Two Program Officers Join Barr’s Arts & Creativity Team

In the ten years since Arts & Creativity became the third formal program at Barr, we’ve expanded the geographic footprint from Boston to Massachusetts with select national initiatives, as well as forged partnerships across sectors. Equity is increasingly central in our approach, and we look forward to building out portfolios that engage the power of arts and creativity to empower communities most impacted by inequities.

Amidst this continued growth, I’m pleased to announce the appointment of two new program officers, Jamilah Bradshaw and Francisco Torres, beginning mid-July. Their considerable experience, skills, and commitment to strengthening community assets add very welcome capacity to the Arts & Creativity Program Team.

Jamilah comes to Barr from The California Endowment, a private health foundation, supporting regional and statewide portfolios to advance people power and health equity. Previously, Jamilah served as a consultant and was an inaugural Greenlining Institute Health Equity Fellow. She started her career in youth development, community health, and environmental justice. She earned a bachelor’s in Black Diaspora Studies (a self-designed major) from Mills College and holds a master’s degree in psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies, as well as an Executive Certificate in Social Impact Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania and a Certificate in Social Sector Leadership from Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley. She works to uplift the power of art, creativity, and culture to advance systems transformation, healing, and community self-determination.

A city planner by training, Francisco brings a broad set of experiences to this role that range from community engagement, understanding small business needs, and real estate development. Most recently, Francisco served as a Fellow for a Barr partner, MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative, which catalyzes and accelerates economic growth within focused districts in selected Gateway Cities. A California native, Francisco moved to Boston in 2010 to pursue a M.S. in Urban and Regional Policy from Northeastern University. He is currently pursuing a M.B.A. at Bentley University. A former dancer and performer, Francisco is passionate about utilizing the arts as a strategy to build stronger, more united communities.

Our deep appreciation to Arts Consulting Group for conducting a national search with an approach rooted in equity.

Please join me in welcoming Jamilah and Francisco to Barr.