As Executive Director, Katjana held firm to what had made LEAP successful in its first 15 years while leading it forward as our founder’s successor. She built an evaluation system to assess the quality and impact of our programs. She sustained and expanded partnerships, and launched sexual education training with the City of Boston Department of Health and Planned Parenthood to teach young people how to keep themselves mentally and physically safe. She engaged talent who grew into roles on our management team and our Board of Directors.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, now serving her first term as Mayor of Somerville, MA, backs up her deep commitment to progress for all with over 30 years of leadership experience in government, non-profits, start-ups, and international business. Her tri-sector experience in government, business, and nonprofits qualifies her uniquely to understand and align the incentives and strengths of all stakeholders to solve complex problems. Her leadership and life experience as an immigrant, engaged parent, and decades-long community advocate have taught her to value inclusive leadership.