826 Boston

We are excited to share that Vanessa Leite has joined us as Senior Director of Advancement!

Thank you, MassNonprofit News for the post!

A more informal Q&A below to help you to get to know Vanessa:

What part of 826 Boston’s mission attracted you to the organization?

What drew me in is the focus on empowering youth to amplify their own voices through writing. There is something transformative about giving young people the tools, confidence, and the safe space to tell their own stories. In the nonprofit world, we talk a lot about impact, but helping a student realize that their voice matters and has power—that is the kind of meaningful, generational impact I want to have.

Who is someone who mentored or helped you and how did they support you?

Someone who had a massive impact on my leadership journey is Tom O'Rourke. He was my boss back when I was at the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce, and he believed in my potential early on. He didn't just manage; he truly mentored. When I transitioned to executive leadership at the Irish Cultural Centre of New England, Tom joined the board there, continuing to offer his guidance, strategic insight, and unwavering support. Having a mentor who champions your growth across different chapters of your career is rare, and his leadership model is something I still carry with me today.

What are some of your favorite books or publications to read?

I am drawn to powerful, real-life journeys, so I love reading autobiographies—Becoming by Michelle Obama is a perfect example. There is something so inspiring about learning how leaders navigate their challenges, stay grounded in their values, and evolve over time.

What was the most gratifying thing about your last position?

The most gratifying part was the sheer scope of growth. I had the opportunity to learn how to run a national marketing campaign from the ground up, while building out a strategic fundraising campaign. Balancing the creative, high-visibility side of a national movement with the structured, relationship-driven world of development was an amazing challenge, and seeing those two engines work together successfully was rewarding.

What are some things you love to do outside of work?

Outside of work, you can usually find me doing karaoke! I love music and live performance, and there is nothing better than the energy and fun of getting on a stage and singing with a room full of people.

What’s your favorite thing about Boston?

Without a doubt, it’s the culture…just how much is always going on—the whole city feels alive with events, neighborhood festivals, and a great arts and music scene. There’s such a vibrant, creative energy here, whether you're catching a great live band, checking out local artists, or just taking in the distinct vibe of the different neighborhoods. It's just a fun, dynamic place to be.

826 Boston names new Senior Director of Advancement 826 Boston, a nonprofit organization that provides creative writing, tutoring, and publishing opportunities for students in grades K-12, announced the appointment of Vanessa Leite as its new Senior Director of

Today, we’re honoring Gillian Kohli, who is stepping down from our Board of Directors after 12 years of service!

Following careers in engineering and law, Gillian has been the co-owner of Wellesley Books, an independent bookstore in Wellesley, MA, since 2010.

Gillian tutored math and reading in the Boston Public Schools for many years before joining the 826 Boston Board. She served as the Board Chair for five years and was most recently the Chair of the Governance Committee.

Gillian’s legacy can be felt all across 826 Boston: from championing our annual Books for Breakfast fundraisers, to supporting the organization’s growth over the years, and consistently showing up for our students and staff.

At our recent board meeting, our outgoing Board President Janet Tiampo shared her thoughts about Gillian’s time at 826 Boston:

For me, Gillian is as much a part of 826 Boston as Big Foot! While I have been here, staff has changed, and Writers’ Rooms have been added, subtracted, and added again. But Gillian has been a constant.

She was president of the board when I first joined, and as several people have pointed out to me, she led us through difficult times with a steady hand and a calm demeanor. There was COVID and going digital within weeks; there was a swift transition of leadership; but, for me, the most lasting legacy were our first, firm steps into becoming a just and equitable organization when the board and staff created a DEI statement and action plan.

While there were many hands in this work, Gillian, as our president, set the tone with her acknowledgement that this was unquestionably work that needed to be done. She moved forward in this process without defensiveness and led with a spirit of learning. This is not something I take for granted. This is not something that all organizations have done with the sincerity and thoroughness of 826 Boston, and I know we would not have been one of the Bostonians of the Year, had those first steps not been taken.

I am incredibly proud to be one of the diverse opinions and perspectives on this board. As chair of Governance, Gillian has been instrumental in bringing us together, creating a strong onboarding process and codifying our work–all things that will help keep our board and this organization strong for years to come.

Gillian, your 12-years at 826 Boston are just the start of your legacy at 826 Boston.

Photo by Mike Mejia