Building on our record of research, convening, and coalition-building, MassINC established the Greg Torres Senior Fellows Program to broaden our capacity, impact, and network across key issues facing Massachusetts. Torres Senior Fellows are a group of diverse professionals who partner with MassINC for a two-year period to explore a variety of research, policy leadership, and convening opportunities. Named after MassINC’s former CEO and board chair, Greg Torres, the program honors his penchant to elevate innovative and urgent ideas and promote talented leaders committed to improving the commonwealth.
The program’s purpose is to serve as:
- A laboratory for research and development, exploring and testing new policy and program ideas.
- A home for a diverse cohort of community leaders across the state seeking to engage with new audiences, advance civic discourse, and gain new skills and perspectives.
- An opportunity to deepen MassINC’s ability to take on big issues facing our state by broadening our network of thought leaders.
Torres Senior Fellows customize their goals and workplan to meet MassINC’s organizational needs and their professional interests. Torres Senior Fellows will engage in a wide range of activities, including: convening working groups to tackle complex challenges, organizing events and conferences, writing articles and reports, guiding ongoing MassINC research, facilitating introductions and partnerships, and collaborating with MassINC staff and interns.
Greg Torres was a visionary civic leader whose life’s work centered on justice, equity, and opportunity. As President and CEO then Board Chair of MassINC, Greg championed criminal justice reform, launched The MassINC Polling Group, and amplified independent journalism through CommonWealth magazine. His leadership helped elevate Gateway Cities and shape a more inclusive policy agenda for Massachusetts. Greg brought compassion and bold thinking to every role he held. Whether mentoring young leaders, cooking elaborate meals for friends, or telling stories on his South Dartmouth porch, Greg lived with deep generosity and joy. His legacy continues to guide all who believe in a better, more connected Commonwealth.
Meet the Fellows
Dina Fein
Retired Judge, Massachusetts Trial Court, Housing Court Department, Western Division
Charlotte Golar Richie
Former State Representative, Former Commissioner on the MA Commission Against Discrimination, and Former Sr Executive at YouthBuild USA
Pema Latshang
Founding Executive Director, Teach Western Mass
Mary Wambui
Asset Manager, Planning Office For Urban Affairs (POUA)
Leverett Wing
President and CEO, Commonwealth Seminar
Projects & Publications
Reclaiming Vacant Property in Massachusetts
Dina Fein, retired Housing Court judge, brings housing and development leaders to the table to explore pathways to homeownership—revitalizing vacant homes as a key strategy for community renewal.
Series of Public Convenings with GBH
Charlotte Golar Richie is dedicated to breaking down silos and creating dialogue around some of the state’s most pressing issues facing our diverse populations. See below for past discussions that center equity and positive change.
Program Details and Selection Guidelines
The Greg Torres Senior Fellows program brings together influential thinkers and practitioners committed to driving bold, evidence-based policy change in Massachusetts.
Details about the nomination and selection process for the next cohort will be available in Fall 2025.
Please check back for updates or subscribe below to be notified when more information becomes available.