The Color of Impact at the LISC Story Slam

We're closing out the week with scenes from last week's fourth annual LISC Story Slam, our annual celebration of the inspiring people and impactful work that help power thriving communities in Massachusetts. We were treated to four powerful stories, and were inspired by the way the Builders of Color Coalition is changing the color of our real estate sector, and the way Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy and his team have kept businesses open, families housed and communities thriving, while laying a foundation for decades of impact across the Commonwealth. Thanks to all who joined us and to our storytellers, honorees, speakers, sponsors, and small business partners!

Community Impact Award

The Builders of Color Coalition

Darryl Settles, Amarillys Rodriguez, Dariela Villon-Maga, Colleen Fonseca, Adler Bernadin, and Richard Taylor

LISC-financed developers Dariela Villon-Maga of DVM Consulting and Adler Bernadin, of Norfolk Design and Construction presented the Builders of Color Coalition (BCC) with the LISC Community Impact Award in recognition of their game-changing work increasing opportunities accessible to real estate professionals of color, diversifying the Commonwealth’s real estate sector and creating generational change in who designs, builds and owns our communities. Both Dariela and Adler participated in BCC's CORE (Minority Developer) Fellowship. BCC Executive Director Colleen Fonseca was joined by BCC Board members Darryl Settles, Amarillys Rodrigues and Richard Taylor as she accepted the award. 

Community Leadership Award

Secretary Mike Kennealy

Dan Rivera, Juan Vega, Secretary Mike Kennealy, Larry Andrews, Karen Kelleher

Larry Andrews, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, and Karen Kelleher, Executive Director at LISC Boston, presented Secretary Mike Kennealy with the LISC Community Leadership Award in recognition of his relentless and visionary advocacy on housing and economic development matters, his tireless leadership of a comprehensive and equitable response to the pandemic, and his inspiring commitment to sustain and grow the vitality of the Commonwealth’s people, housing, communities and economy.

The Storytellers

Lei Nichols, Erica Parker-Smith, Theresa Okokon; and Nikia Londy.

We turned the mike over to a terrific all-female slate of storytellers from the LISC community this year, including Lei Nichols, owner of Wise Mouth Teas and a client of Small Business Strong; Erica Parker-Smith, a wife and mother at the intersection of corporate America and grassroots community work;  Nikia Londy, owner of Intriguing Hair, and Brittany Hendricks, an artist who pursued higher education and vocational training at JVS and MassHire.  Storyteller, writer and Stories from the Stage co-host Theresa Okokon once again coached the storytellers and hosted the Story Slam.  We're so grateful to Theresa for the way she takes care of our storytellers, helps them develop their story and their voice, and draws the audience into their narrative.

The LISC team expressing our gratitude: Derek Lumpkins, Silvana Bastante Munoz, Tina Petigny, Victoria Downes, Karen Kelleher, Marilyn Sanchez, Tahirih Ziegler, Doug Ling, Margaret Keaveny and Emily Jones.

The Sponsors

We appreciate each and every one of our generous sponsors and donors. We were able to make this year's event open and accessible to all due to your generosity, and the flexible support you provide is critical to our mission and our impact.  There's still time for anyone wishing to contribute your own hue to the color of impact. Donate to LISC and the communities we serve by texting Story Slam to 44321 or by giving online here.