Barbershop Books is delighted to welcome two new members to its Board of Directors: Heidi Hamilton, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Urban Resources Institute; and Mark Lowe, former attorney and Boston Public Schools educator. The board plays a crucial role in guiding our organization’s mission to cultivate a love of reading and the reading identity of Black boys and other children of color. With their combined expertise and passion, Heidi and Mark will be instrumental in shaping our future and expanding our impact.
“I am pleased to welcome Heidi and Mark to the Barbershop Books Board of Directors. Barbershop Books has ambitious plans for the future, and I look forward to working closely with our newest and current directors to realize our mission and vision towards that future,” said Barbershop Books Board Chair Roland Kennedy, Jr.
Here’s a more detailed look at the impressive backgrounds of our newest board members:
Heidi Hamilton
Heidi L. Hamilton, is General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Urban Resource Institute. Her office, including three lawyers, a paralegal and legal assistant, oversee in-house corporate affairs, board governance, policy and compliance initiatives, enterprise risk management, insurance, litigation, employment law and property management law issues. URI provides housing and program support for the unhoused and survivors of intimate partner abuse. She previously served as the Chief Operating Officer and then Chief Real Estate, Facilities & Legal Officer for Amber Charter Schools, overseeing school-based operation systems and capital improvement projects.
As a commercial law attorney barred in New York and Connecticut, she has negotiated real estate transactions and litigated cases in state and federal courts. An avid believer in not-for-profit capacity building, Heidi serves on the board of Calvin Hill Day Care, Boundless Literacy, Inc. and TruFund Financial Services. She also advises the CEO of Barbershop Books, Inc, an organization fostering reading for fun among Black boys. Heidi earned a JD from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Wellesley College
About joining the board Heidi said, “I joined Barbershop Books because of its mission to give boys of color a chance to thrive and soar through reading. Reading for fun in your favorite space is a proven pathway to becoming a lifelong learner. Alvin Irby is an inspiring Chief Reading Officer who has developed an amazing board and it is my honor to join at this exciting time in Barbershop Books’ history.”
Mark Lowe
Mark Lowe is a seasoned professional with a diverse background encompassing education, law, and advocacy. With over two decades of experience as a classroom teacher in the Boston Public Schools, Mark has honed his skills in research, analysis, and problem-solving, particularly in the realm of educational strategies and delivery methods. He has a proven track record of effectively adapting instruction to meet the needs of students across various grade levels and intellectual abilities.
During his tenure as a classroom teacher, Mark also demonstrated strong leadership capabilities by managing an after-school tutorial program and providing guidance to fellow faculty members as a Building Representative for the Boston Teachers Union. His commitment to student success and advocacy for educators exemplify his dedication to the education community.
Prior to his career in education, Mark served as an Environmental Attorney, where he provided legal counsel and representation in litigation and civil environmental matters. His experience included handling complex cases in state and federal courts, including significant involvement in a landmark Superfund Site Liability settlement. Mark’s proficiency in legal research, analysis, and oral and written communication skills were instrumental in his successful representation of government, corporate, and individual clients.
Throughout his career, Mark has demonstrated exceptional abilities in research, problem-solving, advocacy, leadership, and communication. His multifaceted background equips him with a unique perspective and valuable skills that he brings to any professional endeavor.
Mark said he was drawn to Barbershop Books because “it isn’t just a literacy program. By giving boys access to books they enjoy and providing positive male role models, boys are able to discover the joy and power of reading. Barbershop Books isn’t just cultivating readers, but confident, engaged young people.”
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Barbershop Books, Inc. was founded in 2013 to inspire Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun through child-centered, culturally responsive, and community-based programming and content. Visit our About page to learn more about the organization and consider donating to Barbershop Books here.
