Published February 23, 2023 by East Boston Times

Mayor Michelle Wu is particularly excited to be honored by such a diverse and inclusive organization. “Boston Arts Academy is an example of how we all benefit when we invest in our young people and give them the resources they need to succeed,” said Mayor Wu. “I’m honored to work alongside the Boston Arts Academy Foundation and all the partners who have helped to make modernized, energy-efficient school buildings like BAA a possibility.”

“The work being done by Boston Arts Academy Foundation is critical towards the advancement of arts and academic education in our city,” said Janey. “Champion Reception is a great example of how our community leaders can come together to support the highly talented and creative students at Boston Arts Academy. I am honored to be recognized as a champion for our community and will continue to be a champion for the arts and our youth.”

Wu, Former Mayor Janey To Be Recognized at BAAF Champion Reception

The event will take place at the iconic House of Blues in Fenway on Lansdowne Street and will be followed by the opening night all-star performance of Shrek The Musical, put on entirely by Boston Arts Academy students. This will be the first live production in the school’s newly opened theatre, and the first major production in-person in two years.

“We are so thrilled to honor Mayor Michelle Wu and former Mayor Kim Janey as our 2023 Champions,” said Boston Arts Academy Foundation President and CEO Denella J. Clark. “March is Women’s History Month, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by honoring the first two women mayors in Boston who both champion our students and the arts community.”

Boston Arts Academy Foundation is an independent charitable non-profit organization that helps bridge the growing gap between the Boston Arts Academy’s allocation from the Boston Public Schools, and the true cost of a high-quality education that is both arts-intensive and college preparatory. In 2018, Boston Arts Academy Foundation led a six-year, $32 million comprehensive campaign called 

 designed to elevate the visibility of and support for Boston Arts Academy, and to ensure the sustainability of this unique education model. In just five years, Boston Arts Academy Foundation is halfway through the campaign and have exceeded the campaign’s $20M milestone goal. 

Each year, Boston Arts Academy Foundation presents the Champion Award to a member of the community who embodies the school’s commitment to the arts, scholarship, and citizenship. Previous BAAF Champion Award honorees include former First Lady of Massachusetts Diane Patrick, former Boston Mayor, current United States Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and former Governor Charlie Baker.

Mayor Wu has been a voice for accessibility, transparency, and community engagement in city leadership since being elected to the Boston City Council in November 2013. As a classical trained pianist, Mayor Wu continues to be a strong advocate for the arts in Boston. We witnessed her dedication to the arts shortly after her inauguration as Mayor, when she had the city-owned piano moved into her office so that she can play. In 2023 she pledged to make the largest investment ever in artists and the arts. She has backed that up by investing up to $1.7 million to preserve affordable artist workspaces in Dorchester.

In addition to Mayor Wu, former Mayor Kim Janey will also be honored by Boston Arts Academy Foundation. As Boston’s first woman and first black mayor, Mayor Janey successfully led the city through a multitude of unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 global pandemic. Mayor Janey introduced a citywide agenda of recovery and reopening, focusing on health and wellness while elevating arts and culture. Janey started the “Joy Agenda”, a city-wide program that featured investment in recovery and renewal through supporting arts and culture workers, local small businesses, and youth. Currently, Mayor Janey is President and CEO of the Boston-based nonprofit, Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath).

At the completion of the reception, guests will walk across the street and be treated to the first-ever musical performed in Boston Arts Academy’s new theatre. The inaugural show, 

 is an entirely student run production. Boston Arts Academy chose the show because of the themes of inclusiveness and the welcoming of the diverse and underrepresented is in line with the culture of BAA. 

 are available for a donation of $125, while a ticket for all other performances are $25. Proceeds from the event will directly support BAA’s arts programming and more. 

For more information and to purchase tickets for all four performances of 

https://bostonartsacademy.org/foundation/event/champion-reception-2023

Click Here to Purchase Tickets to Shrek The Musical

Mayor Michelle Wu, Former Mayor Kim Janey to be Recognized at Boston Arts Academy Foundation Champion Reception

Each year, BAA Foundation recognizes individuals who embody Boston Arts Academy's commitment to the arts, scholarship, and citizenship with the prestigious Champion Award. Mayor Wu has been a voice for accessibility, transparency, and community engagement in city leadership. First elected to the Boston City Council in November 2013 at the age of 28, Wu is the first Asian-American woman to serve on the Council. In January 2016, she was elected President of the City Council by her colleagues in a unanimous vote, becoming the first woman of color to serve as Council President. As Mayor, Wu is working in coalition to deliver bold, systemic change and make Boston a city for everyone.

As a classical trained pianist, Mayor Wu continues to be a strong advocate for the arts in Boston. We witnessed her dedication to the arts shortly after her inauguration, when she had the city-owned piano moved into her office so that she can play. In 2023 she pledged to make the largest investment ever in artists and the arts. She has backed that up by investing up to $1.7 million to preserve affordable artist workspaces in Dorchester. 

Thursday, March 16 from 5pm-7pm at the House of Blues 

as we honor Mayor Wu and Mayor Janey as two female leaders and trailblazers in the Commonwealth, during Women's History Month!

 Learn more and Purchase Tickets to Champion Reception 2023

Meet Our Champions 

Each year, BAA Foundation recognizes individuals who embody Boston Arts Academy's commitment to the arts, scholarship, and citizenship with the prestigious Champion Award. Former Mayor Janey is Boston’s first woman and first Black mayor, successfully leading the City through a multitude of unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 global pandemic. Mayor Janey introduced a citywide agenda of recovery and reopening, focusing on health and wellness while elevating arts and culture. Janey started the “Joy Agenda,” a city-wide program that featured investment in recovery and renewal through supporting arts and culture workers, local small businesses, and youth. Currently, Mayor Janey is President and CEO of the Boston-based nonprofit, Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath).

A proud fourth-generation Roxbury resident, Mayor Janey comes from a long line of educators, entrepreneurs, 

and advocates. In 2021 Mayor Janey spoke with 

 Boston on her connection to the arts: “The arts have been all around me in my family my whole life,” Janey said. It’s one reason why she counts artists as “essential workers” alongside medical providers, police officers, fire fighters, and food service workers. According to Janey, her family instilled in her a deep appreciation of art, creativity, and public performance.

Boston Arts Academy students received a rare lesson Wednesday afternoon — led by renowned rapper 

. Lupe Fiasco, the stage name for Chicago-native Wasalu Jaco, led nine students through a detailed Masterclass on the power of didactic, instructional lyrics. 

’s article about Fiasco’s lesson on the context, construction, and content of lyrics, he reportedly told the class:

“When I went from being an artist straight out of high school, I was still learning how to construct and compose, still trying to figure out what I wanted to say. And then I started to learn that what I wanted to say was dictated by what I needed it to do and not the other way around.”

Fiasco will be teaching a semester-long course at MIT, beginning this week, as one of the MLK Visiting Professors and Scholars Program for the 2022-23 academic year. About Fiasco and the MLK program at MIT, 

, MIT’s Institute Community and Equity Officer, said, “MIT is so fortunate to have this group of remarkable individuals join us. They bring a range and depth of knowledge to share with our students and faculty, and we look forward to working with them to build a stronger sense of community across the Institute.” 

John Dozier also serves as Co-Chair of the BAAF 2023 Champion’s Committee, alongside his wife Victoria, who also participates on the BAAF Advisory Council. 

The Champion’s Committee, led by the Doziers, aims to raise $150,000 for the 

. Following this event, all guests are invited to attend the All-Star Student Production of 

 John Dozier joined MIT in 2020 as its new Institute Community and Equity Officer (ICEO). He previously served as Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Provost for Inclusion at the University of South Carolina. Victoria Dozier has over 30 years of experience in both business management and engineering. We look forward to their leadership of the Champion Reception event!

 for caring about BAA's artists, scholars, and global citizens and for supporting their futures. We are so excited to continue our collaboration with you!

to help us reach our goal and ensure a successful event. 

Learn more about the 2023 Champion Reception

Grammy Award Winner Lupe Fiasco teaches a class at Boston Arts Academy!

Wendy Michel, also known as MoMa, has joined Boston Arts Academy Foundation as our new Senior Director of Marketing and Communications. Michel brings over 15 years of experience in B2B and B2C Marketing and Communications along with a strong background in non-profit arts programming.  

During her career, Michel has developed launch campaigns generating a 200% increase in sales, engagement and brand awareness for brands such as Beats by Dre, DOVE, Naturade, BET, and Def Jam Records. Michel’s Non-Profit experience spans from working alongside Gina Belafonte to launch the “Gatekeepers of Truth” campaign for Sankofa, a social justice Art Non-Profit founded by Harry Belafonte, to producing community engagement case studies for “UNI” - the Boston Ballet’s latest public art installation. 

“Given Wendy’s interdisciplinary background as an artist and entrepreneur, her work with leading non-profits, as well as her skillsets in Marketing, I believe Wendy is the perfect representation of artists, scholars, and global citizens we aim to support, said Denella Clark, President and CEO of Boston Arts Academy Foundation. “We are excited to have her help in leading our Marketing and Communications in order to fulfil our mission to bridge the gap between the Boston Arts Academy’s allocation from the Boston Public Schools, and the true cost of a high-quality education that is both arts-intensive and college preparatory.”

As our Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Wendy will oversee multi-faceted marketing, communications, and public relations programming, targeting supporters of the Foundation, private donors, companies and organizations, and corporate leaders. Her goal will be to promote the BAA Foundation brand, through fundraisers, enhancing volunteer leadership, and supporting BAA students and the Foundation’s mission. 

In 2014, Michel was accepted into Parsons School of Design studying Strategic Design & Management. During her time there, she was a STEAM educator and curriculum developer for the Obama Foundation. Following her studies Wendy decided to self-educate by traveling the world, 

Wendy’s ambitions led her to serve as a creative humanitarian and art curator in Germany, China and Hong Kong. During her travels Wendy worked with installation incubators such as MADE in Berlin to study the advancement of interdisciplinary arts across a variety of mediums.

Michel’s love for the arts started at a young age while performing for her community in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti where she was born. Becoming a professional dancer at 15 years old, Michel performed at national competitions with Boston’s Phunk Phenomenon Dance Troop. Michel was appointed by Artists for Humanity Co-Founders Jason Talbot and Rob Gibbs (also known as ProBlak) to be a part of an intentional arts programming pilot with the City of Brockton where she was raised. Under the supervision of ProBlak, Wendy spent the rest of her youth working as a teen artist. As an honor graduate of the program, Michel decided to give back to the non-profit and became a mentor for the painting studio.  

“Joining the Boston Arts Academy Foundation is a full circle moment for me. Given the impact that AFH had on me as an after-school program, I could only imagine what it would’ve felt like to attend a school completely dedicated to the arts”, explained Michel. “My position as Senior Director of Marketing Communications for the Foundation allows me to bridge my work as a Marketing executive with my passions for STEAM education and arts activation. Nothing feels more gratifying than working for an organization that is in alignment with my personal values.”

When not working, Michel has a passion for teaching yoga, painting portraits, and developing research in Neuroscience and Health technology.

 to say hello and welcome her to the BAAF community.

Meet our New Senior Director of Marketing & Communications

This past January, Christine Rose, Owner of 4 Corners Yoga + Wellness, partnered with Boston Arts Academy Foundation to host a charity yoga class in recognition of Boston Arts Academy’s 25 years of providing transformative public arts education to our city’s youth.

Christine was introduced to Boston Arts Academy Foundation during the 2022 Champion Reception and was inspired by the mission of the work to support Boston Arts Academy’s students, many of whom live in Dorchester where her business is located.

Christine shared, “At 4 Corners Yoga + Wellness, we believe in COMMUNITY! We know how important the arts are as a means of release &  balance especially in today's world. We were excited to partner with BAA last year and again this year to celebrate & support the youth.  It means even more to us knowing that our staff has personal connections to the school as well!”

The class brought together the community for an hour of restorative yoga, and proceeds from class were donated to help fund BAA’s arts programming, as well as its Health & Wellness services.

If you’re interested in hosting a fundraiser class or event in support of BAA Foundation, email Caitlin at 

BAA Supporter Spotlight: 4 Corners Yoga + Wellness

We’re partnering with 4 Corners Yoga & Wellness to host a $25 charity yoga class in recognition of Boston Arts Academy’s 25 years of providing transformative public arts education to our city’s youth. 

 Saturday, January 21 from 11:30am - 12:30pm for slow flow yoga - all levels welcome! Class proceeds will be donated to fund Boston Arts Academy's arts programming, as well as its Health & Wellness services.

Join us January 21: $25 Yoga Class for #BAA25

As we wrap up 2022, I want to share my deepest appreciation and gratitude for you, and to wish you a healthy and happy holiday season.

The end of the year invites a time of reflection. 

 for Boston Arts Academy, as the students finally moved into their new school building during BAA’s 25th Anniversary year. We also were able to provide impactful opportunities with the support from friends like you, such as Ruth Carter's master class, a visit to NBC’s studio and Dr. Boger’s underwater photography exhibit, summer camp at performing arts training center Stagedoor Manor, and much more.

BAA Foundation must continue to raise funds to cover the cost of arts resources, faculty, programming and more, including social-emotional and academic support services. With $260,000 to go to meet our year-end goal, 

we need your continued support to do our most important work in supporting our city’s next generation of artists, scholars, and global citizens.

You can make a direct impact by extending a hand and opening your wallet:

Take it from BAA Senior and Dance Major, Ariya Patel, on how your dollars make an impact: 

“I love to dance because I’m shy, and dance is a way to show people who I am, how creative I can be. I feel free when I dance. It is the only time I can be myself. 

BAA has shown me what I’m capable of, and how I can express myself

This is your chance to help other students like Ariya. We invite you to give securely online at our 

, or write a check payable to Boston Arts Academy Foundation mailed to: Boston Arts Academy Foundation, 126 Brookline Ave, 3rd Floor, Boston MA 02215.

The future is bright, but not without support from friends like you

 in ensuring the school’s financial sustainability and resources for the students to help them achieve their full potential.

Year-end Reflection: there's more work to be done to help make BAA's future bright

On December 21, 2022, our media partner, NBC, welcomed a group of Boston Arts Academy vocalist majors to its studio. Here, they watched 

 live from behind-the-scenes on the stage and in the control room, recorded a rendition of a holiday classic "Joy To The World," and toured the studio. The students met with BAA Foundation Board member and VP of Programming, Maggie Baxter; 

's On-Air Host, Anna Rossi; and BAA Honors 2022 TV + Film Honoree and Emmy-Award Winning Anchor, Latoyia Edwards. Latoyia cheered on BAA's students during an impromptu performance in the newsroom, announcing, "You are all stars!" 

Thank you, Maggie and NBC, for all you do to create opportunity for our students. 

Creating Opportunity:  Watch An On-Air Holiday Performance!

As she twirled in one of Boston Arts Academy's four new dance studios, BAA senior, Ariya Patel, showed and shared how she can finally be herself at BAA: "I feel free when I dance. It is the only time I can be myself." 

(video courtesy of our media partner NBC 10 Boston).

Give the gift of opportunity by December 31 to help us provide this experience to more students like Ariya. 

Gifts allow us to fund masterclasses with visiting artists, pointe shoes and costumes, winter performances, and more.

Creating Opportunity for More Students like Ariya

Earlier this week, a group of Boston Arts Academy (BAA) Sophomores studying Studio Art Photography visited Dr. Joshua Boger’s photography exhibit, “Bio-Fractalism: Perceiving The World In Hard Coral.” Dr. Boger, an expert scuba diver, has been a professional underwater photographer since 1998, and his current show is his 12th professional photography exhibit of his underwater photographs.

Dr. Boger shared with students his process of taking underwater photographs, how he works with light and shadows, and how he selects the photos he decides to showcase.

When talking about his work, Dr. Boger shared how he brings emotion out of the scenes he captures: “It’s not necessarily about the coral - the object you are photographing - it’s about the idea you are trying to represent.”

Dr. Boger has been a long-time supporter of arts education, our city's youth, BAA and BAA Foundation. We are grateful to him for 

 for BAA's students to visit and tour the gallery, and for sharing lessons about his experience as an artist!

As we celebrate BAA's 25th Birthday all year, we invite you to join us in creating opportunity for BAA. There are many ways to get involved. Visit 

Creating Opportunity: Lessons In Underwater Photography

"There's nothing like it in Massachusetts." - Pam Reeve

Join us November 29 for Giving Tuesday and #GiveBAAck to a school so unique: Boston Arts Academy, the 

 public arts high school in MA. Your donations provide access to opportunities, a sense of belonging, and a path forward for Boston's youth.

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving, and we are raising $25,000 for a special school that's fundamental to the cultural fabric of our city's arts and education scene: Boston Arts Academy and its 500 talented and diverse students. This year, you have the opportunity to double your impact thanks to a 

$25,000 Challenge Match from a generous donor

Ways to #GiveBAAck and prepare for Giving Tuesday:

2. Share this message with your friends and family 

3. Follow us on social media as we countdown until Giving Tuesday

"BAA has taught me how to balance life, academics, and arts. It taught me versatility." - Breanna Boothe, BAA '22

Here's one way to feel GOOD this holiday season: Giving Tuesday

Ciccolo Family Foundation 

Ray Ciccolo and Christine Grace of the Ciccolo Family Foundation visited Boston Arts Academy to take a tour and present the BAA Foundation with a check for $20,000 to help fund arts programming for BAA's talented students. During the tour, Head of School Dr. Anne Clark shared how special BAA is as a school - a place where art is the students' language of learning, and where their talents and feeling of belonging is affirmed. The Ciccolo Family Foundation cares deeply about giving back to the local community, arts & culture, education, environmental, and health & wellness causes. We are grateful for the Ciccolo Family Foundation's support and growing partnership! 

Nov 18 4 master class A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

Company dance members from A.I.M by Kyle Abraham visited Boston Arts Academy to host a master class. A.I.M by Kyle Abraham is currently touring in Boston and performing at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre. Read more about the company's focus on giving back to local communities, and their upcoming show today in 

Giving Tuesday 2022

 It's the season of giving, and November 29 is a big day for BAA Foundation. Learn more about doubling your impact and join us on 

Student Singers

 Boston Arts Academy is hosting a series of Winter Shows, by major. Learn more about show dates and more 

Boston Arts Academy Alumni Association is running/walking the MR8K. Join Team Boston Arts Academy: 

. If we register 50+ Team BAA participants, we can win a Challenge Grant of $5,000 (or more!) from the Martin Richard Foundation.

Interested in learning more about BAA, BAA Foundation, or getting involved? Contact Grace at 

This Month at BAA: November Recap

We invite you to click the link below to read the report:

A letter from BAA Foundation President Denella Clark, BAA Head of School Dr. Anne Clark, BAA Foundation Board Chairman Jeff Rosica, and BAA Board of Trustees Chair Myran Parker-Brass:

Boston Arts Academy students spent this past year—the fourth and final—in a temporary location. Through the challenges presented by a shared space as well as the third school year impacted by the pandemic, they continue to persevere and artistically express themselves in the pursuit of their dreams.

Over 490 students returned in person for the 2021–2022 school year, prepared to learn, grow, create, and inspire—and they did exactly that. After two years of remote and hybrid learning, Boston Arts Academy students returned to their desks. And to the stage. Your contributions help our students access life-changing opportunities, achieve success, and make real change in the world.

On September 8, 2022, Boston Arts Academy opened its brand new, state-of-the-art school building on the site of the school’s longstanding home in the Fenway neighborhood, with building construction funded by the City and Commonwealth. The opening of this building is harmoniously timed with BAA’s 25th Anniversary and 25 years of transformative public arts education. Boston Arts Academy now has the facilities to match the talents and dreams of students and faculty, supporting a fine-tuned and highly successful education model, and serving the City’s most diverse and talented students.

While Boston Arts Academy’s new school building will help us permanently close opportunity gaps for more of Boston’s students, it will not change the school’s existing public-private funding model.

“The completion of the building is the culmination of a dream between the City of Boston, the Massachusetts School Building Authority, and the Boston Arts Academy Foundation. And people who are committed to the Foundation have helped support the sort of added extras the kids in this school really deserve.”

Boston Arts Academy Foundation must continue to bridge the gap between the school’s allocation from the Boston Public Schools and the true cost of a high-quality education that is both arts-intensive and college preparatory. Continued philanthropic support from generous donors to Boston Arts Academy Foundation is more critical than ever, augmenting Boston Arts Academy’s annual budget and ensuring the school’s long-term financial sustainability. With your support, Boston Arts Academy’s students have the resources they need to achieve their full potential, including enhanced artistic offerings and experiences and access to critical academic and social supports.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT, BUT NOT WITHOUT YOU.

Thank you for your dedication to and investment in Boston Arts Academy. In honor of the school’s 25th anniversary, please continue to support Boston Arts Academy Foundation and help secure a bright future for Boston Arts Academy’s diverse, talented, and deserving students. 

The pages ahead share the impact you’ve had and highlight future possibilities. On behalf of Boston Arts Academy, Boston Arts Academy Foundation, and our students, we are so grateful.

Introducing...the 2022 Annual Report!

Teddy Shoes, a local dance apparel and footwear store, has been working in partnership with BAA Foundation for the past year to raise critical funds for BAA's students.

A legacy business in Cambridge serving the local community since 1957, Teddy Shoes is located right next to Dance Complex on Massachusetts Ave. Owner, Steve Adelson, understands the positive impact dancing can have on a young person's life given his work with thousands of dancers throughout his career. He was inspired by BAA Foundation's mission to provide the necessary resources and programming required for BAA's students to receive the high-quality arts education and training they deserve.

With BAA Foundation's support, Steve launched a Donate A Dollar At Checkout Program, inviting customers to donate to BAA when checking out online or in-store. Steve shared, 

 have been very successful. The extreme generosity of so many customers by giving a dollar or more at checkout raised $128 in last Fall's campaign. Our Spring/Summer initiative has reached $735. We thank the BAA for allowing us to partner with them to help the school and also to those who have not only supported Teddy Shoes throughout the pandemic and also who have so graciously donated to help this worthwhile cause."

Steve continues to host this program, and to-date has raised over $1,000 for BAA.

Interested in partnering and hosting a similar campaign at your store? 

Contact Caitlin Durkin at cdurkin@baafdn.org.

Learn more about BAA Foundation's Donate A Dollar At Checkout Program

Download The Cause Marketing for Businesses Flyer

BAA Supporter Spotlight: Teddy Shoes

Over 400 guests attended BAA Honors 2022 in support of and to celebrate Boston Arts Academy’s (BAA) 25 years of impact as Boston’s only public high school for the arts. BAA Foundation’s signature event and largest fundraiser of the year raised $2.3M to fund arts programming and more for BAA’s talented and deserving students. Honorees included Lee Pelton with Honors in Lifetime Achievement, Lee Michael Kennedy for Civic Responsibility, Michaela DePrince for Dance, Kobi Halperin for Fashion, Terri Lyne Carrington for Music, Latoyia Edwards for TV + Film, and Bryan Rafanelli for Visual Arts.

Photography by Craig Bailey, Annielly Camargo and Dante Luna

Boston Magazine Party Pics: BAA Honors 2022

On Saturday, October 8, BAA Foundation hosted its largest fundraiser of the year for Boston Arts Academy: 

! This was the first major event BAA Foundation hosted in three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 400 guests attended and raised $2.3M in support of BAA students. Student majors in Dance, Music and Theatre performed, and majors in Fashion and Visual Arts displayed their work.

Four students in the Fashion + Tech program at Boston Arts Academy were invited to be part of The Peers + Pros Project at 

. The project is a creative learning initiative sponsored in part by Koch Institute Public Galleries. Students designed looks and worked with a team that included professionals at Koch Institute Public Galleries, MIT Museum’s Maker Lab, Boston Public Library’s Teen Central, and School of Fashion Design, Boston.

 in its beautiful theatre. The assembly included performances and a showcase from students studying dance, music and filmmaking, as well as remarks from special guest speaker and BAA alum '05, Abraham Olivo.

WATCH HERE a clip of the student performances!

Urbanity's Company danced alongside students from 

 students worked behind the scenes managing stage lighting and technical elements for the Call of Courage show. Call of Courage is a five-part collaboration featuring choreography set to stories of perseverance from Boston’s youth.

This Month at BAA: October Recap

Denella Clark, President and CEO of Boston Arts Academy Foundation, has been recognized by The Association of Fundraising Professionals' (AFP) Massachusetts Chapter with the Massachusetts Gives Award in the Outstanding Fundraising Professional category.

Fiercely committed to equity, inclusion, and raising revenue to advance the public good, Denella Clark has more than 30 years of experience managing nonprofits in the arts education, academic medicine, youth development and human services sectors. She also has significant experience with public policy and legislation to help women and people of color. A transformative and respected leader, she currently leads an organization that secures essential funding to support Boston Arts Academy, the city’s only public high school for the visual and performing arts. Eighty-four percent of the school’s students identify as Black or Latinx, and most come from low-income families. Many become first generation college graduates. Over the past six years, she has led the effort to grow the organization from the ground up and raised over $20M as part of a $32M comprehensive campaign. Earlier in her career, she was part of the leadership team for Joslin Diabetes Center’s successful $100M capital campaign, and Dimock Center’s first $25M campaign. In 2015 Governor Charlie Baker appointed Denella to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW). In 2020, MCSW members elected her Chair, making her the first Black woman in the Commission's history to serve in this role. Denella is also currently serving as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for Fontbonne Academy. Of all of her titles, Denella is most proud to be called “Mommy-in-Chief” by her son and daughter.

Denella will be recognized and honored for her achievements during the Massachusetts Gives Awards on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the UMass Club in Downtown Boston.

Boston Arts Academy Foundation President Receives Massachusetts Gives Award

Read the full article in El Mundo, on Alexander's appointment here! 

Alexander Zapata Joins the Board of Directors of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation

Happy Friday, everyone. Got plans this weekend? I’ll breaking out my tuxedo. After trying it on earlier this week, I’m proud to say it still fits — despite that “Covid 20” I put on in 2020 and 2021, and have been trying to lose in 2022. Those of you who have seen me at various events around town know that I’m a bowtie guy. (This 

.) Tomorrow night, the bowtie will be black and extra fancy, and I’ll be joining a whole host of Boston execs and VIPs at the Boston Arts Academy Foundation fundraiser, BAA Honors.

Four Boston leaders will be receiving awards for their professional and civic contributions to the city: 

, CEO and president of The Boston Foundation; 

, president and CEO of the Lee Kennedy Co. Inc.; 

, founder and chief creative officer of Rafanelli Events; and 

 and UNGARO Paris. Modeled after the annual Kennedy Honors event in Washington, D.C., the annual event is being held in the Boston Arts Academy’s brand-new building, which opened at the beginning of the new school year. You can find out more about the foundation, and the fete, 

Read The Article in Boston Business Journal!

Five things you need to know today, and breaking out the black tie

Dorchester native Latoyia Edwards, Emmy Award-winning anchor on NBC 10 Boston and NECN, will be one or seven prominent Boston leaders honored for their professional and civic contributions to the city on Oct. 8, when Boston Arts Academy host its annual BAA Honors commemorating the school’s 25 anniversary.  

A native of Columbia Point, Edwards joined the NBC Boston and NECN family as a morning reporter in 2005.

Other BAA Honors honorees include: Lee Pelton, CEO & President of the Boston Foundation; Lee Michael Kennedy, President & CEO of Lee Kennedy Co., Inc.;

Bryan Rafanelli, chief creative officer at Rafanelli Events; Kobi Halperin, creative director of Kobi Halperin and Ungaro Paris; Terri Lynn Carrington, Grammy award-winning drummer, composer, producer, and educator; and Michaela dePrince, premier ballerina and second soloist at Boston Ballet.

Modeled after the famed Kennedy Honors in Washington, the event will be held in the brand-new state-of the art building which opened at the beginning of the new school year and was named for Roxbury-born education and arts Icon, the late Dr. Elma Lewis.

The BAA Honors, which are sponsored by the Boston Arts Academy Foundation, serves as the largest single source of funding for Boston Arts Academy.

Arts Academy to honor Dot’s Latoyia Edwards at 25th anniversary gala | Dorchester Reporter (dotnews.com)

Arts Academy to honor Dot’s Latoyia Edwards at 25th anniversary gala

Register today and place your winning bid

 on exciting packages before the auction closes at midnight on October 8:

Round of golf at one of America's first country clubs, Salem Country Club

Autographed Adidas Superstar sneakers worn by Darryl Mack during a Run DMC performance

enjoy a private shopping event at Zadig & Voltaire's Copley Boutique with friends

Year-long membership to Community Boating, Boston's iconic sailing center on the Charles River

A virtual, private cooking class and wine pairing for four friends with NYC Chef Keesha O. 

Four tickets to the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game on New Year's Day

A week-long stay on Cape Cod in Sandwich, MA (

, a one-of-a-kind hand-painted pink Ballet

, gift certificate to Salon Monet, artwork, etc.!

buy your tickets to BAA Honors 2022 to join us on October 8

 to receive a glass of Pol Roger champagne from Winestone Chestnut Hill at BAA Honors 2022, and be entered to win one-of-a-kind Umane Paris diamond earrings (

News

Wu, Former Mayor Janey To Be Recognized at BAAF Champion Reception

Mayor Michelle Wu, Former Mayor Kim Janey to be Recognized at Boston Arts Academy Foundation Champion Reception

Meet Our Champions

Meet Our Champions

Grammy Award Winner Lupe Fiasco teaches a class at Boston Arts Academy!

Meet our New Senior Director of Marketing & Communications

BAA Supporter Spotlight: 4 Corners Yoga + Wellness

Join us January 21: $25 Yoga Class for #BAA25

Year-end Reflection: there's more work to be done to help make BAA's future bright

Creating Opportunity: Watch An On-Air Holiday Performance!

Talent is evenly distributed in society, but not opportunity. Help us change that reality in Boston.

Donate