Important news from the BRPM Board
Dear BRPM Community,
We hope that everyone is enjoying a lovely spring! At Boston Raising Powerful Musicians, we’re getting excited to host the upcoming adult session May 31–June 2 and an expanded youth session August 12–17. Both showcase performances will take place at the Brookline Teen Center.
In the midst of this excitement, we also have some sad news: Vicky Ajene has decided to move on from her role as Executive Director, and her last day will be Friday, June 7. Since Vicky joined BRPM in September 2023, her leadership has made an exceptionally positive and lasting impact, and we wish her the very best, both professionally and personally. Thank you, Vicky!
Vicky has a farewell message for the community:
We understand that this news may bring up questions about the current and future state of BRPM, and we don’t yet have all the answers. Here is what we can share:
Summer youth session will be held as originally planned. It will be led by our wonderful Program Manager, Ava Dudani, with support from the Board and an incredible team of volunteers. Learn more about Ava here.
We will not immediately conduct a new ED search. The Board is taking time to carefully assess our organizational and financial stability and re-strategize a path forward after many years of funding challenges and leadership turnover. We promise to keep everyone informed as future plans emerge.
Though we’ve always relied on volunteer efforts, dwindling numbers in recent years have made it difficult to host multiple programs annually. While it’s essential that we recruit new volunteers, it’s equally important that we find new ways for both new and longtime volunteers to share the load and avoid burnout.
During this transitional period, we need the support of our beloved community more than ever. Please consider engaging (or re-engaging) with BRPM in the following ways:
Volunteer for summer youth session. Better yet, bring a friend!
Become a monthly donor!
Attend a showcase with friends and family!
If you or anyone in your network has nonprofit development/grant writing experience and the capacity to volunteer a few hours per month, contact board@raisingpowerfulmusicians.org to join a fundraising committee!
Through the ups and downs of the past 14(!) years, we appreciate your collective contributions to our mission: to empower girls, women, and gender-expansive youths and adults to believe in themselves by building a supportive community that fosters self-expression, confidence, and collaboration through music education and performance.
Thank you all, and reach out to us anytime at board@raisingpowerfulmusicians.org.
You Rock,
Boston Raising Powerful Musicians Board of Directors
Nina Angeles
Amanda Balagur
Kristen Bonstein
Rachel Hock
Tanya Nixon-Silberg
Darby Smotherman
Nina Tobin