Hear from staff and partners about aspirations, accomplishments, and lessons learned along the way.

Erin Long via Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts

Six Questions with Barr's Mobility Program Officer

Black woman wearing glasses, a teal headscarf, and a black top smiling and standing in front of a brick wall.

Najah Casimir

Program Officer, Mobility

Through an interview with Jules Faña, Barr’s communications coordinator, Najah Casimir, our Mobility Program Officer, discusses what drives their work, lessons from past experiences that they’re applying to their current role, and their priorities at Barr.

June 01, 2022 | Category: Climate

New Tool Calculates Value of Public Benefits in Waterfront Projects

Deanna Moran headshot

Deanna Moran

Guest Author · Director of Environmental Planning, Conservation Law Foundation

Residents have never had a model or formula to estimate the value of public benefits – until now.

May 19, 2022 | Category: Boston Waterfront

Dismantling Racism is Everyone’s Work

Man smiling and looking at the camera in front of a colorful painting.

Jim Canales

President & Trustee

The murders in Buffalo are, yet again, a call to action.

May 16, 2022 | Category: From the President

How School Leaders Prioritize Equity, Achievement, and Wellness - Even in Challenging Times

Photo of Dr. Ben Klompus; managing director at Relay Graduate School of Education

Ben Klompus

Guest Author · Managing Director of Innovation and Impact, Relay Graduate School of Education

While the last two years have been challenging for all, some leaders have redoubled their focus on equity, achievement, and wellness in their classrooms. In a new series, Relay follows exceptional leaders from across the country to document and share their effective leadership strategies.

May 10, 2022 | Category: Education

Arts Help Communities Connect, Heal, Imagine

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Beth Francis

Guest Author · President and CEO, Essex County Community Foundation

Local partners across Massachusetts are addressing social issues.

April 28, 2022 | Category: Arts & Creativity

Planning with Purpose on Boston's Waterfront

Jill Valdez Horwood art headshot 2024

Jill Valdés Horwood

Director, Boston Waterfront Initiative

Three essential components to creating a waterfront all residents can access and benefit from.

April 20, 2022 | Category: Boston Waterfront

Reflections on Joining Barr in an All-Remote Context

Mary Chalifour Brick Portrait 2023

Mary Chalifour

Associate Director of Communications

Staff members share their experiences and takeaways.

April 13, 2022 | Category: Barr News

Leadership Development Programs Need an Upgrade: Five Ways to Advance Racial Equity

Idalia Fernadez Headshot

Idalia Fernadez

Guest Author · Senior Director, Community Wealth Partners

Lori Bartczak Headshot

Lori Bartczak

Guest Author · Senior Director, Knowledge & Content, Community Wealth Partners

Promoting, retaining, and supporting BIPOC leadership within nonprofits is critical for driving systemic change.

April 07, 2022 | Category: Sector Effectiveness

We Know Principals Are Important, So Why Doesn’t Anyone Want to Be One These Days?

Leah Hamilton

Leah Hamilton

Former Director of Education

Elina Headshot

Elina Alayeva

Guest Author · Executive Director, Springpoint

The pandemic is driving principals out, and preparation programs don’t give them the support they need.

April 01, 2022 | Category: Education

Reimagining Philanthropy’s Commitment to Racial Equity

Man smiling and looking at the camera in front of a colorful painting.

Jim Canales

President & Trustee

The realities of white supremacy, systemic racism, and violence against people of color and LGBTQ+ people — always present but rarely challenged by those with power — demand intense reflection and tangible action.

March 24, 2022 | Category: Racial Equity