STAFF

Meet Ahmad M. Barry, Vice President

Ahmad Barry, Vice President of the Boston Innovation Community, is an 18-year-old visionary leader driven by a passion for innovation, service, and social impact. A 2025 graduate of Blue Hills Regional Technical School’s Graphic Communications Department, Ahmad distinguished himself through creativity, academic excellence, and leadership, earning a full-tuition scholarship to any Massachusetts state college. Rather than immediately pursuing higher education, he chose to dedicate a gap year to serving his community, focusing on initiatives that create sustainable change and economic opportunity for others.

Ahmad and his team successfully raised $200,000 to establish a restaurant in Nubian Square—an initiative that goes beyond dining to serve a greater purpose. Every dollar of profit supports programs that feed families, create employment opportunities, and empower young entrepreneurs. His goal is not only to build a thriving model of community reinvestment but also to inspire youth to see leadership as service. Ahmad’s ultimate goal is to run for Mayor of Boston in 2029, as he believes this role offers the greatest influence and the most opportunity to serve the community.

Rooted in Diversity and Resilience

Born to a Senegalese/Guinean father and Chinese/Irish mother, Ahmad’s multicultural upbringing taught him the values of diversity, perseverance, and empathy from an early age. As a four-year varsity rugby player, he developed discipline, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that now guide his approach to leadership, collaboration, and service.

A Vision for a Stronger Community

Ahmad’s entrepreneurial journey began in high school, where he founded One God Foundation, a faith-inspired clothing brand. This venture allowed him to master key business, marketing, and design skills that he now applies to larger community initiatives. His goal is to use his experience to mentor others—especially young people—helping them launch their own ventures and recognize that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for service, empowerment, and change.

Meet Robert Novak, Executive Director

Robert Novak, Executive Director of the Boston Innovation Community, is a digital visionary and hands-on leader with over 25 years of experience across the financial, construction, and technology industries. A New York City native, his passion for technology began in middle school and evolved into a career that bridges innovation and impact. After earning a degree in Marketing and Public Relations from Ashford University, Robert led large-scale digital marketing campaigns on Wall Street before shifting his focus toward community empowerment. As the driving force behind the Boston Innovation Community’s flagship project, he personally built the organization’s first restaurant in Nubian Square, transforming it into a thriving hub for innovation, employment, and service. Today, he continues to lead its digital strategy, branding, and operations, ensuring it stands as a model for sustainability and meaningful community change.

Leading with Vision and Innovation

Robert’s leadership combines digital innovation with a deep understanding of community needs. He manages the organization’s technology infrastructure, communications, and business strategy, using his expertise to streamline operations and expand impact across Massachusetts. His focus is not just on building systems, but on building people, creating opportunities for youth, entrepreneurs, and families to grow and thrive.

A Vision for a Stronger Boston

As Executive Director, Robert is committed to advancing the Boston Innovation Community’s mission through sustainable projects, community-focused technology-driven solutions, and creative community development. His work demonstrates that with vision, skill, and genuine commitment, one person can transform an idea into a movement that uplifts an entire city.

Meet Ruth K. Manion, President

Ruth Manion, President of the Boston Innovation Community, is a visionary leader with over two decades of hands-on experience in service, education, and community development. Her leadership is defined by compassion, creativity, and a lifelong dedication to helping people grow—both personally and professionally.

A Journey of Leadership and Service

Ruth’s story began in Concord, Massachusetts, and blossomed through years of commitment to education and community service. After graduating from Brookline High School with honors, she continued her academic journey at Colby College in Maine, where she majored in East Asian Studies and minored in Education—a reflection of her belief in the power of knowledge to bridge cultures and uplift communities.

Her early career took her to Boston’s Chinatown, where she taught ESOL to adults and taught school age children at an after school program, helping immigrant families build new beginnings through language and learning. She later served as a youth counselor, program leader, gym instructor, and religious educator, always emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional well-being alongside education and growth.

At the Randolph Community Partnership, Ruth continues to teach ESL to adults, believing that it’s never too late to learn or to change one’s path. Her certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid and leadership on educational committees further reflect her holistic approach to empowerment and service.

A Vision for a Stronger Boston

With deep compassion and strategic vision, Ruth leads the Boston Innovation Community with the belief that true leadership begins with service. She strives to make the organization a beacon of hope and innovation—a space where unity, opportunity, and empathy come together to build a brighter future for Boston and beyond.