Room to Grow is founded in NYC

Room to Grow opens in Boston’s Back Bay

First Boston family graduates from Room to Grow’s program

Satellite site opens at Epiphany Early Learning Center in Dorchester

Main Family Center moves from Back Bay to the South End in partnership with NeighborHealth

Akilah joined the Room to Grow team in 2015 and has held several roles in the areas of program operations, external relations, and evaluation, before being appointed Executive Director of Room to Grow New York in June 2018 and Chief Executive Officer in 2020. With a deep desire to achieve health equity for all families and local communities, Akilah began her career in research at the renowned Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and its affiliated nonprofit, the Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS). While at FOCOS, she gained extensive fundraising and development experience and was a member of the team that opened the first modern orthopedic hospital in West Africa. Akilah holds a master’s degree in public health from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and a bachelor’s degree from Brown University. She is an alum of the Princeton AlumniCorps Emerging Leaders program and currently serves on the executive board of veteran mental health nonprofit Operation: Heal Our Heroes.

Lauren joined Room to Grow in 2016 and held several roles across the organization before stepping in as the Boston Director in 2024. Throughout her tenure, Lauren has been a driver of our fundraising success in Boston, led key organization-wide projects to support the team and enhance Room to Grow's operational infrastructure, and served as a strategic advisor to the CEO. Most importantly, she remains passionate and dedicated to her role in increasing equity and opportunity for all families. Lauren received her bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago and is a graduate of LeadBoston, an inclusive leadership program through YW Boston that provides professionals with the knowledge, skills, and network to propel their leadership forward. She currently resides in Charlestown with her husband Zach and their dog, Bobbie.

• Private pasta cooking class and tasting menu dinner for 6-8 people led by Chef Brian Miller 

• Wine pairings from Auburndale Wine & Spirits

• $200 gift card for Stapleton Florals

• Chef Brian Class & Dinner: Dates based off Chef Brian's availability. At least 2 week notice      

• Auburndale Wine & Spirits: Must be 21+ years

• Stapleton Floral: None

• 2-night stay in the 3-bedroom Penthouse at the Lodge at Spruce Peak

• Round of golf for four (4)

• Daily access to the spa

• Non-Holiday, Midweek (tee times Monday-Thursday), Blackout Dates, No Saturday overnights. Non-ngeotiable

• Does not include parking, tax, resort fees

• Based on Availability (very limited quantity) 

• Expires: End of golf season 2026

• 3-night stay in the Enchanted Trifle Room for two (2) at the Coral Beach & Tennis Club

• Green fees for two (2) at Port Royal Golf Course

• Round of golf for two (2) at Mid Ocean Golf Club

• Private tour of Goslings Rum Factory

• Coral Beach & Tennis Club: Does not include any additional costs and fees

• Goslings Rum Factory: Must be 21+

• Port Royal Golf Course: Green fees for two. Carts and additional add-ons not included

• Mid Ocean Golf Club: Valid only on Monday Wednesday and Fridays, excluding holidays  after 9am 

• Airfare not included

• 2-night stay at The Abaco Club for 2 people

• $3,000 in airfare

• The Abaco Club: Reservations and tee times must be made in advance and are based on availability. Non-transferable, may not be exchanged, sold, or reproduced. Black-out dates: Thanksgiving, 12/15/25-2/12/26, and some dates in March. Expires: 5/16/2026

• Airfare: Up to $3,000 in airfare provided