A Letter to the Community from RVMS Executive Director, Emma Blaxter

RVMS introduces Emma Blaxter as Executive Director at our Annual Meeting

Dear community,

I am thrilled to introduce myself to you as the new Executive Director of Roslindale Village Main Street!

As a Rozzident myself, I'm grateful to call such a vibrant, inclusive, and community-minded neighborhood home. I love our green spaces and the welcoming events that bring us together year-round. And, I am passionate about shopping small and investing locally; it’s a privilege to get most of my family’s shopping and household needs met in our own business district, a luxury I don’t take for granted.

A bit about me: I have a Master's in Public Policy from Tufts’ department of Urban Planning. Known for its community and environmental justice programming, this training equipped me with strong working knowledge of urban planning best practices—from public transit and arts/placemaking to municipal budgeting and zoning philosophies. I also serve on the board of WalkUp Roslindale, as I believe that equitable, walkable neighborhoods are critical urban infrastructure.

My first job, over 20 years ago, was at a co-operative grocery store in Vermont, where I experienced first hand the power of sourcing locally and investing in my community. Most recently, I managed the development events strategy at The Huntington and before that I directed placemaking initiatives at Hyde Square Task Force in Jamaica Plain. I am a proponent of public art, which has the power to showcase a neighborhood’s character, attract visitors, and make a place feel like home.

Roslindale is at an exciting turning point. The city’s investment in our community through Squares and Streets has poised us to welcome thousands more Rozzidents over the coming decades, leading to more shoppers to our businesses and friends to meet in our community spaces.

RVMS has an exceptional foundation to build upon and meet this moment—our events are welcoming, fun and regularly bring the community together, our weekly newsletter keeps neighbors informed and engaged, the organization is financially stable, and we're blessed with a fantastic board, skilled staff, and over 60 dedicated volunteers.

And so it’s an honor to join RVMS, and work with the community to fulfill our vision of a dynamic, inclusive Roslindale Village where we can truly “live, work, play, and grow” day and night through locally-powered economic initiatives.

Thank you to everyone who came before to build this organization and foster this wonderful community. We are so grateful for your investment!

I look forward to meeting you and working together to see our neighborhood thrive!

Sincerely,

Emma Blaxter

Executive Director, Roslindale Village Main Street