ESC Welcomes New Cohort of Mid-Career Professionals of Color to Catalyst
ESC is proud to announce its newest cohort of Catalyst Fellows, a dynamic group of 13 professionals of color from across New England who are eager to bring their expertise, lived experiences, and passion for social impact to the nonprofit sector.
The ESC Catalyst program provides training and mentorship to professionals of color, equipping them with the skills to become nonprofit consultants. This initiative strengthens the nonprofit sector by increasing access to consultants who bring both technical expertise and cultural competence to their work, while also expanding career pathways for professionals looking to make a difference.
On January 11, 2025, ESC Catalyst Fellows were welcomed with an in-person reception at the historic Christ Church in Cambridge, hosted by staff from ESC, along with Program Advisors Cassandra Clay and James McKim. The new cohort, described as both enthusiastic and highly qualified, represents a broad spectrum of professional backgrounds, including social work, law, performing arts, nonprofit leadership, and business.
The Goals of ESC Catalyst:
- Strengthening the Nonprofit Sector – Providing nonprofits with skilled consultants of color who bring both technical and cultural expertise to enhance organizational impact.
- Advancing Careers – Supporting Catalyst Fellows in developing their consulting skills, expanding their professional networks, and exploring new career pathways in nonprofit consulting, leadership, and board service.
- Expanding ESC’s Impact – Catalyst Fellows contribute as pro bono consultants on ESC projects, bringing their skills, cultural expertise, and lived experience to the wide variety of organizations ESC serves per year.
“ESC Catalyst is growing into a transformative network that empowers both the professionals involved and the nonprofits they serve,” said Andrew Spooner, Director of ESC Catalyst. “This year’s ESC Catalyst cohort brings incredible energy and insight, and we’re thrilled to welcome them into the ESC family.”
The 2025 ESC Catalyst Fellows hail from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, with Massachusetts participants spanning Eastern MA, from Lynn to Brockton. Their professional expertise spans social work, law, business, nonprofit leadership, performing arts, and more.
Training, Consulting, and Real-World Impact
Catalyst Fellows participate in ESC’s core consulting training, which includes consulting skills, nonprofit finance, governance, strategic planning, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). The program, running from January through June 2025, includes practice workshops that refine business and consulting acumen. The experience culminates in real-world consulting engagements, where Catalyst Fellows collaborate with seasoned ESC consultants to support nonprofit organizations.
“Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging are essential to a strong nonprofit sector,” said Julie Crockford, President of ESC. “These principles drive effective, thriving organizations and vibrant communities. The ESC Catalyst program reflects our commitment to amplifying diverse perspectives and fostering leadership that strengthens the nonprofits we serve.”
ESC Catalyst is made possible through generous support from The Barr Foundation, The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Liberty Mutual Foundation, The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation, and ESC.
Visit our website to reach more about each of the fellows in this year’s Catalyst cohort.
About ESC:
Empower Success Corps (ESC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the nonprofit sector through expert consulting and professional development. ESC’s mission is to empower nonprofits to achieve their goals and contribute to a more just and equitable world. ESC has partnered with organizations for over 40 years to build capacity, enhance impact, and drive meaningful change in their communities. Our highly skilled consultants bring deep expertise to deliver high-impact projects, while our professional development programs equip nonprofit leaders with the knowledge and tools to thrive.
For more information, visit www.empowersuccesscorps.org.
Media Contact:
Katherine Cruise
Empower Success Corps
kcruise@empowersuccesscorps.org
781.424.8535
