Building Boston & Beyond: Recent Episodes
Lydia Rivera
Building Boston & Beyond Podcast serves as an educational platform providing Massachusetts residents with information on the growth of their city, the status of the economy, and improvements to their neighborhood. Podcast discussions with public officials, private and public sector businesses, non-profits, and educational and medical institutions provides a unique forum to introduce to the public their objectives, goals, and successes, as well as, sharing information related to the many resources available via state programs and organizations that promote a higher quality of life for people.
Today’s guest on Building Boston & Beyond is Nicole Stewart, Executive Director of Boston CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a nonprofit serving disadvantaged children and youth in the foster care system who have experienced neglect and abuse.
Visit: https://bostoncasa.org to learn more about the organization.
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Joining Building Boston and Beyond today is Philip Balboni, a journalistic legend and Boston News veteran, as well as an entrepreneur and President and CEO of GlobalPost Media, an international news site focused on helping people deepen their global knowledge.
Visit GlobalPost Media at GlobalPost.com
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Joining Building Boston & Beyond today is Bonnie Espino, junior partner and certified tax preparer with Canton Tax Group. Bonnie is a seasoned professional in her field and is here to share her expertise and knowledge on tax laws, tax deductions, and tax write-offs.
Visit the Canton Tax Group at CantonTaxGroup.com or Call (781) 575-1040
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Kate Gilbert, Executive Director of Boston Public Art Triennial, joins Building Boston & Beyond to discuss public art initiatives and Boston’s first city-wide art exhibition to be launched in May 2025.
Visit the Boston Public Art Triennial website at TheTriennial.org
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Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread, joins Building Boston & Beyond to discuss hunger in Massachusetts. Hear about the programs and resources available to address food insecurity in Massachusetts and how we can join the fight to help address hunger.
Visit the Project Bread Website at ProjectBread.org
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This week’s topic on Building Boston & Beyond– The Connection Between Housing and Health.
Having access to quality, safe, affordable housing is key to an individual’s health and quality of life.
CVS Health, a community partner – joins us to discuss the corporation’s investments which have led to the creation and renovation of more than 3,000 affordable and supportive housing units across the State of Massachusetts.
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This week's topic on Building Boston & Beyond: Housing and the importance of understanding demographic trends in Massachusetts. Join us for a discussion with Scott Pollack of Urban Land Institute-Boston on housing issues, urban planning, and why data matters.
This week’s episode of Building Boston & Beyond is about CVS Health and its Workforce Initiatives Program, where opportunities to have a career in health care are available. Whether unemployed, underemployed, persons with disabilities and youth. CVS Health Workforce Initiatives Program will help you identify a meaningful career.
This week’s guests on Building Boston & Beyond are Sandra Rizkallah, Dan Croft, and Matthew Cunningham from the Plugged In Band Program.
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In this bonus episode, you learn what the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston looks for in a Big Sister.
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This week’s guest on Building Boston & Beyond is Annissa Essaibi George, CEO of Big Sister Association of Greater Boston.
Hear about Annissa’s role at Big Sister’s and the exciting programs underway to mentor young girls, and the opportunities available for women to become big sisters.
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Girl Scouts of Eastern Mass
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Today’s guest is Abby Gray, chef and owner of Cooking with Abby, a Culinary School in Norwell. I first connected with Abby in 2022, when she joined Building Boston & Beyond to share her story and passion for cooking.
Abby continues her culinary career and has once again paved a path to include another passion of her family’s – Cancer Research. Abby’s Husband, Richard, was diagnosed with lung cancer this past January. The family connected with Dr. Hugh Auchincloss at Mass General Cancer Center. From there, the educational process relating to lung cancer facts and treatments began, including Richard’s path to recovery.
Abby and Richard join us today to share their experiences with other families facing cancer and to promote their event DO Mor for Cancer – a GALA to help fund clinical research at Mass General Cancer Center.
The Do Mor For Cancer Event is Saturday, June 3, at 6 pm. Tickets are $150 per person, and various sponsorship levels remain available. Go to Cookingwithabby.com to participate and support this great event.
In this bonus episode, you learn what Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts looks for in a Mentor and hear about a Mentee's success story.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Website
Visit our website: BuildingBostonandBeyond.comOur social media pagesTwitter: @building_bostonInstagram: @buildingbostonandbeyond
Established in 1969, Project Bread is Massachusetts’ leading anti-hunger non-profit organization working to ensure people in the state have enough to eat and access nutritional food.
Project Bread website
Visit our website: BuildingBostonandBeyond.comOur social media pagesTwitter: @building_bostonInstagram: @buildingbostonandbeyond
Old North Illuminated oversees operations of Boston’s oldest church -- the North End’s Old North Church and Historic site. Approaching its 300th year anniversary, exciting new changes are underway this year.
Old North Illuminated Website
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Leading the state’s 1 to 1 mentoring program for youth Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts continues to serve thousands of youth each year, providing children with caring adult mentors who help them reach their fullest potential.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Website
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Kimberly Anderson is the President and Executive Director of 'Boston Bridges Initiative,' a nonprofit organization where building culturally diverse relationships are its mission.
Boston Bridges Initiative website: https://bostonbridgesinitiative.org
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The Herren Project provides free resources and support for treating, recovering, and preventing substance use disorder.
Pam Rickard, Director of Active Engagement at the Herren Project, is here to share her story, her running career, and the upcoming Falmouth Road Race fundraiser.
Visit the Herren Project: HerrenProject.org
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Joining us today on Building Boston & Beyond is former gubernatorial candidate State Senator Sonia Change-Diaz. A seasoned public official with years on Beacon Hill she’s here to share her vision to support a slate of democratic candidates dubbed “Courage Democrats”. Candidates reflective of the diverse communities here in Massachusetts who are committed to bringing about transformative change and building power for communities of color.
Sonia Chang-Díaz Website: www.soniachangdiaz.com
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Tanisha Sullivan, a candidate for Secretary of State of Massachusetts, is an attorney, former chief equality officer of the Boston Public Schools, and President of the Boston chapter of the NAACP. Tanisha believes it's time for change by increasing government transparency and building a stronger and more vibrant democracy for all.
Tanisha Sullivan's campaign website:TanishaSullivan.com
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Chris Doughty is one of two Republican candidates running for Governor of Massachusetts; Chris joins as he discusses his experience as a businessman and how he will govern if elected.
Chris Doughty's campaign website: chrisforma.com
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Democratic candidate for Massachusetts State Auditor, Chris Dempsey shares his commitment to public service and passion for change.
Visit Chris Dempsey Website
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Building Boston & Beyond social media pages.
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Welcome to Building Boston & Beyond, here is a bonus clip of our recent episode with Chef Abby Gray of Cooking with Abby as she talks about her client's favorite dishes and reminisces about her family's cooking.
Cooking with Abby's website: CookingWithAbby.com
Visit our website: https://www.buildingbostonandbeyond.com
Building Boston & Beyond social media pages.
Twitter: @building_boston
Instagram: @buildingbostonandbeyond
This week’s guest is Abby Gray, private chef, and owner of Cooking with Abby Culinary School located South of Boston in Norwell, Massachusetts. Abby’s background and path to her realizing her dream are inspiring. From politics to publishing to event planning – Abby combined these skills -- adding in her passion for cooking -- and reinvented herself. Abby brings to the table motivating energy -- To those of us who may be thinking of career change --- as her story is a testament that it is never too late.
Cooking with Abby's website: CookingWithAbby.com
Visit our website: https://www.buildingbostonandbeyond.com
Building Boston & Beyond social media pages.
Twitter: @building_boston
Instagram: @buildingbostonandbeyond
Worcester is the 2nd largest city in New England with the largest chamber of commerce. Joining Building Boston and Beyond today to talk about Worcester’s economic growth, its diverse landscape, and the many resources available to new businesses is Worcester Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Tim Murray.
2022 is here. Let’s kick off the New Year on a positive note beginning with strength, wellness, and confidence. Beth Whitney of Milton’s Fitness Unlimited speaks to achieving happier, healthy lives through a balanced lifestyle.
Beth joins Building Boston & Beyond to share the uniqueness of Fitness Unlimited’s community.
A woman-owned small business – Top Shelf Cookies - finds a home in Dorchester where the community has embraced owner Heather Higgins Yunger’s presence, job creation, and unique variety of cookies.
Top Shelf Cookies website: https://topshelfcookies.com/
Top Shelf Cookies Instagram: @topshelfcookies
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The Cambridge City Council Election is approaching with less than a month away. Nineteen candidates, including 8 incumbents, vying for one of 9 seats.
Running for a seat on the council – is native Paul Toner. Paul joins Building Boston and Beyond to share his vision for Cambridge.
Paul Toner's Website: https://www.tonerforcambridge.com
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Althea Blackford, the founder of Boston Caribbean Fashion Week, joins Building Boston & Beyond to share her passion for fashion and invite people to join her to celebrate Caribbean culture through fashion. From October 13 through October 16, 2021, Althea returns, providing a runway for many successful and aspiring designers to showcase their collections and collaborate with other artists.
Boston Caribbean Fashion Week Website: https://www.bostoncfw.com
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Boston Business Journal’s unique style of sharing information has won the news outlet awards and widespread appreciation by its many subscribers.
Join us today to hear BBJ’s Grant Welker discuss the various recognition initiatives underway at the Journal.
Boston Business Journal's Website: https://www.bostonbusinessjournal.com/
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Join Building Boston and Beyond this week for a look into Boston’s Mayoral campaign with Candidate Annissa Essaibi George. She’s a seasoned At-Large City Councilor, a former Boston classroom teacher, a small business owner, and a mother of 4 boys-all students of Boston’s Public school system. Hear what distinguishes her from her 4 opponents and what her plans are to improve the quality of life for residents if elected. You can learn more about Annissa Essaibi-George's campaign at www.annissaforboston.com
Rick Dimino leads one of the most respected, inclusive, non-profit organizations in the city of Boston. At the helm since 1995, Rick partners with 130 plus business members all focused on a similar mission - to build an equitable future for the Greater Boston region and an improved quality of life for people.
Boston’s greatest days are ahead of us, says Boston City Councilor At Large Michael Flaherty.
Born and raised in Boston, Councilor Flaherty’s pride shows through as he traces his career path and experiences along the way.
With a desire and tireless passion for serving the public, Councilor Flaherty represents every neighborhood in the City of Boston. From engaging community participation and building partnerships to introducing and promoting services and resources. His Goal -- to improve the quality of life for residents.
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Involved in politics since his youth, Massachusetts State Senator Eric Lesser continues on the fast track. Representing 9 communities in Western Massachusetts, Senator Lesser’s advocacy for access to transportation, education and job training, and his many initiatives to improve the quality of life is making an impact for residents statewide.
Senator Lesser's Website: https://www.senatorlesser.com/
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Dedicated to ensuring patient care is not compromised, Vice President of the Massachusetts Nurses Association Marie Ritacco is leading the charge against Tenet Healthcare for an increase in staff and the implementation of safe staffing ratios.
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A 20-year career at the MBTA, Deputy General Manager Jeff Gonneville speaks passionately on the workforce resilience and commitment to providing service during COVID and new strategies and investments underway to improve the customer experience.
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Dedicated to the preservation and advancement of his hometown of Chelsea, Roy’s advocacy to ensure residents have equal access to programs and services that sustain their livelihood is his mission.
Council President Avelleneda remains optimistic in the city’s fight to be “Seen”, to be included – and have access to funding - where neighboring cities have benefited.
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Brenda Rosario – Board member of Dorchester’s St. Mary’s Center is committed to helping women who have experienced trauma improve their quality of life.
Brenda understands firsts hand that empowering residents with information and the necessary tools to improve their quality of life promotes inclusion and strengthens community.
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Bob’s career spans 30 years-plus first serving in the Massachusetts Senate and now as Mayor of Weymouth.
With a population of 57,000, Mayor Hedlund continues to proactively lead Weymouth residents through COVID -19 as the vaccination process continues and residents begin to venture outdoors.
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A national leader in the transportation industry.
Bob’s TRANSIT career spans decades.
The first African-American General Manager of Boston’s MBTA, Bob shaped a career spanning 25 years.
Bob is here today to share a little history of his career at the T and life thereafter - where he carved out his next chapter in life holding corporate positions and seats on various boards.
All while advocating a level playing field for minorities in the transportation industry.
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Building Boston & Beyond Podcast serves as an educational platform providing Massachusetts residents with information on the growth of their city, the status of the economy, and improvements to their neighborhood. Podcast discussions with public officials, private and public sector businesses, non-profits, and educational and medical institutions provides a unique forum to introduce to the public their objectives, goals, and successes, as well as, sharing information related to the many resources available via state programs and organizations that promote a higher quality of life for people.