Meet
Adrianna Boulin
Meet Adrianna Boulin, our partner at Fenway Health.
Fenway Health traces its roots back to 1971 when passionate students gathered in a Northeastern University basement. Driven by the belief that healthcare services weren't meeting everyone's needs, they aimed to create a space where all could feel truly themselves.
Adrianna Boulin joined Fenway Health five and a half years ago, initially focusing on community engagement for clinical research studies. She soon realized the community's needs extended beyond research participation. Fenway Health's comprehensive services, including medical, dental, optometry, behavioral health, and public health programs, offered an opportunity to address these diverse needs holistically. Adrianna then transitioned to work on systemic and structural aspects of engagement and care before becoming the Director of Racial Equity, Social Justice, and Community Engagement.
Fenway Health created a comprehensive racial equity action plan, emphasizing its commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Following George Floyd's tragic killing in 2020, Fenway Health created a comprehensive racial equity action plan, emphasizing its commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Adrianna plays a central role in implementing and evaluating this plan, ensuring racial equity is integrated into every facet of the organization's operations.
Adrianna's community work extends beyond Fenway Health. She serves as the President of Boston Pride for the People, an organization celebrating Boston's LGBTQ+ community. Founded in 2020 amidst national racial injustice protests, the group aimed to center BIPOC LGBTQ+ experiences within the movement.
Boston Pride for the People is redefining Pride celebrations by prioritizing youth, trans and gender diverse individuals, and BIPOC participation in the parade. The organization has implemented criteria for sponsorships, prioritizing companies committed to diversity and inclusion. By refusing donations from companies with poor track records, they're sending a powerful message about genuine solidarity.
Adrianna's experiences with Fenway Health and Boston Pride for the People are interconnected. She describes Fenway Health as a place where authenticity thrives, providing her with valuable insights into organizational structure and management. In contrast, Boston Pride for the People represents "a blank slate," a startup with potential for innovation and creativity.
I'm the president, and you'll see my face, and I'll speak, but there's so much action happening by so many people for whom Pride means so much. That's why they're taking this time to create a space that cultivates a feeling of belonging for all.
As Adrianna reflects on her journey with both organizations, she acknowledges the dedicated volunteers contributing to their success. While she holds the title of President at Boston Pride for the People, Adrianna recognizes that true change is driven by collective efforts of passionate individuals working towards a common goal.
"I'm the president, and you'll see my face, and I'll speak, but there's so much action happening by so many people for whom Pride means so much. That's why they're taking this time to create a space that cultivates a feeling of belonging for all."
Whether navigating Fenway Health's established structures or Boston Pride for the People's uncharted territory, Adrianna's journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, collaboration, and community-driven change.
Written by Adede Appah-Sampong (July 2024)