social capital noun. the value of our social networks & relationships

2022 SCI Social Capitalist Luncheon & Idealist Awards

Click here for more information on our 2023 events!

Community Collaboration Lunch & Learn: Thursday, March 30th, 12:00pm-1:30pm @ District Hall, Boston (program will also be presented virtually)

SCI Idealist Award Reception: Thursday, May 4th, 4:30-7:30 @ District Hall, Boston (program will also be presented virtually)

SCI’s annual luncheon honors individuals who exemplify our mission. The SCI Idealist Award is presented to leaders who dedicate their lives and engage their social capital to address some of the most pressing needs in our communities. Typically held at a hotel in Downtown Boston as a single event with some 250 business and community leaders, the 2022 Luncheon consisted of two virtual events, followed by an in-person Award Reception at District Hall, Boston.

The 2022 Social Capitalist Luncheon Series

Thank you to the generous sponsors that supported our 2022 Luncheon Series!

It was so wonderful to be back in a room full of Social Capitalists at the in-person Award Reception on Thursday, May 19th!

It was the first time we have been able to have an in-person version of this event since 2019, and it was incredible! If you didn’t have the chance to join us virtually, you can view much of the program on our YouTube channel!

Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, attendees, and donors, we raised over $80,000 to support SCI’s mission!

Idealist Awards

The SCI Idealist Award is presented annually to leaders who dedicate their lives and leverage their social capital to address some of the most pressing needs in our community. A virtual program featured the presentation of the 2022 SCI Idealist Award to Juan Fernando Lopera, Makeeba McCreary, and James Morton, and then we celebrated with an evening reception.

Connect for Community Impact

A program that included the presentation of the “Connect for Community Impact”, sponsored by Eastern Bank. The City of Salem was selected for this year’s Connect for Community Impact Award. The Award Presentation was followed by a panel discussion on topics related to business & community collaboration to create healthy and equitable communities.

Moderated by Bob Rivers, CEO of Eastern Bank, the panelists for this discussion were Kim Driscoll– Mayor, City of Salem, Betty Francisco,- entrepreneur, business executive, attorney and community leader, Dr. Patrick Tutwiler– Superintendent Lynn Public Schools, and Gladys Vega, Executive Director, La Colaborativa. View the full presentation and panel!

The 2022 SCI Idealists

Juan Fernando Lopera, Beth Israel Lahey Health’s inaugural Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, leading the system’s efforts to transform care delivery for the underserved, while establishing diversity, equity and inclusion capabilities across the system.

Dr. Makeeba McCreary is the President of the New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund, which will support eligible nonprofit organizations and to build an ecosystem of area leaders and stakeholders committed to dismantling systemic racism in Boston and across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

James Morton serves as the President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston, one of the largest private social services providers in Massachusetts, offering programs and services that nurture the potential of every child and teen, supporting healthy living and well-being, and promoting social responsibility.

The 2022 Connect for Community Impact Award

The City of Salem, under the leadership of Mayor Kim Driscoll along with many outstanding community partners, has been selected for this year’s Connect for Community Impact Award, presented by Eastern Bank. This award has been presented annually since 2016, recognizing cities that effectively collaborate across diverse sectors and constituencies to create a thriving community for all. 

“During her past 16 years as Mayor, Kim Driscoll has shaped Salem into The Commonwealth’s “model Gateway City” through strong fiscal discipline, inclusive economic development, and a commitment to progressive values. Mayor Driscoll is a true social capitalist, building and leveraging relationships with like-minded collaborators throughout Massachusetts, bringing the very best ideas and initiatives to her city.” -Bob Rivers, CEO, Eastern Bank