Urban Planning & Community Development Graduate Student Oza Nunnally Named New England Council Fellow
UMass Boston Urban Planning & Community Development graduate student Oza Nunnally has been named one of 12 New England Council (NEC) Fellows selected this summer.
The New England Council Fellows Program provides funding to nonprofit organizations across the region to support the hiring of summer interns who contribute to their organizations’ missions.
Launched in 2025, the program initially selected six nonprofit organizations to host NEC Fellows. In 2026, the Council expanded the program to support 12 fellows, with each participating organization receiving $5,000 to support the hiring of a fellow during the summer months.
The opportunity to serve as a 2026 NEC Fellow is closely connected to Nunnally’s long-term goal of creating more equitable communities and expanding access to affordable housing.
“I am grateful to Freedom House for the opportunity to participate in the 2026 New England Council Fellows Program and to the New England Council for selecting Freedom House as a host site,” said Nunnally.
Originally from Springfield, Massachusetts, Nunnally earned a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic & Gender Studies from Westfield State University in 2023. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Urban Planning & Community Development at UMass Boston, a program that aligns with her passion for developing sustainable solutions and advancing equitable access to housing for historically marginalized communities.
For Nunnally, the fellowship offers an opportunity to contribute to Freedom House while gaining professional experience that connects directly to future career aspirations.
As a 2026 NEC Fellow at Freedom House, Nunnally works as a High School Success Specialist, supporting the organization’s Summer Learning Institute. The program provides opportunities for students ages 14–18 who attend Boston Public Schools or live in the city of Boston, addressing their academic, career development, and social-emotional needs.
“Coming from Springfield and now studying urban planning in Boston, I understand how much our communities can shape the opportunities available to young people,” Nunnally said. “Being able to return that support by working directly with Boston youth has been incredibly meaningful to me.
“I hope the work I do with students helps them see possibilities for themselves, because they have reminded me why I want to build a career focused on creating more equitable communities where people have access to the resources and opportunities.”
Nunnally also supports program facilitation and supervision of the Junior Coach Work Study cohort, gaining hands-on experience working with young people while contributing to Freedom House’s mission.
“The goals of the program are twofold: to support charitable organizations in our region, and to help provide young adults with valuable work experience to prepare them for future career success,” said James T. Brett, President & CEO of the New England Council. “We were pleased that the first year of the program was such a success, and were thrilled to be able to expand the program this year.”
Nunnally and the 2026 NEC Fellows will also be invited to attend New England Council events throughout the year to network and hear from speakers including members of Congress, governors, and other policy leaders.