On February 4, 2020, we gathered for our 2nd Annual Speaker Series: An Evening to Learn and Grow at Wellesley College.

More than 150 guests were inspired by keynote speaker James Morton’s story, one of beating the odds through sheer determination and giving back by serving others. James spoke about how his personal history influenced him to dedicate his life to fighting systemic injustices.

You see, our stories fuel our passions. Our stories make us who we are. They define what we stand for, and what we consider to be important to us. Our stories guide our work. They ground us, they inspire us, and they challenge us to do better.

James Morton, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston

You see, our stories fuel our passions. Our stories make us who we are. They define what we stand for, and what we consider to be important to us. Our stories guide our work. They ground us, they inspire us, and they challenge us to do better.

James Morton, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston

This year’s program, Everyone has a story. What’s yours? was moderated by MIT ‘20 Scholar Saffron who taught us the value of learning how to share (and not share) different parts of our personal story.

The 2020 Wily Pack Award was presented in honor of Stevie and David Spina, who joined our Pack in a most unexpected fashion. They read about us in the Boston Herald and called to say, “what can we do?” They are open to having genuine conversations, willing to teach us the lessons we need to learn, and trust us to implement the program faithfully. We call them designer benefactors. 

We were immediately energized with Wily’s concept of assisting college students who are on their own. College success requires support and coaching. The Wily Network is designed to help the students feel cared for and supported and we wanted to support ‘the Pack.’ We believe the Wily leadership team is working effectively with both students and colleges to make the college experience successful, academically and personally.

Stevie and David Spina, Honorary Board Members

The Wily Pack Award is given to a Wily Scholar who has embraced all that the Wily Network offers, making the most of the resources and opportunities available. This year’s Pack Award was presented to Northeastern ‘20 Scholar Isiah. Isiah recounted some of the challenging situations he experienced during his childhood and the positive impact the Wily Network has had on his college experience. He gave us insight into the depth of his relationship with his coach, Kat.

It has meant everything to me to work with people who see me for who I am and not for my history, to work with people who inspire me to move forward. Kat has provided me the space to be myself, to be okay with struggling…

Isiah, Wily Scholar, NEU '20

It has meant everything to me to work with people who see me for who I am and not for my history, to work with people who inspire me to move forward. Kat has provided me the space to be myself, to be okay with struggling…

Isiah, Wily Scholar, NEU '20

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