Introducing the 2025 SCI Rising Idealist!

The SCI Rising Idealist is an emerging leader in Greater Boston who prioritizes authentic relationship building in their communities and has played a leadership role in one or more community initiatives bringing people together and building bridges to create thriving, inclusive communities.

Additionally, the Rising Idealist has not yet received significant recognition for their efforts and has shown commitment to SCI values

Kabir Anand

Kabir Anand is a junior at Natick High School and a co-founder and the president of ServeNatick. ServeNatick connects the Greater Boston community through meaningful service and engagement, turning neighbors into changemakers.

Kabir has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to community service through his leadership of ServeNatick. Alongside his team, he builds partnerships, organizes events, and continually improves the platform to maximize its impact. Kabir didn’t just create something impactful—he overcame doubt, put in the work, and turned an idea into a movement.

Nominated by Tyler Fernandes

SCI initially connected with Kabir when he reached our about sharing their event on the SCI Cultivating Connections podcast! Hear more about Kabir and ServeNatick on our website or wherever you get your podcasts!

2025 SCI Rising Idealist Finalists

The impressive and inspiring pool of nominees made the final choice quite a challenge for the Selection Committee! We will recognize all of our incredible finalists as a part of our event to thank them for all they do to cultivate connections and strengthen communities!

Molly Kazan serves as the Engagement Manager for the Center for Combating Antisemitism (CCA) initiative, a recently established center within the Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP). In her role at the CCA, Molly works on supporting hyperlocal interfaith initiatives, like “Lexington United Against Antisemitism,” which provides opportunities for non-Jewish allies to engage in bridge building work.

Amanda Shabowich is Director of Youth and Young Adult Pathways at United Way of Massachusetts Bay, where she is the lead project manager for New Way Forward Partners in United Way’s Focus Communities. Amanda has supported a cohort of young people during her time at United Way to focus on how young people in Boston think about mental health, resources they currently employ, and what they’re wanting when it comes to support. In all of her work within and outside of United Way, Amanda works to ensure that she can use her social capital to be inclusive of community voices that may not always be heard.

Gretchen Pollard-Ramos has a 25-year career history as a Special Education teacher with time spent at Joyce Middle School, Lowell High School, Melrose Middle School and her current position at Woburn High School. Ms. Pollard-Ramos demonstrates a remarkable ability to mobilize social capital for the benefit of the LGBTQ+ community. Beyond specific projects, she consistently cultivates a sense of unity across generations of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. She strengthens the social fabric, ensuring sustained support and visibility for the community.

Armani White is the Founder and CEO of Reclaim Roxbury, a grassroots organization that has redefined community-led development by ensuring public land is used for public good. Because of this work he started 10 years ago, Roxbury has identified 40 acres of public land for development of affordable housing, which is bringing $2.2 billion in investment for the neighborhood—all while upholding strict and ambitious community standards that require affordable housing levels 6–7 times higher than the minimums set in other Boston neighborhoods (69-70% vs 7-11% in some neighborhoods). Under White’s leadership, Reclaim Roxbury continue to lead community programming on civic engagement including local community development, voter registration, access to affordable housing, pandemic relief, and more.

Thank you to the Selection Committee!

Jen Mahon
Neil Cudmore
Wilmer Quinones-Melo
Amanda Richardson
Lew Sabbag
Valery Verdier
Jessica (Jay) Wong