Erin McAleer
Erin McAleer, MSW, is the President and CEO of Project Bread, Massachusetts’ only statewide food security organization. Under her leadership since 2017, Project Bread has expanded significantly, doubling its budget to $13.3M and growing to 85+ employees. She has led transformative initiatives, including launching the Health Care Partnerships program and expanding advocacy, research, and community engagement efforts.
Erin played a pivotal role in securing permanent Free School Meals for All in Massachusetts and passing key legislation like Breakfast After the Bell. She was invited to consult at the White House Conference on Hunger and appointed to the Massachusetts Commission on Poverty as co-chair of the Access Working Group.
A dedicated advocate for equity, Erin led Project Bread through Inclusion Boston dialogues and developed an organizational action plan to ensure justice-centered programs and workplace inclusivity. Her leadership has earned Project Bread recognition as the best place to work by the Boston Globe and Boston Business Journal.
Erin has been honored as Nonprofit Professional of the Year (2023) and Bostonian of the Year (2020). She holds an MSW from Boston College and a BA from College of the Holy Cross.
Advocacy is a powerful tool for driving systems change, yet many organizations—especially those newer to advocacy—struggle with where to begin, how to build sustainable advocacy efforts, and how to navigate socio-political challenges. This session will provide actionable strategies for developing effective, equity-driven advocacy agendas while addressing real-time issues that affect policy, funding, and systemic reform.
Panelists from diverse sectors will share how they have strategically mobilized advocacy efforts to drive policy and structural change. Attendees will leave feeling informed, empowered, and equipped to refine their own advocacy strategies in alignment with their mission and communities.
Please choose one session per 1:45pm time slot.
Moderator: Catherine T. Morris, Director of Arts & Creativity, The Boston Foundation also the Founder and Executive Director of Boston Art & Music Soul (BAMS) Fest
Panel: Emily Ruddock, Executive Director, MASSCreative, and Erin McAleer, President & CEO, Project Bread
Speakers: Catherine T. Morris, Erin McAleer, Emily Ruddock
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