Posse Boston Celebrates 25 Years
This year, Posse Boston celebrated not only its annual Power of 10 fundraiser but the 25th anniversary of its founding. The event was held at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel - a particularly special location, as Posse Boston has hosted its Award Ceremony for new Scholars there for the last 25 years. Nearly 200 corporate and community partners, supporters, and Posse alumni gathered to celebrate the program’s impact.
Posse’s approach has positioned the organization to be one of the most important college success initiatives. Bryn Mawr alum and Posse Boston Director Yinnette Sano emphasized in her remarks the Boston site’s exemplary record of success over the last two decades.
“In our 25th year, we are in the process of recruiting 50 new Scholars this fall, who will earn $11 million in leadership merit scholarships—bringing the total number of Scholars recruited from Boston to 1,299,” Sano said. “From 1999 to 2024, these Scholars earned over $191 million in scholarships.”
From 1999 to 2024, Boston Scholars earned over $191 million in scholarships.
Throughout the night, Posse Boston highlighted those that played a role in creating success in Boston—specifically the alumni community. Alumni Honoree Speaker and Principal Scientist at GV20 Therapeutics Flavian Brown shared how Posse dramatically affected his life. Flavian reflected on the importance of the Posse community and how the support he received played a pivotal role during his time in higher education.
“This powerful organization built on connection and shared success is not just part of my story, but it is woven into the stories of countless Scholars and alumni across the country,” said Flavian. “This evening, as we reflect and celebrate the impact of Posse Boston, and celebrate a quarter century of Posse in this city, we must recognize the collective opportunity we have to strengthen and expand this work. Our investment in Posse today will pave the way for future leaders and ensure that every Scholar has the community they need to thrive.”
The evening also honored Boston’s corporate supporters, including State Street Corporation, which has provided vital support to Posse Boston since 2000. Over the last 25 years, State Street has generously contributed $1.3 million to Posse. In addition to generous financial contributions, State Street has provided internship opportunities for Posse Scholars as well as space and volunteers for Posse events.
State Street Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer and Posse Boston Leadership Council member Paul Francisco accepted the award on behalf of the company.
Posse Boston gives special thanks to event leaders and sponsors: Deloitte; Agent of Change, EY; Lead sponsors National Grid, Raytheon, TJX; Honoree State Street; Benefactors Columbia Threadneedle Investments, Franklin Tempelton, MFS Investments, Toast; Ambassadors American Tower Corporation, CAMP4 Therapeutics, Lincoln Financial Group, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
