Former Boston Mayor, GLBTQ Legal Advocate Fellows At Salem State

SALEM, MA — Boston's first Black and woman mayor and the transgender rights project director for a preeminent gay rights legal advocacy organization are the first two members of the Frederick L. Berry Institute of Politics fellowship program at Salem State University.

Kim Janey was a Boston City Council who was elevated to mayor when Marty Walsh joined the Biden Administration as Labor Secretary. Jennifer Levi is the transgender rights project director for GLAD. As part of the program, Janey and Levi will visit campus multiple times throughout the spring semester to host office hours, lead class lectures, coordinate workshops and arrange for additional guest speakers.

The school said the fellowship program is designed to bring leading voices in politics and activism and expand opportunities for Salem State students with an interest in civic and political engagement.

"We couldn't be more grateful for the time and wisdom that Mayor Janey and Director Levi will be offering our students this spring," Salem State President John Keenan said. "There is an invaluable amount of knowledge and inspiration that will come from students having interactions with these remarkable leaders who have lessons to share about making a difference.

"Welcoming these inaugural fellows to our campus is a true honor and will have a lasting impact on our students."

Janey has 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and politics. In her role at Massachusetts Advocates for Children, she championed systemic policy reforms to increase equity, excellence, access and opportunity in Boston Public Schools. Prior to that, she worked as a community organizer, advocating for affordable, quality childcare.

"As a daughter of educators and as Boston's former Mayor, I am excited to engage students at Salem State University and share insights that I hope will inspire the next generation of civic leaders," Janey said.

A nationally recognized expert on transgender legal issues, Levi has dedicated their career to fighting for the rights of women; children; the poor; and gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) clients.

"I am beyond excited, as one of two inaugural Berry IOP Fellows, to work with Salem State students on the most pressing political LGBTQ+ issues of the day," Levi said. "What gives me hope for our future is the passion and energy new voices and visionaries bring to the work."

The spring 2022 fellowships kick off the Berry IOP's new fellowship program, in which the IOP will invite prominent journalists, activists, policymakers, and other public servants to campus each spring semester. These distinguished professionals will share their knowledge, skills, and experiences with students who are exploring and pursuing careers in politics and public service.

"Through one-time and ongoing engagement, Fellows will serve as resources and mentors to students, supplementing what they are learning through their academic courses," said Samantha Giffen, coordinator for the Berry IOP. "We are pleased that these inaugural fellows will kick off a program aimed at broadening students’ horizons as they determine how they want to make an impact on the world."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)