come before me and to those just starting out. BE BOLD, TAKE RISKS. Do-ers are changemakers!”

Victoria Rich, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Worcester

Morgan Pelchat, Spencer

Joseph Porcello, Gloucester

Kathryn Powell, East Longmeadow

Madhavi Ramadas, Belmont

Meredith Richardson, Brookline

Giselle Selvig, Dover

Kira Taylor, Townsend

Elizabeth Thompson, Orleans

Andrew Tran, Worcester

Diana Hwang

Founder & Executive Director, Asian American Women’s Political Initiative

LIFT EVERY VOICE

In Diana Hwang’s 2016 run for Massachusetts State Senate, she sought the representation she knew her community needed. Throughout her career in government and the nonprofit sector, Diana was struck by the lack of Asian-American women in positions of influence and leadership. The facts: although the U.S. population of Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) is 6.1% percent, only 0.9% of elected officials are AAPI. This void of culture, history, perspective, and wisdom creates a dangerous vulnerability for hate, bias, and discrimination. Making the invisible, visible – and strong and powerful – became

Diana’s calling. In 2017, she launched the AsianAmerican Women’s Political Initiative (AAWPI), the nation’s first political leadership organization for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women. AAWPI builds a pipeline of low-income and immigrant women leaders who, Hwang reflects,“rarely see themselves reflected in government but are exactly the leaders we need.” Next on the horizon? National infrastructure to support AAWPI’s vision for deep and lasting civic engagement, voting, community organizing, and careers in politics – as professional or candidate. Hwang knows that bravery inspires bravery, and this year we celebrate hers.

Meera Parekh, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Newton

Rachel Cronin, Franklin

Dakota Cusimano, Shelburne

Lillian Houle, Wendell

Adelaide Johnston-Ransom, Rockport

Vincent Karppinen, Freetown

Elnaz Khosraviani, Lexington

Olivia McLoughlin, Newton

Persephone Piermarini, West Brookfield

Heidi Johnson Director, Civic Engagement, Wellesley College

GLOBAL SOUL

Heidi Johnson lives her love out loud. A deep, abiding love for this country and its’ complex and glorious history. A passion for social justice, manifest in transformative leadership as educator, architect, and creative entrepreneur. A life’s mission as tapestry-creator, weaving community at City Year and as founder of Purple Suitcase, an experiential educational strategy centered on global cultural traditions. That path led to Wellesley College, where she leads Civic Engagement, the activation of student values and skills in pursuit of social justice. Heidi’s pedagogy sparks discovery and communion among the richly diverse and across generations. Her model is human-centered and empathy-driven. She explains, “My work is to remind people of the joy—not the fear—of the other.” This mindset is rooted in the teachings of her parents, who were married at a time when their union—that of an African American Christian man and first generation Jewish woman— was still illegal in many states. Their marriage may have defied written law, but how Carl and Lois lived endures as possibility realized through acceptance, inclusion, and respect for the dignity of all. And, as

compass for Heidi’s work to honor all that is true and just and beautiful in our global community.

Charlie Hernandez, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Abington

Megan Alley, Hopedale

Da’Rece Bond, Waltham

Hiruth Chapman, Falmouth

Aviva Dias, Medford

Amelia Kellogg, Wilbraham

Evangeline McCleary, Abington

Cailin McKellick, Montgomery

Carla Pileeki Fernandes, Ayer

Dr. Katherine & Hubie Jones Boston Civil Rights Heroes HIGHER GROUND

The Boston Globe once observed that “Hubie Jones has touched more lives around Greater Boston than any individual in the past half-century… as a longstanding bridge between haves and have-nots, and between blacks and whites.” The legions who love Hubie and who’ve learned from his lifetime as upstander, community builder, and audacious dream-maker, know this as fact. And one thing further, that Hubie would gently remind us that none of his life’s work was possible but for the loving partnership with his wife, Katherine. Bostonians by way of New York City, the Jones’ resumes track ambitious and visionary leadership as the center of our region’s most complex and polarizing issues – civil rights, racial justice, educational opportunity, and economic advancement. Their milestones for justice are many, forged with integrity, humility, and open hearts. From landmark laws expanding special education and bi-lingual instruction to the founding of Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunities (METCO) to the lyrical legacy of Boston’s Children’s Chorus. Married for 66 years, Katherine and Hubie raised eight children as they raised the hopes, aspirations, and dreams of countless thousands more.

Pranav Abburi, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Chelmsford

Colin Boyd, Savoy

Camden Cousineau, Rowe

Madeline Devin, Ashburnham

Ashley Diaz-Castillo, Everett

Colton Jansen, Truro

Emery O’Donnell, Concord

Amaya Parmar, Norwell

Nora Williamson, Chelmsford

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & Coretta Scott King

Civil Rights Heroes

SIDE-BY-SIDE TOWARD JUSTICE

We know them as the movement makers that forever changed our country. What is less known is the special bond they share with Boston, where they fell in love. That love is now memorialized by “The Embrace” on the Boston Common. The Kings famously met in January 1952, on a blind date for lunch at Sharaf’s Cafeteria. Dr. King was a 22 yearold prodigy pursuing a Ph.D. at Boston University, while Coretta was a 24-year-old student at the New England Conservatory of Music. It was love at first sight for him, but not so fast for Coretta! She required a courtship and was eventually won over by his sense of humor, dancing skills, and intellect. Soon, as journalist Clennon King wrote,“They became inseparable, going everywhere together. To hear pianist Arthur Rubinstein at Symphony Hall, attend his sermons at Twelfth Baptist, ride the roller coaster and Ferris wheel at Revere Beach, attend a friend’s weekend party in Watertown.” Boston became the foundation of their shared devotion to one another and, equally to the causes of justice, freedom, and equality. Their partnership felt like destiny. Coretta would later reflect, “We had been thrust into the forefront of a movement to liberate oppressed people. I felt blessed to have been called to be a part of such a noble and historic cause…,to be a co-worker with a man whose life would have so profound an impact on the world.”

Lile Simmons, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Medway

Ammar Alomar, Uxbridge

Ava Andrews, Raynham

Kamoi Brown, Brewster

Robert Griffin, Norwood

Hadley McGovern, Fitchburg

Brenna Moreno, Granby

Emery Rotter, Lanesborough

Madhurika Sivakumar, Westford

Charlotte Sutcliffe, Newton

Representative Michael Kushmerek

State Representative, 3rd Worcester District, Massachusetts STAND UP. LIFT UP.

Representative Mike Kushmerek believes in the American Dream because he’s lived it. And, he is deeply grateful. But, his hope is to rebuild and reimagine the American Dream so that everyone has a fair and equal shot. Representative Kushmerek’s path to Beacon Hill is both aweinspiring and deeply human and relatable during these times of challenge. Rep. Kushmerek is the product of a home that battled substance abuse, mental health illness, and homelessness. As a high school dropout with a GED, it was the grace of others’ kindness and encouragement that led him to Fitchburg State, where he earned two degrees and began a successful career in higher education and soon, politics. From the youngest City Council President in Fitchburg to the State House as State Representative in 2020! Now married to Carissa with a son Gabriel, Representative Kushmerek never forgets his life’s journey. And, is determined to ensure that those “who share the same drive, persistence, and dedication” will have an equitable opportunity to pursue their dreams and goals.

Jordan Krawczyk, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Westminster

Emmett Bastek, Williamsburg

Addison Blake, Oak Bluffs

Akshara Dhake, Burlington

Emma Goodwin, Westminster

Alexandra Lay, Arlington

Genevieve Le, Grafton

Dom Loor, Reading

Hunter Rabion, Fitchburg

Tyler Stone, Groveland

Josh Kraft

President, New England Patriots Foundation ALL HEART

Take a drive around Massachusetts and evidence of Josh Kraft’s heart and humanity are everywhere. If you’re a nonprofit committed to young people, eradicating hate, expanding equity, and fiercely committed to social and racial justice..Josh is there. If you’re a young person eager to make a difference, strive academically, earn your opportunity, and commit to the vision of an inclusive and just community…Josh is there.

The landscape of Josh’s generosity, strategic vision, and mentorship is expansive and deep… touching untold thousands of lives with signature humility, humor, and hope. At the helm of the Patriots Foundation, Josh’s reach is New Englandwide – providing three million meals to veterans; mobile health units to care for those most vulnerable; transformative funds to increase the excellence of the nonprofit sector, and confronting injustice through Together Beat Hate, Patriots Player Social Justice Fund, and leadership on the Massachusetts Hate Crimes Task Force. We know well the transformative impact of Josh’s belief. He and his dad have been with us from the very start as champions, service partners, Leadership Reunion hosts, and generous investors in the dreams of an annual Myra H. Kraft Giving Back Scholar. Josh inspires us and motivates us to dream big on behalf of every Ambassador who leads and child we serve. As he has so well lived, there is no greater mission.

Ben Abbott, Alumni Mentoring Corps, North Andover

Lewin Coady, Easthampton

Sarah Beatriz Figueiredo, Everett

Evan Finamore, Newton

Kelviny Gomes Monteiro, Whitman

Lila Lobel, North Andover

Clare McNamara, Athol

Lael Pavlak, Florida

Karrine Rollins, Cohasset

Congressman John Lewis

Civil Rights Icon, Congressman, Bridge Builder GOOD TROUBLEMAKER

A son of sharecroppers, John Lewis devoted his life to civil rights, equality, and opportunity for all Americans. This icon of the Civil Rights Movement began his march toward justice as leader of youth activism and deputy to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At age 23, Lewis led student engagement in the Civil Rights Movement and served as the youngest speaker at the historic March on Washington. Two years later in Selma, Alabama, Lewis, Hosea Williams, and hundreds of Civil Rights activists set off over the Edmund Pettus Bridge in pursuit of the right to vote. Met by violence, but undeterred in their resolve, “Bloody Sunday” mobilized a movement and galvanized a nation. The march of “the boy from Troy” led to the United States House of Representatives, where he served for 34 years. And, to the White House, where President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. This giant among heroes passed in 2020, but John

Lewis’ spirit lives on in the generations of bridge builders, upstanders, and Good Troublemakers he inspired.

Ekaavli Daga, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Holden

Triniti Barre, Montague

Mateo Barresi, Longmeadow

Rowan Clarke, Holden

Jeffrey Dong, Brookline

Madison Geer, Bridgewater

Brigitte Parada, Lynn

Isabelle Reda, Methuen

Jouri Shehadeh, Mansfield

CJ Zwirek, Tewksbury

Yo-Yo Ma

World Renowned Cellist

THE SYMPHONY OF COMMUNITY

From Sesame Street to the White House, Yo-Yo Ma uses music to build bridges of understanding and foster hope in times of greatest challenge. Ma is celebrated as one of the greatest cellists of the twentieth century and is admired for the vitality and inspired adaptations of his music. Of equal influence and inspiration is Ma’s leadership as humanitarian and cultural bridge builder. For almost two decades, he has led Silkroad to unite arts, education, and business to “create unexpected connections, collaborations, and communities in pursuit of meaningful change.” The pandemic motivated #SongsofComfort, a virtual performance series that mobilized musicians across six continents to share their gifts to soothe and heal. Ma’s newest endeavor is “Our Common Nature,” which connects the beauty of music with the grandeur of nature to build relationships, foster environmental stewardship, and inspire awe.

Jocelyn Graham, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Mendon

Tanner Biagini, Ashfield

Rachel Juarbe, Erving

Abigail Kelley, South Hadley

Khloe Kenerson, Pembroke

Nya’Lia Lindsey, Stoughton

William Lowney, Marshfield

Olivia Wright, Andover

Nelson Mandela

First President of a Free South Africa

DEMOCRACY BUILDER

Nelson Mandela helped lead South Africa out of racist apartheid rule with a message of reconciliation that inspired the world. Jailed

for almost thirty years because of his fight for freedom, Mandela became the first democratically elected President of a free South Africa. A symbol for global human rights, his legacy lives through the Nelson Mandela Foundation. It leads a global celebration of Mandela’s July birthday with acts of service and the promotion of peace, reconciliation, and cultural diversity. And, in December, the Foundation marked the ninth year since Mandela’s passing with the One Million Tree Campaign, to promote environmental justice, food security, and the mitigation of climate change. Nelson Mandela’s lessons endure in those inspired to act and empowered to lead by his courageous humanity.

Abigail Rainsford, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Rowley

Rachel Barber, Randolph

Charles Donovan, Carver

Grace Fyrberg, Rowley

Leona Le, Worcester

Madelyn Moreau, Monson

Grace Namujuzi, Leominster

Madelyn Perillo, Dedham

Nataly Slysz, Hatfield

Anne Stevens, Essex

Iqbal Masih Modern Abolitionist FREEDOM FIGHTER

At four years old, Iqbal Masih was sold into bonded labor for $12, one of tens of thousands of enslaved Pakistani children. For fourteen hours a day, seven days a week, Iqbal was bound by chains to weave carpets for commercial sale. The spirit of freedom called him at age 10, when he escaped to the safety of a school. There he gained the knowledge and skill to help liberate more than 3,000 Pakistani child slaves. Iqbal’s remarkable courage and efforts to end childhood slavery gained global renown, including the 1994 Reebok Human Rights Award. During his visit to the States, Iqbal visited Quincy’s Broad Meadows Middle School, where he planted the seeds for change. In tribute, the Broad Meadows community built a school in Pakistan and founded Operation Day’s Work USA. Tragically, at 12 years old, Iqbal’s voice was silenced by an assassin’s bullet. His courageous legacy endures, inspiring a global community to seek human rights for all

Emma Keeley, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Shrewsbury

Quinn Butler-Carlson, New Marlborough

Julia Ghergurovich, Stoneham

Abigail Henry, West Tisbury

Amirah Jeffery, Lincoln

Troy Jurczyk, Ware

Prisha Nair, Shrewsbury

Brandon Nista, Halifax

Edith Simpson, Brookfield

Margot Stern, Provincetown

Juana Matias

Regional Administrator: New England, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

OPPORTUNITY & OPTISIM

“What really motivates me is my passion and love for public service. One isolated moment in high school made me want to get involved. I was doing an internship at a district court and there was such a huge difference in legal representation that minorities were getting in court. From that moment on, I decided I wanted to become an attorney. Our community has so much need.” Juana Matias is a force of ambition, talent, and passion that she channels to eradicate racial, social, and economic inequities. Born in the Dominican Republic, she was raised in Haverhill by parents who instilled her love of education and ethic of hard work. Juana earned her law degree from Suffolk University, and served her community as social worker, advocate for minors in immigration court, AmeriCorps legal advocate, and at age 28, the first Latina immigrant woman elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives! Now, as Regional Administrator for Housing and Urban Development for the Biden Administration, Juana works to ensure fair and equal housing opportunity for all. She attributes her rapid but hard earned success to her “Leadership Superpower: The passion and conviction I implement behind my work and my ability to inspire others.”

Lorelei Kellum, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Rehoboth

Aiden Archeval, Springfield

Chase Arvidson, Wenham

Ryan Green, Ashby

Emily Lieu, Lowell

Finley O’Doherty, Bourne

Nicolette Paradis, Northbridge

Paxton Ramos, Rehoboth

Jasna Singh, Lexington

Natalie Smith, Dudley

Marcus McNeill

Project 351 Alumnus, Class of 2018; Student, American Unviersity GENERATION CHANGE

When asked which Alumni she would select as Service Hero, Anika Teckchandani offered, “Marcus – because he is truly one of the most inspiring leaders I have ever met. He lights up every room he’s in with his beautiful reflections and words.” Marcus McNeill, Class of 2018 of Dorchester, dazzles us with his many prominent leadership roles – such as membership on Mayor Michelle Wu’s Transition Team; notable accolades, including the youngest honoree on Boston Magazine’s list of “100 Most Influential Bostonians”; and passion for social change, as a founding “Emerging Leader” at Harvard’s Institute of Politics. But what we love best is his beaming smile, beautiful spirit, and abiding loyalty to lift up each new Ambassador Class as mentor, role model, and advocate. He reflects, “Too frequently, students’ voices aren’t heard or taken seriously. I want to be at the forefront of changing that paradigm. I love to use my voice as a microphone to advocate for students and others who don’t always feel that they are heard…as a means to create sustainable change.” Marcus leads, we follow, and the world is better for it.

Maeve Padien, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Arlington

Eshaan Adhiya, Arlington

Natalie Bennett, Rutland

Valerie Bzomowski, Plainfield

Adrian Golemo, Paxton

Ella Hamel, Newton

Aubrey Harris, Dighton

Casper Keyes, Wellfleet

Anna Oliva, Lee

August Patterson, Acton

Lindsay Squadrito, Lynnfield

Thaddeus Miles

Founder, Hoodfit & Black Joy; Senior Director of Diversity Initiatives, MassHousing

PORTRAITS OF JOY

Thaddeus Miles is an artist of community, who sees beauty through his camera’s lens and in the rich mosaic of our diverse neighborhoods. As Director of Community Services for MassHousing, Thaddeus is the architect of an expansive range of programs that build safe, vibrant, and engaged communities across Massachusetts. He is a veteran of the

Air Force and believes deeply in the promise of democracy as one that lifts and unites all people. Thaddeus’ great passion for young people has motivated innovative mentoring and enrichment programs that promote peace, creative selfexpression, and accountable leadership. He is the founder of HoodFit, a movement which amplifies the positive attributes of community to promote wellness of both body and mind, resilience, and thoughtful problem solving. And, the Black Joy Project, to highlight and inspire joy in the Black community, an effort that reflects Thaddeus’ belief that “Joy is resilience.”

Palak Yadav, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Medway

Mary MacDonald, Taunton

Aurelia Mello, Medway

Jasper Melton III, Springfield

Anna Niles, Middlefield

Isla Paraguya, Reading

Abasi Semakula, Maynard

Seanni Soto, Boston

Carly Taylor, Plympton

Paul Vangos, Auburn

Imari Paris Jeffries

Exectuive Director, Embrace Boston EMBRACING THE DREAM

Veteran, community worker, activist, non-profit leader, partner, father, friend. As Executive Director of Embrace Boston, Imari inspires us to reimagine what is possible, energize change, and build collective action in pursuit of a radically inclusive and equitable Boston – and beyond.

Born in Tennessee, Imari’s local roots were formed as enlisted military stationed at Fort Devens. Fortunately for us, Imari decided to stay; investing his GI Bill benefits at UMass-Boston where he earned his bachelor degree, masters, and doctorate. Imari is both a truth teller and an optimistic visionary. He sees the unlimited possibility of Boston and the stark reality of systemic and structural racism that impedes its potential. Under his leadership, Embrace Boston is expansive and inclusive in its mandate for change. Their blueprint includes a Center for Economic Justice, a hub for research, thought leadership, and action; and Embrace Ideas, which engages the community in anti-racist discourse through the arts and humanities. And, it includes – and requires – every one of us. To embrace Imari’s hopeful aspiration, “I hope this memorial to love, peace, justice and inclusion becomes a part of who Bostonians think they are. And that the world sees that, too.”

Faleehah Dam, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Foxborough

Madeleine D’Amelia, Sudbury

Rose Dupuis, Lenox

Jayda Gonzalez, Lynn

Grace Goodman, Foxborough

Mylie Provencher, Tyngsborough

Kaitlyn Roberts, Greenfield

Orion Rocci, New Bedford

Emmett Taylor, Aquinnah

Kathleen Tejada, Worcester

Dolly Parton

Singer-Songwriter & Philanthropist A BEDAZZLED HEART

Born the fourth of 12 children in a mountain home in rural East Tennessee, Dolly Parton’s “rags to rhinestones” story reads like a Hollywood movie. But, her reality is even more spectacular. A songwriter by age 10, Parton would debut at the Grand Ole Opry just three years later. And like a comet, her radiant spirit soared to unimaginable heights. Dolly’s journey was paved with extraordinary talent, brilliant business savvy, true grit, and an outsized heart. Considered one of the most successful and beloved performing artists of all time, Dolly has been a Kennedy Center honoree, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential world leaders. Dolly’s talent is eclipsed only by her humanitarianism, which was recently recognized by the $100 million Bezos Courage and Civility Award. Her investments alleviate poverty, strengthen early college access, advance medical research (including a $1 million gift that led to the development of a COVID-19 vaccine), uplift the LGBTQ community, and encourage literacy through her Imagination Library. To date, Dolly has distributed 195 million children’s books around the world! This is Dolly’s true passion – to seek out the good, celebrate the kind, and be generous in love

Jasmine Findlen, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Canton

Roan Boeri, Russell

Emma Eldredge, Chatham

Lilly Godwin, Otis

Jaidyn Hill, Barre

Niko King-Mahan, Marblehead

Caroline Lee, Melrose

Jazmine Martins, Acushnet

Karla Suastegui Mateo, Springfield

Arnish Tripathi, Canton

Governor Deval Patrick 71st Governor of Massachusetts FOUNDER • SERVICE LEADER

Governor Deval Patrick, the Commonwealth’s 71st Governor, was the state’s first Black chief executive and only the second Black governor in the nation. His childhood in the South Side of Chicago inspired his passion for education and opportunity, and commitment to generational responsibility and social justice. As founding Honorary Chair of Project 351, Governor Patrick helped build the foundation for 4,492 Ambassadors to “unite, act, lead” through transformational service in the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns. Governor Patrick is Co-Director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, and a passionate advocate of public service, grassroots mobilization, and civil public discourse. He often reminds us that change is realized when we “turn towards each other, rather than against one another.” As beloved champion and advisor to Project 351, Governor Patrick continues to inspire our youth-led movement for change.

Bryce Cioffi, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Chilmark

Michael Braxton lll, Taunton

Anoushka Fernandes, Westborough

Micah Nichols, Carlisle

Sophia Peckham, Richmond

Jonathan Pinelli, Topsfield

Adelaide Ring-Peterson, Weymouth

Cassidy Smith, Williamstown

Zoe Treitman, Chilmark

Sofia Ugalde, Brookline

Jeff Perroti

Founding Director, Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students

LOVE IS LOVE

At a time when too many were silent on the issue of queer students’ safety in public schools, Jeff Perrotti and his co-author, Kim Westheimer, wrote the book on it. When the Drama Club is Not Enough is the culmination of Perrotti and Westheimer’s work creating the Safe Schools Program in 1993. Safe Schools was founded to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere for gay and lesbian students in Massachusetts’ public schools. One that nurtured gay and lesbian identity and self-esteem at the elementary, middle, and high school level. That scope has since expanded to the representation and safety of transgender and gender expansive students. A broad and

inclusive vision that reflects Jeff’s canyon-sized heart and spirit of humanity – with room, love, and respect for everyone. This year, to mark their 30th anniversary, the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth has established the Jeff Perrotti LGBTQ Student Leadership Scholarships in recognition of three decades of transformational leadership and in celebration of a new generation of leaders who carry their shared mission forward.

Calvin Lewis, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Cambridge

Nicolly Barbosa, Malden

Cameron Delamere, Hardwick

Marimay Diaz Chan, Cambridge

Sal Herbert, Holliston

Hannah Humphrey, Colrain

Jack Kach, Worcester

Savannah Martin, Boston

Victoria Vaz, Peabody

Grace Warren, Quincy

Captain Ross Reynolds

Captain, United States Marine Corps HONOR & REMEMBER

Recently, Scott and Cathy Reynolds of Leominster discovered a binder filled with the reflections and dreams of their son Ross. Of no surprise to them, an eighth grade Ross wrote of the joys of volunteerism and his passion for service. For 27 years, dedicated service was Captain Reynold’s calling card and his actions expressed his devotion to his country and adoration for his family. His words would forecast an exemplary career as a student, an athlete, civic leader, and decorated Marine Aviator. And, endure as testament to hishonor, courage, and ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. In March of 2022, Captain Reynolds–beloved son, cherished brother, and devoted husband–was tragically killed alongside his crew in an Osprey aircraft crash on a NATO training mission in Norway. The loss to his family, community, and our nation is profound. At Ross’ services, his sister Nicole spoke of what set him apart, “My brother Ross lived an extraordinary life, only a few of us could dream of. From a young age, he set his mind to a goal, and there was nothing he couldn’t accomplish. Ross knew about hope. He trusted in that hope and lived it.”  Rick Voutour, Director, Leominster Veterans Service said it best, “He was everything that is good about America.”  We honor Captain Ross Reynolds, give thanks for his heroic service, and hold his family in our hearts.

Maeve Lucey, Alumni Mentoring Corps, West Newbury

Colden Blackwell, Charlton

Remy De Movellan, Stockbridge

Jesily Esponilla, Framingham

Alina Gavrichev, Pepperell

Eli Herrera, Buckland

Jack LaRoche, Leominster

Victoria Milner, Lunenburg

Jeinalis Montanez, Quincy

Eniyah Petit-Frere, Brookline

Conor Price, West Newbury

Martin Richard

3RD GRADER • PEACEMAKER

Martin Richard was a son, brother, grandson, cousin, friend, neighbor, Little League teammate, and loyal Boston sports fan. With a huge smile and twinkling eyes, this beautiful 8-year-old boy created joy, spread acts of kindness, and was a friend to all in his neighborhood of Dorchester. Tragically, Martin lost his life as a result of the bombings near the finish line of the Boston Marathon in 2013. Ever since, Martin’s message of peace has inspired the world to love more, do good, and build unity. Bill and Denise Richard wrote of Martin’s compassionate view of the world: “Martin ‘got it’—he knew what it took to be a good person. He knew that we had to care for one another and care more deeply for those who couldn’t care for themselves.” The Project 351 community is deeply honored to partner with our friends, the Richard family, to spread Martin’s message of peace, unity, and kindness

Reilly Bergin, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Milton

Adam Cheairs, Milton

Ava DeJackome, Petersham

Alison Diez Jaramillo, Revere

Jonathan Luu, Wellesley

Amy Malavich, Dracut

Ryan Murray, Sandisfield

Hailey O’Toole, Clinton

Yanira Uribe Rosa, Marlborough

Alexi Weaver, Cheshire

Samuel Williams, Boston

Marcia Robinson

Nonprofit Strategic Advisor

LOVE LOUDLY

Where there is love and light, you’ll find Marcia. So it is fitting she was recognized as our nation’s #6644 Point of Light. And no surprise to learn

that the origin of “One Love” – a state of universal and inclusive love and respect for all people – is Jamaica, the country of Marcia’s birth. A treasured mom, sister, wife, and friend, Marcia’s calling is to uplift our common humanity. With expertise as a community builder, mentor, and service warrior, Marcia serves as a strategic advisor to youthcentered organizations including the Foundation

To Be Named Later, Ripples of Hope, and a very grateful Project 351. This afternoon’s service, designed with Marcia, reflects her spirit—it is fully optimistic, hopeful, transformative, and shoulderto-shoulder in 351ONELove.

Meredith Wu, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Southborough

Charlie Athanas, Manchester-by-the-Sea

Madeline D’Angelo, North Reading

Natalie Etienne, Brockton

Sahil Gandhi, Billerica

Alexis Randolph, Wareham

Everett Richman, Southborough

Amelia Steward-Frey, Huntington

Lyla Travers, Merrimac

Amanda Yanez, Holbrook

coco rosenberg

Teaching Artist, Emerson University A CANVAS FOR COMMUNITY

coco (corine) rosenberg (they/themme) is an artist, educator, community organizer, and care worker. As Teaching Artist at the Elma Lewis Center in the Social Justice Center at Emerson University, their work is rooted in the power of the arts to amplify, accelerate, and enrich social justice movements. coco draws from their lived experience as a queer, trans, Jewish, and disabled person to inform their mixed-media art. Their work includes printmaking, poetry, and textile art. coco is also a Teaching Artist and Gallery Teacher at the ICA Boston. They hold a Ed.M. in Arts in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and served as Fulbright Scholar in the West African nation of Benin. There, coco created opportunities for youth to engage in their community, initiate social change, and promote learning through the arts. They reflect, “I think that art is something so essential to all of us and our soul…any space that creates art and explores the power of art is deeply meaningful. I think we need more spaces where we can gather and grapple and in the process, grow.”

Isabel Coviello, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Hubbardston

Noah Bascon, Nahant

Jonathan Bautista-Santos, Sheffield

Logan Bruley, Hubbardston

Merima Didic Bosnjak, Worcester

Ava Harvey, Billerica

Kayla Maguire, Woburn

Naomi Shum, North Attleborough

Sadie Sullivan, Sunderland

Taliah Westbrook, Norfolk

Mother Teresa

Saint & Missionary

FAITH & DEVOTION

A global icon of humanity, Mother Teresa of Calcutta represents the highest level of selflessness and love-in-action. Born in Macedonia to Albanian parents, Mother Teresa was called to be a missionary at age 12. Guided by wisdom gained as a teacher in India, she established the Missionaries of Charity. Under Mother Teresa’s leadership, the Missionaries established a hospice; centers for the blind, aged and disabled; and a leper colony. She devoted her life to the support and comfort of the world’s poor, sick, unwanted, and most vulnerable. Mother Teresa was canonized as a Saint in September 2016. As we begin our service year, Mother Teresa teaches, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

Maddie Cronin, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Sherborn

Sabrina Anderson, Taunton

Patrick Andrews, Gill

Penelope Byrnes, Newbury

Amelia Dawe, Wrentham

Davis DeLuties, Middleton

Ryleigh Hayes-Golding, Deerfield

Hope Hebert, Sherborn

Vanessa Lee, Norton

Juniper Raczkowski, West Stockbridge

Edith Tufts, Sutton

Greta Thunberg

Climate Activist

FEARLESSLY PERSISTENT

Greta Thunberg powerfully demonstrates the power of one. At age 15, she began a School Strike for Climate as the sole protester outside the Swedish parliament. Inspired by Greta’s resolve, a global wave of youth activism was born, demanding accountability and action from those in positions of power. Her heritage foretold her passion for the planet: Greta is a descendant of Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius, who predicted global heating from carbon emissions—122

years ago! Her curiosity as a third grader led to a pursuit of knowledge, data, and evidence on climate change and to a growing discontent with inaction. Greta is on the autism spectrum, and proudly attributes it as a gift: “I see the world a bit different, from another perspective.” That perspective and her fearlessness has powered an international movement of millions to protect our planet that will not stop. At age 21, Greta is the youngest Time Person of the Year, on Forbes’ list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, and is a four-time nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. Small in stature, but mighty in heart, spirit, and vision, Greta tells the world, “We have not come here to beg world leaders to care…We have come here to let you know that change is coming, whether you like it or not.”

Kate Heppner, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Salem

Matthieu Dores, Sturbridge

Meryl Gilbert, Duxbury

August Luf, Stockbridge

Grace Lynch, Middleborough

Logan MacKnight, Newburyport

Marcella Mukasa, Salem

Whitney Reno, North Brookfield

Alejandra Rondon, Lawrence

Isabella Silva, Malden

Palber Zidig, Hadley

Gladys Vega

Executive Director, La Colaborativa THE POWER OF LOVE

Gladys Vega’s mission is singular, ”I wake up, Chelsea and go to sleep, Chelsea. It’s Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea! I love my community, it is what drives me.” Gladys projects the vibrancy, passion, and determination of this tight knit community in the shadow of the Tobin Bridge. At La Colaborativa, the nonprofit led by Vega, everyone is welcome as family. And, every challenge is faced with unconditional support—evictions, hunger, support for victims of domestic violence, and sustained needs created by the pandemic. Born in Puerto Rico, Gladys moved to Chelsea at age 9. She started as a receptionist at La Colaborativa and ascended to Executive Director with brilliance, relentlessness, and emphasis on representation, cultural pride, and local decision making. Today, La Colaborativa’s reach includes East Boston, Everett, Lynn, Revere, and Malden, “Representation matters. It is time for people of color to make decisions for themselves and their own communities. We

must be seen and heard. La Colaborativa protects, uplifts, and empowers every individual to foster leadership from within communities of color and immigrant communities. This is the only way that real change can happen.”

Yasmine Laabadla, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Everett

Mia Allen, Everett

Maddox Caron, Watertown

Geovanny Fernandes Brito, Chelsea

Susie Francisco Ribeiro, Quincy

Meghan Hourihan, Lancaster

Cecilia Kincaid, Clarksburg

Josephine Pepper, Saugus

Luke Stevens, Berlin

Vikram Voleti, Bedford

Enoch O’Dell “Woody” Woodhouse

Brigadier General, Tuskegee Airmen; Tuskegee Airmen

LOVE & VALOR

Living legend Brigadier General Enoch O’Dell “Woody” Woodhouse is one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first all-Black combat flying unit and one of the world’s most celebrated military units. His life, a triumph of courage and amazing grace, tells the story of America in all of its glory and pain. A Roxbury native and son of an African Methodist Episcopal minister, Woodhouse enlisted in the Army following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Woodhouse recalls his mother’s words,“Boys, America is at war. I want you to serve your country.’ And, that’s what we did.” Too young for combat, Woodhouse was commissioned as a second lieutenant, and eventually became the Tuskegee Airmen’s paymaster. Woodhouse enlisted to protect his country, a compact America didn’t return, as Black soldiers faced racism, discrimination, and cruelty. The Tuskegee Airmen was the first opportunity for Black soldiers to train as aviators and they soared with exemplary leadership.Their distinguished service was a catalyst for President Harry Truman’s mandate to end racial segregation in the military in 1948. Discharged from active duty in 1949, Woodhouse joined the Air Force Reserve, earning his undergraduate degree from Yale and a law degree from Boston University. His service to our nation is lifelong through 50 years of practiced law and as the first black courier for the U.S. State Department. In 2006, more than six decades after being denied entry to his military dining hall because of the color of his skin, President George

W. Bush awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to Woodhouse and the Tuskegee Airmen—a most deserved tribute to an American hero and 96 years of his extraordinary life.

James Keefe, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Needham

James Benners, Mashpee

Landon Clark, Hawley

Trinity Crompton, Webster

Madelyn Crowell, Edgartown

Donnell Davis, Boston

Savannah LeBeau, Brimfield

Brianna Monast, Somerset

Anray Sheng, Needham

Marcelino Vasconcelos, Fall River

Malala Yousafzai

Girls’ Education Activist & Nobel Laureate GLOBAL HEROINE

From humble roots in Swat, Pakistan, a young global heroine of courage and vision was born. Malala’s commitment to global education and the empowerment of girls could not be silenced

by the Taliban’s bullet. Rather, their violent opposition fueled an even greater passion as a global advocate for millions of youth through the Malala Fund. In 2014, at age 17, Malala became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize Laureate in recognition of her transformative efforts to help girls unlock their potential and access education against extraordinary odds. Now married and a graduate of the University of Oxford, Malala is fully immersed in the mission of the Malala Fund. Her foremost goal is to secure 12-years of free, safe, and quality education for 130 million girls worldwide. And, to mobilize a global network of champions to leverage their collective power to uplift and invest in girls.

Reaghan Donovan, Alumni Mentoring Corps, Littleton

Emil Chase, Worthington

Nora Christofferson, Hingham

Isabella Corra, West Boylston

Emily Dupuis, Oxford

Kara Faria, Seekonk

Rebecca Fusco, Littleton

Nathan Ramani, Andover

James Russell, Marion

Josephine Waiveris, Monterey

Community of Heroes

These heroes—local, national, and global—inspired our service, motivated our compassion, and deepened our commitment to Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community as Service Heroes. Each year forward, our Ambassadors will carry their spirit of service and honor their devotion to humanity as they unite, act, lead.

CLASS OF 2022

Paul Andrews

Sergeant James Ayube II

Molly Baldwin

Claudette Colvin

Senator Julian Cyr

Charlie Davies

Ashley De Pina Nunes

Heidi Dugal

CLASS OF 2021

Ché Anderson

Xiye Bastida

Todd Bucey

Tacko Fall

Jim Gallagher

Chief Warrant Officer 2

Marwan S. Ghabour

Bob Giannino

CLASS OF 2020

Deborah Silva & Surya Adeleye

Kara Bobroff

Bill Brett

Geoffrey Canada

Bithiah Carter

Josh Chalmers

Jon Goose

Mum Bett Freeman

Dr. Atul Gawande

Secretary Deb Haaland

Alexandra Huynh

Opal Lee

Juana Matias

Makeeba McCreary

Ellice Patterson

Deb Re

Alex Richman

Jasmine Sanders

Jordan Simpson

Matthew Slater

Gladys Vega

Chairman Brian Weeden

Mayor Michelle Wu

Jay Kim

Beverly Leon

Robery Lewis, Jr.

Ashton Mota

Pauline Murnin

Dr. Jim O’Connell

Katie Pakenham

Mamatha Thumati

Cameron Van Fossen

Rep. Andy Vargas

Cleo Wade

Dr. Rochelle Walensky

Jazmine Wildcat

Dave Hoffman

Lisa Hughes

Heidi Johnson

Michael Lawler

Devin & Jason McCourty

Eva Millona

Cara Murtagh

Allyce Najimy

Representative Tram Nguyen

Natanja Craig Oquendo

Hilda Ramirez

Senior Airman Deanna Richards

Mark Shriver

Meredith & Billy Starr

CLASS OF 2019

Lance Corporal Noah Avila, USMC

Paul Berkeley

President George H.W. Bush

Chuck Campion

Chris Myers & Joanne Chang

Christie Coombs

Mary Cringan

Maria Dominguez Gray

CLASS OF 2018

Noor Al-Saad

First Lady Lauren Baker

Nurys Camargo

Leila & Mike Chambers

Emily Cherniack

Yolanda Coentro

Captain Sara Cullen, U.S. Army

CLASS OF 2017

Ron Adams

Susan B. Anthony

Lauren Astley

Ron Burton, Sr.

Gregg Croteau

Abbey D’Agnostino

CLASS OF 2016

Vanessa Calderón-Rosado

Firefighter Gregory Cinelli

Cherylann & Len Gengel

Captain Jennifer Harris, U.S. Marine Corps

CLASS OF 2015

Kay & Peter Berron

Senator Robert F. Kennedy

CLASS OF 2014

Betty Francisco

Corey Griffin

Police Comissioner William Gross

Patrice Keegan

Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Waleska Lugo-DeJesús

Ted Marquis

Jared Monti

Mary Lou O’Connell

Representative Smitty Pignatelli

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley

Rescue

Navyn Salem

Coretta Scott King

Lynne & Gary Smith

Lisa & Stephen Spaloss

Representative Hannah Kane

Myra Kraft

Executive Protection Unit, Massachusetts State Police

Diane Nealon

Sharon Parliment

Sue & Bernie Pucker

Bill Russell

Billy Shore

David Simas

James Simmons

Marquis Taylor

Annika Morgan & Josh Trautwein

Juan Duran

Danroy “DJ” Henry

Pat Johnson

Dr. Paula Johnson

Estrellita Karsh

President John F. Kennedy

Rachael Klehm

Michael Brown & Alan Khazei

Anthony Shriver

Capt. Christopher Sullivan, U.S. Army

Darlene White-Dottin

Dawnn Jaffier

Moira Landry

Cindy McGinty

Marisol O’Brien

Charlie Rose

Tom Scott

Donna Spigarolo

Councilor Michelle Wu

Cindy McGinty

Mayor Tom Menino

Beverly Morgan Welch

Carlos Arredondo Brittany & Robbie Bergquist

Frederick Douglass

Alumni Leadership Council: Tenth Anniversary

The Alumni Leadership Council is a tribute to the contributions of the 4,492 leaders who have worn the Ambassador navy tee since 2011.

Over the last ten years since the founding of the ALC, more than 300 leaders have answered the call to wear the burnt orange Alumni Leadership Council shirt. We are grateful to each for dedicating their high school years to inspire and lead the next generation of Ambassadors.

The ALC has grown and adapted throughout the past decade to meet the needs of a growing movement of Ambassadors and Alumni. The ALC past and present reflects Project 351’s commitment to inspire and enable Alumni leadership through high school and beyond

With special love and gratitude to the eleven founding ALC members: Tara Balan, Caitlin Burnett, Mark Czeisler, Kezia Duarte, Josh Florence, Meredith Forcier, Moria Landry, Michael Lawler, Andrea Nevins, Jenna Pedrantri, & Tessa Senders.

Ben Abbott

• Noah Avila

Bobrowski

Cameron

Crosby

Duarte

Fields

Gareri

Sonia Abdel-Fattah

Tara Balan

Denelis Acosta

Azavia Barsky-Elnour

Emelia Brennan

Carter Cantafio

Emily Cuff

Juan Duran

Kelly Broder

Gretchen Carr

Samantha Curtin

Alexis Earp

Brooke Fitzgerald

Evan Gendreau

Maeve Hagberg

Hunt

Kent

Lee

Surya Adeleye

Silvia Bastek

Aly Broussard

Molly Castle

Mark Czeisler

Willem Edwards

Josh Florence

Tara Geoghan

Enyonam Adoboe

Warda Ahmed

Emily Begley • Kendra Bento

Elizabeth Brown

Tyler Chidsey

Catherine Daly

Annalise Englert

Olivia Fone

Sophia Gibbs

Gabriela Hamburger Medailleu

Charlie Hynes

Laila Kibodya

KeeSeok Lee

Maloney

Kevin Irungu

Julia Kimball

Lucas Lee

Katie Mangus

• Marcus McNeill

Kevin James

Olivia Foo

Noah Brown

Christian

Elizabeth Chiffer

Faleehah Dam

Devon Das

Aurora Estabrook

Yvette

Francesca Forcellati

Pranav Govindarajan

Neely Harrington

Anne Jean

Ariana Klekotka

Melanie Lefkowitz

Charley Marsland

Kevin McShane

• Reeghan Morawiec

Minhthu Nguyen

Meredith

JP Grant

Daniel Heine

Elaine Jones

Katie Koch

Nathan

Kate Herlihy

Shelby Jones

Victoria Kot

Jonpierre Levesque

Michael Martinez

Jack Meilleur

Kathleen Morris

Alexa Nogler

Johanna Pellegrino

• Menaja Raja

• Skyla Rimple

Tshilobo

Tess Lambert

Lotem Loeb

Leanna Matczak

Max Meilleur

Siobhan Morris

Sean O’Malley

Lillian Perriello

Liam Randall

Molly Rioux

• Rachel Saball

Erin Logan

Annika McCanne

Sydney Mercadante

Julianne Morse

Isabelle Oppenheim

Jade Perry

Sreenidhi Ravipati

Emmy Roberts

Connor Schoen

• Thomas Singleton

Swible Martinez

Honor Petrie

Lily Raymond

Noah Roberts

Lauren Scott

Sarah Smialek

Emma Szalewicz

• Maya van Overbeeke-Costello

Malina Woodbury

Whitney

Madeline Moynihan

Maeve Padien

Hōkūlani

Ryan Pfifferling

Megan Raymond

Jemima Robins

Tessa Senders

Allison Smith

Mike Tansey

Alexandra Vella

Cameron Woods

Jack Woods

Elizabeth

Autumn Rayray

Ana Rodrigues

Serena Serhan

Courtney Smith

Anika Teckchandani

Yvonne Vu

Yesha Shah

Susannah Snell

Dalice

Amari

Margot

Dominique Thomas

Lily Waguespack

Courtney Woodward

Jayden

Madison Walsh

Timothy Woodward

Ajmain

ALUMNI LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

The Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) elevates diverse young leaders who represent Project 351’s core values and invests in their skills and potential as community builders. Alumni engagement and a series of enriching Leadership Summits strengthen participants’ courage, confidence, and commitment to inclusion, civic responsibility, and social justice. The ALC is a tribute to the contributions of the 4,492 leaders who have served as Ambassadors since 2011.

The vision for the ALC is informed by the priorities and aspirations of our high school Alumni. Members are selected, through competitive statewide application, for exemplifying Project 351 values, the highest standards of service, and individual initiative to engage peers to make a difference in their community.

This diverse team leads and informs all aspects of our mission. Members advise strategy and program development, lead cornerstone programming, and serve as role models and mentors for Ambassadors. There are four leadership platforms within the ALC—each designated for a unique responsibility and reflective of distinct skills and experience.

„ Senior Legacy Fellows: Lead capacity-building projects in support of greater organizational, program, and service excellence

„ Regional Leaders (RL): Build Project 351’s capacity, visibility, and unity in their region by stewarding a community of Alumni, Ambassadors, and educators to engage in our mission

„ Alumni Mentoring Corps (AMC): Lead and mentor a Service Hero team of 8 to 10 Ambassadors throughout their 12–month leadership journey. AMC members model and strengthen Project 351 values and vision, inspire and lead signature service, and build team pride and unity

SENIOR LEGACY FELLOWS

Aimee Alston, Caitlin Collier, Olivia Foo, Riley Londraville, Max Meilleur, Noah Roberts, Amari Sharma, Courtney Smith, Hannah Tirrell

REGIONAL LEADERS

Ben Abbott, Lily Blank, Jenna Bobrowski, Kelly Broder, Jill Calistra, Caitlin Collier, Clara Donovan, Olivia Foo, Pranav Govindarajan, Neely Harrington, Julia Kimball, Estella LeBlanc, Callie Loeffel, Leanna Matczak, Annika McCanne, Sydney Mercadante, Reeghan Morawiec, Alexa Nogler, Hokulani Panerio-Langer, Anya Patel, Emmy Roberts, Lauren Scott, Allison Smith, Courtney Smith, Josie Tucker, Xan Vella, Wunnyuriti Ziblim

ALUMNI MENTORING CORPS (AMC)

Benjamin Abbott, Pranav Abburi, Reilly Bergin, Julia Caron, Bryce Cioffi, Isabel Coviello, Maddie Cronin, Ekaavli Daga, Faleehah Dam, Reaghan Donovan, Robyn Douglas, Jack Favata Jasmine Findlen, Francesca Forcellati, Tara Geoghan, Jocelyn Graham, Maeve Hagberg, Kate Heppner, Charlotte Hernandez, Sava Kassev, James Keefe, Emma Keeley, Lorelei Kellum, Jordan Krawczyk, Yasmine Laabadla, Calvin Lewis, Maeve Lucey, Anna Noroian, Caitlin O’Donnell, Maeve Padien, Meera Parekh, Anya Patel, Abigail Rainsford, Jack Regan, Victoria Rich, Lile Simmons, Anika

Teckchandani, Kayla Vallecillo, Meredith Wu, Palak Yadav

The PLAYBOOK INITIATIVE

in partnership with The Boston Celtics

The Playbook Initiative is the Celtics signature anti-bias, anti-discrimination program. In 2019, the Celtics and Project 351 teamed up to extend the reach and impact of this important leadership model.

Annually, a team of Project 351 Alumni are selected for accelerated training with Celtics and 351 staff. Trainers build skills of facilitation and communication; gain knowledge of issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and strengthen their commitment to strong, just, and united communities.

Each February, as a cornerstone of SLA, Trainers lead and inspire Ambassadors through immersive Playbook Workshops. Participants discuss real-life social scenarios reflecting on forms of bias and discrimination with courage and candor. Trainers and Ambassadors examine the motivation and impact of the scenarios; and develop positive interventions to utilize as upstanders and bridge builders. Trainers continue their workshops at hometown middle schools, engaging more than 1,000 students.

Fortified by the lesson of Playbook and the example of the Celtics, Ambassadors will strengthen their commitment to Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community and their abilities as a catalyst for unity and positive change.

We offer deepest gratitude to the Boston Celtics for their faith in you, belief in our mission, and the privilege of partnership toward greater unity, compassion, and inclusion.

2023 PLAYBOOK TRAINERS

Lilianna Blank (North Attleboro), Brooke Boucher (Fairhaven), Molly Bronner (Framingham), Gabriela Hamburger Medailleu (Holden), Neely Harrington (Salem), Lucas Lee (Carlisle), Sammy Levenson (Ashland), Carolina Loeffel (Scituate), Fabyana Maitre (Woburn), Paige Martino (Lynnfield), Ben Nguyen (Norwell), Hōkūlani Panerio-Langer (Milton), Victoria Rich (Worcester), Noah Roberts (Hanson), Brooke Rosenshine (Westborough), Amari Sharma (Needham), Jayden Taylor (Acushnet), Hannah Tirrell (Abington), Palak Yadav (Medway)

“The best leaders in the world serve others.”

Brad Stevens

President of Basketball Operations Boston Celtics

THE COMMONWEALTH CIRCLE

Project 351 is honored to announce The Commonwealth Circle, an annual major gift program that provides vital resources to support the leadership journey of our Ambassadors and our year-long programming of community service, leadership development and civic engagement.

We deeply appreciate the leadership and generosity of our Honorary Co-Chairs and Commonwealth Circle members.

Honorary Co-Chairs

Governor Charlie Baker and Lauren Baker

Governor Deval Patrick and Diane Patrick

Platinum Level - $100,000 and above

Patty and Paul Gannon

Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine

Gold Level - $50,000 and above

Pamela Lederer and Michael Carmen

Bronze Level - $10,000 and above Anonymous

Kristen and Jim Atwood

Joe Casey

Dona and Eliza Cassella

Mary Cringan

Richard Flaherty

Tracy Campion and Buddy Greene

Geri and Mark Herlihy

Jennifer Bardsley and Christopher Keefe

Tricia and Tom O’Brien

Diane and Deval Patrick

Sue and Bernie Pucker

Bhuvana Palaniappan and Govind Rangasamy

Charlie Rose

Membership as of January 6, 2023. All donors who make a three-year commitment to The Commonwealth Circle by December 31, 2023 will be designated as Founding Members. For more information on joining The Commonwealth Circle, please contact Carolyn Casey at carolyn@project351.org.

A Note of Gratitude

Project 351 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a movement of youth service that transforms communities, elevates kindness, and advances opportunity by investing in the courage, compassion, and unlimited capabilities of eighth grade unsung heroes and aspiring change-makers. We are grateful for the commitment of an inspiring community of private sector partners and families who engage fully in our mission through corporate volunteerism, strategic support, and generous investment.

WITH GRATITUDE FOR THEIR GENEROUS INVESTMENT & BELIEF

“I see hope in my generation.”

Madelyn Moreau, Ambassador, Monson strategic Partners

We Celebrate & Appreciate Our BELOVED Community

We are deeply appreciative of the statewide community of educators, volunteers, and partners, whose belief in the potential of every young person inspires our greatest efforts.

BUS CAPTAINS & CHAPERONES

Judy Bennett, Kendra Bento, Todd Bucey, Katie

Carley, Aimee Casale-McCarthy, Denise Chesbro, Kari Cioffi, Anne Corron, Kathy Couch, Mary

Cringan, Carolyn Curtis, Melinda Dennis, Mary

DeSousa, Jeff Duffany, Marcy Dugas, Deborah

Gigante, Ronnie Goldstein, Betty Hartford, Ivar

Henningson, Cheri Hoyle, Becky LaRoche, Rashaun

Martin, Maria McGuinness, Nicholas Merritt, Peter

Mili, Chitra Mills, Julie Morris, Carolyn Mulhern,

Michael Neagle, Sharon Nist, Arlene Parella, Dan

Phelan, Timothy Rougeau, Brett Senders, Tessa

Senders, Kathy Sheehan, Deborah Silva, Adam

Snodgrass, Jessica Stanley, Hannah Sullivan, William Tranter

LAUNCH DAY LEADERSHIP TEAM

Paul Berkley, Scotty Cameron, Sam Carson, Josh

Florence, Gina Galarza, Lee Ann Gilligan, Autumn

Kelly, Tim Kelly, Andrew Morris, Ashleigh Morris, Katie Pakenham, Emma Szalewicz, Danielle West

ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS

Warda Ahmed, Emily Begley, Megan Burke, Scotty Cameron, Isabelle Cole, Justin Crosby, Mark Czeisler, Alexis Earp, Anna Fernandez, Lily

Fullford, Soleei Guasp, Elizabeth Inger, Autumn

Kelly, Marcus McNeill, Griffin Michalak, Kathleen

Morris, Rebecca Pavao, Cole Perry, Bobby Portway,

Skyla Rimple, Rachel Saball, Tessa Senders, Deborah Silva, Margot Sonia, Jessica Stanley, Emma Szalewicz, Doan Tran

LAUNCH DAY VOLUNTEER TEAM

Tracy Allen, Seth Berman, Jennifer Bingham, Eliza

Casella, Andrea Courtois, Katie Germany, Andrea

Kelly, Alex Richardson, Theresa Shanahan, Gary Smith, Lynne Smith, Donna Spigarolo, Elliott

Spigarolo, Lisa Ulrich

PROJECT 351 ADVISORY BOARD

Alex Richman, Chair; Maureen Alphonse-Charles, Noor Al-Saad, Carolyn Casey, Josh Florence, Michele Gerroir, Thaddeus Miles, Tom O’Brien, Denise Richard, Charlie Rose, Chair Emeritus, Nancy Routh, Matt Segneri

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Tom O’Brien, Chair; Max Campion, Joe Casey, Kanna Kunchala, Jennifer White

AMBASSADOR SELECTION OUTREACH TEAM

Todd Bucey, Kelly Campbell, Katie Carley, Elizabeth Chiffer, Joan Chiffer, Mary Cringan, Cherylann Gengel, Ruth Gilbert-Whitner, Laura

Keith, Rashaun Martin, Jessica Stanley, Emma Szalewicz, Michael Whitner

LOVE & GRATITUDE

An abundance of 35ONELove to Charlie Rose, our beloved Board Chair, Honorary Dean & spoken word laureate. After 34 years of service with City Year, Charlie and his wife Carol begin a year sabbatical to travel across the country. We wish them a journey of exploration, inspiration, and wonder. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for 13 years of visionary and impassioned stewardship of our youth-led movement for change. And, we look forward to many more years of movement making with Charlie. Project 351 would not exist but for Charlie. Ubuntu, we are because you are. With greatest love, your 35ONE family.

VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO Our extraordinary Service Heroes and their loving families. Jim Gallaher, Annie Duong, Maggie Lytle, Tom Crohan of John Hancock; Denise, Bill, Henry, and Jane Richard and the Martin Richard Foundation; Dave Hoffman, Kash Cannon, and Tome Barros of the Boston Celtics; Lisa Hughes, Larry Lawson, Sean Barnacourt, Andrea Courtois of WBZ; Lisa Menino and the team at the City of Boston; Tom Scott, Erica Hedrick, Dr. Mary Bourque, Dr. Christine McGrath of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents; Jon Goose and his team at Color Copy Center Boston; Steve Kerrigan, President & Chief Executive Officer, Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center; Joe Foley, Margaret Dooley of College Hype; Bruce Barrows and the Professional Bus Drivers of LocalMotion; Jim Cardaropoli, Joanne Okraska and the Professional Bus Drivers of King Gray Bus Lines; Susan Guay, Alisha Candela and the team at Atent for Rent; Dan Kidwell and the team at Terry Hanley Audio Services; Gail Sarni and the team at Gourmet Caterers; Matt Wilder, Wilder Strategies; and our

photography team: Jennifer Cogswell, Cogswell Images; Michael Casey, CaseyPhotography.net; Dan Stevens and Dave Ells, In the Car Media; and Haley Lunny and Hannah Osborn for their support with Launch Day preparations.

HEARTFELT GRATITUDE FOR the community of designers and artists that contributed to this book: Danielle West, Anita Rundles, and J. Sherman Studio. The program book was written by Carolyn Casey and produced by Danielle West.

PROJECT 351 is powered by the idealism of this extraordinary Beloved Community in partnership with a very grateful 351 team: Oyin Aderoba, Michaela Campbell, Carolyn Casey, Cindy Laba, and Michael Lawler.

GREAT LOVE AND APPRECIATION to the Aderoba, Campbell, Casey, Laba, and Lawler families who inspire the vision and make the journey so joyful. In loving memory of Maryjane “Mimi” Casey, with enduring gratitude for her goodness and grace.

NOTEs

NOTEs

NOTEs

Leaders don’t wait for change

In fact, the next generation is already here, making positive change within their communities. We’re proud to support Project 351 in empowering this new class of leaders.