We believe that community-led solutions create the foundation of child, family, and community wellbeing. Together with our network of change agents, in 2024 we expanded collective action and collaborative learning opportunities by elevating community voices, democratizing data, and mobilizing resources to co-create lasting solutions for liberated, healthy, and resilient childhoods. These stories showcase the magnitude of community power building to reimagine systems grounded in justice, connection, and collective care and create sustainable pathways for every child and family to thrive.
Vital Village Networks Community Food Systems Fellowship, a national leadership program advancing food justice and systems transformation, proudly supported its third annual cohort in 2024, bringing together emerging leaders advancing equity through community-driven food justice initiatives.
A unique hallmark of the fellowship is the collective project that each cohort co-creates to contribute to the broader food justice movement. In 2024, fellows published the Food Sovereignty Zine, an educational and organizing tool that uplifts ancestral wisdom, lived experience, and collective strategies from communities. The zine serves as both a celebration of resilience and a call to reclaim community control over food and land, inspiring action toward more equitable, sustainable, and self-determined food systems.
“Food sovereignty, as a practice, has existed amongst Black and Indigenous populations for all of time. Over 10,000 years ago, the domestication of wild grains and other types of plants led to our ancestors developing sustainable systems of agriculture, which led to the development of their civilizations. These ancestral food systems focused on biodiversity and co-existing with nature in reciprocal ways. The natural world was an extension of their own health and role in the world, rather than a disjointed space for humans to dominate.”
“Food sovereignty, as a practice, has existed amongst Black and Indigenous populations for all of time. Over 10,000 years ago, the domestication of wild grains and other types of plants led to our ancestors developing sustainable systems of agriculture, which led to the development of their civilizations. These ancestral food systems focused on biodiversity and co-existing with nature in reciprocal ways. The natural world was an extension of their own health and role in the world, rather than a disjointed space for humans to dominate.”
Fellows and staff presented at several national meetings (APHA and Race Forward) and the 2024 National Community Leadership Summit. Equally important are spaces for rest, restoration, inspiration, and wellness, and fellows connected with local healers and innovators through their fall wellness-centered retreat.
This year, fellowship program alumni came together to launch the Community Food Systems Alumni Network, designed to deepen connections, expand decolonized leadership and shared governance, and build a collaborative structure for collective learning, resource sharing, and coordinated action. Through this network, alumni are shaping pathways for sustained advocacy to strengthen the food justice movement nationwide.
94 %
Experienced Meaningful, Collaborative Engagement
>85 %
Felt Direct Impact on Food Systems Work & Broader Community Efforts
>70 %
Strengthened Ability to Tell Powerful Data-Driven Stories
[numbers from CFS evaluation]
[numbers from CFS evaluation]
[numbers from CFS evaluation]
Certificate in Community Advocacy and Leadership
2023 - 2024 Certificate Scholars
“The Certificate in Community Leadership and Advocacy has been a transformative experience, equipping me with the data tools, knowledge, and network to effectively lead and advocate for meaningful change in our communities.” —2024 Certificate Graduate
Offered in collaboration with Urban College of Boston, the Certificate in Community Advocacy and Leadership welcomed 16 scholars in 2023–2024. This 10-credit program supports community leaders working to advance child and family wellbeing across Greater Boston and has had over 95 graduates to date. In 2024, the program emphasized collaborative learning, social impact project design, and community data storytelling and scholars worked in teams to develop social justice innovations.
Fellow Lorenis Liriano was featured in The Boston Globe in April 2024 sharing her journey and vision for reimagining perinatal health systems to center dignity and empower patients and families. Her team-based capstone project was guided by her lived experience and yielded a novel, culturally affirming intervention for adolescents and young women impacted by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma, that was showcased for an audience of over 100 at the annual Innovations & Inspirations Night.
Program evaluations showed significant growth in data literacy, with fellows’ average confidence in using data for advocacy doubling from pre- to post-program (1.67 to 3.33 on a 4-point scale). The majority described meaningful professional impacts, including new job opportunities, promotions, public speaking invitations, and formal recognition for their advocacy work.
2 X
Increase in Fellows’ Confidence Using Data for Advocacy
>40 %
Graduates Stepped Into New or Expanded Leadership Roles
70 %
Strengthened Ability to Tell Powerful Data-Driven Stories
100 %
Expanded Professional Networks
National Birth Justice Fellowship
Inaugural Cohort
In response to a significant gap in leadership programs that support community-led birth justice solutions, Vital Village Networks collaborated with experts and convened a national advisory to co-create a groundbreaking fellowship for birth justice visionaries. From a prestigious pool of over 80 applicants, 11 leaders, from a wide range of disciplines, were selected to join the inaugural cohort of the National Birth Justice Fellowship. The fellowship fosters a culturally affirming, community-led transformation to reshape systems of health, education, and care, centering the dignity of all birthing families and is on track to become a national model.
Supportive Trauma Interventions for Educators (STRIVE)
Supportive Trauma Interventions for Educators (STRIVE) is a collaborative initiative between the Child Witness to Violence Project and Vital Village Networks that was developed to strengthen the capacity of early childhood professionals to create safe, responsive, and trauma-informed learning environments during the critical early years of child development.
In Spring 2024, STRIVE launched a new Self-Paced Trauma-Informed Practice (TIP) Online Course for educators in Boston Universal Pre-K and the Boston Public Schools Department of Early Childhood. Developed in direct response to educator feedback, the Self-Paced Journey was designed to offer accessible, flexible professional development opportunities. The eight-week cohort included 32 participants ranging from family child care providers and playgroup leaders to administrators and family engagement staff, all of whom received weekly guidance, resources and opportunities for peer learning. Participants explored key concepts including the impact of trauma on young children, racial and social inequities, trauma-informed practices, and strategies to foster resilience.
To the question "How do you hope to change your practice as a result of this training?" one participant shared:
"The Certificate in Community Leadership and Advocacy has been a transformative experience, equipping me with the data tools, knowledge, and network to effectively lead and advocate for meaningful change in our communities.”
Another emphasized the importance of “Creating a safe environment for caregivers and parents to share their stories.”
STRIVE continues to grow as a movement for healing-centered and trauma-sensitive education—creating pathways for educators to foster safe, responsive, and equitable environments for children and families across Boston.
“This summit was life-giving, educational, and filled with ‘Eureka’ moments.”
— NCLS ’24 Attendee
Through interdisciplinary, cross-sector dialogue, intentional relationship-building and partnership development, we supported our village in cultivating the collective power needed to advance community-led systems change.
Over 325 leaders, practitioners, advocates, educators and caregivers attended the 2024 National Community Leadership Summit, themed Radical Connection and Renewal for Collective Liberation. Together, they exchanged wisdom, fostered interdisciplinary learning and deepened relationships and networks critical to promote systems that enable children and families to thrive.
This is the true model, where the village is both seed and harvest This is beyond an idea This is how thoughts become things How individuals come together to create community This is a lineage of love Society has made our dreams small So here's to the dreamers- dreaming up a planet of even more dreamers One where we practice the future
They remind us that no one here is self-made But you are village made!
— Sunni Patterson, 2024
The 2024 NCLS by the numbers:
171
Organizational Represented
487
Total Connections Made
41 %
Participants Who Initiated Partnerships
(33% increase from 2023)
(4 new relationships per person)
Guided by an incredible Community Steering Committee, speakers included authors, activists, artists, and leaders offering wisdom, vision and calls to action that resonated deeply throughout the convening.
Now in its 11th year, the annual summit continues to grow as a powerful space for transformation—where community leaders come together to reimagine systems, nourish innovation, align and plan collective actions, and move towards liberation.
“Every speaker reminded me I am capable and I am here.”
“Connect and liberate. Our collective power can and will break the chains.” — NCLS ’24 Attendee
#VillageMade Leaders
Meet Josette Williams Vital Village Networks Executive Board Member, longstanding partner, and civic leader
Meet Colleen Roan NOW Peer Learning Cluster Co-Lead and dedicated network partner
Colleen Roan worked collaboratively with the NOW PLC leadership team to co-create an innovative community workshop series that explored the intersection of trauma-informed practice and healing-centered advocacy to dismantle white supremacy and advance equity in birth, early childhood and family systems. These workshops focused on tools and strategies to reimagine systems of care to promote justice, healing and transformation.
Colleen also shared her personal journey in the blog post” My Dream,” a reflection on advocacy as both a personal and collective act of healing:
"Healing begins with self-awareness but extends to the community. Together, we can advocate for a better future for our children and families, by actively healing and dreaming of a different way forward. Advocacy can start at a personal level and expand to local and community levels, eventually influencing policies and legislation. Relationships are everything and it takes time to develop and maintain them. From my experience, that’s a big part of healing. Relationship building is a guide to healing."
Vital Village Networks collaborates as a backbone for several community-led coalitions, advocacy groups and grassroots initiatives to drive systems change, build collective power for child, family and community wellbeing. Through strategic partnerships, data and communications support and capacity-building we harvest and uplift solutions that center community wisdom, advance equity, shift narratives and policies.This work strengthens local and national movements—improving conditions for children and families while laying the foundation for more just and interconnected systems. We are honored to share highlights from 2024.
Boston Breastfeeding Coalition
When Shenell Ford saw the gaps in lactation support for families, she took action. As a Certified Lactation Consultant and founder of Heart2Heartbeat Lactation & Wellness, she has leveraged her expertise to design The Boobie Bus: H.E.A.L.S. on Wheels, an innovative mobile lactation service that aims to bring vital support directly to historically underserved and culturally marginalized families and build a diverse workforce of lactation professionals.
Through the Boston Breastfeeding Coalition and Vital Village Networks, Shenell gained the platforms, partnerships, guidance, and connections to refine and amplify her vision. Presenting at the National Community Leadership Summit, Coalition meetings, and a NOW webinar, she has leveraged these spaces to build momentum for systems change.
The Boston Breastfeeding Coalition expands access to culturally affirming breastfeeding support by connecting families, advocates, and professionals, strengthening professional pathways for diverse leaders, and advancing advocacy efforts to ensure every caregiver in Boston has the guidance, resources, and community support to nurture their child. By supporting leaders like Shenell, they are advancing community-driven solutions for equitable breastfeeding care.
Through a year-long Governance and Roles Design process supported by Vital Village Networks, the Boston Breastfeeding Coalition established new leadership roles and elected a seven-member Leadership Team to enhance sustainability and impact. In 2024, the team expanded civic engagement, strengthened community partnerships, supported professional pathways in lactation, and facilitated bimonthly Coalition meetings focused on collaboration and postpartum support. They also played a key role in supporting a subcommittee and organizing signature events for Black Breastfeeding Week while actively advancing maternal health equity, policy influence, and social connection through community initiatives.
#VillageMade Leaders
Hear from Melody Cunningham and Shenell Ford, members of the Boston Breastfeeding Coalition as they advocate for equitable lactation support, strengthen community leadership pathways, and drive systemic change for breastfeeding parents across Greater Boston and throughout the Commonwealth.
Dominique Bellegarde Boston Breastfeeding Coalition leader
“Inviting Others into the Circle: The Ripple Effects of Community Power”
— Dominique Bellegarde
In 2024, the Boston Breastfeeding Coalition achieved key milestones in expanding equitable breastfeeding support.
Sustaining Access
Operated 8 active lactation groups, including 4 with in-person options, ensuring families have access to culturally responsive breastfeeding support.
Hybrid Baby Café Relaunch
Reintroduced the Boston Medical Baby Café in a hybrid model, welcoming families with language justice available in Haitian Creole and Spanish.
Uplifting Community Scholars
Supported 12 graduates of the 2024 ROSE Community Transformer Training Scholar cohort, who completed culturally relevant, strength-based lactation training and committed to six months of peer counseling at Baby Café sessions and 6 scholars who engaged in the intensive Lactation Education Resources training.
Advancing Civic Engagement
Blending scholar learning, community service, and innovation, the community lactation support model exemplifies the Coalition’s commitment to accessible, culturally competent lactation support.
Through visionary leadership and cross-sector collaboration, the Greater Boston Birth Equity Coalition is building community power to create lasting change and ensure that every birthing family has the support, dignity, and justice they deserve.
In 2024, the Greater Boston Birth Equity Coalition had several signature accomplishments:
Engaging Leadership
Engaged the first servant leadership team of 11 members, setting the tone for inclusive, community-driven decision-making.
Strategic Vision
Developed a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan that charts a clear path toward transforming birth equity in the region.
Community Connection
Successfully designed and hosted coalition meetings that have engaged over 100 community members through webinars and forums, deepening local collaboration.
Resource Building
Begun designing a resource directory to centralize tools and support for birthing families, while exploring pathways to advance ancestral wisdom in maternal care.
Sustainable Funding
Achieved a major milestone by awarding the coalition’s first independent grant of $250K from the Boston Foundation, reinforcing the sustainability of their transformative work.
Vital Village Networks’ Mental Health Committee collaborates with community partners to promote the social, emotional, and mental wellbeing of children and families—centering lived experience to co-create healing-centered solutions.
In 2024, our Children’s Mental Health Storytimes engaged young children across Boston and beyond through interactive, story-based learning in partnership with the Boston Public Library. Designed to nurture emotional literacy and coping skills, the series expanded to include 16 recorded storytimes, with five new videos gaining over 2,300 views.
Community momentum continued with a May Mental Health Month Campaign, and a series of meetings, events and resources, including the Network Connection Meeting on “Strength and Healing: Creating Wellness Together,” and invitations to present at events including the Boston Public Schools Attendance Symposium and the JPNDC family engagement series, further extending our reach and underscoring the demand for accessible, culturally responsive social-emotional learning resources for families.
Policy & Advocacy
In 2024, our network of community leaders, coalition partners, and families demonstrated the power of grassroots advocacy to advance equity and justice in maternal and child health and for all birthing people and families.
We began the year with an inspiring webinar conversation featuring Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia, a longtime network partner, who reminded us of the importance of civic leadership rooted in lived experience and community voice.
Numbers show that NOW webinars had over 250 attendees over 4 webinars in 2024. This momentum carried into a pivotal statewide campaign: our coalitions joined together with strong advocates to help advance the landmark maternal health bill, signed into law by Governor Healey in August.
The Maternal Health Bill expands access to midwifery care, birth centers, and doula services—critical steps toward closing racial and geographic disparities in perinatal health. Members of our coalitions not only advocated for this legislation but were present to celebrate this historic win for families across Massachusetts.
Throughout 2024, Vital Village Networks advanced focused advocacy in four key areas:
Birth Equity and Justice
Promoting access to midwifery, doula care, and culturally affirming services and dignity-centered care
Food and Nutrition Justice
Advocating for equitable, community-led food systems
Championing stable, dignified housing as a foundation for family and child wellbeing and community leadership in defining affordable, safe and secure housing
Together, we are building a stronger foundation for systems that center the dignity, leadership, and wellbeing of children, families, and communities.
Reclaiming the Narrative
Community-Driven Data and Research
Vital Village Networks is committed to transforming how data is collected, shared, and used — centering community leadership, lived experience, and dignity in storytelling and systems change. In 2024, we deepened our efforts to democratize data and expand community-driven research through multiple initiatives.
GROWBABY Research Network
The GROWBABY Research Network made major strides in advancing dyad group care (DGC) through collaborative research, leadership convenings, and peer learning. In September, GROWBABY hosted its Inaugural Group Care Leadership Workshop, bringing together 12 national experts to strengthen the sustainability of group care models. Presentations at the Virtual ICGMV Conference and a newly submitted PCORI Engagement Award proposal further amplified the network’s commitment to equity in maternal-child health systems.
Over 20 new members joined the network in 2024, and GROWBABY welcomed a new postdoctoral fellow and two BU public health students. Ongoing projects include a manuscript on implementation barriers during COVID-19 and collaborative planning to scale DGC in Maryland health systems. Through roundtables, cross-sector partnerships, and visioning sessions, GROWBABY is growing a national movement to expand equitable, community-anchored care models.
Community Data Workgroup & Ambassadors
With support from dedicated funding, our Community Data Workgroup engaged over 50 members and launched the Community Housing Assessment—a survey tool designed to capture resident perspectives on housing, discrimination, and structural racism in Greater Boston. Findings from over 450 responses revealed widespread challenges, including threats of eviction, housing cost burden, and unsafe living conditions.
Informed by this data, participants began reimagining definitions of affordable housing grounded in safety, health, and dignity. The workgroup hosted 12 open meetings and 24 planning sessions, and trained three community leaders as Community Data Ambassadors, with nine additional ambassadors preparing to join in the 2024–2025.
Data Storytelling Workshop Series
The Data Storytelling Workshop Series grew from 25 to over 100 registered participants between 2023 and 2024. Designed to build skills in data visualization, mapping, and participatory evaluation, the series included four peer-led sessions, office hours, and opportunities for alumni to return as co-facilitators.
Participants used their new skills to present at conferences, community forums, and policy meetings, and several achieved grant funding and legislative wins as a result of their work. Alumni like Cassandra Loftin, a Community Food Systems Fellow, developed interactive maps of food resources in Augusta, GA, presented at the Boston Area Research Initiative Conference, and returned as guest faculty in 2024.
“This is a powerful tool for our community and legislators to understand the spatial and cultural relationships in our neighborhood.”
“I appreciate the spirit of these meetings—delivering value, building skills, and making space for all voices.”
Across these programs, Vital Village continues to reclaim data as a tool for community power—supporting people across Boston and the U.S. to lead with stories, strategies, and solutions for equity.
Can we all be fed? Smiling and full Well cared for and hope filled Seeing faces that look like yours in the schools, in the stores, in the hospitals, in the community... This is the whole neighborhood giving birth to new ways of being This is comprehensive practice and care This is being seen This is trusting that there are people who will step in when they are supposed to This is moving our egos out of the way This is why children are some of our greatest teachers
— Sunni Patterson, 2024
Supporters, Thank You
Individuals
Dolores Acevedo-Garcia Nora Belcher Janice Benson Hilary Boynton Madeline Boynton Melissa Boynton Renée Boynton-Jarrett Charle E. Cuneo Randi Ellingboe Pamela Gudino Mieko Kamil Eric Leslie Alden Mitchell Xavier Morales Ines Palmarin Lisa Parks George Pitchford Geraldine Robinson Benjamin and Jane Siegel Lauren Smith Joshua D Sparrow Sonja Spears Richard Susman Alyssa Valmas Jenny Weaver Josette Williams
Public Funds
AmeriCorps VISTA Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Foundations
Black and Indigenous Resilience Fund Boston Children’s Hospital Boston Opportunity Agenda Colbert Family Charitable Fund Earthshare Eastern Bank Foundation 4Imprint Fredrick J Lowery Foundation Greater New Orleans Foundation Hamilton Charitable Foundation JB and MK Pritzker Family Foundation Nellie Mae Education Foundation New Commonwealth Foundation Robert Wood Johnson Foundation The Boston Foundation Tara Health Foundation Wagner Foundation Wilde Geese Foundation
Boston CEED Burke Foundation Help Me Grow National Mass PPD Fund NICHQ JB and MK Pritzker Family Foundation Someone Else’s Child Smart from the Start Start Early Union Capital Boston Zero To Three
Leadership
Executive Board: Sonja Spears, Board President Charles E Cuneo, Vice President Benjamin Siegel, Treasurer Josette Williams, Secretary National Advisory Board:
Dolores Acevedo-Garcia, PhD Felton Earls, MD Lisa Fujie Parks Xavier Morales, PhD, MRP Ines Palmarin, MA George Pitchford, JD Adriana Raines Jeri Robinson Richard Sussman, PhD
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At Vital Village Networks, we recognize that it takes a village to nurture leaders from the community, for the community. We are asking our village to support our work and help create lasting change together.
Support Vital Village Networks and invest in the wisdom, innovative strategies, and power of grassroots leadership that is #VillageMade.
