Boston Leadership Council (BLC)
Please join the Boston Leadership Council in supporting children affected by war and natural disaster through the
Children's Emergency Fund.
The BLC has supported Save The Children's programs in Lebanon for many years. If you wish to make a donation specific to the crisis in Lebanon, please contact Mary Leffel at [email protected].
BLC Newsletter
toread our 2023 recap and exciting announcements about 2024. Together, we have built a strong community of compassionate supporters and collectively raised over $1.5 million since inception. Learn more about our events and the impact your donations have had!
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For more information about the Boston Leadership Council (BLC) contact:
Sejal T. Srinivasan | BLC Chair
[email protected] | +1-914-843-4093
Mary Leffel|Officer, Individual Philanthropy Group
[email protected]203.246.3481
About Us
Members of Save the Children’s Boston Leadership Council (BLC) are a diverse group of volunteer child advocates in Greater Boston who are committed to supporting the work of Save the Children. BLC was founded on the principle that local neighbors with a shared passion can come together to raise awareness for vulnerable and marginalized children in the United States and around the world.
Our Mission
The members of the BLC are committed to building a sense of community among ɫƵsupporters in the Greater Boston area. Together, we are raising public awareness and growing an active network of local philanthropists.
Our Vision
The members of the BLC are united in their support of Save the Children’s mission for children, to transform their lives and the future we share. In the United States and around the world, ɫƵgives children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm.
April 2024 – The Boston leadership Council hosted an event focused on how infrastructure design can mitigate the impact of climate change, and how to construct a home while reducing environmental impact, improving our children's future. The speakers were Habib Alnedari, MIT Fellow; former Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Coordination and Education Program Coordinator, ɫƵYemen and Auburndale Builders, a builder of high-performance homes.
November 2023 – The Boston Leadership Council hosted a sold out gala: Children's Emergency and Disaster Relief where weraised $450,000 for the Children's Emergency Fund.
We heard directly from Esther Duflo, Nobel Laureate and Professor at MIT, who engaged in conversation withJanti Soeripto, President & CEO of Save the Children. They discussed the importance and use of research and measurement in the creation of impactful programming. Additionally two of our BLC field visitors, Mari Giaimo and Larry Krakauer, discussed their visit to the U.S. Border in Southern California and shared a video from the visit to Turkana, Kenya. Colton Bradford, Emmy award-winning anchor on NBC10 Boston and NBCLX.
We heard from student ambassadors about the challenges and solutions children face in crisis situations, enjoyed a compelling silent auctiDzand heard the beautiful voices of the Boston Children's Choir.
October 2022 – A Father and Son Team goes to London to run for Save the Children
Tendai Musikavanhu celebrated his 50th birthday with his son, Bobo, by running together in the London Marathon on October 2, 2022, to raise desperately needed funds for Save the Children. This remarkable father and son duo will stop at nothing to help ɫƵget closer to their goal of reaching every child.
April 2022 – The Boston Leadership Council hosted a sold out gala:Born Into The Climate Crisis! We rejoiced in having our community together again in person and raised over $375,000 for the Miles Hunger Fund.
We heard directly from Secretary John Kerry, U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change, via big event screens. Our stellar live presentation included Janti Soeripto, President & CEO of Save the Children,Dr. Vanessa Kerry, CEO at Seed Global Health, Kelly Sims Gallagher, Academic Dean & Professor at The Fletcher School at Tufts University,Penelope Anderson, Managing Director Hunger & Livelihoods, International Programs and Latoyia Edwards, Emmy award-winning anchor on NBC10 and NECNA.
We also heard a conversation with Hassan Ibrahim, Food Security & Livelihood Specialist in Somalia.
CELEBRATE The Future of Every Child 2020-21 will be a series of grassroots Your Way events in support of Save the Children. We are excited to invite our Board and Supporters to host a virtual or small gathering to ENGAGE people in their circle. We hope this creates an opportunity for our BLC Community Members to follow their individual passion, engage and introduce their circle of friends to the work of ɫƵand appropriate modest fundraising during COVID-19 pandemic.
We are excited to empower any member of the BLC who would like to host a fundraising event this year for ɫƵwith the information and tools they need to be successful.
June 2021 - The Experience of Children in Lebanon
The BLC Board heard an update from Martha Wilkes, Programme Development & Quality Director ɫƵBeirut, Lebanon in the face of a refugee crisis, economic collapse, COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a devastating explosion in Beirut. ɫƵis working around the clock to provide families with essential items and psychological support for children whose entire world has crumbled around them.
May 2021 - India’s Children During the COVID-19 Crisis
Council members and friends gathered for an Indian meal at Masala Art in Needham, MA to raise funds for India’s children during the COVID-19 crisis which has left millions of children at risk. Board Members Goli and Al Sepehr co-hosted with Masala Art. ɫƵdelivered essential supplies, including oxygen, ventilators and medicine, as well as emotional and educational support for children.
February & July 2021 - A Global Narrative and a Kentucky Initiative
Council Members and friends gathered for a virtual conversation with Janti Soeripto, CEO & President, ɫƵand Shane Garver, Senior Director, Rural Education, ɫƵand hosted by BLC Executive Committee Members Larry and ML Krakauer to learn and raise funds for Save the Children’s piloted cash transfers programs in Eastern Kentucky.
Executive Committee Member Roberta Moore visited families benefiting from the cash transfer program in the Berea area in the summer of 2021.
November 2020 - Friends Helping Friends Sponsor Children
Council Members and friends co-hosted individual virtual parties linked by a shared program to learn about Save the Children’s Child Sponsorship opportunities. Individual parties joined for a short program on Zoom featuring Save the Children’s Brad Kerner, Senior Director Sponsorship Programs, who provided an overview of their global program and Diane Bevan, a BLC member, shared her personal testimonial on the rewards of sponsoring a child.
September 2020 - Leban-Aid! A Night of Virtual Jeopardy
We held a virtual game night to raise urgently needed funds for Lebanon. After a devastating explosion in Beirut, children in Lebanon are more vulnerable than ever. Home to nearly 1.5 million Syrian refugees, Lebanon is already experiencing a severe economic crisis. The country’s weak healthcare system and current political crisis have left families with no means to protect themselves against a pandemic. Save the Children’s team stand ready to support relief efforts wherever possible.
May 2020 - COVID-19 & Gender Equality Webinar
We hosted a live, interactive webinar to dive deeply into unique challenges women and girls face during a pandemic and Save the Children's approach to a gender-informed pandemic response. What we know from previous pandemics is that gender inequality is not a side issue, and recognizing factors that can marginalize individuals in different demographic groups can save lives.
Our inspiring speakers from ɫƵincluded:
- Carolyn Miles, Former CEO & President
- Nora O’Connell, AVP, Policy & Advocacy
- Yeva Avakyan, AVP, Gender Equality & Global Point for Gender COVID-19 Response
January 2020 - Virtual Online Rowing Challenge
The BLC launched our first Virtual Indoor Rowing Challenge Fundraiser in celebration of Save the Children's 100th Anniversary. The Boston Leadership Council for ɫƵinvited anyone with access to an indoor rowing machine to create a team or participate as an individual, sign up sponsors or donors to reach our goal to help children in crisis around the world!
Learn more about鰿!4ⳢٰDz.
For more information on upcoming events please contact:
Sejal T. Srinivasan | BLC Chair
[email protected] | +1-914-843-4093
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Committee
Sejal T. Srinivasan, Chair
Tasneem Ghogawala, Chair Ex Officio
Lee Hornor, Chair, Programs
Paige Hornor, Chair, Communications
Larry Krakauer, Chair, Finance & Information Technology
Joe Ramrath, Chair, Governance & Nominating Committee
Board Members
Diane Bevan
Anna Byrne
Lindsay Duggan
Zoher Ghogawala
Soheil Hanjani
Khalda Hashash
Karen Ketterer
Mahsa Khanbabai
ML Krakauer
Roberta Moore
Maureen Olsen
Anne Poole
Alireza Sepehr
Goli Sepehr
Curt Tobey
Susan Zelenko
Vincent Zelenko
Honorary Directors
Leena Agnihotri
Mohamed Akoad
Brian Konish
Sara Lombardi
Connie Lueders
Zehra Mooraj
Tendai Musikavanhu
Libby Myers
Craig Wencis
Kelly Wencis
Mamoon Yunus
Read more about our governance structure here.
Pictured above: Event Co-Chairs: ML Krakauer, Joe Ramrath and Roberta Moore
Pictured above: Ambassador Samantha Powers and Brad Irwin, ɫƵboard chair
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
November 15, 2019 -Harvard Club of Boston, Boston MA
2nd Annual 'Celebrate the Future of Every Child'
Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power was honored by Save the Children’s Boston Leadership Council at their second annual gala held this evening. Ambassador Power was presented with the Refugee Advocate Award by Brad Irwin, ɫƵboard chair and former president and CEO of Welch’s, for being a fearless advocate for human rights around the world.
Held at the Harvard Club of Boston and hosted by Audrey Asistio, NBC10 Boston & NECN Anchor/Reporter, the second annual gala, "Celebrate the Future of Every Child," raised more than $250,000 for the global humanitarian organization, which is celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2019. Funds raised will benefit Save the Children’sReturn to Learninginitiative, which aims to get refugee children back in school within 30 days of displacement, and Save the Children’s programs for Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
In addition to honoring Ambassador Power, the evening included a presentation from five members of Save the Children's Boston Leadership Council who recently traveled to Lebanon.During their trip, Joe Ramrath and Zoher Ghogawala of Needham, Sejal Srinivasan of Wayland, Paige Hornor of Roslindale and Mahsa Khanbabai of North Easton personally witnessed the critical conditions of Syrian refugee families and the good works ɫƵis doing to help. The inaugural fundraising gala, held in November 2018, also raised over $250,000, which was used to purchase a mobile library van and free books for distribution to Syrian refugee children in Lebanon. The council members shared stories of refugee children's experiences and spoke about how the funds raised last year continue to help children in need.
Our partner, Bvlgari, Newbury Street “dressed” our presenters in exquisite jewelry and the evening included delectable Hors’ D’oeuvres, delicious dinner options, drinks and a signature cocktail, as well as musical entertainment by Jeri DiMarco Bergonzi.
September 7, 2019- Home of Khalda Hashash & Mohamed Akoad, Lexington MA
Global Refugee Crisis and Return to Learning Lunch
Sudanese Cultural Immersion Luncheon with speakerMaha Karahamad, a recently resettled Syrian refugee currently working with Save the Children’s Strategic Foundation Partnerships team. Maha will speak of her personal journey and why educating refugee children is pivotal for their short-term wellbeing, and improved prospectsfor abrighter future.
Event Chair: Khalda Hashash
June 16 to June 21, 2019-ԴDz
Field Trip to Visit ɫƵPrograms in Lebanon
BLC and BYLC members will travel to Lebanon, where ɫƵhas been responding to emergency and development needs since 1953. The group will be hosted by Allison Zelkowitz, Lebanon Country Director, and meet with program staff and community.
Field Trip Chair: Joe Ramrath
May 9, 2019 -Bvlgari, Newbury Street, Boston, MA
Commemorating Save the Children’s Centennial Anniversary
BVLGARI is hosting a cocktail party with BLC to celebrate Save the Children’s Centennial anniversary.Since beginning its unique partnership in 2009 with Save the Children, Bvlgari has raised over $85 million globally through sales of an iconic ɫƵjewelry collection.For 100 years, ɫƵhas been doing whatever it takes for children in need.
Event Chair: Roberta Moore
January 2019-Boston, MA
Boston Young Leaders Council
As co-chairs of Save the Children’s Boston Young Leader’s Council (BYLC), founding BLC membersBecky Ramrath, Christy Moore and Paige Hornorcame together to both kick off the new group. Their focus is to engage and inspire young adults to support the work of ɫƵthrough social media and events.
November 2018- Downtown Harvard Club, Boston MA
Let’s Celebrate the Future of Every Child –An Event to benefitThe Return to Learning Initiative
Save the Children’s Boston Leadership Council raisedover $250,000 which enabled the BLC to purchasea mobile library for Syrian refugee children in Lebanon. The event was hosted by Tim Douglas, Assistant Director of academic advising at Emerson College, and co-hosted by WCVB-TV’s Janet Wu. The evening benefit featured renowned author, journalist and commentator Cokie Roberts of ABC News and NPR and highlighted Save the Children’s “Return to Learning” initiative. “Return to Learning,” a pillar of the global humanitarian organization’s 100th anniversary campaign.
Event Co-Chairs: Roberta Moore, ML Krakauer, and Tasneem Ghogawala
September 2018- Roberta Moore’s Home, Dover MA
Girls Night In
Roberta Moore hosted a fun-filled evening with wine, food and shopping where guests learned about the work ɫƵis doing to support education for refugee children. The night was a kick-off to BLC’s first large scale fundraiser, Let’s Celebrate the Future of Every Child – An Event to BenefitThe Return to Learning Initiative.
Host: Roberta Moore
May 2018- The Country Club, Chestnut Hill, MA
Awareness Raising Evening about ‘The Return to Learning Initiative’
BLC held an informational and inspiring program to learn about Save the Children’s Return to Learning initiative which aims to get refugee children back where they belong – in school within 30 days of displacement. Experts included Dan Stoner, Save the Children’s Vice President for Education and Child Protection, Sara Hommel, Save the Children’s HEART (Healing and Education through the Arts)program Director and Maria Trozzi, M.Ed, Executive Director, Joanna’s Place.
Event Chairs: Diane Bevan and Larry Krakauer
February 2018-Wellesley Free Library, Wellesley, MA
Children from Grades pre-K-2 gathered to hear joyful storytelling to instill a sense of empathy for children in other parts of the country and the world. Participants created Valentine’s Day cards for some of our world’s most vulnerable children.
Event Chair: Tasneem Ghogawala
February 2018 - The Country Club in Chestnut Hill, MA
Every Child Deserves a Future
Save the Children’s BLC hosted a cocktail reception to build awareness around Save the Children’s work for children in the U.S. and around the world. and encourage our guests to join our efforts. This event raised $80,000 in support of Save the Children’s emergency relief efforts around the world. Special guest speakers were Gary Shaye, Associate Vice President of ɫƵand Jesse Hartness, Senior Director, Emergency Health and Nutrition International Programs, Save the Children.
Event Chair: Diane Bevan
We invite you to support BLC's commitment to growing a community of supporters for Save the Children.
Please participate in our events and initiatives.
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For further information about the Boston Leadership Council (BLC) contact:
Sejal T. Srinivasan | BLC Chair
[email protected] | +1-914-843-4093
Mary Leffel|Officer, Individual Philanthropy Group
[email protected]203.246.3481
Young Leaders Council of Boston
The Young Leaders Council of Boston is a group of young adults supporting Save the Children. They are passionate about improving the lives of children across the globe by giving them education, health and equal opportunities. Their goal is to raise awareness about Save the Children’s work in 120 countries and provide fundraising to support their investment in the future of children.
Follow The Young Leaders Council of Boston on .