Cultivating Connections

Turahn Dorsey joins the Cultivating Connections podcast to discuss his extensive work in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors to promote economic mobility and equity. He outlines the Eastern Bank Foundation's mission to bridge gaps in prosperity by investing in small business ecosystems, early childhood development, affordable housing, and workforce development. Rahn notes their long term investments in areas where sustained commitment is necessary to address deep-rooted inequities. Rahn also discusses Eastern Bank's ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) despite the changing climate. The conversation also touches on Rahn's previous roles, including his time as Boston's education chief under Mayor Marty Walsh, where he helped launch the Boston pre-K initiative. He reflects on the importance of collaboration and strong relationships in achieving lasting policy change. Additionally, Rahn shares insights from his research at ABT Associates on social capital, recounting a project in rural South Dakota where community bonds and local agency led to innovative economic development. He connects these lessons to his current work in Boston's Nubian Square, underscoring the power of community-driven efforts and the importance of investing in places such as Roxbury with deep cultural and historical significance. Rahn will be recognized on May 7th as one of the 2025 SCI Idealist Award recipients. Join SCI on May 7th to celebrate Rahn!  

Marinell Rousmaniere, CEO of EdVestors, discusses the work of this Boston-based nonprofit focused on systemic improvements in public education. EdVestors works on arts education, math education, and career pathways for secondary school students. The organization emphasizes racial equity and highlights success stories through initiatives like the "School on the Move Prize," which recognizes Boston public schools demonstrating significant improvement. Throughout the conversation, Marinell underscores the importance of collective efforts in tackling challenges within public education systems, particularly in large urban districts like Boston. The conversation also delves into EdVestors' career pathways initiative, launched during the pandemic to provide equitable access to work-based learning and early college opportunities. Marinelle emphasizes the critical role of social capital in helping young people transition from high school to sustainable careers. She highlights how relationships and networks can significantly impact students' outcomes, particularly for students of color who often face systemic barriers in the labor market. By fostering connections and leveraging community assets, EdVestors aims to equip students with the tools they need to succeed. The episode concludes with a discussion of the "School on the Move Prize," which not only celebrates successful schools but also provides a blueprint for improvement through collaborative leadership, instructional focus, and strong community partnerships. Marinell will be recognized on May 7th as one of the 2025 SCI Idealist Award recipients. Join SCI May 7th to celebrate Marinell!  

ServeNatick is a new initiative to inspire meaningful service and community engagement, turning neighbors into changemakers. Kabir Anand, ServeNatick's co-founder and president, joins the Cultivating Connections podcast to share how the initiative started and how it has evolved. The project began as part of a competition hosted by their school, as the co-founders worked to build a website to inspire youth involvement in the community. After initial feedback, the team spent the summer refining their concept and officially launched in August 2023. ServeNatick's primary goal is to connect volunteers with organizations that need them, fostering community engagement across various sectors including environmental projects, literacy programs, and health initiatives. The conversation then shifts to discuss the upcoming Natick Impact Collaborative (NIC) event, scheduled for Wednesday, April 2nd, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Natick High School auditorium. This inaugural event aims to inspire attendees to take action in their communities, featuring four speakers from diverse backgrounds in community engagement. The event will also include a panel discussion with five panelists and an audience Q&A session, designed to explore various community-based topics and ways for people to get involved in community service beyond traditional methods.  

SCI is seeking nominations for the 2025 SCI Rising Idealist Award!  With the nomination deadline approaching, Cultivating Connections podcast host, SCI President David Crowley, reminds listeners of the deadline. That announcement is followed by a rebroadcast of the conversation with the 2024 SCI Rising Idealist Recipient, Jean Dolin. Jean is the Founder & President of the Boston LGBTQ+ Museum of History, Art, and Culture, and an SCI AmeriCorps alumni. Jean shares about his project and his passion for building community and making a difference through the arts.

In this episode, guest Justin Pasquariello shares about why he puts community joy at the center of his work. Justin talks about the importance of social connection as one of the five pillars of joy, and how this framework for promoting joy is woven throughout the work of the East Boston Social Centers. He also shares about how his career, including starting Silver Line Mentoring in 2001, is informed by his personal experiences growing up.   Justin talks about the innovative approaches to service delivery and community building at the 100 year old social service organization. This includes creative ways of measuring and increasing joy among staff and program participants, and engaging the diverse cultural populations in East Boston. Justin also highlights the Every Child Shines community collaboration.  He also shares about future plans that include developing a community joy ambassador program and creating design nudges to encourage community connections.  

In this episode, guests Katrina Shaw and Lindsay Mason engage in a thoughtful discussion about the community-focused initiatives of Liberty Mutual. They begin by sharing personal stories that shaped their commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism.  The conversation then transitions to the mission of the Liberty Mutual Foundation, which aims to advance security and resilience for vulnerable communities. Katrina elaborates on the foundation's focus areas, including workforce development, youth homelessness, and climate change initiatives. She highlights a recent project called Impact Driven Collaborations, which funded 16 collaboratives with a total of $4.5 million to address complex social problems through collective efforts among various organizations. Lindsay also discusses Liberty Mutual's employee engagement program, Liberty Torchbearers, which empowers employees to volunteer in their communities based on their interests. Together, they emphasize the importance of community involvement and the need for adaptable volunteer programs in a post-pandemic world, showcasing how Liberty Mutual integrates social responsibility into its corporate identity.  

This Cultivating Connections podcast episode features a rich conversation with George “Chip” Greenidge, Jr., a veteran in philanthropy, education and nonprofit leadership. He shares his insights on the importance of mentoring, his passion for higher education access and promoting racial justice. The discussion with host David Crowley begins with a reflection on their long-standing relationship, spanning over two decades, and the early days of George's career at the Boston Foundation. George shares his thoughts on the evolution of philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of personal engagement through site visits. He highlights how these interactions foster genuine connections and demonstrate a commitment to understanding the needs of communities, contrasting this with the more transactional nature of modern philanthropic practices. George also delves into his motivations for pursuing a career in nonprofit work. He attributes his passion to his upbringing in the Greater Boston area, where he had wonderful mentors and access to prestigious educational institutions like Harvard and MIT. These experiences not only provided him with exceptional role models but also inspired him to advocate for college access and mentorship for young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. He discusses his founding of Greatest Minds, an organization designed to connect youth with mentors at various stages of their lives, reinforcing the idea that inspiration can come from peers as well as established figures. The conversation also touches on George's current role at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University. He reflects on how this position allows him to engage with global scholars and contribute to discussions around civic participation and democratic values. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the significance of building relationships within philanthropy and the necessity of nurturing connections over time to cultivate trust and support. His insights into the changing landscape of philanthropy, coupled with his personal anecdotes, provide listeners with a profound understanding of the intersection between education, mentorship, and community engagement.  

This episode of the Cultivating Connections podcast features Pedro Cruz, the Executive Director of the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement (OYEA) for the City of Boston. Pedro shares his inspiring journey into youth work, rooted in his experiences growing up in the Boston's Villa Victoria community. He emphasizes the importance of relationships and community spaces that shaped his path, reflecting on how early jobs at local community centers ignited his passion for youth development. Pedro highlights the significance of mentorship in his own journey, and the importance of providing Boston youth with mentors today. Pedro provides an overview of OYEA's pioneering efforts to engage Boston's youth aged 14 to 25 which focuses a great deal on creating partnerships with a wide range of youth serving organizations. He explains their mission to amplify young voices in local decision-making and connect them with resources and opportunities often inaccessible to them.  He also shares successes such as building a network of over 1,100 individuals from nearly 400 organizations and reviving the Mayor's Youth Summit after a 20 year hiatus, demonstrating the demand for dedicated spaces and programs for young people. The episode concludes with Pedro discussing the upcoming Youth Needs Assessment survey, aimed at understanding what young people require during their non-school and non-work hours, further underscoring the office's commitment to serving Boston's youth effectively.  

In the latest episode of the Cultivating Connections podcast, guests Jennifer Leshnower and Tony Lucero engage in an information discussion about "bridging work” intended to bring people of diverse views and backgrounds together. The conversation centers on how national service programs like AmeriCorps can serve as platforms for building connections across diverse communities. Tony articulates that bridging involves coming together across divides to foster understanding, collaboration, and dialogue. He emphasizes that national service provides a unique opportunity to cultivate these skills, particularly in a society increasingly characterized by polarization. Both guests share their personal journeys into national service, highlighting the transformative power of these experiences. Jen recounts her introduction to AmeriCorps during college, where she discovered the importance of service in fostering relationships among individuals from varying backgrounds. Tony shares his path from being a first-generation college graduate to becoming actively involved in community service, illustrating how mentorship and shared goals can bridge significant divides. The episode underscores the critical role of intentionality in bridging efforts and positions national service as a vital mechanism for addressing societal challenges through meaningful dialogue and connection. Tony and Jen highlight important work being done by their organizations and others in the Bridging Divides group to bring this issue to the forefront. They also cover studies of bridging outcomes being created by national service organizations, and curriculum and other tools available for those interested in furthering this work.  

This podcast episode features a deep dive into the Connective Tissue framework for increasing social connection, with its author Sam Pressler. The framework includes recommendations as to what policymakers and others can do at federal, state and local levels to increase social connections. The Connective Tissue site is organized into four major categories: 1) Foundational Changes; 2) Community Institutions; 3) Life Transitions and 4) Enabling Conditions.  During the conversation, Sam addresses the broader societal trends contributing to social disconnection. He identifies several key factors, including the decline of traditional institutions like religious organizations, civic groups, and unions, which historically provided stability and a sense of belonging. He notes that these changes disproportionately affect individuals without college degrees, who face higher barriers to civic engagement and social support. The data presented reveals alarming statistics about friendship and social networks, illustrating a growing divide in social capital based on educational attainment. Sam explores potential policy interventions aimed at strengthening social connections. He argues that while policy alone cannot solve these issues, it can play an important role in addressing the structural challenges that lead to disconnection. He advocates for a multi-faceted approach that considers local solutions tailored to community needs, rather than relying solely on top-down policies. Throughout the conversation, host David Crowley incorporates various ways the Connective Tissue framework relates to the work of Social Capital Inc.  This episode serves as both an insightful exploration of the challenges surrounding social connection and a call to action for listeners to engage in fostering community ties in their own lives.   Guest Bio: Sam Pressler is a Practitioner Fellow at the University of Virginia's Karsh Institute of Democracy, a Research Affiliate at the Harvard Human Flourishing Program, and the author of Connective Tissue, a policy framework for the role of government in regenerating connection in American communities. In his past life, he founded and led the Armed Services Arts Partnership, America's largest community arts organization serving veterans and their families. Resource links: Connective Tissue Framework: https://theconnectivetissue.us/framework  Subscribe to the Connective Tissue Newsletter: https://theconnectivetissue.us/newsletter Disconnected: The Growing Class Divide in American Civic Life https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/disconnected-places-and-spaces/ 

In a conversation celebrating SCI's 20th anniversary, host David welcomes Roger Wong, the first AmeriCorps member with SCI. They discuss his journey with AmeriCorps, motivated by a desire for a meaningful career after dissatisfaction with his consulting job post-9/11. Roger shares his transformative experience managing the Youth Leadership Council, emphasizing youth empowerment and community engagement. He reflects on nearly two decades of professional growth since SCI, noting how the experience built his confidence and skills, leading to roles in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and partnerships with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He underscores the importance of adaptability, partnership-building, and understanding community needs, especially in light of significant crises like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.    Learn More about SCI AmeriCorps at socialcapitalinc.org/americorps

In this episode of the Cultivating Connections podcast, Woburn Memorial High School rising senior Luke Sheldon discusses the inspiring work of Inclusive Eats, an organization dedicated to advocating for cultural relevancy in food aid programs. Luke shares how Inclusive Eats addresses the traditional shortcomings of food donations, which often consist of items that donors no longer want rather than foods that are culturally significant and nutritious for the recipients.  As a Brazilian American, Luke emphasizes the importance of providing food that resonates with people's cultural backgrounds, fostering dignity and connection in diverse communities. The organization not only supplies culturally relevant food to over 20 food pantries but also conducts awareness campaigns, cooking classes, and community dinners to promote understanding and unity through shared culinary experiences. Luke recounts the personal journey and collaborative efforts that led to the founding of Inclusive Eats, including his brother's realization about the lack of culturally relevant food in pantries. He also discusses how participation in the SCI Youth Grant Pitch Contest helped Inclusive Eats develop a plan for a series of cooking classes.  Highlighting the impact of Inclusive Eats' cooking classes, he explains how these sessions serve as both educational and unifying experiences, bringing together people from different backgrounds to learn about and appreciate diverse culinary traditions. The success of the first Brazilian-themed class, which was covered by CBS News, exemplifies the powerful connections and sense of community that food can foster. Luke also shares his long-term goals for the organization to ensure its mission continues even after he graduates.  

In this episode of the "SCI Cultivating Connections" podcast, SCI Development & Program Manager Leah Mulrenan interviews David Crowley, President & Founder of SCI Social Capital Inc.. David shares about the origins of SCI, which formed to foster intentional community building across diverse backgrounds. The aim was and continues to be bridging differences and creating a stronger, more connected community. David and Leah discuss the continued importance of building social capital in light of the current challenges we face as a nation. David recaps recent work by Bowling Along author Robert Putnam, and a recent New York Times interview with Putnam. Leah and David discuss several issues that have been following similar trends to social capital, according to Putnam's recent book The Upswing, co-authored with Shalyn Romney Garrett. These adjacent issues include economic inequality, extreme partisanship and the diminishing sense that we are in this together. David recently wrote an article entitled, “5 Ways To Build Bridging Social Capital & Develop a Sense of Common Purpose”. During his discussion with Leah, David highlights the importance of developing young leaders committed to building inclusive communities and helping them develop the skills to do so. He also emphasizes the importance of building on various innovative community building initiatives to create a movement working for more connected, inclusive communities in order to strengthen our democracy for the long-term. 

This SCI Cultivating Connections podcast episode explores how a local farmers market can build community. Guest Fred Yen discusses his journey and involvement in the Winchester Farmers Market and related community initiatives. He shares how his passion for community building and social justice led to the market's inception, inspired by his experience at a vibrant market in Switzerland. The Winchester Farmers Market, which started in 2008, aims to support local farmers, the environment, and serve as an incubator for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Fred highlights the market's role in fostering community connections and supporting various initiatives, including food security programs like the Gardens for Good. The market also serves as a neutral, welcoming space where people can gather, interact, and participate in various cultural and community activities. Fred encourages people to get involved, emphasizing the market's inclusive and community-driven nature.  

In this episode of the Cultivating Connections podcast, host David Crowley engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Sulagna (Dia) Ghosh, the founder of Joint Family, a social initiative aimed at bridging generational gaps to address pressing social issues.  Dia explains the core principles of Joint Family, which include community engagement, collaborative learning, civic deliberation, and collective action. Through programs that unite diverse age groups, Joint Family leverages technology to empower participants to develop impactful solutions for local challenges, such as mental health, climate preparedness, and social isolation. Dia shares her unique journey from being a computational biologist at the Broad Institute to launching Joint Family, inspired by her upbringing and experiences during the pandemic. She highlights the initiative's focus on fostering intergenerational connections, particularly through workshops that encourage thoughtful discussions on technology's societal impact. Dia emphasizes the importance of creating trust and community resilience in the digital age, and she provides insights into the positive feedback and evolving perspectives from participants in Joint Family's programs.  The episode also includes a preview of an upcoming workshop on AI and mental health, co-hosted with the Leaders for an Equitable Tomorrow program operated by SCI and the Network for Social Justice.  

In this episode of Cultivating Connections, host David Crowley engages in a lively conversation with Gail O'Rourke, a seasoned entrepreneur and the driving force behind the innovative mobile application, Benefact4.  Drawing from her rich entrepreneurial journey in cabinetmaking and construction, Gail shares insights into her transition into the tech industry and the inspiration behind Benefact4. With a deep commitment to philanthropy and a passion for bringing people together, Gail describes how Benefact4 serves as a powerful tool for tracking and viewing the collective impact of volunteer work. Through real-time updates and a social component, the app fosters a sense of community and highlights the value of each contribution of time and money.  

In episode 5 of the Cultivating Connections podcast from SCI, host David Crowley talks with Ayele Shakur, President of the Redstone Family Foundation. Ayele talks about how she centers relationship building in her work. Throughout her career,  she has focused on helping young people develop the social capital they need to flourish in school and beyond. Ayele also describes how she prioritizes intentional relationship building in her work to develop partnerships to support young people and address issues of racism and antisemitism. We also learn in this way how a friend encouraged her to try teaching, launching a career in education. Tune into the episode to learn what Ayele initially planned to do after graduation from Boston University, and about what she has learned in her journey to ignite the potential of youth from underserved communities.  

In this Cultivating Connections podcast episode, guest Guy Ben-Aharon joins host David Crowley to discuss the mission and unique approach of "The Jar," an organization fostering connections among diverse Bostonians through shared cultural experiences. The jar's unique Convener Model™ model, encourages participants to bring diverse groups together to share art, food, and conversation.  Guy emphasizes the importance of intentional relationship-building and creating inclusive spaces, aiming to combat segregation often found in cultural institutions. He shares stories of transformative experiences and invites listeners to engage in upcoming events to take personal actions toward positive change in their communities.  

This episode of the Cultivating Connections podcast features Dr. Michael Curry, Esq. interviewed by host David Crowley. Michael is the President and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. Reflecting on his upbringing, Michael emphasizes the importance of understanding history and the context of societal disparities. He discusses the critical role of community health centers, which originated from the civil rights movement, in providing accessible and culturally competent care. He also delves into the Massachusetts Coalition for Health Equity, highlighting the urgency of addressing health disparities and advocating for policy changes. Throughout the conversation, Michael stresses the significance of self-education, consciousness, and active participation in driving meaningful change in society. Through his words, Michael inspires listeners to become informed, engaged citizens who actively work towards promoting health equity and social justice in their communities.

In this episode of the SCI Cultivating Connections podcast, host David Crowley welcomes Nora Moreno Cargie, President of the Point32 Health Foundation and Vice President of Corporate Citizenship for Point32 Health.  Nora brings extensive experience in nonprofit and philanthropic work to the conversation. They delve into Nora's background and pivotal moments in her career, particularly her realization about the importance of community-based insights versus external directives from funders. Nora emphasizes the need for funders to be proximate to the work and to honor community knowledge. The conversation explores the essence of creating great places for people to grow up and grow old, highlighting the importance of inclusivity, engagement, and listening in community-centered initiatives.  Nora shares insights on challenges and opportunities in philanthropy, advocating for humility, active listening, and building bridges that facilitate two-way communication. Through their discussion, Nora underscores the value of authentic storytelling and the significance of recognizing shared humanity amidst diverse experiences. This episode was produced by Leah Mulrenan and Sierra Dearns.  

SCI team members David Crowley and Leah Mulrenan discuss the Cultivating Connections Podcast and what listeners can expect from this new show from SCI Social Capital Inc.! This episode describes the show format and the reasons why SCI is launching this podcast. 

In this episode of the Cultivating Connections podcast, SCI Founder & podcast host David Crowley welcomes Jean Dolin, the visionary founder and president of the newly launched Boston LGBTQ+ Museum of History, Art, and Culture. Delving into Jean's journey, they explore the origins of his activism, shaped by personal experiences and a deep commitment to community empowerment. This included serving as an SCI AmeriCorps member earlier in his career!  Highlighting projects like Portraits of Pride and Rainbow Tales, Jean discusses the transformative power of the arts in building social capital and driving social change. Jean offers invaluable lessons for aspiring changemakers and underscores the importance of building authentic relationships to have a meaningful impact. He also shares his vision for his latest project, Boston LGBTQ+ Museum of History, Art, and Culture.