Meet The Board

JAKE Small (he/they) is a justice-driven researcher, education equity consultant, and public speaker. He believes that high-quality public education for all students is always a worthwhile pursuit. He is passionate about advancing education equity for all children. JAKE is a TEDx speaker and author, focusing his research on the mattering of Black boys as a tool for academic persistence and long-term professional success. He supports professionals at every level of seniority and companies across every industry to operationalize justice and build truly emancipatory policies, practices, and attitudes. He’s also running a campaign to join the Chelsea, MA School Committee to further promote education excellence for learners in his city.

Malachi Nelson is a thoughtful and innovative leader who devotes his time advising organizations in the areas of business, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. His family background and legacy of work in economic development and civic engagement has allowed him to support and foster opportunities for young leaders to thrive in Boston.  His knowledge and assistance in the areas of capacity building, and planning, enables individuals and/organizations to operate at an optimum level. He is a Director of Cornerstone Collaborative, Inc…(MA), where he is the youngest board member in the organization's history. Malachi is an advisor to A.I.R Boston (Artist Initiative for Revolution), and is the inaugural consultant at Project R.I.G.H.T, Inc…, a community development corporation focused on the revitalization of the Roxbury community. He is the inaugural Professional Development Chair of the W.E.B Du Bois institute, at the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research, Harvard University. He is the founder of the Young Entrepreneur’s Summit, (a virtual three day conference) focusing on the identification  of peer leaders through brand cultivation and networking. Malachi’s guiding motto is  “Quod facis bene fac”, translated means, “doing whatever you do as well as you possibly can”.
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The founder and CEO of Affirmed Futures, a mission-driven organization that empowers high-risk youth and their families through education, financial literacy, and independent living skills. With over five years of experience working with youth and a current role as a financial advisor with The Bulfinch Group, he brings a unique blend of personal insight, professional expertise, and community commitment. Jeremiah holds a master’s degree from Johnson & Wales University and specializes in developing educational tools, hosting workshops, and forming partnerships that drive long-term impact. His work is grounded in the belief that every young person deserves opportunity, agency, and hope.​​

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