Risa Shames joined West End House in 2023 after transitioning from her successful non-profit consulting practice. As a development and grant-writing consultant, Risa worked for a range of organizations in the areas of workforce development, health, early childhood education, youth opportunity, and food insecurity. Risa began her career in health care, working for MassHealth, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and BMC Healthnet. She is a graduate of Wesleyan University and Harvard School of Public Health. Risa has been an active volunteer in her community, including serving on the Board of the Centre Street Food Pantry, and is passionate about creating opportunities for youth. She lives in Newton and has two adult children and a puppy.