We’re excited to share that our Executive Director Jon Gay has been chosen as an honoree in the Boston Business Journal’s annual 40 Under 40 list. The 40 Under 40 list is a project that acknowledges leaders in the greater Boston region under the age of 40 who are making a difference in their organizations and communities. Jon is humbled and excited to participate in the official event on October 26 at the Boston Harbor Hotel in Boston. Before this recognition, we asked The Children’s Room (TCR) Board Chair Crissy Straub to sit down with Jon and discuss what it means to be recognized.
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Crissy: Congratulations on being named one of the “40 Under 40” by the Boston Business Journal! This is a fantastic achievement, and we’re very excited about what it means for the Children’s Room. Could you share your initial reaction to this recognition?
Jon: Thanks, Crissy! It’s an honor to be recognized as a “40 Under 40” by the Boston Business Journal. My initial reaction was a mix of surprise and excitement. But more than that, I felt a deep validation for our work at The Children’s Room. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team, volunteers, and supporters, who have enabled us to provide grief support services for children and families, schools, and community organizations. Our mission is to create safe, supportive communities so no child, teen, or family grieves alone. I truly believe that our work is essential for children who have experienced the death of a parent, primary caregiver, or sibling. This recognition validates this work.
C: Absolutely, and I know you and your team are very committed to raising awareness across Massachusetts. How do you envision this recognition helping us achieve this goal?
J: I feel that the COVID-19 pandemic brought light to the challenges of grief, loss, and isolation in our society. The Children’s Room is committed to supporting the many children and teens – ages 3.5-18 years old – experiencing these emotions after the death of a parent, primary caregiver, or sibling. In addition to providing direct grief support to children and indirect support to the parents and caregivers, TCR has an opportunity to shine a light on the importance of supporting grieving children and families and how it contributes to healthier communities overall. I hope the recognition from the BBJ can raise more awareness about this important work and engage more people in our cause.
C: The dedication of you and your team is inspiring, and the board genuinely appreciates your efforts. As we conclude, what would you like our community and supporters to take away from this recognition and our ongoing efforts?
J: Thank you for your kind words. I hope this recognition serves as a launching point for programs. First, it acknowledges the efforts that we have already achieved at TCR – serving as an organization for hope and healing. However, there is more work to be done. Recent data shows that 102,000 children and teenagers will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18 in Massachusetts (Judi’s House CBEM 2023). That is one child in every classroom or two kids on a school bus. The Children’s Room has a strategic vision to reach more children – both in our center and the community- and raise awareness and educate our communities so they are better prepared to support grieving children. Thanks to the BBJ for acknowledging this critical work. I’m always happy to share more or have a conversation with anyone interested.
Jon as the Executive Director of The Children’s Room, is responsible for the organization’s overall strategic and operational leadership, including managing TCR staff, the Board of Directors, programming, communications and marketing, financial management, and development. Before joining The Children’s Room, Jon worked at Playworks, a leading national nonprofit focused on children’s well-being and education. He had a fifteen-year career at the organization, serving as the Vice President of Field Operations and Executive Director of Playworks New England.
To learn more about Jon and the TCR team, click here.
