NESN Interviews Anne Clark & 2022 Commencement Speaker, Brighton Kaoma

Happy Friday! I'd like to introduce you to 

Boston Arts Academy Foundation's new Vice President of Philanthropy, 

I sat down with Aisha to ask her a few questions about her experience in the non-profit industry, what she is most looking forward to this year in her new role at BAA Foundation, and why she wants to support the students of Boston Arts Academy.

Tell us about your background, and your experience in the non-profit industry.

 I started my career in the not-for-profit sector after working at the Boston Globe newspaper for 20 years. My goal was to take all my executive experience, board experience and governance experience and become a development or fundraising professional for mission-based philanthropic initiatives. Hence, the rest is history and subsequently I have held leadership positions at Wheaton College, Milton Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton, The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, and Parents Helping Parents.

Why are you passionate about BAA Foundation’s mission in providing equitable access to life-changing opportunities to Boston Arts Academy’s students?

 BAA is a Boston-based public school that is likely to be mistaken for a private school. However, its students and families come from the local neighborhoods and its diversity and inclusivity represents the community in which it serves. This 25-year-old inspirational arts institution is filled with committed leaders, faculty, and staff! The 25th Anniversary year of the school coincides with the Grand Opening of the new school building located on 174 Ipswich Street and stands as a beacon for all the supporters, funders, and numerous stakeholders. BAA has access to resources and opportunities that help students to be more effective learners in school and to be successful in future careers, including top notch jobs in Fashion, Film & Television, Visual Arts, Dance and Music. This is evident in the many success stories of BAA alumni.

What are you looking forward to contributing to this year, with the Grand Opening of the new BAA school building?

 As the new Vice President of Philanthropy, firstly, I am extremely elated to join such a stellar team of BAAF staff and to work each day knowing that I’ve made a difference in a young person’s life. Secondly, I consider myself a lover of the arts and my observation is that art represents culture, creativity, and stimulates all our innate senses as well as draws people together. Therefore, I am looking forward to contributing my people skills, work experiences, professional network, and resources to making the strategic and fundraising goals for the 

What’s your favorite shows, performances, and/or artists?

 My favorite shows and performances are The Wiz, The Phantom of the Opera, The Book of Mormon, Chicago, Beauty and The Beast, Dreamgirls, The Color Purple, The Lion King, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Black Nativity and Hamilton.

I particularly enjoy listening to music and my favorite genres are Jazz and R&B: Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Ray Charles, Al Jarreau, Herbie Hancock, Shirley Horn, George Benson, Nat King Cole, Hugh Masekela, Celia Cruz, Sade, Aretha Franklin, Jonathan Butler, Najee, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley...just to name a few!

Have more questions? Or, want to grab coffee with Aisha? 

Caitlin Durkin, Events & Communications Manager, BAA Foundation

Meet BAA Foundation's New VP of Philanthropy, Aisha Saunders-Jackson!

 A resident of Milton, Lorick-Wilmot holds a B.A. in Sociology from Trinity College – Hartford and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Northeastern University. She also holds a Graduate certificate in Women’s Studies from the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Gender, Culture, Women & Sexuality at Radcliffe College/Harvard University.

Lorick-Wilmot’s work focuses on issues impacting diverse racial-ethnic and immigrant communities across the country. She is an affiliated faculty member in the Africana Studies Program in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Northeastern University and a sociology senior lecturer in the College of Professional Studies. She is also Northeastern’s first recipient of the Scholar-in-Residence award at the John D. O’Bryant African American Institute.

Stories of Identity among Black, Middle Class, Second Generation Caribbeans: We, Too, Sing America, 

several white papers and book chapters, and editor of a forthcoming anthology of creative works.

“Boston Arts Academy is full of talented and diverse students who represent the spirit and energy of our community,” said 

. “I am thrilled to join the BAA Foundation Board and look forward to creating opportunities for and supporting BAA students in their new state-of-the-art building as they continue to excel in the arts and their futures.”

“Dr. Lorick-Wilmot is an esteemed educator and activist,” said 

BAA Foundation President and CEO Denella J. Clark

. “Her commitment to supporting diversity and empowering our city’s youth align with our vision at the Boston Arts Academy Foundation. We are delighted to have Dr. Lorick-Wilmot join our Board.”

 In addition to her work in academia, Lorick-Wilmot hosts a podcast titled 

Talking Journeys of Belonging 2 Blackness

, with listeners in 30+ countries worldwide, and a YouTube channel to empower marginalized and historically disenfranchised communities to tell their own stories about challenging structures of oppression. She holds numerous awards, including the 2020-2021 Gloria E. Anzaldúa Award from the American Studies Association’s Committee on Gender and Sexuality; as well as several fellowships and honors from the American Association, the National Institute of Mental Health, “Women of Distinction in Race and Gender Equity” from El Noticiero Popular Panemeno, and the Institute of Pan American Affairs.

Read her profile in Boston Business Journal's People on the Move 

SCHOLAR-ACTIVIST, DR. YNDIA LORICK-WILMOT, ELECTED TO BOSTON ARTS ACADEMY FOUNDATION’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

A resident of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, Brown specializes in securities, corporate and regulatory law and counsels clients on business and financial regulatory issues. She joined Markun, Zusman, Freniere and Compton in September, 2013 and previously served as General Counsel and Managing Director at LPL Financial. She received a B.A. degree, cum laude, from Bryn Mawr College and a JD from Catholic University of America. She is a member of the Massachusetts and District of Columbia Bars.

“Supporting Boston’s cultural and art endeavors is a passion for me,” said Brown. “I look forward to serving Boston Arts Academy Foundation’s Board as we work to increase fundraising and outreach. Together we can help to grow the next generation of artists, scholars and engaged global citizens in our city.” 

“Stephanie Brown brings a unique skillset to our Board,” said BAA Foundation President and CEO

. “Her partnership as BAA Foundation’s new Investment Committee Chair is pivotal in the Foundation and Boston Arts Academy’s ability to create opportunities for the students we serve.”

Stephanie Brown is philanthropically involved in a number of organizations across the city in addition to Boston Arts Academy Foundation, including Boston Ballet, Rosie’s Place, Museum of Fine Arts, Celebrity Series of Boston, and Boston Philharmonic Board of Overseers. She is also a trustee at Bryn Mawr College and the Farnsworth Art Museum.

STEPHANIE BROWN, ATTORNEY AND  PHILANTHROPIST, ELECTED TO CHAIR BOSTON ARTS ACADEMY FOUNDATION INVESTMENT COMMITTEE 

 joined Markun, Zusman, Freniere, Compton, LLP in 2013, where she specializes in securities, corporate, and regulatory law and counsels clients on a range of business and litigation issues. She brings incredible experience and knowledge from her career as well as her time serving as a member of FINRA’s National Adjudicatory Council and a member representative of the Financial Services Roundtable. Ms. Brown is a member of the Massachusetts and District of Columbia Bars. She also supports culture, education, and her community through her board service to Boston Ballet, Boston Philharmonic, Bryn Mawr College, Celebrity Series of Boston, and the Farnsworth Art Museum. We are lucky to have Ms. Brown as Chair of BAA Foundation's Investment Committee! 

A writer, sociologist, educator, and digital creator, 

 focuses on issues impacting diverse racial-ethnic and immigrant communities across the Americas. An educator at Northeastern University, Dr. Lorick-Wilmot is an Africana Studies Program faculty member in the College of Social Sciences & Humanities as well a senior lecturer in Sociology in the College of Professional Studies. She has authored many articles, papers, and book chapters along with two books—

Creating Black Caribbean Ethnic Identity 

Stories of Identity among Black, Middle Class, Second Generation Caribbeans: We, Too, Sing America

Journeys of Belonging 2 Blackness (JourneysB2B)

. Dr. Lorick-Wilmot uses narrative and storytelling as platforms to empower marginalized and historically disenfranchised communities to tell their own stories about challenging structures of oppression while traversing public and private spaces. She is forever working to change the hearts and minds of people, one story at a time.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Dr. Yndia Lorick-Wilmot and Stephanie L. Brown to the BAA Foundation family.

Denella J. Clark, President & CEO, Boston Arts Academy Foundation

 Welcome Stephanie L. Brown and Yndia Lorick-Wilmot!

The Boston Arts Academy (BAA), the only public school for the visual and performing arts, and the Boston Arts Academy Foundation (BAA Foundation) will honor Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Brazilian Maristela Rapo, president and founder of the non-profit organization profitable Giving The Glam. They will receive the prestigious “Champion Award”.

Held annually, the award recognizes individuals who embody the school's commitment to the arts, scholarships and citizenship. According to the organizations, both Governor Baker and Maristela demonstrated a strong belief in the potential of students and in offering opportunities where there is talent. “Both exemplify the BAA Foundation's mission, values ​​and focus to create equitable access to opportunities for aspiring young artists,” said the foundation's president and CEO, Denella J. Clark. “They are truly champions for the 482 students that the BAA Foundation serves. I am proud to honor their dedication to the students in our community,” she continued.

The award ceremony will take place on February 4th at 5:30 pm at Roxbury Community College Commons (Building 3, 1234 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120). During the reception, BAA will premiere an exhibition of the students' pre-recorded performance, BAA Rocks/Bringing Back the Arts!, featuring new student work. “Boston Arts Academy does an incredible job educating the next generation of artists and academics in Massachusetts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am honored by this recognition and remain grateful for the impact of the Boston Arts Academy team on our students and communities," he added.

In addition to honoring Governor Baker, BAA will recognize Maristela Rapo, President and Founder of Giving The Glam. The organization provides an amazing prom participation experience for underprivileged urban and suburban high school students. She covers the cost of all attire and accessories for students who are unable to attend her senior prom.

“I am very grateful that the Boston Arts Academy Foundation chose me and honored me with this award,” said the Brazilian. “Boston Arts Academy is a safe place full of opportunities for talented young people. Many of the students I work with talk about how BAA has been an important place and how it helps them grow as an artist-academic and find many opportunities. I am honored to be able to work with BAA and their incredibly talented students,” she continued.

Maristela was born in a deprived area of ​​Rio de Janeiro and at the age of 18 she left Brazil and moved to Europe, where she pursued her passion for fashion. Then she moved to the United States where she owned two sophisticated boutiques in Boston, Wolford and Giuseppe Zanotti.

After years in the fashion industry, she has come to use her experience to make a difference and give back to all communities. In 2014, she created and established Giving The Glam.

Past honorees who have received the same honor include former Massachusetts First Lady Diane Patrick, former Boston Mayor and current United States Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh, Representative Ayanna Pressley and Attorney General General, Maura Healey.

Tickets for this year's event are on sale now. For information/tickets for the Champion Award Reception and BAA Rocks/Bringing Back the Arts! student performances, visit https://bit.ly/34kPeiy.

https://www.braziliantimes.com/comunidade-brasileira/2022/01/30/governador-de-massachusetts-e-brasileira-recebe-premio-da-boston-arts-academy.html

Community News

NESN Interviews Anne Clark & 2022 Commencement Speaker, Brighton Kaoma

Meet BAA Foundation's New VP of Philanthropy, Aisha Saunders-Jackson!

SCHOLAR-ACTIVIST, DR. YNDIA LORICK-WILMOT, ELECTED TO BOSTON ARTS ACADEMY FOUNDATION’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STEPHANIE BROWN, ATTORNEY AND PHILANTHROPIST, ELECTED TO CHAIR BOSTON ARTS ACADEMY FOUNDATION INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

Welcome Stephanie L. Brown and Yndia Lorick-Wilmot!

Massachusetts Governor and Brazilian Receive Boston Arts Academy Award

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