The Boston Women's Fund recently added new leaders to our incredible Board of Directors!
We are excited to welcome D.J. Baker (they/them) to the Boston Women’s Fund board! D.J. currently serves as the Program Manager at the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, one of BWF’s Community Impact grantee partners. Early in their career, D.J.’s work focused on food justice and access in economically disadvantaged communities. Later, they became a certified birth doula and their work has niched in working with queer and trans/nonbinary individuals and families.
We connected with D.J. to learn more about what liberation means to them and the work they hope to do with the Boston Women’s Fund!
Boston Women's Fund: What initially drew you to the Boston Women’s Fund?
D.J. Baker: The history of the Boston Women’s Fund is a powerful history and witnessing the leadership of Natanja, I saw a vision of the future. BWF is playing a crucial role in communities across the Boston Metro. The approach is deeply intentional, unique, and very personal with every organization and partner.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role as a Director of the Board?
Being in collaboration with other directors, the leadership, and staff. There’s a beautiful combination of talent, backgrounds, and simply personality in BWF. I am elated to share space and vision with the incredible women and people who make up this organization.
What does liberation mean to you?
Liberation, to me, means never-ending curiosity. Curiosity lets go of social constructs and barriers, and invites exploration to what has been and what could be. I love to think about how curious children are, and some may see naivety, but I see a willingness to new perspectives, new paths, and frontiers. I am always in awe of where a child’s mind goes because we adults fell out of practice of the curiosity we once had.
If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about philanthropy, what would it be?
The need of philanthropy, if I’m being truly honest. But because we do need it, I would change the tax-incentive. This challenges entities who do give to really work towards a collaborative self-interest and alignment to their values, rather than a tax front. It’s actually putting your money where your values are not where the tax-incentive or marketing convenience is.
What are two fun facts about you?
I am a certified Master Naturalist.
I am a twin, and his name is J.D. He also works in civic engagement and philanthropy.
What’s one quote that gives you life?
My grandmother used to say a lot of things — funny and inspirational — but my favorite quote of hers, “Do all you can, while you can. In all that you do, let it be good and let it be out of love.” This keeps me going, this would be my ethos.
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