The Hubie Jones Lecture in Urban Health

The Hubie Jones Lecture in Urban Health is presented by the BU School of Social Work in honor of BUSSW Dean Emeritus Hubie Jones.

The 2026 Hubie Jones Lecture in Urban Health:
Mobilizing Collective Action in a Time of Drastic Disruption

Presented by Marty Martinez, President & CEO at United Way of Massachusetts Bay

March 18, 2025 | BU Photonics Center & Zoom
Registration Coming Soon

Amid rapid federal policy and funding shifts that are placing unprecedented strain on access to basic needs, it is more important than ever to organize and mobilize people for collective action. Marty Martinez, President and CEO at United Way of Massachusetts Bay, will share how people, institutions and communities are coming together in response to the crisis to preserve essential needs and reimagine the systems that are being dismantled. From housing stability and food security to attacks on immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community, the session will explore intentional efforts that can reshape what it means for the community to care for one another and help ensure all our neighbors thrive. Marty will share why fighting to protect the safety net is so critical and why it must be paired with a bold focus on the progress needed to help those most at risk.

Following the lecture, a BUSSW faculty member will join Martinez for a moderated conversation and Q&A with the audience. A reception with refreshments will follow.

1.5 free CE credits are available to social workers licensed in the U.S. If you wish to receive CE credits, please provide your license number in the registration form. Event attendance and successful completion of a post-event quiz are required to receive credits. 

Speaker: Marty Martinez

Marty Martinez is president and CEO at United Way of Massachusetts Bay, leading the organization’s work to mobilize partners, resources and advocacy across the region to eradicate the conditions that lead to poverty and increase economic opportunity.

Martinez has more than 25 years of experience working on behalf of children and families in the Greater Boston area and a proven track record of effectively tackling some of the most pressing issues facing communities. His professional experiences include serving in local, state and national leadership roles, including as the CEO of national nonprofit organization Reach Out and Read and as the City of Boston’s chief of Health and Human Services, where he led the public health response efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic. Martinez also previously served as president and CEO at Mass Mentoring Partnership.

In addition to his professional experience, Martinez serves on a number of civic and nonprofit advisory councils and boards working to strengthen the social fabric of our communities. He is a member of the Governor’s new Anti-Hunger Task Force working to address the impact of federal SNAP changes, the Governor’s Advisory Council on Latino Empowerment and is a member of the Health Equity Compact. He also serves on the board of Victory Programs.

 


Past Lectures