Story #87: Carol Losos and the Power of Art Using Glass
Carol Losos ‘88's journey began at PBHA, where her commitment to nonprofit work blossomed. It was here that she learned essential leadership skills and developed a deep sense of empathy, engaging with diverse communities and understanding the transformative potential of art and education. Carol credits PBHA—particularly her experience tutoring in Cambridge’s housing projects—as a critical influence in her life, as it allowed her to discover her voice and embrace her values of service and responsibility, shaping her career path in a profound way.
In PBHA’s 2023 Alumni Survey, Losos shared:
“PBHA was my extracurricular. It's where I was most comfortable discovering myself and learning to speak out.”
Following her graduation, Carol channeled her passion for the arts into a successful career in cultural organizations. She has directed and developed programs that promote access and opportunity, emphasizing the power of the arts to change lives. Currently, as the Executive Director of GlassRoots, a Newark-based glass arts center, Carol leads efforts to ignite creativity and inspire confidence in youth and young adults. GlassRoots is a nonprofit organization that uses the art of glassmaking to empower individuals and communities, particularly youth and young adults, by fostering creativity and building essential life skills. Through hands-on programs and workshops, GlassRoots ignites personal growth and community transformation, demonstrating the profound impact of art on social and economic vitality. Her work at GlassRoots embodies her belief that art can serve as a catalyst for personal and community transformation.
“PBHA directly influenced my choice of careers. Academically I studied art history—one of my passions. But volunteering, learning leadership, and seeing the work of nonprofit professionals showed me a way to combine arts and education”
At GlassRoots, she emphasizes the importance of inclusion and respect for individuality, recognizing that each person's unique journey can contribute to a larger narrative of change. By harnessing the transformative power of the arts, she continues to make a meaningful impact on both the lives of individuals and the broader community, demonstrating how creativity and empathy can pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
“PBHA taught me empathy. When I have not been employed full time it was important that I work in a volunteer capacity—engaging in my community.”
PBHA is endlessly proud of Losos for creatively intersecting for passions for arts with community engagement.
Learn more about GlassRoots here.
Carol Losos (right).
Photo from PBHA event, 2002.
