Art isn’t a luxury-it’s a necessity that brings us together, heals us, and helps us find our voice. As Executive Director of Community Art Center, Erin knows that creativity and equity go hand in hand. From her early days in print shops to leading an organization that’s survived since the Great Depression, she’s creating spaces where young people can tell their stories their way, turning creative expression into community transformation.

Through her work with the Department of Children and Families, Porter Square local Edie saw firsthand the stark needs within our city. This awareness inspired her late husband Charlie to become an early supporter of CCF, ultimately choosing to include the foundation in his estate plan because of our comprehensive approach to strengthening all of Cambridge. Charlie knew that local giving could create lasting change. His planning ensured his love for our city was a part of his legacy.

From her morning walk through Cambridgeport to her office in Kendall Square, Nancy sees both the vibrancy and disparities in our city. By leveraging her corporate matching program and consistently giving, she’s helping create a Cambridge where everyone’s basic needs are met and all residents have opportunities to thrive. Her commitment to local impact shows how individual giving can grow into community transformation.

Through thoughtful local giving and deep community connection, Carrie is helping create a Cambridge where everyone can thrive. She believes in the power of collective action to address our city’s most pressing needs. As a CCF donor, her vision of a vibrant, multicultural Cambridge where diverse perspectives are valued drives her commitment to strategic, community-centered philanthropy.

Using music and movement, Aaron is bringing people together, making dance more accessible, and helping to sustain local artists’ livelihoods. Aaron’s work celebrates creativity and diversity while centering fun. He is helping build cultural vibrancy in Cambridge for all members of our community.

It’s easy to live through our screens, but Steven is working to keep us connected to the earth. Focused on climate resilience and nature-based solutions at the neighborhood level, Steven loves working at Green Cambridge, spreading a message of hope. Community is at the heart of the work. Steven believes in the power of collective action—connecting to each other through shared stewardship of the land we inhabit.

Jesse knows what it’s like when you need people to show up for you. That’s why he’s been working in the affordable housing field for 25 years. He believes that we can create just and equitable communities through social cohesion—building a powerful support network of relationships. As the director of grants and special initiatives at HRI, Jesse is making sure residents have all the resources they need to thrive.

A neuroscientist with a background in tech, Dia’s perspective on social connection shifted profoundly during the pandemic when she met older adults with rich life experiences isolated in their community and young adults anxious about their future. Inspired, she founded Joint Family to connect neighbors across generations through inclusive dialogues–building trust, supportive networks, and social cohesion.

Too many people think of math like broccoli – or worse, chopped liver. But mathematicians Mira and Nataliya built a K-8 nonprofit program on the belief that math is dessert, too. The Cambridge Math Circle “unlocks math for kids,” fostering confidence early in students, especially those underrepresented in STEM.

Since she was a kid in Mexico City, Miriam has always been a convener. From inviting neighborhood kids to her house, to now organizing community with Just A Start. “People deserve access to opportunity regardless of where they come from,” she says, and at Just A Start she helps ensure bright career pathways for neighbors every day.