MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Black leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference in politics, education, business, the arts or another area of interest.
Profiles of these leaders will be published leading up to the Juneteenth holiday on June 19. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Shannon RudderSebastian Restrepo
Shannon M. Rudder
Age: 46
Community: Springfield
Her story: From early on, Shannon M. Rudder saw the positive effects of service and supporting others — mainly through her family.
Rudder’s parents and grandparents were involved in benevolent activities, from leading youth groups at church to other acts of service.
“I feel called to this life of service through non-profit leadership,” Rudder said. “It is imperative for me to align myself with causes that directly contribute to positive impacts in my community.”
Now, Rudder is president and chief executive officer of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services in Springfield.
The organization provides numerous services, including a family stabilization program that works the support parents, a food pantry, the Clemente Course in Humanities and Historically Black College and University Experience education programs as well as after school and summer camp programs.
Rudder’s professional career began with an advocacy for women. These women were often struggling through physical, mental or financial issues. Rudder helped women fleeing from violence, teen mothers and incarcerated women.
“I aligned deeply with the call to be the new face of civil rights in my more than 10 years supporting fair housing, which informs my staunch support of advocacy and knowledge that we are not in this work alone,” Rudder said.
Her experience has taught her to honor an individual’s unique and wonderful skills. To be an impactful leader, Rudder said that it is important to always thinking of the good of the whole organization, to be a mindful and perpetual learner and to inspire others throughout their team, while also planning for long-term sustainability and succession.
In her words: “It is important to understand that non-profit work requires both an entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit. An effective non-profit leader is visionary, a strong communicator, has a strong sense of integrity, authenticity, and transparency.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
