WHAT: The Cost of Getting Ahead: Wealth, Economic Mobility and Pathways to
the Middle Class panel discussion and community conversation
WHY: Recent research by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, as well as research by
the MassINC Policy Center paints a troubling picture of the growing divide in Massachusetts between those who have been able to accumulate wealth and financial assets and those who have not.
As a continuation of ABCD’s Next Chapter series, this conversation brings community members, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners together to explore practical ways to expand opportunity and economic mobility.
WHO: ABCD President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler
Roxbury Community College President Jonathan K. Jefferson
MassINC Policy Center Senior Researcher Elise Rapoza
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Assistant Vice President Community Development Research & Communications Marybeth J. Mattingly
Boston Foundation Vice President and Chief Program Officer Orlando Watkins
President and CEO Black Economic Council of Massachusetts Nicole Obi
Founding Executive Director The Ruffin Institute Segun Idowu
Boston Globe journalist Katie Johnston, moderator
WHEN: Thursday, November 12, 2026
5:00 p.m.: Doors open and refreshments
6:00 – 8:00: Program
WHERE: Roxbury Community College Media Arts Center
1234 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury, MA 02119