The stories in this section are speeches given during PBHA's 120th anniversary celebration, offering powerful reflections from alumni who have shaped the organization over the years. From navigating the challenges of a pandemic to advocating for social justice, these talks highlight the enduring spirit of service, leadership, and community that defines PBHA.

Read about Remi Cruz's inspiring journey from a Puerto Rican student facing cultural shock at Harvard to founding the Keylatch program, with pivotal support from community leaders like Greg Johnson and lifelong friend and activist Jorge Palmarin.

Dive into Meherina Khan and Farah Afify’s inspiring leadership journey through the challenges of the pandemic, from nurturing a virtual community garden to rebuilding PBHA’s in-person operations, and the lessons they learned about trust, resilience, and collective care.

Explore Ian Simmons' pivotal role in the Harvard Living Wage Campaign, where student activism, powerful storytelling, and grassroots organizing led to a historic victory for fair wages and social justice at the university.

Read about Van Le’s powerful reflection on his journey from a Vietnamese refugee to a leader in youth enrichment, sharing how his work with the Cambridge Youth Enrichment Program helped meet the moment for refugee children and created lasting community change.

A number of PBHA alumni have dedicated their careers to philanthropy, channeling their passion for social change into strategic efforts that support underserved communities and causes. From initiatives aimed at preserving public service opportunities to pioneering innovative approaches to community investment, these alumni work tirelessly to ensure that resources are allocated to those in need. Through their leadership, they exemplify the transformative power of giving and the enduring impact of thoughtful, mission-driven philanthropy. These stories showcase how alumni continue to advance the common good and inspire future generations of changemakers.

Explore Darin McKeever’s early journey as a co-founder of Heads Up: a University Initiative after graduating from the College.

Jump into a bit of Arnold Hiatt’s backstory and motivations into his life-long commitment to philanthropic causes such as the Stride Rite program.

Explore Priscilla Chan’s experiences in FASE and how undergraduate public service and her upbringing inspired her to support low income public servants.

Dive into the professional accolades of Richard Buery, Jr, the founder of PBHA’s Mission Hill Summer Program.

Many PBHA alumni carry the values of service, justice, and community impact forward into their nonprofit careers, with some taking their passion to new heights by founding their own nonprofit organizations. These leaders, driven by a commitment to social change, have shaped fields ranging from youth empowerment and education to healthcare, conflict resolution, and beyond. In this series, we highlight a diverse group of PBHA alumni who have not only pursued their dedication to public service but have built organizations that are making tangible, lasting change. Their stories reflect the spirit of innovation, resilience, and leadership nurtured through PBHA, and continue to inspire future generations of social entrepreneurs.

Did you know Roger Baldwin began his public service career at PBHA? Learn about his legacy as a co-founder to ACLU here.

Read about how Francis Thompkins’s deep commitment to public service extended from PBHA leadership into a career helping students thrive.

Learn about the incredible strides Sarah Lockridge-Steckel made in developing her nonprofit, The Collective Blueprint, after directing Franklin I-O and more.

Jump into how Eric Dawson founded PBHA’s Peace Games and how he transformed the program from a simple celebration of community into a year-long conflict-resolution curriculum implemented nationally.

Peruse the story of how Lindsey Hyde began Strong Women Strong Girls at PBHA and its continued impact today.

Explore how Christi Tran’s extensive engagement with PBHA as a volunteer and officer transformed into a lifelong career in nonprofit expertise.

Jump into how Carolyn Chou, former PBHA president and dedicated volunteer, continues to impact Boston communities through work in the nonprofit sector.

Discover how Kwame Owusu-Kesse’s journey from CYEP volunteer to CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone is helping transform the fight against poverty.

Many of our alumni carry the lessons and values they learned through PBHA into their careers in healthcare—whether in medical academia and research, clinical practice, nursing, or healthcare innovation. In this series, we spotlight a diverse group of PBHA alumni who have dedicated their careers to advancing the wellbeing of others, making a lasting impact in communities around the world. Their stories highlight the power of combining compassion, innovation, and service, demonstrating how PBHA’s commitment to social justice and community service continues to shape leaders in the healthcare field.