Celebrating Community Leadership

Introducing the 2026 Thomas J. Ruffen Fund Recipients

At the heart of every thriving community lie individuals dedicated to uplifting and empowering others. Their unwavering commitment, innovative ideas, and tireless efforts serve as beacons of inspiration, driving positive change and fostering growth.

Today, with the support of the Thomas J. Ruffen Community Leadership Fund Committee, and generous support from The Boston Foundation, we are thrilled to introduce you to the remarkable individuals selected as the 2025 recipients of the Thomas J. Ruffen Community Leadership Fund. 

Stephanie “Missy” Brown
2026 Thomas J. Ruffen Grant Recipient
Project:Flourish: Women's Empowerment Workshops

Project Overview

Stephanie is launching Flourish, a series of community-based women's empowerment workshops focused on emotional wellness, healing, self-reflection, and personal growth. The workshops will combine guided discussions, journaling, emotional wellness exercises, and vision boarding to create safe spaces where women can reconnect with themselves and build practical tools for everyday life.

Initially launching in Boston community spaces (with hybrid and virtual options planned), Stephanie envisions the program expanding through partnerships with local organizations dedicated to women's wellness.

Community Need

Flourish addresses the growing need for accessible emotional wellness spaces for women who often carry significant personal and family responsibilities without opportunities to care for themselves. The workshops are intended to help participants:

  • Reduce stress and emotional overwhelm

  • Build confidence and self-awareness

  • Develop practical coping strategies

  • Create stronger community connections

While the immediate focus is on participants, Stephanie hopes the ripple effect will strengthen families and neighborhoods by supporting healthier, more emotionally grounded women.

“Receiving funding from the Thomas J. Ruffen Community Leadership Fund would mean more than financial support—it would be an investment in the vision, purpose, and impact behind my work. This opportunity would allow me to expand Create Execute Inspire and continue creating meaningful programs, workshops, and experiences that empower individuals to discover their purpose, build confidence, and take intentional steps toward their goals. With this funding, I can increase access to leadership development, personal growth opportunities, and community-centered initiatives that inspire transformation. The future of this proposal represents growth, sustainability, and the ability to reach more people while building a lasting legacy of empowerment, collaboration, and positive change within the community. This support would help turn a vision into a long-term movement that uplifts others and creates pathways for individuals to thrive.”

Danielle Eddins
2026 Thomas J. Ruffen Grant Recipient
Project:Play All Day, Grow the Reign Way

Project Overview

Danielle is expanding Play All Day, Grow the Reign Way, a trauma-informed, nature- and play-based early learning initiative serving young children—particularly Black and Brown children and neurodivergent learners.

The program creates affirming educational spaces where children learn through:

  • Play

  • Outdoor exploration

  • Sensory activities

  • Creativity

  • Relationship-based learning

It also supports families with culturally responsive educational resources that extend learning beyond the classroom.

Community Need

Danielle's project responds to the lack of high-quality, neuro-inclusive early childhood programs within Boston neighborhoods. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience raising four neurodivergent children, she seeks to create environments where children are genuinely welcomed, supported, and celebrated rather than simply accommodated.

Neighborhoods Served: Mattapan, Roxbury, Dorchester

“Receiving funding from the Thomas J. Ruffen Community Leadership Fund is more than financial support—it is an investment in a vision that has been on my heart for years. As an educator, advocate, and mother of four incredible boys who have taught me to see learning differently, I know firsthand how life-changing it is when children are truly seen, valued, and given opportunities to thrive. This funding allows me to launch the pilot for the school-age extension of Reign & Root Academy, a neuro-inclusive, play-based, nature-rich enrichment program designed to help children build confidence, leadership, friendships, and a love of learning. I hope this pilot becomes the foundation for something much bigger—a model that expands access to high-quality, community-centered learning experiences for Boston families and reminds every child that their unique way of learning is a strength, not a limitation.”