A Message from MCLI’s New Director, Delia Duran-Clark

Hello!

For many of you, this is my first opportunity to reach out to introduce myself.  This past June 2018, I was hired to become the new Executive Director of Mill Cities Leadership Institute (MCLI). I was born in the Dominican Republic and have lived in the United States since the age of 12.  I am incredibly humbled and honored to have the opportunity to advance Mill Cities Leadership Institute’s mission as I continue to inspire socially responsible leaders in affecting social, economic and environmental change, through experiential learning, deep discussions, networking and community events.

I want to thank everyone for your warm welcome. Also, I want to thank Todd Fry, for his support and assistance in helping me transition into this position. Following in Todd’s shoes will not be easy, but with your input, participation and support, we can be assured that Mill Cities Leadership Institute has a bright future.

I am a seasoned educator, and a passionate and committed community leader.  I bring a wealth of different experiences as faculty at Merrimack College, a field advisor at Boston College, and a former ESOL program coordinator at Northern Essex Community College.  My past career also includes positions at Lawrence Family Development Charter School, Lawrence High School, and Notre Dame Christo Rey High School, where I became the School Principal.

I believe that leadership is personal and begins at home.  Personally, one of my biggest leadership accomplishments is being the founder of Nosotras: Una Fuerza Natural and Amigas, two women’s empowerment groups to honor women’s voices and experiences.    We come together to give of ourselves, to form lasting bonds of friendship, love and support in a spiritual, loving, supportive, and socially responsible space. We celebrate life through stories, experiences, workshops, art, poetry, music…us.

Today, I am honored to say that I am the new Executive Director at Mill Cities Leadership Institute, serving both the cities of Lawrence and Lowell.  I want to thank both cities for this leadership opportunity. I recognize I have a lot to learn and I intend to invest time and attention to get to know and understand both communities. I am delighting in the potential of MCLI and welcome you along for what will be a very engaging and fulfilling ride. Together, we will get to know places, meet people and explore challenges that can make a difference. I invite you to be an active member of Mill Cities Leadership Institute.

Sincerely,