Youth leaders at NEWLA included (l-r) Audrey Tallent, Taryn Daniel, Fatou Balde, Journey Johnson, and Kadiatou Sall. BGCD photo
Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester (BGCD) hosted the 33rd annual New England Women’s Leadership Awards (NEWLA) at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel on April 29, continuing what organizers describe as the first and longest continually running celebration of women’s leadership in New England.
More than 450 guests attended the annual event, which honored Victoria Arlen, founder of Victoria’s Victory Foundation, gold medalist, and author; Grace Cotter Regan, president of Boston College High School; Dr. Kimberley Williams, CEO of Match Charter Public School and a BGCD alumna; and inaugural Leadership in Bloom recipient Fatoumata Balde, a BGCD member.
NEWLA award winners, l-r, Victoria Arlen, Founder of Victoria’s Victory Foundation, Gold Medalist & Author; Dr. Kimberley Williams, CEO of Match Charter Public School & BGCD Alumna; and Grace Cotter Regan, President of Boston College High School. BGCD photo
The evening featured Event Chair Annissa Essaibi George, emcee Lisa Hughes, and keynote speaker Taryn Daniel, a BGCD member from Dorchester. Club members played a central role throughout the night, serving as greeters, artists, performers, and presenters.
The event raised $400,000 to support BGCD’s youth development programs, which provide academic support, mentorship, and enrichment opportunities for young people across Dorchester.
Founded more than three decades ago, NEWLA remains a cornerstone fundraising event for BGCD and highlights the achievements of women leaders while investing in the next generation.
More information is available at bgcdorchester.org/NEWLA.
