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Today, we are honored to highlight one of our chapter’s most devoted and inspiring members, Jeanne Richardson! ✨ Jeanne currently serves as our Clerk and Communications Chair, but her relationship with the Greater Boston Association of Black Social Workers (GBABSW) spans decades. Her dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on our chapter and the broader community. 🙌🏾
As an elder in our chapter, Jeanne embodies the spirit of Sankofa—the concept of looking back to retrieve wisdom from the past to inform our future. Jeanne bridges generations, offering her wealth of knowledge and experiences to guide the next generation of leaders. She quietly encourages new members, especially young professionals and students, sparking a fire in them to tap into their leadership potential and step into roles of responsibility within the chapter and the community. 💪🏾 In her mentorship, Jeanne lives out the Sankofa principle: we move forward by learning from those who came before us.
Despite being an avid traveler and agent 🌍✈️—often in another country—Jeanne’s commitment to GBABSW never waivers. You might even get a midnight text from her, planning for the chapter event while she’s across the globe! 😄📲 Her dedication knows no borders, and we are so thankful for her ability to stay connected and engaged, no matter where she is.
Here are just a few reasons why Jeanne was nominated for this spotlight:
✨ She joined the Boston Chapter in 1978, was GBABSW President from 1986-1989, and President of the New England Regional Chapters from 1981-1990. Jeanne has been at the forefront of leadership, guiding the chapter’s growth and success.
✨ Jeanne has been a loving mentor to countless young members, bridging the gap between the wisdom of our pioneers and the innovation of the younger generation.
✨ She’s chaired and served on numerous committees, including finance, special events, membership, archives, and co-chaired the education committee for a decade!
✨ Jeanne was instrumental in bringing the NABSW National Conference to Boston in the 1980s and led several regional conferences.
✨ She’s served on the Massachusetts Social Work Board of Registration, shaping the future of social work through her leadership and review of audits.
✨ Jeanne organized the NABSW International Conference Cruise and spearheaded the creation of the Elder reunions, ensuring the wisdom of our senior members is celebrated and shared. 🎊🛳️
✨ Most recently, Jeanne received the WBG Susana Brown Award at the Connectivity Summit, recognizing her outstanding work and lifelong commitment to social justice, leadership, and service. 🏆
Whether welcoming new members or working behind the scenes, her presence is a constant source of inspiration.
To Jeanne, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your wisdom, insight, and tireless dedication continue to inspire us, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you in our chapter. 🌸
Congratulations Jeanne!!! Well-deserved recognition as one of the longest serving leaders of GBABSW! We appreciate you!!!