Denella Clark is a force to be reckoned with—a trailblazer whose leadership is transforming Boston’s educational and philanthropic landscape. She currently serves as President and CEO of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation. This fall, Clark co-chairs her signature event HONORS on October 23, 2025 at MGM Music Hall with vision, purpose, and heart, advocating fiercely for equity in education and opportunity in support of Boston Arts Academy.
A proud Jamaican immigrant and longtime Hyde Park resident, Clark brings more than 30 years of experience to her role, spanning nonprofit leadership in arts, healthcare, and human services. Her philosophy is rooted in the “Four C’s”—communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and community—which fuel her work to empower Boston’s most underserved youth. Earlier in her career, Clark was a part of the leadership team at Joslin Diabetes Center’s successful $100M capital campaign and led the Dimock Center’s first $25M campaign. She has secured eight, seven, and six-figure gifts throughout her career to help transform and advance missions.
Since 2018, Ms. Clark has served as president and CEO of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that secures essential private funding to support Boston Arts Academy, the city’s only public high school for visual and performing arts. Since joining the BAAF, she executed and oversaw the completion of a six-year $35M comprehensive campaign; introduced the now signature fundraising event BAAF Honors, dubbed The Kennedy Center Honors of Boston to celebrate all areas of performing arts; and has raised awareness of the vocational education in which an arts degree will support innovation, artificial intelligence, and creative art content in the workforce.
With 84% of students identifying as Black or Latinx and many the first in their families to attend college, Clark’s work is reshaping futures and rewriting narratives. The results are inspiring: 97% of graduates who apply to college are accepted, and alumni include national talents like actress Diane Guerrero and digital creator Yuder Mezerene Aldi.
BAAF President and CEO Denella Clark will serve as co-chair along with Pamela D. A. Reeve Boston Arts Academy Foundation Board Member, Former CEO, current Director of publicly traded and non-profit companies, and passionate supporter of women and diversity progress. Raynya Simmons, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and singer will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies.
This year’s event will be a monumental celebration. American singer and songwriter Melba Moore, Music Honoree Johnny Gill of New Edition and Grammy-award-winner Melissa Manchester will perform! The evening will also include student performances, a live auction, an awards program, special guest appearances, dinner, dancing, and more—in one of the best entertainment venues in our beautiful city, MGM Music Hall at Fenway.
Honorees include: Dance Honoree, Dianne Walker; Fashion Honoree, David Josef; Visual Art Honoree, Ieasha James; TV + Film Honoree, Eliza Dushku Palandjian; Civic Responsibility Honoree, Grace Lee; and the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Honoree Donnie Wahlberg.
“While talent is evenly distributed in Boston, opportunity is not. We are so grateful to all of our donors and supporters who help make opportunities and experiences possible for the students of Boston Arts Academy,” says BAAF President and CEO Denella Clark. “Honors is a truly magical night where we celebrate the arts and spotlight the incredible professionals who demonstrate talent and leadership for our vibrant youth community.”
Save The Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025 – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
5:00 PM: VIP Reception – 6:00-9:00 PM: General Cocktail Reception, Speaking Program and Award Presentation, Live Auction, Dinner, Student Artwork and Performances, Special Guest Closing Performance – 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Honors After Party (Late Night Bites, Dancing, DJ)
Beyond the academy, In April 2016, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker appointed Ms. Clark as the Chair of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) —the first woman of color to hold the role, whose purpose is to advance women and girls toward total equity in all areas of life and to promote rights and opportunities. She was instrumental in advocating for the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act and continues to speak nationally on equity and inclusion.
She also has significant experience with public policy and legislation, specifically related to women and people of color. She is recognized as a transformative and respected leader in diversity, philanthropy, faith, youth, and women’s issues, and she prides herself on living a purposeful life. Ms. Clark believes strongly that all young people should be given the opportunities they deserve to live the life they imagine.
Named one of Boston Magazine’s “150 Most Influential Bostonians” in both 2023 and 2024, Clark is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2024 HerStory Trailblazer Award and AFP’s 2022 Outstanding Fundraising Professional.
Yet, with all her accomplishments, Clark’s proudest title remains “Mommy-in-Chief.” She’s a devoted mother, world traveler, avid reader, and political enthusiast—living proof that passion and purpose make the greatest impact and a true Ethnic GEM!