May 23, 2022 — Economic Mobility Pathways, a Boston nonprofit working to move people out of poverty through direct services and advocacy, today announced it named Kim Janey, former acting mayor of Boston, as its president and chief executive officer.
Janey succeeds Beth Babcock, who announced her retirement last year after 16 years at the helm of Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath).
“EMPath is thrilled to have former Boston Mayor Kim Janey lead the way as we begin our next chapter,” said EMPath Board Chair Rob Reilly. “This is a pivotal moment for the organization as we work towards our vision of a world where every person experiencing poverty gets the tools, skills, and support they need get out of it – for good. With Mayor Janey’s deep understanding of the issue and longstanding commitment to serving her community, we know she’s the right person to get us there.”
Janey has a strong connection to EMPath, having received support from the organization as a young mother, which, EMPath said, ensured she was able to continue her high school education while entering parenthood.
“Stepping into a leadership role at an organization that transformed my life early on is truly a full-circle moment and makes this transition even more exciting,” said Janey. “I’m proud to continue the work I’ve done for much of my career – building and strengthening communities and advocating for children and families. I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues to expand on the impact the organization has already had in the Boston area and across the country.”
Janey became the first woman and first Black mayor of Boston, when she stepped up to the role last year after then Mayor Marty Walsh left to join the Biden administration. She lost her bid for election last fall, and then joined The Boston Foundation this year as executive in residence.
During her time as acting mayor, Janey developed initiatives to help curb displacement. Her housing agenda quadrupled down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and provided rental assistance to tenants.
Earlier, Janey was elected to the Boston City Council in 2017 as the first woman to represent District 7, and subsequently served as president of the council. In her previous roles during 16 years with Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Janey championed systemic policy reforms to increase equity, excellence, access, and opportunity in Boston Public Schools.
Under Babcock’s leadership, EMPath’s stature as a leader in economic mobility in the U.S. grew, and today is recognized for applying rigorous evidence and brain science to program practice in the field. It has been sought out for advising by the World Bank, the European Union, the U.S. Partnership on Mobility from Poverty, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, among others.
In 2019, EMPath won the Schmidt Futures/JFF $1 Billion Wage Gain Challenge, a first-time award for U.S. organizations capable of raising the annual earnings of 100,000 citizens each by $10,000 or more.
Formerly known as Crittendon Women’s Union, EMPath adopted its current name in 2016. The organization traces its roots to 1824, when Crittenton, Inc. was established. In addition to its economic mobility coaching model and member network, EMPath conducts research and legislative advocacy for what works
For the year ending June 30, 2017, EMPath reported $10.6 million in revenue, of which $1.4 million came from contributions and grants, and $11.7 million in expenses, according to its most recently available federal financial information filing.