Denella J. Clark Shares Her Leadership Journey: Boston Arts Academy Foundation, Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and the Need for Advocacy
“I am the first Black woman to chair the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of women in its history.” Today’s woman dreamer Denella J Clark is the President of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation. A proud Jamaican Immigrant and female activist, Denella started her career in the fashion world, studying at FIT, before she discovered her passion for nonprofits. She believes strongly that all young people must be given the opportunities they deserve to live the life they imagine. She states, “The biggest thing I have learned is that the things you would expect in 2022 to be laws are NOT laws. I see a space where I can advocate for change, for laws that protect all people – women in particular.” A multi-faceted leader, Denella is a true “Women Who Win! Enjoy her story!
You are an inspiring female activist and leader. You studied at FIT, and then pursued your career in policy and education, currently the President of BAA Foundation. Tell us about your career journey. How did you know you wanted to switch from fashion to policy/advocacy?
I graduated high school at age 16 and like many other young people thought I wanted to go into fashion, prompting my study at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. I returned home and worked for Jordan Marsh (now Macy’s) and quickly decided that while I love fashion it just wasn’t going to be a career for me. Thus, in 1988, I took a job at Boston Children’s Hospital and that’s where I discovered my passion for philanthropy. For the first time, I was exposed to the world of nonprofits and the true meaning of mission and giving back. When I went on to lead the employee recognition programs at Partners Healthcare at the time when Mass General merged with Brigham, I discovered a joy for planning parties with a purpose. This solidified my decision to dedicate my life mission to giving back.
My life’s ministry and life’s work is to raise money for philanthropic purposes or political candidates, for public good. I have dedicated over 30 years to the philanthropic sector through my work giving back and in nonprofit management.
2. I have always worked for nonprofits, and exceptional organizations.
Now I currently serve as the President and CEO of Boston Arts Academy Foundation, an independent 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that secures essential private funding that supports Boston Arts Academy, the city’s only public high school for the visual and performing arts. 84% of the school’s students identify as Black or Latinx and most students come from low-income families. I believe that all Boston students, especially those talented in the arts, deserve equitable access to opportunity. That’s why over the last five years, I have led the effort to raise close to $20 million as part of a $32 million comprehensive campaign. This work creates critically important opportunities for the deserving students in the community to help them create the life they imagine for themselves.
3. You are the first black woman elected to chair the Mass Commission for the Status of Women, serving in the role since 2016. What were some key learnings you had from the commission?
I was first elected to the Commission in 2015, appointed as Chairwomen in 2016, reappointed in 2018, and reappointed 2021 by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. I am the first Black woman to chair the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of women in its history.
I have learned, through my leadership position, the real need for advocacy to promote women and people of color across the Commonwealth. I have also learned the importance of providing a permanent and effective voice for the women of Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Commission on for the Status of Women is a state-established body charged with reviewing the status of women in Massachusetts and offering recommendations regarding policy that would improve access to opportunities and equality.
The biggest thing I have learned is that the things you would expect in 2022 to be laws are not laws. I see a space where I can advocate for change, for laws that protect all people – women in particular. The Governor recently addressed when he delivered his State of the Commonwealth. He noted the loopholes that threaten our public safety. For example, the current state law does not protect women from their abusers. Massachusetts is one of only two states that not treating the sharing of lewd pictures on the internet as a crime. Women deserve to be heard and protected on this issue by legislation.
I am proud that Massachusetts signed the pay equity bill into law in August 2016 and that the law went into effect in 2018. However, three years later pay equity is not a reality and the gap for Black and Latina women has widened.
I am passionate about my role with the Commission as an advocate for the needs of women in our Commonwealth. I am the first women of color to lead the Commission and I am confident that my leadership and vision will significantly advance equitable access to opportunities for all women and girls.
4. How can Massachusetts better empower its women? What are some women’s causes you believe we should focus on as a state?
When I immigrated to Boston from Jamaica, it became clear to me early on that women were not being treated equitably in the Commonwealth. Even since the pay equity law took effect, pay equity is not a reality. Massachusetts needs to focus on making pay equity a priority as well as protecting women and preventing and prosecuting domestic violence in all forms.
In addition, I believe that all students, especially those talented in the arts, deserve equitable access to opportunity. That’s why over the last five years, I have led the effort to raise close to $20 million as part of a $32 million comprehensive campaign for Boston Arts Academy Foundation. This work creates critically important opportunities for the deserving students, and young girls, in the community to help them create the life they imagine for themselves.
5. As the platform for women dreamers, what is your next big dream?
I am steadfast in my dedication to justice, representation, and inclusion for all residents. I will continue to work toward my dream of a more just and equitable Commonwealth for all.
Thank you Denella for sharing your inspiring story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!
Bio: Ms. Clark is a proud Jamaican immigrant and Boston, MA resident. She has more than 30 years of experience with managing nonprofits in the arts education, academic medicine, youth development and human services sectors.
Ms. Clark currently serves as President and CEO of Boston Arts Academy Foundation In April 2016, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker appointed Ms. Clark to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. Ms. Clark has served on numerous Boards and is currently a Trustee at Fontbonne Academy, an all-girls private high school and her daughter’s alma-mater. Ms. Clark also has served on former Mayor Marty Walsh’s City of Boston Racial Equity Committee, Mayor Janey’s Executive Transition Committee, and as Co-Chair of Mayor Janey’s Campaign. She serves on NBC Universal Community Council, is a member of Massachusetts Women’s Forum, a Director at the National Association of Commissions on the Status of Women, and a lifetime member of the NAACP.
Ms. Clark has written on DEI, has received numerous awards including “one of the 100 Most Influential Women of Color in Massachusetts”, Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, NAACP, Partners HealthCare among others. She recently earned a certificate in Non-Profit Management from the Harvard Business School. Of her many titles, the one she is most proud of is Mommy-in-Chief! Ms. Clark is the proud mother of a son and daughter, is an avid reader, world traveler, political junkie and loves fashion.