The Time To Hone Our Collective Power Is Now

Hello Aisha,

Boston Women’s Fund is proud to work with and learn from our grantee partners and community leaders as we support their incredible work that is sustaining communities and holding us together. Right now, our communities are facing escalating attacks in the midst of our country’s slide toward authoritarianism. It is more imperative than ever that we join hands and come together to face this aggression as a collective power. 

In this newsletter, we center community and movement leaders — reflecting on their experiences advancing immigrant justice, fundraising to support their healing and professional development, and uplifting critical resources and ways to sustain their work. As bell hooks said, “No one is healed in isolation.” This is our time to hone our collective power, center tender healing, and embolden fierce action in our fight for justice and liberation.

In Solidarity and Power,

Aditi Dholakia, Senior Director of Program & Strategy



Real Talk: Grassroots Organizations Need Us All To Step In

By: Kiarah Hortance, Senior Program Associate

You don’t need me to tell you how urgent this time is for immigrant, migrant, and refugee communities. (At least, I hope not! 👀) In the wake of this administration’s horrific policies and actions targeting undocumented folks, immigrants, and anyone who appears to be so, we have found ourselves at yet another critical juncture where grassroots organizations and leaders are forced to bear the brunt of our collective responsibility (more on this later). 

The stories we’ve gathered from our grantee partners, immigrant-serving organizations, and their communities have been critical to our understanding of the current moment. Here’s what we’ve learned as a trusted partner of grassroots organizations in Greater Boston.

BWF Welcomes New Senior Director of Program & Strategy!

Q&A with Aditi Dholakia

BWF is thrilled to welcome Aditi Dholakia (she/they) to the team as our new Senior Director of Program & Strategy! Aditi has worked in the Boston social sector for over four years at the intersection of nonprofits and philanthropy. Their primary experience is in strengthening the social sector infrastructure, with a focus on supporting grassroots organizations and movements for change. 

As the Senior Director of Program & Strategy, Aditi will oversee the design and implementation of programs that support BWF grantee partners, Horizon Collective, and youth leaders. Head to our blog to learn more about Aditi!

It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of systemic failures and isolation. But every day, women and gender‑expansive leaders of color build community across Boston and transform scarcity into action. BWF is proud to support many of these leaders through Horizon Collective and declare that you don’t have to lead alone. Here, women and gender‑expansive leaders of color come together and share tactical expertise, lived wisdom, and fierce compassion for each other and their communities.

Supporting Horizon Collective means fueling a powerful network of peers and mentors who are driving the hands-on work that sustains communities right now. Their work doesn’t wait for permission. Together, let’s break the old molds and reimagine what giving can achieve.

We know that grassroots leaders and organizations on the frontlines are facing growing uncertainty in the future of the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. We've gathered a few key resources we've come across as we look for a way forward.

Attend The 2nd Annual CelebrAsians Gala

Join Asian Women for Health at the 2nd Annual CelebrAsians Gala on May 29, at the Charles Hotel! The evening will illuminate and amplify the lived experiences and voices of those who come from and serve within underrepresented communities across Greater Boston, while celebrating the connections that unite us all. CelebrAsians 2025 will include the first community awards, recognizing outsized contributions to the health of marginalized populations. Together, we will honor the rich cultures, traditions, and knowledge that empower our communities — recognizing that our diversity is a powerful source of wisdom and strength. Buy your tickets here.

Attend the 2025 Celebration of Grassroots Organizing In Boston

Let’s celebrate another year of grassroots work on the frontlines: sustaining the neighborhoods most impacted by COVID, leading the movement for Black lives, uplifting youth voices, and defending communities from the harms of gentrification, policing, deportations, and climate change, among others! Let’s honor that work by nourishing ourselves and our community and raising $200,000 for our movements. Learn more and purchase a ticket here to join us in-person on June 28 at 1pm or 5pm at First Parish Dorchester.

Apply For Abilities Dance Job Opportunities

Abilities Dance Boston is looking for dancers for two different summer shows (Branches and Beaches), rehearsing simultaneously. Branches starts the week of May 21st (fully virtual show, meaning you can rehearse from wherever as long as you make those times in EST). Beaches starts the week of May 28th (hybrid with an in person performance at Constitution Beach on August 9th). We’d love to see if you’re interested. Email resume and movement sample to abilitiesdanceboston@gmail.com along with preferred show/rehearsal day. Find more information here.

Save The Date for Love Your Magic Summer Camp

Love Your Magic Summer Camp is a three-day experience for Black and Brown girls to lean into joy and learning. Rooted in self-love, advocacy, leadership, and self-care, our sessions empower girls to embrace their individuality. From culturally significant activities like double dutch and hand games to traditional camp adventures like swimming and rock climbing, participants celebrate their heritage while honing vital life skills. Our holistic approach fosters confident leaders grounded in community and chosen kinship, creating lasting connections and memories. Enrollment for the 2025 Summer Camp opens this week! Learn more here.



WE'RE READING

“Babel, or the Necessity of Violence” by R. F. Kuang

“The Emperor of Gladness" by Ocean Vuong

WE'RE WATCHING

TV Show: Veep

TV Show: Forever

WE'RE LISTENING TO

"Cherry Wine" by grentperez

"California" by beabadoobee

*Disclaimer: The above media do not reflect the views of Boston Women's Fund and are not endorsed by Boston Women's Fund. These are the items our board and staff are currently engaging with to further their learning and/or rest and find joy.