Dear community members,

It’s with a deep sense of gratitude that I am writing to let you know that, after 15 years in my current role, I will be stepping down as Executive Director at the end of this year. I’m a firm believer in the importance of leadership change to keep arts nonprofits healthy and open to new opportunities and innovation. With success at our backs, this is the right time to pass the baton.

I founded GrubStreet 28 years ago with the vision of creating a rigorous and supportive space outside of academia for writers to grow and thrive on our own terms. Eight brave souls attended our first workshops; from there, we’ve evolved beyond my wildest dreams, growing into the largest independent creative writing center in the country, serving a large multicultural, multigenerational community of writers, and becoming a vital home for Boston-area high school students. Online, we’ve achieved national and global reach. Here in Boston, we advocated for, designed, and built a permanent home dedicated to writing and reading, where we amplify and celebrate the cultural and civic power of sharing stories and engaging in deep conversation.

Our unlikely story would not have been possible without the talent and dedication of so many community members, staffers, board members, and instructors. Together, we have done the seemingly impossible: we’ve proven that an open and inclusive educational model leads to amazing publishing success, builds community and friendship across differences, and transforms lives.

Our mission and vision have never mattered more. In moments like this – when human and civil rights are under attack and polarization is deepening – we need writers to help us understand the world, frame and reframe the issues, and imagine new possibilities. Together – we are the promise of pluralistic society, of what’s possible when people of diverse backgrounds, ages, and lived experiences share our stories. While we might not hold all views in common, being in community with one another while sharing authentic stories and perspectives affirms the universal humanity in all of us, demonstrates that we all belong, and reminds us of the power in our strength and solidarity.

In the year ahead, as we gear up for our next chapter alongside you all, we will be celebrating our biggest milestones, sharing reflections from our community, and looking ahead at GrubStreet’s promising future.

GrubStreet’s board will be launching a national search for our next leader in the coming weeks and I look forward to working closely with my successor to ensure a smooth transition. As a founder, I will remain involved as an advisor, advocate, and joyful community member in the years to come. You will be hearing more from me, but for now, I just want to express my deep gratitude to all of you for your commitment to our mission and faith in us and one another.

With appreciation,
Eve