Spring 2023 News & Updates
TPZ: Community-Based Organization of 2023
The Possible Zone (TPZ) was presented with the Community-Based Organization of the Year 2023 award from Three Squares Main Street in partnership with the City of Boston and Main Street America, during the business and community association’s annual gathering in Jamaica Plain in early June.
“Through their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication, The Possible Zone has become a shining example of what a community-based organization can achieve,” Three Squares Main Street shared in its nomination. “Their commitment to empowering individuals and creating a welcoming space for all is truly inspiring. It is with great enthusiasm that we nominate The Possible Zone as the Community-based Organization of 2023.”
Mark Levin, Working Chair; Juan-Carlos Ferrufino, Senior Director of Community Engagement; and Sean O’Rourke, Director of Fellowships & Entreprises, were on hand at the celebration to accept the award on behalf of TPZ from Warren Williams, Executive Director of Three Squares Main Street.
“The Possible Zone is strengthened by our community ecosystem and partners who are committed to our mission,” said Juan-Carlos Ferrufino. “We’re excited to expand opportunities for our students and alumni through meaningful collaborations with Warren, Three Squares Main Street, and small businesses that help make Jamaica Plain the vibrant community that it is.”
Three Squares Main Street, accredited by Main Street America, affects community pride; develops strategies to grow the macroeconomy; beautifies the district along Centre Street in Jackson, Hyde, and Canary Squares in Jamaica Plain; and leverages human and financial resources to grow its impact. Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
TPZ Students Explore Universal Design
High school students from Boston Public Schools designed and fabricated multimodal exhibitions informed by Universal Design principles and clients with different accessibility considerations during TPZ’s April vacation-week Deep Dive. Students engaged with soundboard recording and sound engineering; multilingual instruction; tactile materials (for sensory learners); CNC machining; laser cutting; 3D printing; Braille; Electronics; and more. This experience was a partnership between The Possible Zone and the University of Colorado’s Build a Better Book project.
View video highlights of this April Deep Dive.
Venture Fellows Art & Fashion Show
The Possible Zone (TPZ) was illuminated by the vibrant and inspired creations of three alumni during an Art & Fashion Show held on May 24th at the nonprofit’s Innovation Center in Jackson Square. The fundraising celebration of learning showcased the dreams realized of the inaugural cohort of Venture Fellows—TPZ alumni Jaleel “Draws” Davis, founder of a custom portrait business; Joshua Elysee, co-founder with Leonardo Paul of JefeByJefe, a high-end streetwear clothing brand; and Sean Hargrove, founder of Dorsey Atelier, a cut-and-sew fashion brand.
Guests heard about the research-informed Eship programming, enjoyed the powerful runway show, watched Jaleel Davis paint during the reception, networked in the Fellows’ Boutique, and heard reflections from TPZ alum and Recruitment Associate Johny Duoyon. They also enjoyed talking with three Boston Public high school students who shared highlights from their ongoing TPZ journeys.
Generous sponsors of the Art & Fashion Show not only made the event special, but also partner with TPZ in its vision. Presenting Sponsors were: The Boger Family Foundation and Amy & Joshua Boger and John and Christine Maraganore. Emerging Artist Sponsors were: Pearl360 Partners and Robert Kamen and Trudi Veldman. Venture Fellowship Friends were: Alnylam; Andersen Tax; Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP; Goldman Sachs / Jim Donovan; Barry Greene; and J.P. Morgan Private Bank.
EdWeek Blog: Schools & the ‘Future Economy’
Meg Riordan, TPZ Chief Learning Officer, wrote a blog published June 7, 2023, in EdWeek, focused on Schools and the ‘Future’ Economy.’ Meg explores ways to prepare all young people, including those with historically the least opportunity, to enter the future economy with the skills, confidence, and readiness to shape their own futures—by leveraging industry partnerships and by sharing and scaling effective practices.
Read the blog online.
ALUMNI CORNER: Resume Review & Interview Prep
The Possible Zone is here to support alumni with resume reviews and interview preparation. If you’re a TPZ alum interested in getting some help with your resume or practicing for an interview, please email Joanna Sanborn or sign up for a meeting here.
Join the TPZ Team
TPZ is growing and looking for new staff to join our team! We are currently hiring for a number of key roles, including:
EDUCATOR ADVISOR
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
CODING EDUCATION TECHNICIAN
CONTROLLER
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT
ELECTRONICS EDUCATION TECHNICIAN
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS ADMINISTRATOR
FAB LAB MANAGER
FRONT END DEVELOPER (DATA COLLECTION APPLICATIONS)
GARMENT/TEXTILE EDUCATION TECHNICIAN
OPERATIONS MANAGER
PROGRAM-OPERATIONS MANAGER
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER (SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM)
WOODSHOP AND CNC MACHINING EDUCATION TECHNICIAN