BOSTON, MA — The Partnership for Financial Equity proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Elevating Equity Awards, honoring innovative and impactful partnerships advancing racial equity and economic inclusion across Massachusetts.

The Elevating Equity Awards recognize bank-community collaborations that expand access to financial resources, close racial wealth gaps, and drive meaningful change. This year’s honorees represent exceptional leadership in three key areas: small business lending, asset building, and homeownership.

“This year’s awardees exemplify what’s possible when financial institutions and community organizations work together with a shared vision for equity,” said Thomas Callahan, Executive Director of the Partnership for Financial Equity. “These partnerships are opening doors, breaking down barriers, and creating real opportunities for economic mobility.”

Small Business Lending Award: Rockland Trust & South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation
Rockland Trust and SEED Corporation are recognized for their strategic partnership in supporting small businesses—particularly those led by entrepreneurs of color and in under-resourced communities. Together, they have expanded access to capital and no-cost technical assistance, helping small business owners build sustainable enterprises and long-term generational wealth.

“SEED is honored to receive the 2025 Elevating Equity Award in conjunction with Rockland Trust in recognition of the strong partnership between our organizations,” said Sue Murray, SEED’s Executive Director.

“Both SEED and Rockland Trust share a similar mission of promoting and assisting the growth and development of small businesses in underserved markets or owned by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals.  Together, SEED and Rockland Trust work to empower entrepreneurs by providing equitable access to affordable capital and free training and education in our communities.  The team at SEED is extremely fortunate to have Rockland Trust as our partner!”

“Rockland Trust is honored to partner with SEED in supporting local small businesses in their growth and success,” said Thomas Golden, SVP, Director of CRA and Fair Banking at Rockland Trust. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding financing access to underserved businesses owners in the communities we serve.”

 

Asset Building Award: First Citizens Bank & Lawrence CommunityWorks
First Citizens Bank and Lawrence CommunityWorks (LCW) are honored for their deep-rooted collaboration to advance financial empowerment and inclusion in the City of Lawrence. Their efforts have connected small business owners in Lawrence with savings tools, culturally responsive financial coaching, and a pathway to long-term asset building.

“First Citizens Bank recognizes the need to provide Massachusetts communities with the tools to achieve long-term financial success,” said Mike Atkinson, Senior Director of Community Affairs at First Citizens. “We’re honored to receive the Elevating Equity Asset Building Award alongside Lawrence CommunityWorks and remain steadfast in our commitment to building lasting financial security and stability in the communities where we live and work.”

“At LCW, we believe deeply in the power of people — their dreams, their work, and their voice,” said Arleen Zorrilla, Director of Asset Building at Lawrence CommunityWorks. “Together with First Citizens Bank, we’re helping families and small business owners build lasting stability and create opportunities that strengthen our community for generations to come.”

 

Homeownership Award: Leader Bank & Boston Housing Authority
Leader Bank and the Boston Housing Authority receive the Homeownership Award for the First Home Program, a groundbreaking initiative supporting public housing residents in becoming first-time homeowners. Through targeted financial education, down payment assistance, and tailored mortgage solutions, this partnership is helping to reduce the racial homeownership gap and build intergenerational wealth.

“The BHA First Home Program has supported 97 BHA first-time homebuyers since 2023 with a majority of buyers purchasing homes in the City of Boston,” said Megan Ryan, Director of Homeownership and Mobility Grant Programs at the BHA. “The success of this program is the result of close collaboration among multiple partners, including the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH), the Federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), the Massachusetts Affordable Homeownership Alliance (MAHA), and local lending institutions.”

“Leader Bank is proud to partner with the Boston Housing Authority to help Boston residents achieve their dreams of becoming homeowners,” said Aida Franquiz, Vice President and Community Development Officer for Leader Bank. “We are honored to receive this recognition for our collaboration with the Boston Housing Authority on the First Home Program which is a reflection of Leader Bank’s commitment to expanding access to homeownership for all.”

Now in its second year, the Elevating Equity Awards celebrate collaborative models that are driving inclusive economic growth and financial justice across the region.