Urban College Celebrates the Launch of The Foundation Committee

On September 9, 2025, Urban College of Boston celebrated the launch of the Urban College Foundation Committee, an initiative to support Urban College’s fundraising efforts and overall mission. Hosted at HYM in Boston, the event brought together around 60 community leaders, donors, alumni, trustees, students and faculty, all committed to championing the mission of expanding higher education for nontraditional and multilingual learners. 

Urban College President Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández spoke about why the College created this new committee. “Unlike many four-year institutions, two-year colleges like ours—serving nontraditional students—don’t benefit from deep-pocketed alumni or inherited networks,” she said. “That’s why we created the Foundation Committee: to close the historic funding gap and ensure our students have the financial support to focus fully on their education. We are launching this effort from a position of strength and with a clear purpose—to empower students to show up, excel, and graduate without the burden of financial insecurity.”

Why the Foundation Committee Matters

Urban College has reached a pivotal moment in its history and mission. Founded more than 30 years ago to serve students overlooked by traditional higher education, the College has grown to serve over 1,100 students—92% of whom identify as people of color and more than 70% of whom speak a language other than English at home. While its student diversity makes Urban College a vital part of Boston’s educational and workforce systems, it also means the students the College serves often face economic and social barriers that make pursuing higher education more challenging.

The Foundation Committee seeks to change that reality. Assembled by Dr. Salomon-Fernández, the Committee includes respected leaders from across the greater Boston area who bring both philanthropic commitment and their professional networks. Together, they are aiming to raise $750,000 in the 2025–2026 academic year, with a goal of $150,000 by the end of December 2025. 

The College plans to use the funds to launch an emergency support program for students facing unforeseen financial challenges and create the foundation of an endowment fund to ensure the College’s long-term stability.

Boston Leaders Stepping Up

The Foundation Committee includes ten inaugural members, each representing a unique contribution to Boston’s civic, business, and philanthropic landscape: 

  • Tom O’Brien; CEO, HYM Investment Group (Chair); 

  • Nivia Piña-Medina; owner, Tres Islas Restaurant Group Corporation (Vice Chair);

  • Darrell Byers; CEO, Byers & Associates (Treasurer);

  • Peter Ebb, Esq.; retired partner, Ropes & Gray LLP (Secretary);

  • The Honorable Martin “Marty” J. Walsh; executive director, National Hockey League Players Association; former Boston Mayor and former U.S. Secretary of Labor 

  • Miriam Crispo; managing partner TMG Marketing; 

  • Dr. Connee Counts; Professor Emerita, Lesley University; 

  • Kristin McGurn, Esq.; Partner, Labor & Employment, Seyfarth

  • Robert Clark Williams, Jr.; Founder & CEO, Executive Strategies, LLC.

Tom O’Brien spoke at the event, emphasizing the committee’s broader purpose: “Our goal is to strengthen the College’s financial stability and broad network, ensuring we meet the diverse needs of our students. This effort is not just about financial support; it’s about creating pathways and opportunities for success.”

Committee member Nivia Piña-Medina, reflecting on her own experience as an adult learner and immigrant, underscored how vital representation is for student confidence and success: “It’s invaluable to learn in an environment where you see role models who resemble you and understand your journey.”

Adding to the day’s excitement, Dr. Connee Counts announced a $100,000 matching challenge gift—the first of its kind for Urban College—to help inspire others to contribute toward the committee’s overall target this year.

Student Ambassador Spotlight

The commitment of Urban College’s Foundation Committee to expanding opportunity and supporting nontraditional learners was brought to life by student ambassador Gabriella Reyes, who opened the afternoon portion of the event by sharing her own story. 

Gabriella is a mother, human services professional, and president of the College’s Student Government Association. Like many of her peers, she faced the challenge of becoming a parent early in life and balancing caregiving with education and career goals. Last summer, she earned her certificate and immediately enrolled in an Associate degree program at Urban College. As she builds her career in human services, she is focused on empowering others to achieve their dreams.

Former Mayor Marty Walsh echoed this sentiment, stating, “Urban College is more than just a school; it’s a supportive community where diverse backgrounds are not barriers but strengths. It’s our job to create opportunities and open doors for everyone.”

Looking Toward a Strong Future

The launch of the Foundation Committee represents more than fundraising. It underscores Urban College’s commitment to long-term stability and student success. 

Urban College students represent Boston’s future workforce, and with the support of the Committee’s leaders, the College is building not only for today, but for the decades ahead.

The positive energy from the Foundation Committee’s launch is a reminder that Urban College’s story is one of community, possibility, and hope. And now, with the invitation to join Dr. Counts’ $100,000 contribution challenge, that story is one the Boston community can help write together, ensuring more students like Gabriella Reyes have the opportunity to transform their lives through education.

Arianna Valle