Dana’s professional and volunteer experience is focused on impacting the quality of life for Boston’s families, with a particular focus on the social justice issues associated with the opportunity divide preventing many of Boston’s youth from being able to achieve their ambitions.  

Dana is currently a candidate for a Doctorate in Education at Northeastern University and working as the interim Chief Operating Officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. She was formerly the Workforce Readiness Director working to create internships, mentorship, and career exposure opportunities for Boston area youth. Dana’s past professional experience includes work as Deputy Director of Services for the Boston Housing Authority, Strategic Projects Coordinator for Boston Centers for Youth and Families, and as a Street and Youth Outreach Worker for the City of Boston.   

Dana’s volunteer experience includes work with academic, youth development, teaching, healthcare, and other organizations. She has served as Chair of the Board of Directors at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Facing History and Ourselves, and as a Trustee of two philanthropic foundations. Dana also regularly facilitates strategic planning processes for not-for-profit organizations. 

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Dana moved to the east coast to attend Tufts University and upon graduation, received a Fellowship to teach chemistry in Bosmont, South Africa. When she returned to the Boston area, she received a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Children at Risk from Harvard University. Planning to continue as a teacher, Dana ultimately decided that she was more engaged by what her students were experiencing outside of the classroom. Dana is married to Robert Smith, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Castanea Partners Inc. She lives in Boston, Massachusetts and has three adult children.