Kate Bennett, Principal at Viva Consulting, currently serves as Interim CEO. Kate brings over twenty years of leadership experience from her career at the Boston Housing Authority, where she most recently served as CEO for five years. MPDC continues to benefit from her steady executive leadership during this transition. 

The search for MPDC’s next Chief Executive Officer is officially underway. The Board of Directors has formed a dedicated search committee and selected DSG | Koya to lead the national search. Maureen Alfonse-Charles and Erin Ready will lead the process. 

Founded in 2004, DSG | Koya specializes in executive search for mission-driven organizations. With deep experience partnering with nonprofits, NGOs, and social enterprises, the firm is known for identifying and recruiting exceptional leaders who align with each organization’s mission and values. 

As we look ahead, MPDC remains deeply committed to serving our community without interruption. All housing, community, and support services will continue without disruption during this transition. Our staff and partners remain fully focused on meeting resident needs, supported by the institutional knowledge and operational expertise of both our team and interim leadership. 

Thank you for your ongoing support as we embark on this new chapter. 

Sincerely, Madison Park Development Corporation Board of Directors 

Malik Aziz, President 

• Gloria Brooks, Vice President 
• Nina Ruff, Clerk 
• Ivelise Rivera, Treasurer 
• Sonrisa Haynes, Member 
• Jeanne Pinado, Member 

Thursday, November 20, 2025

6:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Hibernian Hall Ballroom,

184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA

Join us for a futuristic fete filled with food, dancing, live performances, and community awards, all in celebration of MPDC’s work and impact in Roxbury.

Dress to impress with your most creative black tie look and support MPDC’s mission to build a stronger, more vibrant community.

Individual Ticket - $100

Seniors & Students - $25

Complimentary tickets for MPDC residents

For more info on the event or sponsorships, contact

Meghan Higgins, Director of Community Action Grants and Evaluation at

mhiggins@madison-park.org | 617.849.6254

Get your tickets today - this event sells out fast!

Big congratulations to MPDC's Wilbur Smart!

MPDC’s Community Support Manager, Wilbur Smart, received the 2025 Roxbury National Night Out "Community Service Award" for his outstanding leadership in crime prevention and community safety.

Wil’s dedication continues to inspire all of us to stay committed to a safer, stronger Boston. 

Thank you for your impact, your heart, and your tireless work!

This year’s SummerROX program, led by Wilbur, brought six weeks of joy, creativity, and connection to the youth of Roxbury. From July 7 to August 14, children and teens gathered on Mondays through Thursdays at Ruggles and Dewitt Corner Park to participate in free, supervised outdoor activities.

Mondays came alive with arts and crafts, where young people explored their creativity and self-expression through a variety of activities. On Wednesdays, wellness sessions helped participants center themselves with mindfulness, stretching, and healthy living practices. Tuesdays and Thursdays were all about movement — from kickball to basketball to dodgeball — as kids had plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh air, teamwork, and fun competition.

SummerROX proudly partnered with The DREAM Program, Tenacity, the Whittier Street Health Center Summer Program, and Madison Park High School's program for students with Autism.

As one parent shared: “It’s a blessing to know my child is spending the summer not only having fun, but also learning, creating, and being part of something bigger.”

As summer began, MPDC officially kicked off its civic engagement activities for the 2025 election cycle, continuing its commitment to community empowerment through education, dialogue, and voter mobilization.

Following two candidate forums earlier in the season, MPDC hosted a youth civic discussion led by youth advocate Alessandra. The session provided students with space to reflect on what they heard from the candidates, articulate their own priorities, and explore ways to stay engaged with local government. Young participants explored what civic engagement means to them and shared their vision for the changes they would like to see in their communities. Through guided conversation and peer dialogue, they built skills for engaging with elected officials and contributing to civic life.

MPDC also deepened its partnership with the Roxbury Unity Parade, joining in this year’s festivities with a unity celebration that honored Roxbury’s history and the advocates who continue to shape its future. The community gathered at Hibernian Hall for an afternoon of high-energy performances and intergenerational connection. Line dance workshops and music brought residents to their feet, while two young community leaders took the stage to speak about mental health and healing. Candidates and current elected officials attended the event, connecting with constituents not just as representatives, but also as neighbors.

As the November 4th election approaches, MPDC is committed to creating more civic engagement spaces that foster community, provide voter education, and enhance civic participation throughout Roxbury and beyond. From voter outreach to issue advocacy, these spaces are designed to help residents stay informed, raise their voices, and shape the future of their neighborhoods.

The 2025 election cycle is just as important as last year’s and now is the time to get involved. The General Election is on Tuesday, November 4th. Want to volunteer, raise a concern, or learn how to become a community advocate? Reach out to Allison to get started.

Questions? Contact our Civic Engagement Coordinator, Allison Anderson, at aanderson@madison-park.org or

617.386.2025.

MPDC is thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone in the lives of Veronica and Dirson, who have officially closed on their first home right here in the City of Boston!

This couple and their two children, aged 13 and 9, will be settling into a beautiful new single-family home in the Olmsted Green community, one of the city's rare and most sought-after homeownership opportunities.

From the very beginning, Veronica and Dirson demonstrated what it means to work as a team. Veronica, a quality analyst, showed dedication by staying organized and consistently communicating with all key partners throughout the process, including John at Maloney Properties, Alison at Webster Bank, and Que, MPDC's Manager of Rental and Homeownership Opportunities. Dirson, a light and sign engineer for the City of Boston, balanced his professional responsibilities with his role in the homebuying process.

Their children are just as excited. As they prepare to move in, they are already planning how to personalize their new space. One wants a Celtics green bedroom, while the other opts for a sleek grey color palette. The whole family is looking forward to making this house a true home.

The most rewarding part of this journey is that the family can remain in the city they know and love, in a home that fits their needs and supports their future. With proximity to work, school, and community, this move is more than just a change of address. It is a transformation into stability, pride, and opportunity.

This is precisely what the Madison Park Next Door Homeownership Program is all about—helping families like Veronica and Dirson achieve the dream of homeownership with the support and tools they need.

Welcome home, Veronica, Dirson, and family!

This summer, MPDC proudly concluded another successful session of the Blueprints to Success program, offering youth from the community the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the trades while earning their OSHA certification.

Designed to introduce participants to career pathways in skilled labor, the program paired students with a seasoned industry mentor and provided hands-on training using professional-grade tools. Over several weeks, students developed practical construction skills, explored their interests in the trades, and built confidence in their abilities.

As part of their learning, participants helped revitalize MPDC’s Hope Community Garden, applying their new skills to a meaningful project that not only supported their education but also gave back to the neighborhood.

To celebrate the students' achievements, MPDC hosted a recognition event honoring their hard work, commitment, and personal growth. Family members, program partners, and staff came together to reflect on the journey and cheer them on. As a final token of appreciation, each participant received a pair of welding boots to support their next steps.

MPDC recently celebrated the fifth cycle of its Makeup Artistry Course! This cycle featured a refreshed curriculum, carefully designed to reflect modern trends and techniques in the beauty industry while preparing participants for real-world client work.

Highlights from the updated program included enhanced instruction in skin preparation, contouring, and client engagement. These skills were taught not only through classroom instruction but also through hands-on practice and group collaboration.

In a new addition this cycle, two sessions were hosted in a local professional makeup salon, offering participants direct exposure to an authentic work environment. These off-site classes provided students with the opportunity to refine their skills in a setting that mirrors the realities of the industry, while also gaining valuable insights into salon operations and client services.

MPDC is proud to support this work and looks forward to welcoming the next cohort!

MPDC’s After School Youth Employment Program (AYEP) is now accepting applications!

Application Deadline: September 26, 2025

Eligibility: High school students ages 14–21

Looking for a job during the school year? MPDC’s AYEP program is accepting applications now! Gain real experience, get paid, and build your resume. We offer paid internships, training, and professional development in partnership with local employers.

Contact Yhinnny Matos to apply

ymatos@madison-park.org | 617.849.6236

MPDC’s Early Education Pathways Program is now accepting applications!

Wednesdays, October 15 – December 10, 2025

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA

Open to ages 18–30

Looking to kick-start a career in early education? Join MPDC’s Early Education Pathways Program to gain hands-on experience and essential certifications for working as an assistant in center-based programs. This free, weekly training series provides:

• Stipend opportunity
• ServSafe certification (2-day workshop)
• CPR certification
• Epi Pen application training
• Cardiac Emergency Response (CERT)
• Refreshments provided

Learn from professionals, build your resume, and give back to your community in a meaningful way.

To apply, contact Brianna Wright at

857.203.1138 | bwright@madison-park.org

MPDC HBCU Tour Experience 2026

Tour Dates:

February 16–18, 2026

Info Sessions: 

Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location for Info Sessions:

The Dewitt Center, 122 Dewitt Drive, Boston, MA 02120

Calling all 10th, 11th, and 12th graders!

Madison Park Development Corporation invites you to participate in a transformative college tour experience that combines history and higher education. This 3-day tour will provide students with the opportunity to explore five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and visit the National Museum of African American History.

The Package Includes:

Tours of 5 HBCUs

Transportation, hotel accommodations, and meals

A visit to the National Museum of African American History

MPDC HBCU Tour sweatshirt

In partnership with MyCollegeTours

Contact Sandra Sierra at ssierra@madison-park.org for more information.

The Dewitt Center recently hosted a trip for older adult residents of MPDC to Martha’s Vineyard, creating a very special summer experience. Seniors enjoyed exploring Oak Bluffs, taking in the beautiful scenery, shops, and local attractions. The trip was a chance for everyone to relax and unwind while strengthening the bonds among neighbors.

Tenacity had an incredible summer at The Dewitt Center, bringing energy and excitement to the community for five weeks. Each day, their participants engaged in tennis and educational enrichment activities, building both athletic skills and academic confidence.

The Dewitt Center was proud to host a 7-week basketball league led by Dewitt Center Program Manager Taquari Milton. The league brought together players from the community for friendly competition, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Week after week, the energy was high and the games were intense, showcasing the talent within our neighborhood. It quickly became a highlight of the summer, and the Dewitt Center is already looking forward to the possibility of running it back next year!

The Dewitt Center hosted a one-week Model UN summer program that provided students with the opportunity to delve into global issues while developing critical thinking, leadership, and public speaking skills. The program created a space for youth to debate, collaborate, and explore real-world problem-solving.MPDC is thrilled that Model UN will be returning this fall with additional sessions to continue fostering growth and leadership in young people.

Hibernian Hall is proud to participate in the Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program, a statewide initiative designed to make arts and culture more accessible to all Massachusetts residents.

This effort, in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the WIC Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector, removes cost as a barrier to cultural participation.

Through this program, EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive free admission to all events hosted at Hibernian Hall. This partnership aligns with Hibernian Hall’s long-standing commitment to ensuring that Roxbury residents and neighbors have access to inspiring and high-quality cultural programming, regardless of income or circumstance.

How to Redeem Free Admission:

• Online: Use discount code HH25 when purchasing tickets through Hibernian Hall’s Eventbrite page.
• In Person: Present your EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare card at the door.

To explore additional participating organizations and cultural discounts across Massachusetts, visit the Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture directory.

Hibernian Hall is honored to help bridge the gap between artists and audiences and looks forward to welcoming even more community members into the Ballroom!

Hibernian Hall celebrates the success of its Youth Book Workshop, presented in partnership with award-winning author Valerie Foxx.

Designed for children ages 8 to 12, this program guided participants through the entire storytelling and publishing process from idea to illustration to final product.

The result? Two newly published, illustrated books are now available on Amazon in both e-book and paperback formats:

• The Mysterious Box: Three Sisters Adventure – by Elianna Casimiro Rodriguez
• Eternity's Journey: The Magical Necklace – by Erik Casimiro Rodriguez

Hibernian Hall is honored to have hosted this program as part of its mission to nurture creativity, amplify youth voices, and expand opportunities for our community. Please support these inspiring young authors by purchasing their books and leaving a review!

Upcoming at Hibernian Hall: Confessions of a Black Dad

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)

Location: Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley Street, Boston, MA

Tickets: Get Your Tickets HERE. Free with code HHSMILES

Get ready for an unforgettable night of laughter, reflection, and truth.

Hibernian Hall presents Confessions of a Black Dad, a ninety-minute journey that will have you laughing through your tears. Comedian and storyteller Corey Manning takes the stage with his newest one-man show, the follow-up to his critically acclaimed Confessions of a Black Man in Boston.

Blending stand-up, acting, and raw storytelling, Corey shares what it means to face bullying, addiction, and cancer while learning to navigate fatherhood and marriage without a blueprint, all in the context of being a Black man in America.

Expect honesty. Expect humor. Expect a performance that cuts deep but uplifts even deeper.

Hibernian Hall is honored to host a powerful morning of history, dialogue, and cultural celebration as part of the Roxbury Black Wall Street weeklong series.

Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025

·        Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

·        Location: Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119

Register Here

Join us for The Way We Were: Roxbury Black Wall Street – Hibernian Hall Session, a dynamic program featuring research presentations, panel discussions, and performances that reflect the resilience, innovation, and traditions of Roxbury’s Black community from 1900 to 1965.

Together, we’ll explore themes of housing, finance, spirituality, and Black health traditions, shedding light on a legacy that continues to shape Roxbury today.

MPDC is proud to congratulate the nine students awarded scholarships through this year’s MPDC Scholarship Program! These deserving recipients were selected for their academic commitment, leadership potential, and connection to the Roxbury community.

Among them are three of MPDC’s own:

• Idil Mohamed
• Ramoy Robinson
• Jamari Ellis

Each of these young leaders received funds to help support their college journeys, and MPDC was honored to send them off with encouragement and pride as they begin this next chapter.

Also receiving continued support this year are alumni Naesoj and Jayda, both of whom were awarded annual scholarship renewals to continue their educational paths.

Pictured above are the Rivera brothers, who will be starting at Curry College this fall. Their achievement marks a proud milestone for their family and for the community that supports them.

MPDC is grateful to all the partners, donors, and staff who make this program possible year after year, including the Harold Peabody Memorial Fund at the Boston Foundation.

On Wednesday, August 13th, MPDC staff boarded the Spirit of Boston for their annual summer outing. The afternoon featured a scenic cruise, delicious lunch, bingo, dancing, and stunning waterfront views. The day continued with a visit to the Museum of Ice Cream in the Seaport, where staff sampled Lobster Ice Cream and explored interactive exhibits.

All had a fun and memorable day!

Allison Anderson

Carlos Taveras

Haris Lefteri

Josh McLinden

Kaylia Jackson

Kelly Lydon

LaQuisa Burke

Malik Aziz

Meghan Higgins

Phillip Tucker

Wilbur Smart

Yvette Jordan

Share Your Experience & Get a Gift Card

Join MPDC's Focus Group

We invite you to join a small group conversation about home energy, comfort, and costs, as well as how the City of Boston can better support residents of Roxbury.

 Tuesday, September 16, 2025

6:00 – 7:30 pm

MPDC offices, 184 Dudley St, Suite 200, Roxbury, MA 02119

You’ll receive A $40 Visa gift card for your time

Plus food, childcare, and interpretation if needed

This focus group is hosted by Madison Park Development Corporation and CoEverything, in partnership with the City of Boston’s Environment Department. We’re listening to renters and homeowners in small buildings with 15 units or fewer to help shape programs like Boston Energy Saver, designed to guide you through the process of making your home more comfortable and reducing pollution and energy costs.

Space is limited, so please sign up soon!

 Autumn Reverie: A Mapou Cultural Salon

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Doors open at 6:30 PM

Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley Street, Boston, MA 02119

Fall into creativity and connection at Autumn Reverie: A Mapou Cultural Salon. Join MAPOU for a vibrant, fall-themed evening of live music, visual art, and cultural conversation designed to bring the community together in the spirit of expression and joy.

All are welcome!

Webinar Workshop: Understanding Down Payment Assistance with Eastern Bank & MPDC’s Next Door Program

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

on Zoom

Buying a home can feel out of reach, but down payment assistance (DPA) programs can help bridge the gap. Join Eastern Bank and MPDC for an interactive webinar to learn how you can make homeownership possible with the right resources.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs work
• Eligibility requirements and application steps
• How MPDC’s Next Door Program supports residents with up to $100,000 in assistance
• Mortgage options and insights from Eastern Bank experts
• Tips on preparing financially to become mortgage-ready

This session will also include a Q&A portion so you can get your specific questions answered directly by our partners.

Who Should Attend:
MPDC residents preparing for homeownership

First-time homebuyers looking for financial support

Anyone curious about DPA programs and mortgage options

Roxbury Sunflower Project: End of Season Garden Party

Friday, September 26, 2025

4:00 – 7:00 PM

639 Warren Street, Roxbury (Corner of Crawford and Warren)

Celebrate community, growth, and creativity at this vibrant outdoor event!

Featuring:

DJ Kitzner + Live Jazz by The Makanda Project

Food from MIG’s DOGS & IRIE Jamaican

Live painting by graffiti artist Super Sobek

Resources, vendors, and updates on 639 Warren

This year’s celebration is dedicated to Claudia Smith Reid, a beloved Roxbury activist.

Free & Open to All | Rain or Shine

MPDC’s Next Door First-Time Homebuyers Class

Saturday, October 25 & Sunday, October 26, 2025

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (both days)

At MPDC – 184 Dudley Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Boston, MA 02119

Thinking about buying your first home? MPDC’s Next Door program invites you to a two-day First-Time Homebuyers Class designed to guide you through every step of the process. Led by financial expert Denisha McDonald of Financial Education Associates, this course equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to take the leap into homeownership.

Participants who complete both days will receive a First-Time Homebuyer Certificate, which can help unlock access to down payment assistance programs and mortgage opportunities.

Certificate awarded upon completion

Free to attend with registration