June 26, 2025 |Arts, LCTV News, News, Non-profits

Raw Art Works Announces New Board Members and Development Team Appointments

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Raw Art Works (RAW), a nationally recognized creative youth development organization rooted in art therapy, proudly announces the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors and the addition of two new hires to its Development team. These strategic additions come at a pivotal moment as RAW responds to the rising mental health crisis among youth and navigates an increasingly uncertain funding landscape for the arts and human services.

Joining the Board of Directors are Victor Ferreira,VP, Business Development Manager, Community Credit Union, Kimberly Lee, Community Volunteer; Former Director of Proteomics at Cell Signaling, Johnny Nguyen, RAW Alum, Founder, Johnny Nguyen Consulting, Product Growth Leader, and Leigh Williamson, Principal, Equity Client Portfolio Manager, GW&K Investment Management, a dynamic, mission-driven group of professionals with expertise in business, finance, education, and community advocacy. Several bring strong ties to the North Shore and deep roots in Lynn. United by a belief in the transformative power of creativity and a commitment to equity and opportunity for young people, they join an engaged and dedicated Board now 15 members strong.

“We are honored to welcome Victor, Kimberly, Johnny, and Leigh to our Board. At a time when nonprofits like RAW are navigating both financial uncertainty and rising community need, their leadership and diverse lived experiences will be instrumental in shaping our path forward and ensuring every young person has access to creative healing and self-expression.”

Lesser Hannaway, Chair of RAW’s Board of Directors

RAW is also excited to welcome two new members to its Development team: Judy Bowe, joining as Development Director, and Elliott Tranter, as Grants Manager. Judy brings decades of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience, while Elliott offers deep expertise in grant writing, institutional partnerships, and impact-driven storytelling.

“This is a moment of both urgency and opportunity,” said Rosario Ubiera-Minaya, Executive Director of Raw Art Works. “With public funding for the arts under threat and youth facing unprecedented mental health challenges, we need bold, visionary leadership. These appointments reflect our unwavering commitment to staying grounded in our mission while building toward a more equitable, creative future for our youth.”

As RAW enters the next phase of its strategic journey, the organization is doubling down on its mission to ignite the desire to create and the confidence to succeed in young people across Lynn—brilliant, passionate, and capable youth who continue to face systemic barriers to mental health support, education, and opportunity.

About Raw Art Works:

Raw Art Works (RAW) is a Lynn, Massachusetts-based nonprofit at the intersection of creative youth development, art therapy, and social justice. Grounded in its four-pillar model: I Am, I Create, We Connect, and Catalyze. RAW uses the power of the arts to support healing, amplify youth voices, and foster connection and change.

RAW believes all kids should be seen and heard and that everyone has a story to tell. Through a variety of free programs in visual arts, filmmaking, and leadership development for youth in grades 4–12, RAW gives young people the tools to explore their experiences, imagine new possibilities, and confidently shape their futures.

For more information and ways to support RAW’s mission, visit www.rawartworks.org.

The above press release was submitted to us by Raw Art Works.