From Ideas to Action

On Thursday, May 15, the Social Innovation Forum (SIF) welcomed more than 200 guests to the Artist for Humanity EpiCenter in Boston for our 2025 Showcase. With a theme of “Building Connections, Accelerating Change,” this year’s event honored the power of relationships and bold ideas to advance social change in our communities. 

The evening opened with remarks from Wyona Lynch-McWhite, SIF’s Executive Director, and Delphene Mooney, Vice Chair of Board of Directors. Together, they established a tone of hope, courage, and connection.

“As a nonprofit leader and Board member, I sincerely believe in the mission of SIF and the incredible organizations you’ll hear from tonight,” said Delphene. “This is a challenging time for the nonprofit sector. But I’m reminded, especially at events like this, that our values—equity, innovation, and community—are what help us remain powerful and unwavering.”

Wyona echoed the importance of connection as the common thread woven through SIF’s work. “Connection is the essence of what we do. It allows bold ideas to take root and grow—and it’s what brings us together this evening,” she said. “Tonight isn’t just a Showcase—it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger.”

 The Showcase event is an opportunity to uplift the work of the seven nonprofit organizations in this year’s Accelerator cohort. Each nonprofit leader took the stage to share their organization’s mission, vision, and bold aspirations for the next two years. From advancing arts access in Lynn, to addressing health-related social needs, to empowering immigrants through adult education, these leaders are tackling complex problems with innovation, heart, and urgency.

As Sarah Gladstone, SIF’s Senior Program Manager, reminded the audience: “These are not just nonprofit leaders—they are innovators, problem-solvers, and changemakers working at the front lines of social impact. Each of these leaders is here because they’re ready to grow—and they need the support of people like you to do it.”

Throughout the evening, we were inspired by the presentations and the conversations sparked during the networking reception. Supporters, funders, and community leaders connected with the 2025 Innovators over shared values, common goals, and new possibilities for partnership.

We extend our deepest thanks to all the Innovators, speakers, Track Partners, sponsors, and volunteers who made the evening such a success. We’re especially grateful to everyone who took action to support our amazing 2025 Social Innovators. 

As Wyona closed the program, she reminded us that the work of our Innovators is not only powerful—it’s deeply hopeful. “The Showcase is a culmination of months of hard work by our Innovators, who have emerged time and time again while also continuing to lead their communities,” she said. “As we move forward, let’s remember that joy is truly a form of resistance.”

Learn about these seven Innovator's approaches to solving some of our region's toughest social issues and their inspiring success stories by viewing the digital 2025 Social Innovator Guide.

If you weren’t able to attend—or want to revisit the powerful presentations—video recordings of the 2025 Innovator pitches will be available on our website in the coming weeks. In the meantime, learn more about each organization in our 2025 Showcase Book. We hope you’ll take the time to listen, connect, and act.

Let’s keep accelerating change, together.

© Mike Ritter www.ritterbin.com 

SIF Team