Kendall Square Association

Idi or inclusion drives innovation - driven by the belief in the importance of making this innovation ecosystem welcoming to all, we offer a ten-week professional development program twice a year to provide foundational learning in anti-racism and equity, applying frameworks to organizational systems and culture, and guiding teams through equity-centered organizational action planning. In 2022, more than 100 people from dozens of organizations in the Kendall community participated in our idi program. We convene idi program alumni regularly to move this essential work forward. We also host a series of facilitated senior leaders conversations to help address dilemmas that arise around equity and belonging. Taken together, ksa's idi programming has changed the conversation and increased the community's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Sustainability - the ksa's annual meeting is more than a traditional board meeting, it's a community-wide gathering with a focus on raising awareness and inspiring action. In 2022, the focus was on sustainability and featured a panel of experts from within the community on the many ways their organizations are combating climate changes, from developing climate-resistant seeds, to incubating green tech companies, to strengthening the grid. This programming continues to be a powerful force for change in the community.

Kendall Square challenge - knowing that competition and collaboration combined help fuel scientific breakthroughs and power support for important causes, we host the annual Kendall Square challenge to bring people and organizations together to compete and collaborate in support of local nonprofits focused on stem education, food insecurity, substance abuse, and more. Through this work, the ksa is able to make meaningful donations to local nonprofits while increasing the community's connectivity.