Her Story
About Marilyn
Marilyn Forman is the Director of Community Organizing and Resident Engagement at Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation in Boston, Massachusetts, where she leads efforts to strengthen resident voice, foster civic participation, and ensure equitable community development. In this role, she oversees community engagement strategies that connect residents with planning processes and development initiatives, helping to ensure that local priorities are reflected in neighborhood growth and investment.
Her professional background is rooted in advocacy and community engagement, with a long-standing commitment to empowering people to create meaningful change in their communities. At a community development corporation focused on building affordable housing, she leads the community engagement component of development work, ensuring residents have a voice in decisions related to displacement, equity, and neighborhood transformation. Her work reflects a deep dedication to inclusive planning and protecting the interests of long-term community members.
In addition to her organizational leadership, Marilyn is a co-founder of the Fairmont Indigo Transit Coalition, a successful initiative that secured four commuter rail stops along a nine-mile rail line, expanding transportation access and improving job connectivity for communities of color. She is a graduate of Boston State and is widely recognized for her commitment to equity, collaboration, and grassroots organizing that drives sustainable, community-led change.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marilyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being a good listener and to the guidance of my mother, whose influence played a defining role in shaping my character and work ethic. Although I didn’t always understand her approach while growing up and sometimes perceived her as strict, I now recognize that her discipline, values, and expectations were intentional in preparing me to become the woman I am today. As the daughter of parents from the Caribbean island of Montserrat, I also carry forward the resilience, cultural pride, and strong foundation they instilled in me, which continue to guide my personal and professional journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my older brother, who encouraged me not to let others “ruffle my feathers” and to remain composed in challenging situations. He also taught me to approach life strategically, much like a game of chess being intentional, understanding the rules, and paying attention to the motivations and moves of others. That perspective has helped me stay focused, think ahead, and navigate my career with greater patience, awareness, and purpose.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The best advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to genuinely love what you do and take the time to explore every aspect of it before settling into a path. It’s important to stay curious, do your research, and continuously build your knowledge so that when you speak or make decisions, you can do so with confidence and credibility. Preparation and understanding are key to being taken seriously and thriving in any professional environment.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now involve strengthening community relationships and building trust between residents, law enforcement, and city government so that all stakeholders can work together effectively. Creating meaningful change requires collaboration, transparency, and consistent engagement to ensure that community needs are heard, understood, and addressed in a way that fosters long-term stability and positive impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in my work and personal life are being truthful and honest, treating others with respect and valuing their perspectives, and speaking my truth in a responsible and thoughtful way. I believe these principles build trust, strengthen relationships, and guide me in making decisions that align with integrity and accountability.
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