ROBYN BRANCO, of New Bedford, was recently named the new executive director of the Marion Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to improving life within the community and enhancing worldwide progress for social change. Branco has more than 16 years of experience in the nonprofit sector working in various roles both locally and across the country, including in Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. Prior to being named Marion’s new executive director – filling the vacancy left by Janet Milkman in 2016 – Branco was Marion’s development and programs director and currently serves as a board member for the Azorean Maritime Heritage Society.
What initially drew you to getting involved with nonprofit community work? Growing up in a densely populated Portuguese neighborhood in New Bedford’s South End, I was exposed to a strong community network and “village” mentality. It was ingrained in me that if you build a strong network, you can achieve so much more. I was always drawn to initiatives that needed support and community buy-in. All through school, I participated on different committees and ran for student body. I knew that our voices wouldn’t be heard if we didn’t have a seat at the table, so I made sure I sat at many tables.
Describe the work you had done while in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. My first job out of college was as a membership associate for California Trout in San Francisco. I quickly learned that you can get a lot of on-the-job training at a small nonprofit. My position developed into a full-time development associate, interim communications director, and volunteer and event coordinator. Sometimes all of these at once, other times separately. My work in Washington, D.C., was for the Portuguese American Leadership Council of the United States. I served as the associate director and worked under the advisement of a committed and passionate board to advocate on behalf of the Portuguese-American community on Capitol Hill.
What made you want to return to New Bedford and what programs/relationships did you help create since your return? After much traveling and exploration in pursuit of purpose and life experience, I realized my lifeline and support came from my family, all of whom [were] in this area. In addition, I met my Boston-native husband on Pennsylvania Avenue over a discussion about the Celtics and we soon realized that we were destined to move back east. Upon returning to the area, I was hired as the event coordinator of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce (now the SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce). I was able to build strong relationships with local businesses and nonprofits. I would help introduce members to community offerings and pair small businesses on potential marketing opportunities to maximize their investments. It was a phenomenal opportunity to jump back into the area’s network.
In what ways do you see yourself as a connector? I am sociable and curious, with a fascination [for] just about everything – which can be a bit tricky. Those traits help me make connections. I have built a strong network over the years through my involvement in the community. My dad, John Branco, is often referred to as the “Portuguese mayor,” and that has helped me make many connections. My parents still sit on scholarship committees and stay engaged in clubs and groups that are working to advance opportunities for Portuguese-American youth.
