Social Capitalists
Honoring Community Social Capitalists was a major focus of this event. A Community Social Capitalist is a volunteer who impacts the lives of others by leveraging their personal and professional network to make a difference. Recipients may have mobilized a group to volunteer, or organized an event in their neighborhood, or brought a diverse group to work together on a common issue. Honorees personify the spirit of strengthening communities through civic engagement.
Some Social Capitalists are company leaders who are fostering an ethic of civic engagement in their company or are helping to build the capacity of important community-based organizations; some are co-workers who are inspiring their peers to give their time to help the community; and some are non-profit leaders nominated by a company for their exemplary community work.
Too often, these people are not recognized for their powerful acts of community-building. SCI seeks to change that!
2010 Community Social Capitalists:
Milton J. Benjamin – Nominated by Atlantic Graphics
Milton Benjamin is the founding president and CEO of the Initiative for a New Economy (INE), a non-profit organization designed to increase opportunities for minority owned businesses in Massachusetts. INE works strategically with select firms providing consulting and mentoring services enabling them to succeed as suppliers to corporations, governments and non-profits.
Mr. Benjamin served for more than a decade as President of the Massachusetts Community Development Finance Corporation, which provides financing to small businesses and real estate projects in underserved communities.
His career in law and economic development also includes serving as General Counsel and Vice President for Economic Development at Lena Park Community Development Corporation where he managed the development of nearly 290 units of housing.
Mr. Benjamin is a Trustee to the Dedham Institution for Savings and serves on the Board for MetroLacrosse. He served as Overseer to the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Trustee of Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary.
Aida Franquiz – Nominated by DotWell
Aida R. Franquiz is a Vice President and Community Investment Officer at Boston Private Bank & Trust Company, where she is responsible for coordination in the areas of mortgage lending and economic literacy relating to the CRA initiative. Ms. Franquiz has been nominated for her significant commitment to supporting the economic success of low- to moderate-income families, and her special focus on assisting families with the first-time homebuying process.
Ms. Franquiz was appointed by Gov. Patrrick to MassHousing’s Housing Ownership Advisory Committee. Among her many affiliations, Ms. Franquiz has been involved with CHAPA’s Homeownership Collaborative since its inception, serves on the board of the Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation, and participates in the Boston EITC Program. She regularly teaches personal finance courses to clients of dozens of area nonprofits organizations.
Born in Puerto Rico and now a Newton resident, Ms. Franquiz holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Massachusetts.
Michael Haroz - Nominated by Goulston & Storrs
Michael Haroz is a Director at Goulston & Storrs, a major Boston law firm. Mr. Haroz has been with the firm for 30 years and previously worked for Greater Boston Legal Services. During his tenure at Goulston Michael has combined his work on major real estate and business transactions with representation of many of the firm's pro bono clients and contribution to the firm's long-standing commitment to community service. These projects have ranged from development of community centers and affordable housing in Boston and helping international human rights groups. Michael is a long-time member of the firm's Pro Bono Committee and a former Managing Attorney of the firm.
Michael currently serves on the Board of The Family Center and is an active volunteer with the International Senior Lawyers Project and the American Bar Association's International Legal Resource Center. He received his Bachelor of Arts cum laude from Princeton University and his law degree from Harvard University.
Robert Hildreth – Nominated by Compare Supermarket in Lynn
Bob Hildreth is the founder and Executive Director of FUEL (Families United in Educational Leadership). Mr. Hildreth has been nominated for his extensive commitment to the education of underserved populations.
Following a career in Latin American finance, Mr. Hildreth became an active philanthropist, and has received many awards for his efforts. Coming from a family of educators, he focused his energies on education reform in the US. Mr. Hildreth turned to his financial background to create a matching savings program that became the basis for FUEL, which currently has programs in Lynn and Chelsea, and plans to expand to Boston. He is a dedicated supporter of educational institutions. In addition to co-founding La Vida, Inc., an after-school program in Lynn, he joined with Boston University to build the Early Childhood Learning Center in Chelsea.
Mr. Hildreth holds degrees from Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University and George Washington University.
Martha Lewis – Nominated by North Suburban YMCA
Martha Lewis is a strong volunteer leader. When she sees a problem, she responds. Martha serves on the North Suburban YMCA board and is always willing to offer a helping hand when needed. Martha’s late husband, Steve Lewis was from a third generation “Y” family and was very active as a Master Swimmer. Steve had Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Steve, with Martha’s help, also served on the North Suburban YMCA board and was instrumental in the Y’s decision to add a Zero-entry pool, which gives people with physical challenges access to swimming. He decided that the best way to help people struggling with ALS was to advocate for legislation. Steve and Martha developed effective 2 minute elevator talks and they worked hard to advocate for research funding.
Martha is now the Advocacy Chair on the ALS Board. Martha’s work with ALS was the catalyst for her involvement with the Adult Onset Disabilities Alliance which is an adult advocacy and awareness group that helps people struggling with Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, paralyzed veterans, and people with spinal cord injuries. They have found that patients and families of people with Adult Onset Disabilities have similar needs including independent living and home care, access to public buildings and health insurance. In addition to Martha’s board and advocacy work, she is a member of Sounds of Grace, formed when Lynne Rahnier felt that the group of women who gathered regularly at her home to sing could benefit from a purpose. From this Sounds of Grace was born. They found music is very healing for families and those in hospice care. They sing at nursing homes, memorial services and hospice situations. A true leader is someone who sees a need and does something about it instead of hoping someone else will find an answer. Martha is a role model for us all.
Juan Vega - Nominated by Compare Supermarket in Chelsea
Juan R.Vega is President & CEO of Centro Latino, Inc., a direct service organization that helps Latinos and immigrants achieve their health, education, and social well-being goals. He has been nominated for his dedication to civic engagement and community development issues for over 20 years.
Mr. Vega has successfully directed the growth of Centro into one of the state’s largest Latino-directed human service organizations. Just prior to Centro Latino, Juan worked at the TEAM Education Fund coordinating community outreach efforts on state tax and budget policies. Mr. Vega also served 4 terms on the Chelsea City Council, and was selected to serve as Council President. He serves on many other boards and committees, and is a recipient of a Barr Foundation Fellowship.
Juan’s family came to Chelsea from Puerto Rico in the early 1960s. He currently resides in the city, where he and his wife Carolyn are raising four young children.
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