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.