Deborah Frieze is an author, entrepreneur and social activist. In 2013, she founded the Boston Impact Initiative, an impact investing fund focused on economic justice, which means investing in opportunity for all people—especially those most oppressed or abandoned by our current economic system—to lead a dignified and productive life. The fund takes an integrated capital approach, combining investing, lending and grantmaking to build a resilient and inclusive local economy.

Deborah’s focus on resilience began during her tenure as co-president of The Berkana Institute, where she worked to support pioneering leaders who were walking out of organizations and systems that were failing to contribute to the common good—and walking on to build resilient communities. These leaders are the subject of her award-winning book, Walk Out Walk On: A Learning Journey into Communities Daring to Live the Future Now, co-authored with Margaret Wheatley.

After writing Walk Out Walk On, Deborah decided to build an urban learning center modeled after the pioneering leaders she wrote about. In August 2013, she founded the Old Oak Dojo in Jamaica Plain, MA, an event center dedicated to racial justice and a place where neighbors gather to rediscover how to create healthy and resilient communities.

****

The Modern Revolution is a production of A Well Run Life. Subscribe to our 3 minute Podcast on our favorite podcast player: CastBox.