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Boston Globe
22-07-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Builders coalition enters new chapter as founder Dave Madan rejoins
Advertisement Under Madan's leadership, the group shortened its name to The Builder Coalition, or TBC. The focus, he said, is on opening doors 'for all talented individuals, especially those who have historically lacked access to key networks and resources.' Its mission now includes a 'TBC Innovation Center' think tank, essentially consulting and convening services that it offers to help other communities diversify their development sectors. The first national Innovation Center event will be held in September, at the Seaport Hotel, to bring together real estate finance experts from around the country. Madan leads a four-person staff, and hopes to add a fifth by early 2026, with an annual budget of around $1 million. The organization is also awaiting action from the Healey administration on a state budget earmark for another $150,000. Advertisement The coalition celebrated its new phase of growth Friday by hosting a fellowship kickoff event at the Bruce Bolling building in Roxbury and a tour of affordable housing sites where previous TBC fellows have foundations in the ground and wood frames going up. Speakers included Representative Russell Holmes and Senator Liz Miranda (co-sponsors of the budget earmark), city housing chief Sheila Dillon , and Sabrina Correia from sponsor JPMorgan Chase & Co. For Madan, it was inspiring watching this new class of 25 fellows — each one gets matched with two industry mentors — meet with previous fellows and observe how they're changing the city in their own way. 'It's a pretty incredible thing,' Madan said. 'There were just big smiles when everyone got off the buses. They were like, ... 'This is the real deal. Seeing is believing.'' Banking on more English classes When the findings of a MassINC report about the need for more career-focused English classes were announced a year ago at the UMass Club, those in the room looked around at each other and said, essentially, 'We can solve this.' The report showed that funding in Massachusetts for English proficiency classes was not keeping pace with the pressing need: One in 10 working-age adults in the state still had limited English skills. 'That report was really a galvanizing moment,' said Rahn Dorsey , chief executive of the Eastern Bank Foundation , a lead sponsor of the MassINC report. Now, the report is translating into action. The Eastern Bank Foundation last week announced it is committing $10 million over three years to support English teaching programs in the state, with an eye toward filling workforce gaps. The news, announced at the State House, happened alongside the Healey administration's announcement that the Legislature had pledged a separate $10 million for English proficiency work in a recent supplemental budget. Advertisement Foundation board chair Bob Rivers , who spoke at the State House event, said in an interview that it's just a coincidence that the dollar amounts are the same. The Eastern Bank Foundation recently hired Eva Millona as a foundation fellow to help lead this new initiative, with assistance from Jerry Rubin , the former chief executive of Jewish Vocational Service and another foundation fellow. Millona is back in Boston after serving in the US Department of Homeland Security. Previously, she led the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition . MassINC chief executive Joe Kriesberg said he was impressed to see the foundation's financial commitment to this cause, saying it 'supercharges' the Healey administration's efforts. 'It's certainly of a scale that you do not see very often from any kind of foundation or philanthropy,' Kriesberg said. '[It's] courageous for Eastern ... to take this leadership role at a time when not everybody is standing up to support our immigrant communities.' Getting machines to talk at SharkNinja Making a 'smart home' even smarter was one of the top missions for Mike Harris during his seven years at Amazon . Now, it will be one of his top missions at SharkNinja . The Needham-based company has recruited Harris from Amazon to be its first-ever chief innovation and technology officer, as it tries to Harris said he's been impressed with the pace of activity at the headquarters, with engineers tinkering with products around almost every corner, to improve on the flagship lines of Shark vacuums and Ninja blenders, as well as new lines ranging from smoothie makers to hair dryers. Advertisement The road to Amazon for Harris started at a startup called Zonoff, which specialized in connected-home software. Smart-home device company Ring acquired Zonoff's staff in 2017, bringing Harris on board. Amazon gobbled up Ring roughly a year later. Harris will lead SharkNinja's electrical engineering and software efforts related to connectivity — figuring out how to get various electronic devices to talk with each other. He'll report to Ross Richardson , SharkNinja's chief design officer. Now that he's furnishing his new home in the Boston area, he may be in the market for SharkNinja products. He's already hearing from others who want to place orders. 'All my friends and family have been sending me lists,' he added. 'I'm going to have to set up a warehouse just to fulfill [their] needs.' Rest-stop rivalry draws lobbyists A redevelopment lease for In the final round, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation ended up Global Partners . Global has long been represented by Dorchester lobbyist Bobby White , whose firm, Robert F. White Associates , has several other fuel sector clients. On June 18, the day Applegreen O'Neill and Associates , Boston's third-busiest lobbying firm. Spokesman Reid Lamberty said Global has relied on White's expertise over the years, and the company tapped O'Neill to 'help us navigate MassDOT's final decision on the RFP — specifically to gain insight into the process and receive guidance as we moved forward." Advertisement Global continues to make the case to MassDOT and Governor Maura Healey 's administration that its bid is better, primarily because it contains a higher rent price and because of Global's local ties. On Applegreen's side, the Blackstone -backed company hired Smith, Costello & Crawford , the city's busiest lobbying shop, last year to help craft the bid. Recently, Dempsey Associates , the city's fourth-busiest lobbying firm, has been involved as Applegreen contractor Suffolk Construction 's adviser. Jim Smith of Smith, Costello & Crawford said his firm's advice to Applegreen was to be responsive to the top priorities of the Healey administration, namely to launch a Smith, a Tesla owner, said the primary reason electric vehicles are not being more widely adopted is the concern over finding places to charge up when batteries are running low. The service plaza bid, he said, represented an opportunity to address that issue. Plus, the existing state plazas 'are not in particularly good shape [and] are frankly embarrassing for a commonwealth that really relies on tourism' to help the economy. 'It wasn't complicated at all,' Smith said. 'Yeah, money was important but there were other things that were more important.' Jon Chesto can be reached at
Boston Globe
17-07-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Eastern Bank Foundation commits $10 million to English-language training for immigrants
Now, the report is translating into action. The Eastern Bank Foundation on Tuesday announced it would be committing $10 million over three years to support English teaching programs in the state, with an eye toward filling workforce gaps. The news, announced at the State House, happened alongside the Healey administration's announcement that the Legislature had pledged a separate $10 million for English proficiency work in a recent supplemental budget. Foundation board chair Bob Rivers, who spoke at the State House event, said in an interview that it's just a coincidence that the dollar amounts are the same. Advertisement The Eastern Bank Foundation recently hired Eva Millona as a foundation fellow to help lead this new initiative, with assistance from Jerry Rubin, the former chief executive of Jewish Vocational Service and another foundation fellow. Millona is back in Boston after serving in the Biden administration, in the US Department of Homeland Security. Previously, she led the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition as its president for 13 years. Advertisement The foundation's initiative will include new curriculum design work based on assessing existing programs and identifying needs with employers and other stakeholders. The foundation is also investing in training and support for English proficiency teachers, with plans to implement these classes through existing nonprofits that already support career-focused English training. With more than one-fifth of the Massachusetts workforce born in another country, Millona said, this type of investment is crucial . 'I see this as a fairly critical part of economic integration,' Millona said. 'When I speak about it, I really refer to how successful immigrants are able to participate. Language fluency is really a critical part of their success.' MassINC chief executive Joe Kriesberg said he was impressed to see the foundation's financial commitment to this cause, saying it 'supercharges' the Healey administration's efforts. 'It's certainly of a scale that you do not see very often from any kind of foundation or philanthropy,' Kriesberg said. 'Coming to fruition during this time frame makes it more important than ever, and [it's] courageous for Eastern ... to take this leadership role at a time when not everybody is standing up to support our immigrant communities.' This is an installment of our weekly Bold Types column about the movers and shakers on Boston's business scene. Jon Chesto can be reached at
Axios
16-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Amid Trump cuts, Mass. leaders pour $20M into English language learning for workers
The Eastern Bank Foundation pledged $10 million to help adult workers learn English and employers fill vacant jobs. Why it matters: The public and private sectors are both investing in immigrant workers — amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown and education funding freeze — in hopes of shrinking Massachusetts' workforce gap. Driving the news: Eastern Bank board chair Bob Rivers announced the funding for its "career-focused English proficiency initiative," which will roll out over three years. Rivers' announcement comes as state leaders celebrate the $10 million for English language training included in a recent spending package. The state also plans to offer $2.7 million in workforce grant funding so employers and nonprofits can help workers access English language training and other services. The big picture: Massachusetts' unemployment rate increased to 4.8% in May, with nearly 190,000 jobless workers, and many more are underemployed. The biggest barrier for foreign-born job seekers is English proficiency, officials and business leaders said Tuesday. Eliminating that barrier helps workers fill jobs in health care, finance, manufacturing and other industries. By the numbers: One in 10 workers in Massachusetts speaks limited English, state Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said. State adult education and English language programs serve around 30,000 people. Tutwiler estimates the $10 million in state funding will help up to 5,000 more English language learners. That's in addition to the prospective beneficiaries of the Eastern Bank Foundation initiative. What they're saying: "You are helping create the opportunity to change lives," Tutwiler said of those running English language programs. Context: The announcements come months after the Trump administration cut federal funding to nonprofits that teach adults English. Massachusetts and other states are now suing the Trump administration over frozen K-12 funding, including an estimated $20.5 million for English language learning in the state's K-12 schools. Schools statewide are reviewing their budgets and making adjustments in case the funding doesn't come before September, but Tutwiler said the state will keep fighting for the appropriated funds in court. What's next: The Eastern Bank Foundation plans to open applications and launch an English language learning pilot program later this year, says Eva Milona, a longtime immigrant advocate who served in the Biden administration.
Business Wire
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Eastern Bank Foundation Welcomes Eva A. Millona as New Foundation Fellow to Lead Career-Focused English Proficiency Initiative
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Eastern Bank Foundation is pleased to announce Eva A. Millona has joined its team as a Foundation Fellow focused on the design, implementation, and promotion of a new Career-Focused English Proficiency Initiative (CFEPI) that will further the Foundation's work to support economic inclusion and mobility across the region. Eastern Bank Foundation Fellows bring deep expertise to the Foundation's efforts to increase economic mobility and prosperity, especially for those who have not historically benefited from a robust regional economy. According to a 2022 Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation report, Massachusetts communities are losing a significant percentage of the workforce due to an aging population. The workforce population (aged 20 – 64) peaked in 2018 at 4.18 million, and is projected to fall 180,000 by 2030. 'Replacing these workers will require a large infusion of qualified people to fill the jobs, and we are committed to helping our communities avoid the painful, economic consequences of labor shortages,' said Turahn Dorsey, President and CEO of the Eastern Bank Foundation. 'Our Career-Focused English Proficiency Initiative is primed with a $10 million commitment over three years from the Eastern Bank Foundation, in partnership with strategic stakeholders in the space, that will create a career-focused, English learning system. Eva Millona is deeply experienced in bringing bold visions to scale and we are thrilled to welcome her as an Eastern Bank Foundation Fellow to lead this initiative. Eva joins Jerry Rubin, Foundation Fellow and former CEO of Jewish Vocational Service, the largest provider of contextual ESOL in the Commonwealth, who will remain a key partner in this effort.' Recognized locally, nationally and internationally as an expert on immigration and integration policy, Ms. Millona is a highly accomplished leader in public policy, advocacy and national security in the non-profit and public sectors. She most recently served as a presidential appointee for four years in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as Chief of the inaugural Office of Citizenship, Partnership and Engagement, as well as Assistant Secretary of the Office of Partnership and Engagement. She advised on the impact of the Department's policies, regulations, processes and actions on state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments, SLTT elected officials, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and the academic community, ensuring a unified approach to external engagement. Prior to her role at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Ms. Millona was President & CEO for 13 years of Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), the largest organization in New England promoting and enhancing integration for new Americans. During her more than 20-year tenure, she led the organization through multiple policy and legislative achievements. Under Ms. Millona's leadership, MIRA became a high-profile player at local, state and national levels. She co-founded and co-chaired the Massachusetts Business Immigration Coalition in 2018. From 2010-2021, she served as a founding co-chair for the National Partnership for New Americans, an organization focused on immigrant integration at the local, state and federal levels. She also chaired the 2020 U.S. Census Statewide Complete Count Committee in Massachusetts. A native of Albania, Ms. Millona practiced civil and criminal law before becoming the youngest district judge ever appointed to Tirana's District Court, where she served from 1989 to 1992. After emigrating to the U.S., she directed the refugee resettlement program in Central Massachusetts. She served on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, the Massachusetts Governor's Advisory Council for Refugees and Immigrants under four governors, the Attorney General's Council for New Americans, and the Advisory Board for the Boston Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement. She has received numerous awards for her leadership and impact. 'Acquiring a high level of English proficiency is crucial for seeking career growth and achieving greater economic success but the path to obtain it is not always easy,' said Eva A. Millona. 'I am thrilled to join the Eastern Bank Foundation, picking up on the tremendous leadership and groundwork put in place by Nancy Huntington Stager to launch this career- and workplace-focused English Proficiency Initiative, and to now help advance it working with Rahn Dorsey and the Eastern Bank Foundation team as well as the many partners in the communities we serve.' The Foundation's philanthropic investments, volunteerism and advocacy in promoting workforce development are dedicated to addressing barriers to employment and advancement in employment for adults. Efforts include enhancing programming in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), preparing adult workers for the jobs and careers of the future, expanding hiring criteria beyond traditional credentials to build deep talent pools, and strengthening the Massachusetts workforce. About Eastern Bank Foundation Eastern Bank Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Eastern Bank, collaborates with businesses and community partners in the nonprofit, for-profit and government sectors to advance thriving communities. Through philanthropy, employee volunteerism, advocacy and collaboration, Eastern Bank Foundation responds to community needs and supports sustainable solutions to our communities' most vexing challenges across eastern Massachusetts, southern and coastal New Hampshire, and Rhode Island including advancing the small business ecosystem, enriching early childhood development, securing safe and affordable housing, and promoting workforce development for adults. Learn more at
Business Journals
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Eastern Bank Foundation CEO to step down after 43-year career
Nancy Huntington Stager, president and CEO of Eastern Bank Foundation, greets attendees at the 2022 Boston Business Journal Corporate Citizenship Awards.
