Boston Education Fund (BEDF)

To our silent and live auction donors — thank you for saying yes to our mission and for standing with Boston’s students and educators at Un Abrazo: Making Connections Mixer. And to our guests… thank you for showing up with intention. For bidding. For celebrating. For investing in a future where every student has the opportunities they deserve. We’re grateful and energized by the commitment this community pours into advancing educational equity across Boston Public Schools.

We’re honored to announce Mayor Michelle Wu and Superintendent Mary Skipper as the honorary co-chairs of our third annual Making Connections Mixer — two visionary leaders whose shared commitment to opportunity and belonging continues to shape a stronger, more connected Boston. Un Abrazo is more than an event — it’s a benefit to advance educational equity in Boston Public Schools. Join us in shaping a future that carries all our voices forward.

Boston, this one’s for us. For the educators, the families, the dreamers, the doers. Let’s come together for a hug — Un Abrazo. A night to honor our shared story through music, art, and the powerful voices. FOR TICKETS VISIT unabrazo.eventbrite.com

Join us in welcoming José Brandão to our Board of Directors! A Boston Public Schools alum and father of four BPS graduates, José understands firsthand the power of public education to shape opportunity. His lived experience, integrity, and commitment to service align deeply with BEDF’s mission to build a more just and opportunity-rich future for Boston students. José leads AI governance strategy and global risk initiatives as Vice President of Emerging Technology Governance at State Street, where he works to shape the future of technology with ethics, equity, and impact in mind. Meet José and the rest of our Board at Un Abrazo on November 10th! We are honored to have him join our leadership. His voice, values, and heart for community will strengthen and guide our work forward. José Brandão

“Un Abrazo” — a hug — symbolizes connection, compassion, and collective care. This year, the Boston Education Fund invites our community into an evening that feels like a hug — a space to hold one another through the challenges shaping public education today and the fears many students and families continue to face. Rather than a traditional gala, Un Abrazo will offer an intimate gathering centered on shared humanity — where educators, partners, and advocates can reconnect, reflect, and reimagine what belonging feels like in our schools and communities. Through conversation, storytelling, music, food, and art, we’ll honor those who remain rooted in the work while celebrating the collective growth that happens when we show up for one another. Join us for a giving moment that reflects love, not obligation. For tickets, please visit: unabrazo.eventbrite.com #BEDF #UnAbrazo #EdQuity #CommunityLeadership #RootedInTheWork #GrowingInCommunity

Behind every gift is a story and a student’s dream in motion. We’re here to give our partners the resources that make meaningful connections possible every day. When schools take the time to connect, celebrate, and communicate, one gift can spark a lasting partnership...and lasting partnerships create brighter futures. Support MPREAF by visiting bit.ly/donatemprea

The Parent Council at the Roosevelt set a goal for the year, then exceeded it! 🙌 Using their crowdfunding page, they didn’t just create a giving site… they built a hub for connection. ✅ Donations made simple ✅ Progress updates shared in real time ✅ Fundraising activations & newsletters highlighted The Roosevelt SPC showed us how crowdfunding can be a driving force for impact. BEDF couldn’t be more inspired by the way they turned school spirit into real results for their community. 🌱 Start your fundraising journey today by emailing Samantha Castro (Resource Development & Communications Manager) at scastro@bedf.org. #VoicesOfEdQuity #CrowdfundingForEquity #BEDF #BostonPublicSchools

Nico Amaro has been promoted from Director of Finance & Operations to Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFOO)! For the past three years, he’s helped strengthen our systems, bring clarity and transparency to our finances, and ensure that we’re not only managing resources well, but doing so in a way that reflects our values and mission. Nico has truly been a steady anchor for our team, and this new role is a reflection of his leadership, vision, and the impact he’s already had. Join us in congratulating Nico!

Advancing educational equity requires the collective effort of all of us, and partnerships make it possible. At BEDF, collaboration is at the heart of our work. We proudly partner with Boston Public Schools, educators, grassroots organizations, corporate allies, and philanthropists to ensure every investment reflects the lived realities and aspirations of Boston’s students and families. When trust, innovation, and equity take root, every dollar raised becomes more than funding... It becomes a lever for systemic change. #PowerOfPartnerships #EdQuityBoston #BostonEducationFund #EquityInAction #BPSCommunity