Story #85: Jen Mergel, Advocate for Art and Culture, and Her Lifelong Friendship with BRYE Student

Jen Mergel ‘98 is a dedicated cultural leader, curator, and educator focused on building connections between art and communities. With over 20 years of experience, she has championed inclusive engagement with contemporary art across museums, campuses, and public spaces. Her notable work includes developing acclaimed exhibitions at institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Institute of Contemporary Art. A Boston native, Jen is passionate about supporting culture makers and change agents who promote social justice. She has recently served as the inaugural Director of Experience & Cultural Partnerships for the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and as Senior Advisor for Parks Equity. In June 2023, she became the James & Audrey Foster Executive Director of the Esplanade Association, where she continues her commitment to enhancing cultural experiences in the community.

Born and raised in Dorchester, Mergel participated in both BRYE’s (Boston Refugee Youth Enrichment) summer program and its academic year big sibling program. After graduation, she traveled to Vietnam with her big sibling family, and has kept in touch over the years. The student she mentored in 1996 is now her optometrist, and she even attended her sister’s engagement party this summer!

“BRYE and PBHA have truly forged lifelong bonds and made significant academic and professional impacts on my mentees.”

Mergel attributes much of her passions for art and culture to her experiences at PBHA.

“Today, I work on equity-based cultural partnerships in public parks, and collaborate with many different types of stakeholders. I would not be able to enter this space with comfort —especially during Covid—without my early experience at PBHA.”

Mergel also shared a major learning experience for her at PBHA:

“I certainly learned the value of mentorship—of self-assessing one’s impact through OTHERS’ achievements, not my own.”

PBHA is incredibly proud of alumni like Jen Mergel, who blend their passions with advocacy and community engagement. Thank you, Jen, for your dedication to bridging disparities in art access and for championing inclusivity across diverse communities.

Read more about her work here.

Jen Mergel (left) with Gam Le and her husband.

Photo taken in Dorchester.