Newton And Harvard Join Forces To Create Internship In Honor Of Fallen Mayor

NEWTON, MA — The city has joined forces with Harvard University to create an internship in honor of a former Newton leader.

The Setti Warren Memorial Internship will enable a current Harvard undergraduate
student to work collaboratively with the City of Newton’s Arts and Culture Department, as well as its Economic Development Department. It will be funded by the Institute of Politics.

The 55-year-old died unexpectedly at his Newton home on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. Warren served as the city’s leader from 2010 to 2018. At the time of his death, Warren worked as the Director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School, which he had done since 2022. During his tenure, Warren reportedly placed a large emphasis on giving minority and “at-risk” youth opportunities in municipal government by giving them opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics organizations, city departments, local small businesses, and healthcare organizations.

He also partnered with his alma mater Boston College to help high school students plan for the future by enlisting college students to help with resume writing, interviews, communication skills, and financial literacy.

“Setti benefited so much from the internships and mentoring he received from so many,” Warren’s wife Tassy said. “He would be thrilled to see this opportunity created for the next generation in the city he loved so much.”

One large responsibility of the intern will be supporting the improving Newton’s creative sector, which is about using arts and culture to drive economic development.

“Setti Warren believed deeply in public service and in the power of young people to strengthen our communities,” current Mayor Marc Laredo said. “This internship honors his legacy in the most meaningful way, by opening doors for the next generation to learn, serve, and help shape Newton’s future.”

The summer internship is slated to take place from June 1 through August 15. Interested undergraduate students can apply online by Sunday, Feb. 1.

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