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Dear Impact Collective Community,
As we step into this next season of our work together, I am reminded again and again of the power of connection—how coming together can inspire change within ourselves, in our local communities, and far beyond.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been deeply energized by the spaces we’ve created to learn, grow, and take action together. Our recent Bridge Project Luncheon was a powerful gathering where we explored the profound impact of unrestricted cash assistance programs for moms and babies. This kind of direct investment is transformative, not only for the families receiving it but for our broader vision of economic justice. Conversations like these remind us that bold solutions already exist—we just need the collective to come together, amplify, and support them.
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled for our next Collective Conversation featuring Tuti Scott, founder of Changemaker Strategies. Tuti has been a champion for reimagining power, money, and leadership, and I know our discussion will be both inspiring and action-oriented. These gatherings are about more than just learning; they are about deepening relationships, sharing resources, and building the kind of trust and solidarity that fuels lasting change.
This work is not meant to be done alone. Every conversation, every connection, every step forward matters. I hope you’ll join us in the upcoming spaces below, and bring your questions, your experiences, and your commitment to building a more just and equitable future.
Let’s keep showing up, together.
With hope and solidarity,
Julia Johannsen Founder of the Impact Collective
Disrupting Child Poverty in Boston with The Bridge Project
We had the incredible honor of hosting a luncheon to bring awareness to The Bridge Project, alongside inspiring leaders Holly Fogle and Christine Switzer of the Monarch Foundation. With 22.5% of Boston children living below the poverty line—the fourth highest child poverty rate among large U.S. cities—it is clear that we must act with urgency. The Bridge Project is proving that direct cash assistance for moms and babies works, offering families the resources they need to thrive. In just three years, the initiative has put over $35 million directly into the hands of families, expanding across New York, Milwaukee, and Connecticut. Together, we can disrupt child poverty in Boston.
How did you get into this work? We co-founded Leadership Brainery because we saw firsthand the systemic barriers preventing underrepresented students, particularly Black and Brown students, from accessing competitive master’s and doctoral programs. As first-generation college students who had to navigate the complexities of higher education on our own, we realized there was a critical gap in resources, mentorship, and opportunities. We were determined to change that by building a movement that empowers future leaders through education, equity, and advocacy.
Tell us a little bit about your organization? Leadership Brainery is a Boston-based nonprofit working to increase access to graduate education for underrepresented communities. We partner with colleges, universities, and organizations to recruit, prepare, and support diverse talent into master’s and doctoral programs. Beyond education, we focus on leadership development, ensuring that students from marginalized backgrounds have the tools, networks, and resources to drive systemic change in industries where they’ve been historically excluded.
What is your favorite part of your job? The most rewarding part of our work is seeing students break barriers—whether it’s getting into their dream graduate program, securing fellowships, or stepping into leadership roles where they can uplift their communities. Hearing from students who say, “Because of Leadership Brainery, I believed I could go further” is what keeps us going.
What do you do when you aren’t working? When we’re not working, we love to travel—especially to places that allow us to connect with culture, history, and nature. Outside of that, we’re passionate about fitness, wellness, and social impact.
What’s your dream project? We’d love to partner with Fortune 500 companies and top universities to build scholarship pipelines and leadership programs that ensure underrepresented students not only access graduate education but also thrive in high-impact careers. A dream project would be developing a national fund that directly invests in students pursuing advanced degrees, eliminating financial barriers altogether.
What’s your vision for the future of the U.S.? We envision a country where educational and economic opportunities aren’t dictated by race, background, or zip code. The U.S. has the potential to be a global leader in equitable innovation, social justice, and inclusive leadership—but that requires structural changes in education, wealth distribution, and policy-making. We want to see more Black and Brown leaders shaping industries, policies, and institutions that truly reflect the diversity of our society.
Something about you we might not know? Our love story went viral when we got engaged at the Harvard Arboretum, but many people don’t know that we met at Grambling State University, an HBCU, and had to navigate our relationship largely in private at first. Our journey of love, leadership, and breaking barriers has shaped so much of the work we do today.
Join us for an engaging Collective Conversation featuring Tuti B. Scott, renowned advocate for gender lens investing and women’s leadership. Tuti, founder of Changemaker Strategies, will lead a powerful discussion on Moving from Knowledge to Action. Drawing from her decades-long career in women’s leadership, philanthropy, and gender equity, Tuti will share her journey in developing a gender lens mandate and discuss why it is vital for all women to take charge of their financial power.
This conversation will explore practical steps needed to transition from knowledge to action in philanthropy and investing, with a particular emphasis on the importance of women entering the financial arena and for funding the efforts of women of color. The conversation will also touch on how investing with intention through a gender and racial justice lens can increase economic security.
A Conversation with Rachel Sherman Author of "Uneasy Street: The Anxieties of Affluence" and Sociologist Friday, Apr 4, 12-1pm EST via Zoom
Join us for a compelling conversation with sociologist, professor, and author Rachel Sherman, whose groundbreaking research explores the hidden emotional and social dynamics of wealth and privilege. In her critically acclaimed book Uneasy Street: The Anxieties of Affluence, Sherman examines how affluent individuals navigate the contradictions of privilege, identity, and societal expectations. Her work offers an in-depth look at how wealth is experienced, justified, and reconciled within broader structures of inequality.
This conversation will delve into how class, culture, and identity intersect to shape both personal experiences and systemic inequities. Sherman will explore how these dynamics influence ongoing efforts to build a more equitable and inclusive society. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with a leading sociologist and gain valuable insights into the complexities of affluence and its role in perpetuating or dismantling inequality.
Collective Conversations is our series of monthly opportunities to learn, take action, and build community. Please join us and bring friends on the first Friday of every month for a one-hour Zoom conversation with experts and activists from within and beyond our community. We offer dedicated networking time after each conversation, ensuring you gain valuable insights while building meaningful connections.
Check out last month's Collective Conversation:
Take a look at our incredible community of partner organizations and individuals who registered to attend last month’s Collective Conversation with Breaking the Mold!
In February, we had the privilege of hosting a Collective Conversation with Ethan Kerr and John Poore, Co-founders of Breaking the Mold, whose work with white male leaders is not only transformational but also a source of hope that the change we seek is truly possible. We were deeply moved by the discussion and the thoughtful questions from our CLTV alumni, community members, and allies, which enriched our collective understanding. A special thank you to the BTM alumni who courageously shared their experiences—it was an honor to hear your stories. Conversations like these remind us that true change happens when we come together, listen, and take action. Thank you for being part of this journey and for your commitment to advancing racial equity.
A Deep Dive into Gender & Climate Investing Hosted by Invest for Better & Heading for Change Facilitated by Tuti B. Scott 10-sessions, beginning Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025, 12-1:15pm ET Location: Virtual
Join Invest for Better (IFB) and Heading for Change (HfC) for an exclusive 10-session virtual course designed to equip accredited investors with the knowledge, tools, and network to drive impact at the gender and climate finance nexus. The course offers accredited investors an opportunity to:
Gain insider knowledge on HfC’s private equity and private debt investments
Learn how HfC developed its fund-of-fund investment thesis & criteria
Participate in an interactive learning circle to explore and discuss investments
Engage with HfC’s investment leaders and expert guest speakers
Led by Tuti B. Scott, this interactive course will showcase HfC’s pioneering investments, offer hands-on learning in private equity and debt, and provide a collaborative learning circle to help participants take action.
60th Anniversary Of 1965 Freedom Rally Hosted by Embrace Boston Tuesday, Apr 26, 2025, 12pm ET Location: The Embrace, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108
The year 2025 marks the 60th Anniversary of the 1965 Freedom Rally. The rally took place on April 23, 1965, with over 20,000 people marching on Boston Common to protest racial imbalance in housing and schools. The march began at Carter Playground, at the corner of Columbus Ave., and ended at Boston Common. Martin Luther King led the march from Roxbury to Boston Common.
As part of the Everyone 250 Initiative and other 250 celebrations, Embrace Boston, in collaboration with the City of Boston and other community partners, will gather at the Embrace Monument/Parkman Bandstand.
Privilege & Purpose: A Transformative Retreat for Women Spring 2026, Schedule TBA
One in-person weekend retreat in spring 2026 is the cornerstone of a 3-part hybrid experience that will guide you from awareness to action and empowerment. Designed to fit your life, family, beliefs, and financial situation, Transformative Retreat is for those with more than enough money to thrive and a curiosity about their role in the financial system. Each woman will leave the workshop with a personalized action plan that aligns her money with her values.
Money & Values in Action: An Introductory Workshop for Men with Ethan Kerr, Founder of Breaking the Mold Spring 2026, Schedule TBA
This 3-session virtual workshop with Ethan Kerr from Breaking the Mold will guide you from awareness to action and empower you to align your resources with your values. Within a community of white men learning together, explore the complexities of race and money—and how to drive action. Through a range of modalities, including contextual learning, group discussions and personal reflection, you’ll gain tools to make a tangible impact and promote equity.
Money Talks: Aligning Finances & Values in Relationship Spring 2026, Schedule TBA
This Couples Workshop will offer a unique opportunity for couples to explore some of the challenges and opportunities of aligning their money with their values. We will explore our relationship dynamics through lenses of race and gender, and consider some of the implications for our partnerships, our money, and our impact on the world.
We want to use this newsletter to support the racial justice and economic events, programs, and opportunities you care about. Please share with us by emailing Emily.
DISCLAIMER These resources are provided for educational and information purposes only. Inclusion of any investment opportunities does not suggest an endorsement. You should perform your own research before you make any investment decision.
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